Kroehler China Cabinet
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Metal
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Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Glass, Rosewood, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cupboards
Walnut
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Cabinets
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Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Fireplaces and Mantels
Wood, Oak
Vintage 1980s North American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Glass, Wood, Burl
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Side Tables
Marble, Brass
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Malagasy Other Natural Specimens
Precious Stone
21st Century and Contemporary Northern Irish Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
Breccia Marble
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Natural Specimens
Stone
Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Rosewood
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Malagasy Other Natural Specimens
Precious Stone
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Malagasy Other Natural Specimens
Precious Stone
Vintage 1970s Italian Space Age Sectional Sofas
Velvet, Foam, Linen
Antique 19th Century Dutch Gothic Revival Wall Mirrors
Mirror, Wood, Oak, Glass
Late 20th Century African Modern Historical Memorabilia
Natural Fiber, Wood
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Buffets
Brass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Brass
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sideboards
Oak
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sideboards
Walnut
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.