Harden China Cabinet
Vintage 1980s Chinese Credenzas
Wood
Recent Sales
Vintage 1950s Queen Anne Cabinets
Glass, Cherry
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Linen, Velvet
Antique 15th Century and Earlier African Natural Specimens
Bone
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Chrome
Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Cedar
21st Century and Contemporary English Folk Art Side Tables
Iron
Antique Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Doors and Gates
Lead
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Side Tables
Metal
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Lacquer
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Bronze
20th Century English Victorian Bookcases
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Bookcases
Oak
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Sideboards
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables
Oak
20th Century French Table Lamps
Wood
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.