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Legal Cabinet

Mid-Century Oak Two-Drawer Legal Size Filing Cabinet with lock
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid-Century Oak Two-Drawer Legal Size Filing Cabinet with lock. Will hold legal size and letter
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Oak Two-Drawer Legal Size Filing Cabinet with lock
Mid-Century Oak Two-Drawer Legal Size Filing Cabinet with lock
$521 Sale Price
25% Off
H 27.5 in W 19 in D 17 in
Antique Pair of William Baker Co Hardwood Satinwood Walnut Legal Bookcases
By William Baker Co.
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
“The Oxford” legal Library stacking bookcases This are pretty much the finest pair of these bookcases
Category

20th Century English Victorian Bookcases

Materials

Satinwood, Walnut

Early 19th Century Empire Clock, Miniature Matelot "Au Bon Sauvage", circa 1815
Located in Greven, DE
", which is labelled "Michel, no. 120 aoust 1808 du dépot legal" (Paris, Bibliothéque nationale, Cabinet
Category

Antique 1810s French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Recent Sales

Alphabetical Legal Cabinet, circa 1900
Located in Faversham, GB
A wonderful legal clerks filing cabinet or deed box in painted pine. In original condition with six
Category

Antique 19th Century Edwardian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Alphabetical Legal Cabinet, circa 1900
Alphabetical Legal Cabinet, circa 1900
H 71.86 in W 26.97 in D 9.06 in
Large Industrial Brushed Steel Legal File Cabinet
By Shaw Walker
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large, Mid-Century, Industrial, brushed steel, legal file cabinet with 36 drawers. Handles and
Category

Vintage 1940s American Industrial Cabinets

Materials

Steel

Pacific Tambour 2-Drawer Oak Waterfall Legal and Letter Size Filing Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
Vintage Two drawer oak legal and letter size filing cabinet by Pacific Tambour. Measurements are 20
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Oak

Antique Arts Crafts Oak Triple Section Legal File Cabinets, Yawman Erbe, c1910
By Yawman Erbe
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique triple filing cabinet by Yawman and Erbe offers quarter sawn oak construction with three
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Cabinets

Materials

Oak

Antique Arts Crafts Oak Triple Section Legal File Cabinets, Yawman Erbe, c1910
By Yawman Erbe
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique triple filing cabinet by Yawman and Erbe offers quarter sawn oak construction with three
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Cabinets

Materials

Oak

Antique Shaw Walker Arts Crafts Paneled Oak Legal Sized 4-Drawer File Cabinet
Located in Big Flats, NY
Walker Arts & Crafts Paneled Oak Legal Sized 4-Drawer File Cabinet, c1920 Measures - 52" x 20 7/8" x 28
Category

Early 20th Century Cabinets

Materials

Oak

Vintage Phoenix Bookcases 1972 Oak Stacking Library Legal Open Bookcase
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this 1972 dated “Phoenix Bookcases” legal library modular stacking bookcase in
Category

Vintage 1970s English Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Legal Library Minty Oxford Modular Stacking Hardwood Bookcase Sliding Doors
By Minty of Oxford
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Minty Oxford Legal modular stacking bookcase with
Category

20th Century English Post-Modern Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

EXQUISITE ORIGiNALS STAMPED MINTY OXFORD STACKING LEGAL BOOKCASE BOWED GLASS
By Minty of Oxford
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
stamped Minty Oxford legal stacking bookcase with very rare curved lead lined glass panels Please note
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

Modular Minty Oxford Five-Piece Antique Stacking Legal Library Bookcase
By Minty of Oxford
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely early circa 1920 Minty oxford stacking legal
Category

Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Oak

Five-Section 1960s Simplex Medium Oak Stacking Legal Library Bookcase Glass
By Simplex
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
customised to have easier to use handles fitted They were originally designed and used in legal offices
Category

Late 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Legal Library Suite of Minty Oxford Modular Stacking Mahogany Library Bookcases
By Minty of Oxford
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning suite of three Minty Oxford Legal modular stacking
Category

20th Century English Modern Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

Small circa 1930 Globe Wernicke Mahogany Modular Antique Stacking Legal Bookcase
By Globe Wernicke
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely early circa 1930 Globe Wernickie stacking legal
Category

Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Limed Oak Modular Minty Oxford Antique Stacking Legal Bookcase, circa 1930s
By Minty of Oxford
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely early circa 1930 Minty oxford stacking legal
Category

Early 20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Suite of Four Minty Oxford Legal Library Modualr Adjustable Stacking Bookcases
By Minty of Oxford
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Minty oxford stacking legal bookcases in solid oak made in the Art Deco style A very good looking and
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Late Victorian Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Suite of Three Fully Restored Minty Oxford Legal Library Stacking Bookcases
By Minty of Oxford
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
oxford stacking legal bookcases in solid oak made in the Art Deco style A very good looking and well
Category

Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Oak

Mahogany Modular Minty Oxford Antique Stacking Legal Bookcase Bobbin, circa 1930
By Minty of Oxford
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely early circa 1930 Minty oxford stacking legal
Category

Vintage 1930s British Georgian Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

Pair of Vintage English Oak Library Legal Bookcases Retractable Doors Minty Gunn
By Minty of Oxford
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for this lovely pair of circa 1920 English oak Legal Library bookcases
Category

Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Lovely Burr Yew Wood Library Legal Bookcase with Height Adjustable Shelves
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this very nice vintage Burr Yew wood library bookcase with adjustable shelves A good looking and well made piece in excellent order throughout, all shelves can...
Category

20th Century English Modern Bookcases

Materials

Yew

Stunning Burr Yew Wood Library Legal Bookcase with Height Adjustable Shelves
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage burr yew wood library bookcase with adjustable shelves A good looking and well made piece in excellent order throughout, all...
Category

20th Century English Modern Bookcases

Materials

Yew

Solid Burr Yew Wood Library Legal Bookcase with Height Adjustable Shelves
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very nice vintage burr yew wood library bookcase with adjustable shelves A good looking and well made piece in excellent order throughout, ...
Category

20th Century English Modern Bookcases

Materials

Yew

1950s English Modular Minty Oxford Vintage Stacking Legal Bookcase Desk Tidy
By Minty of Oxford
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning vintage Minty oxford stacking library bookcase with desk tidy section. A good looking and well made piece, supplied the greatest s...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Simplex Dark Mahogany Sliding Glass Door Modular Legal Library Bookcases
By Simplex
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of Simplex modular legal library stacking
Category

20th Century English Modern Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

Vintage Pair of 1972 Oak Stacking Library Legal Bookcases, Glass Sliding Doors
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this pair of 1972 dated “Phoenix Bookcases” legal library
Category

Vintage 1970s English Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Oak

Pair of circa 1900 Oak Modular Globe Wernicke Antique Stacking Legal Bookcases
By Globe Wernicke
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
legal bookcases in solid oak A very good looking and well-made pair, there were a number of
Category

Antique 19th Century High Victorian Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Oak

Fine Pair of Tall Minty Oxford Library Legal Modular Stacking Bookcases Mahogany
By Minty of Oxford
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of minty oxford legal library modular
Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of circa 1900 Oak Modular Minty Oxford Antique Stacking Legal Bookcases
By Minty of Oxford
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of early circa 1900 Minty oxford stacking legal
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Victorian Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Oak

Oak Modular Minty Oxford Antique Stacking Legal Bookcase Part Suite, circa 1900
By Minty of Oxford
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely early circa 1900 Minty oxford stacking legal
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Victorian Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Oak

Angus Scotland England Suite of 3 Large Gunn Library Legal Stacking Bookcases
By Globe Wernicke, Minty of Oxford, GUNN
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this very rare circa 1910 suite of three Legal stacking bookcases with lead
Category

Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Oak

Rare William Baker Co Oxford Stacking Corner Legal Library Bookcase Minty Global
By William Baker Co.
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
move into the new premises. From 1846 to 1915 William Baker & Co., “cabinet makers, upholsterers
Category

20th Century English Edwardian Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Pair of Dwarf Oak Gunn Stacking Legal Library Solicitors Bookcases Model Angus
By GUNN
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this pair of Angus model by Gunn oak stacking library solicitors bookcases A lovely well-made pair of retractable doors, the frames are solid oa...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Pair of Vintage Long Legal Bookcases with Sliding Glass Doors Ideal Home Library
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this pair of 50+ year old legal library bookcases with glass
Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Softwood

Double Legal Stacking Bookcase Metal Plaque Dedicated to Rev I Siviter in 1939
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for salethis very rare original circa 1890-1900 Large double bank legal
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Early Victorian Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Restored Metal File Cabinet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Legal size file cabinet in a brush metal finish, giving your office a distinct industrial flair
Category

Vintage 1960s Industrial Cabinets

Restored Metal File Cabinet
Restored Metal File Cabinet
H 52 in W 36 in D 18 in
1890s Original Patented Fireproof Large Cabinet by Tanczos of Vienna
By Wien
Located in Hook, Hampshire
exceptionally original fireproof cabinet sourced from a German legal firm. The Cabinet is made principally of
Category

