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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.
- What is Korean mother of pearl?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Korean mother of pearl is abalone shell that comes from the Republic of South Korea. There, artisans use the shimmering shell fragments to decorate wooden furniture and decorative objects using an inlay technique called najeonchilgi. Shop a variety of wood furniture on 1stDibs.
- What is a mother of pearl spoon?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A mother of pearl spoon is a small spoon made of natural material specially used for serving and eating caviar. These spoons are handmade from mother of pearl shells found near the coast of Vietnam. On 1stDibs, you will find a range of mother of pearl spoons from different periods and in unique designs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Mother of pearl inlay furniture is a chair, table or case good usually made out of wood and embellished with fragments of oyster or mussel shells called mother of pearl. Furniture makers make carvings into the furniture and then carefully add the cut mother of pearl. On 1stDibs, find a range of mother of pearl inlay furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Mother of pearl spoons are made of nacre. Nacre, often referred to as mother of pearl, is a composite material that some mollusks produce as an inner shell layer. Nacre is the same material that pearls are made of. Spoons can be made entirely of mother of pearl, just the handle or additional ornamentation. Find a collection of vintage and contemporary mother of pearl spoons on 1stDibs from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Mother of Pearl can be worn daily, in fact, the natural oils from your skin can help to retain the luster of your piece. However, avoiding excess cosmetics, perfumes or soaps is advisable for the optimal care of your Mother of Pearl. Shop a collection of Mother of Pearl pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Mother of pearl furniture is crafted with pieces of mother of pearl delicately inlaid in the wood. The wood itself is usually overlaid with veneers, often in a rich dark tone to complement the lighter appearance of the mother of pearl. Browse a collection of mother of pearl furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024Yes, men can wear mother-of-pearl watches. In fact, there are many men's watches that feature mother-of-pearl dials. Examples include the Rolex Datejust 36 Mother of Pearl, the Breitling Galactic 41 Mother of Pearl Dial, the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Mother of Pearl and the Tissot Le Locle Mother of Pearl. There are no rules when it comes to men's watches, so feel free to wear any timepiece that appeals to you. Explore a variety of mother-of-pearl watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023No, most experts say you shouldn't wear Van Cleef Arpels mother-of-pearl jewelry or any other fine jewelry in the shower. Although water may not damage a piece, chemicals in soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and other toiletries may harm mother-of-pearl and precious metals. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
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