What makes a dresser mid-century?

A dresser is a mid-century dresser if it was made during the middle of the 20th century. The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. Mid-century modern dressers will likely have specific characteristics. There was a use of natural and man-made materials that included alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. An authentic mid-century modern dresser will also be characterized by simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Shop an assortment of vintage mid-century dressers on 1stDibs.

Century Dresser

Johnson Carper Dresser

Pecan Nightstands

Willett Cherry

Broyhill Premier Emphasis

Henry Link Mirror

Lane Tower Suite

Lenoir Mirror

Kent Coffey Dresser With Mirror

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Two Tone Mid Century Dresser

H 31.25 in W 56.5 in D 18.5 in

Canadian 19th Century Dresser Base in Yellow Paint

Located in Nantucket, MA

19th century dresser base in old yellow paint with unpainted, natural top. Two drawers over two

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Canadian Dressers

Materials

Pine, Paint

Canadian 19th Century Dresser Base in Yellow Paint

H 35.5 in W 44 in D 26 in

Broyhill Premier Emphasis Collection Mid Century Dresser

By Broyhill

Located in New York, NY

Classic American made mid century dresser, by the noted furniture company Broyhill, as part of

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Broyhill Premier Emphasis Collection Mid Century Dresser

H 30.5 in W 66 in D 19 in

Mid Century Dresser by Edward Wormley for Drexel, Precedent Series, 1950's

By Edward Wormley

Located in Bedford Hills, NY

Beautiful mid century dresser by Edward Wormley for Drexel. This piece is from the Precedent

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Elm

Mid Century Dresser by Edward Wormley for Drexel, Precedent Series, 1950's

H 43 in W 32 in D 19 in

Mid century dresser by Nepožitek & Landsman for Jitona, 1970´s

By Jitona, Bohumil Landsman

Located in Prague 8, CZ

Mid century dresser designed by Hubert Nepožitek & Bohumil Landsman for Jitona in the 1970´s. It

Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood, Beech

Mid century dresser by Nepožitek & Landsman for Jitona, 1970´s

H 30.71 in W 35.44 in D 14.57 in

Vintage Mid-Century Dresser with Bronze Details, c. 1970's

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Mid-Century dresser made with rich wood showcasing the natural grain and warm tones that

Category

Vintage 1970s American Dressers

Materials

Brass

Vintage Mid-Century Dresser with Bronze Details, c. 1970's

H 26 in W 51 in D 16.5 in

Vintage Italian Mid-Century Dresser with Brass Accents, c. 1950's

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage mid-century dresser made in Italy in the 1950s; made with rich wood and fine brass details

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Dressers

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian Mid-Century Dresser with Brass Accents, c. 1950's

H 31 in W 52.25 in D 17.75 in

Rolling Mid-Century Dresser

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Tall chest of drawers with polished chrome hardware. Five drawers of walnut wood set on rolling casters. Please confirm location.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Rolling Mid-Century Dresser

H 55.63 in W 35 in D 17.75 in

1960s Mid Century Dresser, 4 Drawers, Tapered Danish Legs

Located in Madison, WI

This beautiful dresser is perfect for a city apartment or bedroom-- great to be used as in any room

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

1960s Mid Century Dresser, 4 Drawers, Tapered Danish Legs

H 42 in W 18 in D 33.5 in

John Stuart Mid-Century Dresser

By John Stuart Inc.

