Drexel Book Case
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Campaign Cabinets
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Maple
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Brass
20th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Walnut
1910s Academic Figurative Drawings and Watercolors
Paper, Chalk, Charcoal
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21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Oak, Plywood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Walnut
Vintage 1940s Danish Art Deco Sofas
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Night Stands
Wood
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Vitrines
Brass
Mid-20th Century Irish Country Cupboards
Pine
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Chestnut
Vintage 1950s Czech Industrial Cabinets
Metal
Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Bookcases
Spruce
Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Desks
Wood
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
Elm, Pine, Teak, Oak, Mahogany
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Metal
Vintage 1920s Dutch Art Deco Bookcases
Glass, Oak
Vintage 1970s American Chinoiserie Sideboards
Glass, Wood, Lacquer
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Cane, Glass, Walnut
Recent Sales
Vintage 1970s American Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Vintage 1980s American Chippendale Dressers
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Brass
Late 20th Century American Georgian Sideboards
Brass
Late 20th Century American Georgian Dressers
Brass
Vintage 1980s American Georgian Dry Bars
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Mahogany
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Porcelain, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Brass
Vintage 1980s American Campaign Dressers
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Walnut
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Night Stands
Brass
20th Century American Federal Cabinets
Mahogany
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Walnut
Vintage 1960s American Night Stands
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Wood
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.