1960s Drybar
Vintage 1960s Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Sycamore, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Marble, Chrome
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Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Chrome
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery
2010s Mexican Modern Cabinets
Steel
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Fiberglass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Leather, Wood, Walnut
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Sculptures
Paper
Late 20th Century Organic Modern Bookcases
Rattan, Glass
Mid-20th Century Burmese Bookcases
Teak
Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Bookcases
Copper
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Chestnut
Mid-20th Century Organic Modern Bookcases
Brass
Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets
Metal
Vintage 1950s American Hollywood Regency Vitrines
Brass
Mid-20th Century Organic Modern Bookcases
Rattan
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Stained Glass, Wood
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Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars
Rosewood
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars
Crystal, Marble, Brass
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Vintage 1960s American Brutalist Dry Bars
Brass, Copper, Pewter
Finding the Right storage-case-pieces for You
Of all the antique and vintage case pieces and storage cabinets 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 storage 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. Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard made of colored glass and metals, 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.