Bookends

Metal

Brass junkie? Thanks to its weight, brass is one of the most commonly used bookend materials. It was an especially popular material during the mid 20th century. If you’re shopping for brass, consider whether you’re more drawn to minimalist or detailed designs. Designs by makers like Carl Auböck and Ben Seibel are worth seeking out if you’re enticed by more sleek and sculptural designs. Ben Seibel is best known for heavy-bottomed brass ends with a vaguely amorphous quality. Some of the maker’s most iconic creations include his “clam” and “stirrup” designs. Carl Auböck bookends, best known for their stark sculptural aesthetic, tend to be more modernist than Ben Seibel’s, but exude similar artistry. Many brass Carl Auböck bookends feature a black patinated exterior, which lends them a look similar to cast iron. If you’re on the hunt for a designer-grade design with a more classical approach, consider Virginia Metalcrafters. Their brass pineapple, eagle, and wagon wheel bookends are among some of their most iconic.

When shopping for metal bookends there’s no need to go with a big-name maker, of course. It’s easy to procure unmarked models that possess plenty of style. Among brand-less models, brass bookends crafted to look like animals are a common find. Some of the most popular designs from the mid 20th century include ram and duck busts as well as owls and pineapples. Depending on your style, you may want to opt for a brass figure mounted on a heavy stone plinth made of marble or alabaster. Today, one of the most easy-to-source bookends is a classic bull and bear design, composed of a brass bear and brass bull each mounted on a hulking, slanted marble block.