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1970s Breakfronts

Don Shoemaker Studio Cocobolo Rosewood Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet, Circa 1970s
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in South Bend, IN
, display cabinet, or bar cabinet By Don Shoemaker for Señal S.A. Mexico, Circa 1970s Sculpted Cocobolo
Category

Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Rosewood, Cocobolo

Recent Sales

Black Lacquer and Gold Leafed Chinoiserie Breakfront 1970s
Located in Dallas, TX
Monumental custom ordered in the 1970s for a prestigious Houston Estate. This massive breakfront is
Category

Vintage 1970s American Bookcases

Materials

Gold Leaf

1970s Baker Furniture Chinese Chippendale Style Cerused Pine Breakfront /Cabinet
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This cabinet is incredible. It is a custom piece by Baker Furniture Company. It has Chinese Chippendale styling, and it does include the keys. The slim size really gives it versatili...
Category

Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Pine

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1970s Breakfronts For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of 1970s breakfronts available for sale. Frequently made of wood, glass and metal, all 1970s breakfronts available were constructed with great care. 1970s breakfronts have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Mid-Century Modern, Hollywood Regency and Modern 1970s breakfronts are consistently popular styles. There have been many well-made 1970s breakfronts over the years, but those made by Century Furniture, Bernhardt and Christian Linnebergs Møbelfabrik are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are 1970s Breakfronts?

Prices for 1970s breakfronts can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, 1970s breakfronts begin at $1,000 and can go as high as $10,000, while the average can fetch as much as $3,875.

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.

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