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Long six foot dresser for John Stuart Inc. Deep mahogany wood with accenting brass hardware. Ten

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

John Stuart Mid-Century Dresser

H 31 in W 72 in D 19 in

Mid-Century Dresser by United

By United Furniture Corporation

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Long American made dresser by United Furniture. Nine drawers with sculpted handles. Sleek modern

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Dresser by United

H 30 in W 64 in D 20 in

Mid-Century Dresser w/ Mirror

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Long walnut dresser with total drawers, six hidden by doors with inlay grain. Includes a large wall

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Dresser w/ Mirror

H 31 in W 75 in D 20 in

Young Manufacturing Mid-Century Dresser

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Long twelve drawer dresser in walnut with brass hardware. Sculpted doors, tapered feet and a cut

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Young Manufacturing Mid-Century Dresser

H 29.25 in W 78 in D 20 in

Mid-Century Dresser by Thomasville

By Thomasville

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Long nine drawer dresser by Thomasville with sculpted front drawers. Walnut grain with accenting

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Dresser by Thomasville

H 31 in W 66 in D 19 in

19th century dresser and secretaire

Located in Faversham, GB

A striking 19th-century pine dresser with an unusual central secretaire. The top pair of cupboards

Category

Antique Early 1800s French Early Victorian Dressers

Materials

Pine

19th century dresser and secretaire

H 78.75 in W 57.88 in D 19.3 in

Mid-Century Dresser by Westnofa

Located in Pomona, CA

A Norwegian 1960s rosewood eight-drawer chest by Westnofa of Norway. Dresser has a well-figured top

Category

Vintage 1960s Norwegian Dressers

Materials

Rosewood

Mid-Century Dresser by Westnofa

H 29 in W 71.5 in D 18 in

Kent Coffey "Auburn" Mid-Century Dresser

By Kent-Coffey

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Long mid-century modern dresser with nine drawers by Kent-Coffey. Walnut wood grain with unique

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Kent Coffey "Auburn" Mid-Century Dresser

H 32.5 in W 61.5 in D 20 in

Mid-Century Dresser w/ Sculpted Handles

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Long Mid-Century Modern American dresser with warm walnut grain and curved wood handles. Nine wide

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Dresser w/ Sculpted Handles

H 32 in W 78 in D 20 in

Mid Century Dresser, 1960´S, Czechoslovakia

Located in Prague 8, CZ

Vintage dresser(bedding cabinet) from the 60s of the last century. Made in the former

Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood, Beech, Oak

Mid Century Dresser, 1960´S, Czechoslovakia

H 33.47 in W 36.23 in D 9.45 in

Mid Century Dresser Credenza Brass Pulls

Located in Baltimore, MD

An exceedingly well-crafted credenza / dresser. Features the mid-century style and construction

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Dresser Credenza Brass Pulls

H 31 in W 60 in D 19 in

Mid-Century Dresser Designed by Harvey Probber

By Harvey Probber

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Handsome Mid-Century Modern highboy dresser designed by Harvey Probber. Dark mahogany exterior

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Dresser Designed by Harvey Probber

H 50.75 in W 42 in D 18 in

Mid-Century Dresser by National Furniture Co

By National Furniture Company

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Long Mid-Century Modern dresser with nine drawers. Metal drawer pulls and walnut wood grain

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Dresser by National Furniture Co

H 30 in W 63 in D 20.25 in

1960s Mid Century Dresser, 4 Drawers, Tapered Danish Legs, Bar Storage, With Ven

Located in Madison, WI

This beautiful dresser is perfect for a city apartment or bedroom-- great to be used as in any room

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

1960s Mid Century Dresser, 4 Drawers, Tapered Danish Legs, Bar Storage, With Ven

H 42 in W 32 in D 18 in

Mid Century Dresser by Jack Cartwright for Founders

By Founders Furniture Company

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A Mid Century four drawer dresser in a very well grained clear birch with dark chocolate brown

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Birch

Mid Century Dresser by Jack Cartwright for Founders

H 29.75 in W 33 in D 15.5 in

Mid-Century Dresser Cabinet Attributed to Paul McCobb

By Jack Cartwright, Paul McCobb

Located in New York, NY

Well constructed mid-century cabinet of solid walnut, walnut veneer, and brass. The case features a

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Dresser Cabinet Attributed to Paul McCobb

H 33 in W 60 in D 18 in

Mid-Century Dresser and Mirror Set by Kent Coffey

By Kent-Coffey

Located in Trenton, NJ

This impressive Mid-Century Modern nine drawer dresser from Kent Coffey's "Marquee" line offers the

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Dresser and Mirror Set by Kent Coffey

H 31 in W 72 in D 20 in

Modern 7 Drawer Mid-Century Dresser by John Stuart

By John Stuart

Located in Parkesburg, PA

Features - 7 dovetailed drawers, mounted with brass pulls, and framed border in brass surrounding, Resting up on stretcher style base trimmed in brass accent. Factory original powder...

Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Modern 7 Drawer Mid-Century Dresser by John Stuart

H 31.25 in W 67.5 in D 20 in

Mid Century Dresser, Teak & Butternut by Erno Fabry, in the Style of Gio Ponte

By Erno Fabry

Located in Bedford Hills, NY

Beautiful Mid Century dresser by Erno Fabry, made in West Germany. Teak with Butternut framing

Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Dresser, Teak & Butternut by Erno Fabry, in the Style of Gio Ponte

H 34 in W 39 in D 19 in

Pair of "Captain Line" Mid-Century Dressers by D-Scan

By D-Scan

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This matching pair of Campaign-style "Captain Line" dressers by D-Scan boasts a rich teak finish

Category

Vintage 1970s Singaporean Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Teak

Pair of "Captain Line" Mid-Century Dressers by D-Scan

H 29.75 in W 33.5 in D 20 in

Mid Century Dresser, Designed by Frantisek Jirák, 1960's, Czechoslovakia

By Frantisek Jirak, Tatra Pravenec

Located in Prague 8, CZ

Vintage dresser from the 60s of the last century. Made in Czechoslovakia, designed by the famous

Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Mid Century Dresser, Designed by Frantisek Jirák, 1960's, Czechoslovakia

H 30.32 in W 60.63 in D 18.12 in

Antique 18th Century dresser

Located in Antwerp, BE

Solid oak cabinet - meuble deux corps, France, circa 1780 real minimalistic type of antique furniture suits well in an antique inspired or eclectic kind of interior Measures: H 157 ...

Category

Antique Early 18th Century European Early Victorian Cupboards

Materials

Oak

Antique 18th Century dresser

H 61.82 in W 55.91 in D 21.66 in

1960s John Caldwell for Brown Saltman Mid Century Dresser Bedroom Set of 3

By Brown Saltman, John Caldwell

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Mid Century Modern Dresser and Pair of Nightstands by John Caldwell for Brown Saltman. Dresser

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood, Walnut

1960s John Caldwell for Brown Saltman Mid Century Dresser Bedroom Set of 3

H 30 in W 66 in D 19 in

Mid-Century Modern Dresser

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Nice mid-century dresser with wicker accent panels. Top doors open to reveal shelving and five

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wicker, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Dresser

H 42 in W 42 in D 19 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Very nice mid-century dresser with brass fixtures and wicker accents. Six pull-out drawers in a

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser

H 31 in W 52 in D 19 in

Poul Hundevad Rosewood Dresser

By Poul Hundevad

Located in Hudson, NY

A stunning mid century dresser by Poul Hundevad in bookmatched rosewood. Dovetailed drawers open

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Scandinavian Modern Dressers

Materials

Rosewood

Poul Hundevad Rosewood Dresser

H 26 in W 54.5 in D 17 in

Danish Mid-Century Rosewood Highboy Dresser

Located in VANCOUVER, CA

Rosewood mid-century dresser, circa 1960's. Solid wood edging with stunning book-matched veneer

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dressers

Materials

Rosewood

Danish Mid-Century Rosewood Highboy Dresser

H 31 in W 45.5 in D 16.5 in

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Blond Oak 6-Drawer Dresser

By Jens Risom

Located in New York, NY

Danish Mid-Century dresser with 6 drawers with angled rectangular oak drawer pulls in a blond oak

