Tortoise Etagere
Vintage 1970s American Minimalist Shelves
Metal, Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Shelves
Bamboo
Antique 19th Century American Chinoiserie Bookcases
Bamboo, Wicker, Plywood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vitrines
Hardwood
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Center Tables
Ormolu
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Bookcases
Brass, Ormolu
Recent Sales
20th Century American Shelves
Antique 19th Century English Corner Cupboards
Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer
Antique 19th Century English Shelves
Bamboo
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Glass, Wood
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Shelves
Wood
Vintage 1960s French Shelves
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Bookcases
Metal
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Walnut
Vintage 1970s Unknown Hollywood Regency Shelves
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Glass, Rosewood, Wood
Vintage 1970s American Bookcases
Wood
20th Century American Cabinets
Bamboo
Antique Late 19th Century English Edwardian Vitrines
Bamboo, Lacquer
20th Century Bookcases
Metal
Vintage 1950s French Side Tables
Brass
Vintage 1950s Chinese Shelves
Bamboo
Early 20th Century British Shelves
Vintage 1960s Asian Anglo Raj Bookcases
Bamboo
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Fiberglass, Linen, Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs
Bouclé
Early 20th Century English Bookcases
Bamboo, Wood, Paint
Mid-20th Century Bohemian Bookcases
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Sheepskin, Beech
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Bookcases
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bookcases
Brass
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Metal, Brass
Antique 19th Century Shelves
Bamboo
Antique Late 19th Century American Adirondack Shelves
Wood
Vintage 1960s Philippine Bookcases
Bamboo
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Bamboo, Rattan
Tortoise Etagere For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Tortoise Etagere?
Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets 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.