Antique 1890s Shelves

Materials

Wood

Antique Weis Quartersawn Oak Mission Barrister Library Bookcase Lawyers Cabinet
Located in Dayton, OH
Legal Blank Cabinets No. 418 No. 814 Sectional Bookcases Sectional Card Index Cabinets Stationery
Category

Early 20th Century Mission Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Oak

Early 19th Century French Firegilt Mantel Clock, Young Sailor, circa 1810
Located in Greven, DE
design drawing labeled "Michel, no. 120 aoust 1808 du dépot legal" (Paris, Bibliothéque nationale
Category

Antique 1810s French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Folding Glass Doored Library Legal Bookcase Simulated Mahogany Minty Globe Etc
By Minty of Oxford
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely perfect condition folding glass door legal bookcase
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Hardwood

Fine Antique William Baker Co Satinwood Walnut Corner Stacking Legal Bookcases
By William Baker Co.
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Oxford” legal Library stacking corner bookcase suite. This is pretty much the finest suite these type
Category

20th Century English Sheraton Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Satinwood, Walnut

Rare Globe Wernicke Mahogany Lead Lined Glass Legal Stacking Library Bookcase
By Globe Wernicke
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
lead-lined glass stacking Legal Library bookcase A very good looking well made and functional piece
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Victorian Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

1950s Mahogany Modular Minty Oxford Vintage Stacking Legal Bookcase Glass Doors
By Minty of Oxford
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning vintage Minty oxford stacking Library bookcase A good looking and well made piece, supplied the greatest stacking bookcase company...
Category

Vintage 1950s British Edwardian Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

Rare Pair of Victorian Minty Oxford Triple Bank Library Stacking Legal Bookcases
By Minty of Oxford
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
oxford stacking legal bookcases in solid oak A very good looking and well made pair, there were a
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Oak

Four circa 1880 Grand Rapids Bookcase Chair Co Stamped Legal Library Bookcases
By Grand Rapids Furniture Co.
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare suite of four Legal Library stacking modular
Category

Antique 1880s English Victorian Bookcases

Materials

Hardwood

Library Suite of Three Large Vintage Gold Oak Legal Library Bookcases Glass Door
By Simplex
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Legal bookcases with glass sliding doors A very good looking well made and highly collectable set of
Category

20th Century English Modern Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Oak

Rare Pair of Art Deco Oak Modular Minty Oxford Antique Stacking Legal Bookcases
By Minty of Oxford
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of early circa 1920 Minty oxford stacking legal
Category

Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Oak

Legal Filing Cabinet (Repro)
Located in Roswell, GA
English high quality mahogany filing cabinet, made in England with 2 file drawers. Lockable
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Desks

Materials

Brass

Legal Filing Cabinet (Repro)
Legal Filing Cabinet (Repro)
H 30 in W 21 in D 23 in
Vintage, Two Drawer Legal File Cabinet by Steelcase
By Steelcase
Located in Oakland, CA
Built to last, these vintage cabinets made of heavy gauge steel which is stripped, hand polished
Category

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Cabinets

Bird s Eye Maple Two-Drawer File Cabinet Legal or Letter
Located in Atlanta, GA
A masterpiece of craftsmanship and utility, this two drawer wood file cabinet would make a useful
Category

2010s English Georgian Cabinets

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Vintage Industrial Steel Legal Filing Cabinet with 30 Drawers by Art Metal
By Art Metal Co.
Located in Pau, FR
Large Industrial painted steel legal filing cabinet with 30 drawers, made by Art Metal, Jamestown
Category

Vintage 1940s American Industrial Cabinets

Materials

Steel

Oak File Cabinet
Located in Georges Mills, NH
American antique tiger grain oak file cabinet - 4 drawers, legal size, - original brass hardware
Category

Early 20th Century American Cabinets

Materials

Oak

Oak File Cabinet
Oak File Cabinet
H 52 in W 21 in D 27 in
Finn Juhl Modular Teak Wall Unit / Office Shelving for France Son
By France Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in New Westminster, British Columbia
, and each of the upper cabinet has one adjustable shelf. The upper section is comprised of three open
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Teak

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Visual Comfort “Dauphine” Gilt Gilded Iron Table Lamp, a Pair
By Visual Comfort
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Fabulous pair of Visual Comfort “Dauphine” table lamps.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Table Lamps

Materials

Iron

English Scenic Porcelain Dessert Service, Mid-19th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
English Scenic porcelain Dessert service, mid-19th century, polychrome hand-painted with three various romantic landscape scenes in a round cartouches on a pink border, decorated wit...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Exceptional Late 19th Century Three-Piece Clock Set by Ferdinand Gervais
By Ferdinand Gervais
Located in Long Island City, NY
An exceptional late 19th century gilt bronze-mounted marble three-piece clock set By Ferdinand Gervais The lyre shaped case surrounded with bronze roses, acanthus and lilys, a ...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Candelabras

