Pennsylvania Corner Cupboard

Storage space is crucial in any home and proper antique, new and vintage corner cupboards can make all the difference.

Corner cupboards are different from standard cupboards in that they are tall, spacious cupboards with curved or diagonal fronts and triangular backs that are designed specifically to fit into a room’s corner, or they’re not freestanding and have been built directly into the room. This kind of case piece — one of the offerings in what was deemed “corner furniture” — rose to popularity during the 18th century in England and America, occupying a prominent position in dining rooms before they were later moved into kitchens. Overhanging tops and urn-shaped finials adorned Chippendale-style corner cupboards in the mid- to late 1700s, while Victorian corner cupboards were made in woods such as walnut and mahogany and featured decoratively hand-carved cabinet doors.

There is a case piece for every storage conundrum, and in dining rooms it was helpful to have items for meals on hand in a tall corner cupboard. Smaller corner cupboards were built to hang from ceilings while larger versions stretched from floor to ceiling to make the most of the area.

Behind cabinet doors with curved glass, the top section of a corner cupboard might house several shelves on which a family’s silver or dishware would be displayed, while the bottom half’s doors concealed whatever home goods were stored below. While corner cupboards are roomy and robust — and an antique freestanding piece is going to be heavy to move — it was the ideal way to keep serveware on hand while taking advantage of little-used corner space. Not unlike a stylish credenza or buffet, a corner cupboard isn’t merely a storage solution.

Crafted in a range of woods and embellished with brass or bronze accents, corner cupboards were striking furnishings of a certain era and will surely command attention in your home.

On 1stDibs, find antique and vintage corner cupboards in a number of styles, including mid-century modern corner cupboards, Georgian versions and more.