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What is a vitrine?

1 Answer
What is a vitrine?
A vitrine is a type of case piece or storage furniture. Antique and vintage vitrines can be used to safely store and display your most treasured objects.

While they were initially used to display relics in churches or to preserve specimens for scientific observation, vitrines are best known for their place in retail spaces and museums. The name for these glass display cases comes from the Latin word “vitrum,” meaning glass, as well as the Old French word “vitre,” which also refers to glass. 

Instead of simply showcasing collectibles or decorative objects on shelves, you can bestow extra importance on them by displaying them in a vitrine for passers-by to observe and admire.

Find antique vitrines for sale on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertJune 12, 2024
Shop for Vitrines on 1stDibs
Unique Henning Kjaernulf Style Glazed Display Cabinet in Solid Oak 1970s
Located in Meer, VAN
Unique Henning Kjaernulf Style Glazed Display Cabinet in Solid Oak 1970s This is a truly special glazed display cabinet, made in solid oak somewhere in the 1970s. Wonderful castle ...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Vitrines

Materials

Oak

Large pine kitchen cabinet, circa 1880
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Large pine kitchen cabinet from around 1880. Two adjustable shelves behind glass at the top and two drawers and storage space at the bottom. The cabinet consists of two parts. In goo...
Category

Antique 1880s Dutch Rustic Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Pine

Antique Austrian Biedermeier Walnut Vitrine Table Top Display Collectors Cabinet
Located in Portland, OR
A good antique twin door table top walnut Biedermeier vitine or collectors cabinet display case, Austria, Circa 1820. This very handsome antique cabinet having an ogee shaped crown to the top, below are a pair of glazed doors with the original brass escutcheons and functioning original key & lock, the hinged doors enclose a pair of adjustable shelves, that can be placed at any level for the full height of the cabinet. Both sides of the cabinet are also glazed, so the contents can be displayed from three sides, the cabinet is raised on four turned compressed bun feet. Condition is excellent, this 200 year old antique cabinet...
Category

Antique 1820s Austrian Biedermeier Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Walnut, Pine

Mastercraft Brass Display Cabinet Vitrine on Four Tall Brass Legs
Located in Hanover, MA
Seldom seen Mastercraft brass display cabinet vitrine showcase on four tall tapering brass Legs Interior is illuminated from above by two lightbulbs operated from cord switch. Backb...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Vitrines

Materials

Brass

A French unique display table
Located in Delft, NL
A French unique display table A 19th Century walnut wooden display table in etagere model in octagonal shape. Three tiers with 24 compartments with yellow colored interior. The compartments with hinged glass lids with knob. Between the compartments, are columns and on top a tower with columns. The table on a baluster base, raised on 4 scroll legs. The interior can be painted to color. Cream white, gold, baby blue...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Vitrines

Materials

Walnut

French Louis XVI Style Ormolu-Mounted Mahogany Vitrine Table, C. 1880
Located in New York, NY
A French Louis XVI style Ormolu-Mounted Mahogany Vitrine Table, C. 1880, attributed to Paul Sormani.   Very good quality, nice ormolu mounts throughout, presents very well.   Measure...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Vitrines

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

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