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Pair of Art Deco Grosfeld House Side Tables in Black Lacquer Walnut
By Grosfeld House
Located in New York, NY
This reserved yet elegant Pair of Art Deco Grosfeld House Side Tables in Black Lacquer & Walnut originate from the United States, Circa 1940. They feature two-round shelves in walnut...
Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Glass, Walnut, Lacquer

Henkel-Harris Mid-Century Solid Genuine Mahogany Bachelor Chest of Drawers
Located in Germantown, MD
A Henkel-Harris Mid-Century Solid Genuine Mahogany Chest of Drawers. Henkel-Harris Finish # 29 Measures 34" in width, 19" in depth and 34.5" in height.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

French Art Deco Wall Sconces
Located in Bridgewater, CT
Large wrought iron and glass wall sconces.
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Wrought Iron

French Art Deco Wall Sconces
French Art Deco Wall Sconces
$4,000 / set
H 11 in W 19.5 in D 8.25 in
Milo Baughman Oversize Swivel Tub Chair for Thayer Coggin
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Dallas, TX
Stylish, elegant and timeless giant swivel tub chair model no. 3406 by American modernist Milo Baughman. His designs are forward-thinking and distinctive, yet unpretentious. This is ...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Italian Renaissance Style Set Dining Room 16 Pieces Walnut Hand-Carved
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Code: FQ58 Period: 19th century Style: Renaissance Dining room of the School of Arts in Monza, 19th century, walnut hand-carved consists of: sideboard showcase with leaded cathedra...
Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Renaissance Dining Room Sets

Materials

Leather, Glass, Walnut

French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze-Mounted Center, Writing Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine French 19th century Louis XVI style ebonized gilt bronze-mounted tulipwood, kingwood and fruitwood floral marquetry single-drawer center table, desk or writing table. The orna...
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Center Tables

Materials

Bronze

French 18th Century Louis XV Style Provincial - Country French Armoire Bookcase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Tall French 18th-19th Century Louis XV Style Provincial - Country French Carved Walnut Armoire - Bibliotheque - Bookcase. The twin-door vitrine or book cabinet with three wooden sh...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XV Bookcases

Materials

Brass, Bronze

French Figural Cherub Gilt Bronze Marble Candelabra Clock Set, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
French figural cherub gilt bronze and marble three piece clock set flanked by gilt bronze marble sphere six light candelabras, central clock flanked by figural griffons, lower foliag...
Category

Antique 1820s French Louis Philippe Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Enamel

2 Stickley Bros. Mission Arts and Crafts Period Quaint Furniture Chairs
By Stickley Brothers
Located in New York, NY
Great set of two Stickley Brothers Co., Quaint Furniture, Mission oak chairs to include a lounge chair, and the matching rocking chair. Nice large scale, classic Arts and Crafts line...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Small Steel Blue Happy Pendant Light, Hand Blown Glass, Made to Order
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
Small amber happy pendant light, hand blown glass by Siemon & Salazar, canopy included Glass measures 4.5”T x 4.5”W These works play with the reflective and malleable qualities of g...
Category

2010s Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Nickel

Exceptional French Art Deco Bar by Andre Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in Bridgewater, CT
Andre Arbus. Three-piece modular Art Deco bar with two stools commisioned in 1936, mahogany wood structure with brass accents, frontal side covered in beige leather, illuminated f...
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Exceptional French Art Deco Bar by Andre Arbus
Exceptional French Art Deco Bar by Andre Arbus
$25,000 / set
H 43.5 in W 79.5 in D 14.5 in
Ernesto Valabrega for Studio Vittorio Valabrega Decorative Fireplace Mantel
By Vittorio Valabrega
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernesto Valabrega for Studio Vittorio Valabrega, decorative fireplace mantel, lacquered wood, plaster, glass, iron, Italy, 1930s This striking decorative fireplace mantel, presumabl...
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

19th Century, French, Louis XV Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Side Table
By François Linke
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century, French, Louis XV mahogany and gilt bronze marble-top side table. Single drawer attributed to François Linke.
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Side Tables

Materials

Bronze

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Legal Cabinet For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the legal cabinet you’re looking for. A legal cabinet — often made from wood, oak and glass — can elevate any home. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer legal cabinet, there are earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A legal cabinet is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Victorian and Modern styles are sought with frequency. A well-made legal cabinet has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Minty of Oxford, Globe Wernicke and Simplex are consistently popular.

How Much is a Legal Cabinet?

Prices for a legal cabinet can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $566 and can go as high as $14,156, while the average can fetch as much as $2,123.

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.

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