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Finding the Right cabinets for You
Although traditionally used in the bedroom to store garments that would not be hung in a closet, an antique or vintage cabinet can easily find a purpose in rooms throughout your entire house.
The world's first storage cabinets, reportedly constructed in Renaissance-era Europe, were demonstrative of excellence in carpentry and the work of master carvers. These robust bureaus or sophisticated chests of drawers were typically built from common woods, such as oak or walnut. Although they were fairly uniform in structure and lacked the bright colors of modern-day furniture, case pieces and storage cabinets that date from the 18th century and earlier were often found in the homes of nobility.
Their intricate carvings and various embellishments — adornments made from ivory, ornate lacquer work and, later, glass shelvings — reflect the elegance with which these decorative furnishings were associated. Given its valuable purpose and the beauty of the early furnishings' designs, the storage cabinet is an investment that will never go out of style.
The practical design that defines the earliest storage cabinets has inspired the creation of household must-haves, like minimalist drink trolleys and marble wood bookcases. From hiding outdoor gear in the mudroom to decluttering your kitchen with a tall kitchen pantry cabinet, these versatile furnishings have now become available in enough sizes, styles and colors to accommodate any space. After all, these aren't your run-of-the-mill filing cabinets.
A sophisticated storage cabinet — wood storage cabinets with doors and shelves, for example — can serve as a room divider when necessary, while the right vintage wall unit or floor-to-ceiling cabinetry solutions can seamlessly become part of any space without disrupting the energy of the room. And although you may hide items away in its drawers, bookworms might prefer a storage cabinet with open shelving for displaying favorite books or other media.
One-of-a-kind solutions for the modern consumer abound, but enthusiasts of understated, classical beauty may turn to Baroque-style storage cabinets. Elsewhere, admirers of mid-century modernism looking to make a statement with their case pieces will warm to the dark woods and clean lines of vintage storage cabinets by Paul McCobb, Florence Knoll or Edward Wormley.
Sometimes the best renovation is a reorganization. If you're ready to organize and elevate your space, a luxury storage cabinet is the addition you need.
Find a variety of vintage and antique storage cabinets on 1stDibs, including unique Art Deco storage cabinets, chinoiserie cabinets and more.
- What is a curio cabinet?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
A curio cabinet (or curiosity cabinet) is a large display case typically made of glass with a wooden frame. Small collections are stored in curio cabinets: jewelry, figurines, crystal or any small objects with a common theme.
- When were curio cabinets made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Curio cabinets have existed since the 16th century, where they were often found in the homes of European aristocrats and royalty. They remain popular today and always have an antique feel. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique curio cabinets from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The purpose of a curio cabinet is to store and display decorative objects. Keeping items in a curio cabinet rather than on an open shelf allows you to still easily admire them and to protect them from dust and breakage at the same time. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of antique and vintage curio cabinets.
- What is a curio cabinet called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A curio cabinet gets its name from cabinet of curiosities. A curio cabinet is a special type of cabinet predominately made of glass to display and protect your favorite collectibles and antiques. Shop a wide range of vintage curio cabinets on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A curio cabinet is a glass display case where fine china and other collectibles can be safely displayed. Curios range in size and come in a variety of styles, including corner cabinets that fit into the corner of a room. Many also include built-in lights and mirrors to enhance the display. Shop a selection of curio cabinets on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Yes, curio cabinet is short for curiosity cabinet. This name comes from the fact that the cabinets allow you to view whatever you store inside through glass doors, sparking curiosity. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of curio cabinets from some of the world’s top sellers.
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