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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.
- What is a china cabinet called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A china cabinet is a piece of furniture with a glass front, used to display porcelain or sterling silver dinnerware. It is also known as a china cabinet, breakfront or hutch. Shop a range of antique and vintage cabinets on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The point of a china cabinet is to safely store valuable dinnerware, serveware and decorative objects without hiding them from sight. Because their doors feature glass panels, you can see inside but dust cannot easily enter. On 1stDibs, find a selection of antique and vintage china cabinets.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A china cabinet is a piece of furniture with glass panels used to hold and display china or ceramics. China cabinets grew in popularity in the late 1600s and 1700s with the rise of porcelain exports to Europe. You’ll find a range of china cabinets and other display cases on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Refurbishing a china cabinet comes down to restoring the wood it was made out of. Take off the hardware, sand and stain the wood and then reassemble. Voila! Just like new. Or, save the hassle and shop a variety of vintage and antique china cabinets on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A small china cabinet is called a hutch. Shop hutches and other storage furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The main difference between a hutch and a china cabinet is their locations in a home. Although they look similar, a hutch can be placed in nearly any room and has a multipurpose use (for storage or displaying collections). A china cabinet is always in a dining room or kitchen and is used for storing and displaying fine china.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A low and long piece of freestanding cabinetry that can hold china and other accessories can be called a sideboard or a buffet. Both of these pieces are similar in form and function and sometimes the terms are used interchangeably. When used in the dining room it’s typically called a buffet and in the living room it’s a sideboard. Find an assortment of sideboards and buffets from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022For an item to be considered antique, it needs to be 100 years or older. It can be tricky to determine the age of a cabinet on your own. The best way to determine the value and age of your china cabinet is to work with a certified appraiser. You’ll find expertly vetted antique china cabinets and other furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021How much an antique china cabinet is worth depends on the style of the cabinet, age and condition. Any additional features/decorative touches might increase the worth of the cabinet. That is, a cabinet with hand painting or carving will cost more in general. Also, the older the cabinet, the more its value. An antique china cabinet can be purchased for $1500 onwards. Find a collection of antique china cabinets today on 1stDibs.
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