This unusual and very well made wooden piece was discovered at a thrift shop in West Virginia. At first, it was not clear what it was. It turns out, it is a mid-century tabletop book stand, made of solid wood and about 18 inches tall. It bore an uncluttered, angled design with gently curving supports.
After some sleuthing, we learned it was a midcentury tabletop book stand — a working, decorative piece from sometime in the 1950s or 60s that was designed to hold books upright for display, or just for easy access.
This book rack features a traditional V-shaped design, along with a tilted base that keeps books upright at a gentle angle. As a result, it’s perfect for displaying favorite volumes or keeping essential reference books within reach on a desk, coffee table, or shelf. Additionally, the forward-leaning angle helps prevent books from sliding out while keeping them visible and easy to grab.
It makes a great stand for art books, photo albums or cookbooks. The compact footprint also means it works well in small spaces, such as bedside tables or office corners.