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Oak, Wood

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Blond Oak 6-Drawer Dresser

H 32.5 in W 60 in D 18.5 in

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Blond Oak 6-Drawer Dresser

By Jens Risom

Located in New York, NY

Danish Mid-Century dresser with 6 drawers with angled rectangular oak drawer pulls in a blond oak

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood, Oak

Jens Risom Danish Mid-Century Blond Oak 6-Drawer Dresser

H 32 in W 60 in D 21 in

Mid-Century Dresser by Bassett

By Bassett Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Tall chest of drawers in walnut by Bassett Furniture. Mid-century modern straight line design with

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Sets

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Dresser by Bassett

H 45.25 in W 40 in D 19 in

RWAY Mid Century James Mont Chinoiserie Pagoda Mahogany Highboy Dresser

By James Mont, RWAY

Located in Forest Grove, PA

An absolutely stunning RWAY Mid Century dresser in the style of James Mont. Extremely well made

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Metal

RWAY Mid Century James Mont Chinoiserie Pagoda Mahogany Highboy Dresser

H 48.75 in W 38.5 in D 21 in

Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Highboy Dresser

Located in VANCOUVER, CA

Teak mid-century dresser, circa 1960's. Solid wood edging and stunning book-matched veneer on top

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dressers

Materials

Teak

Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Highboy Dresser

H 44 in W 31 in D 16.5 in

Mid Century Modern Faux Zebra Wood Dresser

Located in Hudson, NY

The faux zebra wood mid-century dresser, shown here, has been beautifully restored. Featuring six

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Zebra Wood

Mid Century Modern Faux Zebra Wood Dresser

H 29.75 in W 59 in D 17.75 in

Broyhill Premier Mid-Century Walnutt Dresser

By Broyhill

Located in palm beach, FL

Classic American made mid-century dresser, by the noted furniture company Broyhill, as part of

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Broyhill Premier Mid-Century Walnutt Dresser

H 30.5 in W 72 in D 19.2 in

Johnson Carper Curved Dresser

By Johnson Carper

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Long mid-century dresser by Johnson Carper for their Brentwood series. Attractive curved drawers

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Johnson Carper Curved Dresser

H 30 in W 62 in D 17.75 in

Henredon Wide Dresser & Mirror

By Heritage-Henredon

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Long mid-century dresser and mirror by Henredon. Walnut wood inlay strips on top, wood sculpted

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Henredon Wide Dresser & Mirror

H 33 in W 60 in D 20 in

Two tone dresser by Lane

Located in Los Angeles, CA

W66 D18 H31.75 Mid century dresser by Lane in fully restored condition. Item features sculptured

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Two tone dresser by Lane

H 31.75 in W 66 in D 18 in

American of Martinsville Long Dresser

By American of Martinsville

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Long mid-century dresser with criss cross pattern. Made by American of Martinsville with warm

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

American of Martinsville Long Dresser

H 31 in W 74 in D 19.5 in

'Pueblo' Series Long Dresser by Lane

By Lane Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Long nine drawer dresser by Lane with a fantastic mosaic design front. This mid-century dresser

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

'Pueblo' Series Long Dresser by Lane

H 30 in W 68 in D 18 in

18th Century Oak Dresser

Located in Kettering, GB

An 18th century dresser in a beautiful rich oak, with open plate shelves over a two drawer base

Category

Antique 18th Century British Dressers

Materials

Oak

18th Century Oak Dresser

H 80.71 in W 59.06 in D 16.93 in

Mid Century Walnut Dresser with Brass Pulls and Trim

Located in Dallas, TX

This is a lovely clean lined mid-century dresser made very well. The handles and trim are solid

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Walnut Dresser with Brass Pulls and Trim

H 31.5 in W 66 in D 18 in

Mid Century Walnut Dresser, 1970´s, Czechoslovakia

By Interiér Praha

Located in Prague 8, CZ

This mid century dresser was made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1970´s. Most likely by

