Henredon Etagere
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vitrines
Brass
Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Vintage 1980s Campaign Cabinets
Brass
20th Century American Federal Shelves
Fruitwood
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century American French Provincial Shelves
Iron
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Vitrines
Brass
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Vitrines
Brass
20th Century Shelves and Wall Cabinets
Iron
Late 20th Century American Modern Bookcases
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Mahogany
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vitrines
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Bookcases
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Glass, Rosewood, Wood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Walnut
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
Walnut
20th Century American Cabinets
Wood, Paint, Glass, Mirror
People Also Browsed
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Night Stands
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Fiberglass, Linen, Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vitrines
Brass, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Buffets
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and...
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Blown Glass
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vitrines
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Chandeliers and Pen...
Brass
Antique 16th Century Spanish Renaissance Architectural Elements
Pine
Vintage 1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Cabinets
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Center Tables
Wood
Antique 19th Century Sideboards
Bronze
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Antique Early 1900s British Vitrines
Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Cabinets
Brass
Finding the Right Storage-case-pieces for You
Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items.
In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior.
Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time.
Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room.
In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.
A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.
Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.
Read More
The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
What Exactly Is a Secretary Desk, and What Is It Used For?
The furniture equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, it's the multifunctional piece you didn't know you needed.
This Shelving System with Oxidized Brass Tubes Is Retro and Futuristic at Once
Italian studio DimoreMilano mustered great ingenuity when crafting these sculptural shelves, which are built without any screws.
28 Cheerful Home Bars, Where Everybody (Literally) Knows Your Name
Simple or sophisticated, equipped with console, cart or custom cabinetry, these stylish bar areas deserve a toast.
Ask an Interior Designer: Work-from-Home Edition
Leaping into a design project, whether it's refreshing the bedroom or redoing the whole house, can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know more than a few interior designers. You asked questions on Instagram, and now they're answering.
Collected and Eclectic, ‘Wunderkammern’ Are Back in a Big Way
Introduced nearly 500 years ago, curiosity cabinets are finding new fans among today's collectors and designers.
Meet the Incredible Woman Transforming Fallen Trees into Sleek Furniture
In the hands of New York Heartwoods cofounder Megan Offner, unwanted local trees become works of design art.
These New York Architects Love a Complicated Project
From Brooklyn townhouses to Maine campgrounds, Trattie Davies and Jonathan Toews relish a challenge, like transforming a former warehouse space into the new 1stdibs Gallery.