Oriental Curio
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Cabinets
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Cabinets
Glass, Wood
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary Regency Bookcases
Wood, Lacquer
Vintage 1970s Japonisme Cabinets
Glass, Oak
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Cabinets
Glass, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Shelves
Faux Bamboo, Rosewood
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Wood
Vintage 1940s American Books
Paper
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights an...
Metal
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Vitrines
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Cabinets
Wood, Lacquer
Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Bookcases
Spruce
Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Cabinets
Brass
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Buffets
Glass, Walnut
20th Century Chinoiserie Bookcases
Metal
Early 2000s Chinese Bookcases
Bamboo, Hardwood
Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Cabinets
Wood, Elm
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cupboards
Chrome
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Bookcases
Walnut
Antique 1880s Polish Biedermeier Bookcases
Birch
Antique Early 1900s Desks
Mahogany
Vintage 1980s American Bohemian Buffets
Wicker, Rattan
Recent Sales
Antique 1820s English Campaign Paintings
Paper
20th Century American Chinoiserie Cabinets
Glass, Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Cabinets
Glass, Hardwood, Lacquer
20th Century British Cabinets
Glass, Hardwood
Antique 1880s English Chinese Chippendale Vitrines
Walnut
Vintage 1980s Chinoiserie Cabinets
Glass, Hardwood, Lacquer
Antique 1880s English Chinese Chippendale Vitrines
Hardwood
Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Vitrines
Rosewood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vitrines
Antique 19th Century Chinese Cabinets
Hardwood
Early 20th Century Asian Shelves
Teak
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.
Read More
The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
What Exactly Is a Secretary Desk, and What Is It Used For?
The furniture equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, it's the multifunctional piece you didn't know you needed.
This Shelving System with Oxidized Brass Tubes Is Retro and Futuristic at Once
Italian studio DimoreMilano mustered great ingenuity when crafting these sculptural shelves, which are built without any screws.
28 Cheerful Home Bars, Where Everybody (Literally) Knows Your Name
Simple or sophisticated, equipped with console, cart or custom cabinetry, these stylish bar areas deserve a toast.
Ask an Interior Designer: Work-from-Home Edition
Leaping into a design project, whether it's refreshing the bedroom or redoing the whole house, can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know more than a few interior designers. You asked questions on Instagram, and now they're answering.
Collected and Eclectic, ‘Wunderkammern’ Are Back in a Big Way
Introduced nearly 500 years ago, curiosity cabinets are finding new fans among today's collectors and designers.
Meet the Incredible Woman Transforming Fallen Trees into Sleek Furniture
In the hands of New York Heartwoods cofounder Megan Offner, unwanted local trees become works of design art.
These New York Architects Love a Complicated Project
From Brooklyn townhouses to Maine campgrounds, Trattie Davies and Jonathan Toews relish a challenge, like transforming a former warehouse space into the new 1stdibs Gallery.