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What is a vitrine?

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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
Vintage medical cabinet, 1970s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Vintage medicine cabinet from the 1970s, made in Hungary. This cabinet is a real eye-catcher thanks to its industrial design and all-glass walls on all four sides. Made of iron and g...
Category

Vintage 1970s Hungarian Industrial Vitrines

Materials

Iron

Polished iron medical cabinet, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Original medical cabinet from the 1920s, made in Germany. This cabinet is made of iron and glass, creating a robust industrial look. The cabinet has been carefully stripped down to t...
Category

Vintage 1920s German Industrial Vitrines

Materials

Iron

19th Century Fine Pair of Biedermeier Walnut Vitrines Cabinets. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Exceptional Pair of Early Viennese Biedermeier Two-Door Glazed Walnut Vitrines, c. 1825 We are delighted to present this magnificent pair of early Viennese Biedermeier vitrines, cra...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Vitrines

Materials

Brass

Spectacular Art Deco Walnut Rocket Cabinet , Vitrine, English, c1930
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this fabulous and iconic Art Deco 'Rocket Cabinet' made in the 1930's and in veneered in a lovely mid tone walnut. Extremely hard to source and even harder ...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Modernist Jewelry Vitrine, Barneys New York
Located in Riverdale, NY
Modernist Jewelry Vitrine, Barneys New York from the 1990's. Elegant lines with drawer that pulls out on a hidden track. These modernist cube vitrines were scattered all over the main floor of Barneys NY Madison Ave. to house their avant garde jewelry...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Vitrines

Materials

Iron

Mastercraft Brass Illuminated Demilune Vitrine Cabinet, 1970s, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible brass demilune display cabinet, produced by Mastercraft in the 1970s, features a mirrored and illuminated interior, exquisite textured top, a pair of glass doors and ...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Cabinets

Materials

Brass

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