Hickory Manufacturing Credenza
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Brass
Vintage 1960s American Louis XVI Dressers
Brass
Recent Sales
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Mahogany, Rattan
Vintage 1970s American French Provincial Dressers
Brass
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut
Vintage 1980s American Chinoiserie Credenzas
Oak
Vintage 1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Wood
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1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary French Brutalist Night Stands
Oak
Early 20th Century American Industrial and Work Tables
Marble
Vintage 1960s Swiss Planters and Jardinieres
Cement
2010s English Folk Art Side Tables
Wrought Iron
2010s Modern Tableware
Crystal, Stainless Steel
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Tables
Metal
Mid-20th Century French Vases
Glass
2010s Philippine Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Shell
2010s American Wall-mounted Sculptures
Iron
2010s Mexican Modern Lounge Chairs
Wicker, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Brass
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
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.