Category

Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Walnut Dresser, 1970´s, Czechoslovakia

H 29.93 in W 39.38 in D 18.12 in

Mid-Century Kent Coffey "Continental" Series Dresser

By Kent-Coffey

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This exquisite mid-century dresser by Kent Coffey features the wonderful style of the Continental

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Kent Coffey "Continental" Series Dresser

H 47.25 in W 40 in D 22 in

Mid Century Rosewood Nine-Drawer Dresser by Founders

By Founders Furniture Company, Milo Baughman

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This stylish Mid-Century dresser by Founders features a beautiful Rosewood finish, graduated

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Rosewood

Mid Century Rosewood Nine-Drawer Dresser by Founders

H 29 in W 77.5 in D 18.5 in

Oak and walnut dresser by Kroehler

Located in Los Angeles, CA

W64.5 D18 H30.25 Fully restored two tone mid century dresser by Kroehler. Dresser is structurally

Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Oak and walnut dresser by Kroehler

H 30.25 in W 64.5 in D 18 in

Mid Century Dresser Credenza Diamond Front

Located in Baltimore, MD

Extraordinary Mid-Century Modern “Diamond front” credenza dresser circa 1960's. This beauty

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Dresser Credenza Diamond Front

H 31.5 in W 72 in D 19 in

1950s Lowboy Dresser in Dark Walnut

Located in Los Angeles, CA

W62 D19 H33 Fully restored dark walnut mid century dresser. Item features original recessed

Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

1950s Lowboy Dresser in Dark Walnut

H 33 in W 62 in D 19 in

Milo Baughman, Mid-Century Modern Dresser, Rosewood, Chrome, John Stuart, 1960s

By Milo Baughman, John Stuart

Located in Stamford, CT

Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman Rosewood Dresser for John Stuart, Chrome Accent Fully refinished

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Chrome

Milo Baughman, Mid-Century Modern Dresser, Rosewood, Chrome, John Stuart, 1960s

H 30.5 in W 75 in D 19.25 in

Dark walnut dresser by Red Lion

Located in Los Angeles, CA

W58 20 H32.25 Fully restored lowboy mid century dresser by Red Lion. Item has been fully refnished

Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Dark walnut dresser by Red Lion

H 32.25 in W 58 in D 20 in

Founders, Mid-Century Modern, Dresser, Burlwood, USA, 1980s

Located in Stamford, CT

Founders, Mid-Century Modern, Dresser, Burlwood, USA, 1980s A mid century dresser with campaign

Category

Mid-20th Century Dressers

Materials

Wood

Founders, Mid-Century Modern, Dresser, Burlwood, USA, 1980s

H 29 in W 72 in D 18 in

Louvered Low Boy Dresser Circa 1960s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

W68.5 D19 H29.5 Fully restored nine drawer mid century dresser. Item features original chrome

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Louvered Low Boy Dresser Circa 1960s

H 29.5 in W 68.5 in D 19 in

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Century Dresser For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal century dresser for your home. Frequently made of wood, metal and walnut, every century dresser was constructed with great care. There are 14968 variations of the antique or vintage century dresser you’re looking for, while we also have 387 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect century dresser — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A century dresser is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Georgian and Victorian styles are sought with frequency. Many designers have produced at least one well-made century dresser over the years, but those crafted by Paul McCobb, Lane Furniture and American of Martinsville are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Century Dresser?

The average selling price for a century dresser at 1stDibs is $3,007, while they’re typically $1 on the low end and $425,000 for the highest priced.

Finding the Right Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets 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.

Questions About Century Dresser

What makes a dresser mid-century?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
A dresser is a mid-century dresser if it was made during the middle of the 20th century. The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. Mid-century modern dressers will likely have specific characteristics. There was a use of natural and man-made materials that included alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. An authentic mid-century modern dresser will also be characterized by simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Shop an assortment of vintage mid-century dressers on 1stDibs.

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