Rooms Divider Shelves
2010s American Modern Shelves
Cement
Vintage 1960s New Zealand Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Wood
20th Century Italian Living Room Sets
Poplar
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Dry Bars
Lacquer, Leather
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Brass
2010s Indian Post-Modern Credenzas
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Cabinets
Blown Glass, Fruitwood, Nutwood, Burl
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21st Century and Contemporary German Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Plywood
2010s Mexican Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Oak
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Metal
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Rosewood
2010s American Modern Stools
Oak
Mid-20th Century Modern Still-life Prints
Lithograph
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
Teak
2010s Brazilian Chairs
Cord, Wood, Hardwood
2010s Swedish Side Tables
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Bohemian Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Bird Cages
Copper, Iron, Bronze
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Teak, Glass
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
Rosewood
Recent Sales
Vintage 1970s French Shelves
Chrome
Antique Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Cabinets
Cherry
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
Brass
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Brass, Chrome
Antique Mid-19th Century British Bookcases
Glass, Oak
Antique 1870s Italian Rococo Corner Cupboards
Velvet, Glass, Pine, Paint
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Beech, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Plastic
Antique 18th Century French Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine, Olive, Walnut
Vintage 1970s American Modern Bookcases
Plastic
Late 20th Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Plastic
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Night Stands
Wood
Vintage 1950s French Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
Antique Late 18th Century English George III Bookcases
Brass
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 do you call a room divider?1 AnswerLotus GallerySeptember 23, 2020
Room dividers can also be referred to as screens or panels.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023To quickly divide a room, you can use a freestanding room divider. If you wish to leave the room open but visually divide it, try placing accent rugs under the furniture in different areas. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of room dividers.
- What are room dividers called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023What room dividers are called depends on their style. Large collapsible walls are partition walls, while sectioned panels with hinges are screens. Japanese-style room dividers are known as shoji blinds. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of room dividers from some of the world's top dealers.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023The simplest things that can be used as room dividers are room divider furnishings that stand up on their own. You can also use folding screens, pocket doors, bookcases, curtains, trellises, hanging shelves and other objects and furniture pieces as room dividers. On 1stDibs, find a variety of room dividers.
- Do room dividers fall easily?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023Whether room dividers fall easily depends on a few factors. Generally, the heavier the room divider is, the less likely it is to tip over. Dividers are also less likely to fall if they are properly adjusted. With an accordion-style divider, try bending the panels at a wider angle to create a more sturdy base. Some people choose to install stabilizing brackets on the floor to keep their room dividers upright. Depending on the style of your space, you may also be able to hang a divider from the ceiling or attach one end to a wall. Shop a variety of room dividers on 1stDibs.
- PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020
Lightweight Japanese paper lattice screens known as shōji are a versatile way to define a living space and block drafts. Painted folding screens known as byōbu are also used as decorative elements, often featuring landscapes, animals, and flowering plants. Chinese folding screens were traditionally comprised of monumental hinged panels, intricately carved and decorated with panoramic landscapes or stone inlay.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Carlton room divider is a Memphis-style icon made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and plastic laminate. A highly sculptural piece, it features a bookcase, drawers and shelves painted in lovely muted primary colors. Shop Carlton room dividers from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Are room dividers a good idea?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 12, 2023Yes, room dividers are a good idea. The right room divider can make large spaces feel more intimate. Dividers can also make it easier for a space to serve two functions, such as a dining room and a living room. Room dividers can additionally help to ensure privacy when placed in offices, bathrooms and bedrooms. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of room dividers.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023Yes, you can attach a room divider to a wall using nails or adhesive. However, making holes or using strong chemical glues may damage some room divider materials. If you do choose to anchor a divider, use care when removing it in the future. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of room dividers.
- Lotus GallerySeptember 23, 2020
For standing room dividers, make sure you set them up in an accordion or or zig zag fold pattern to keep them from falling down.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023Yes, you can use curtains as a room divider. To do so, you will need to mount hanging hardware on the ceiling. One of the biggest benefits of using curtains to divide rooms is that they are easy to maneuver when you want to open up a space or close off an area. Shop a range of curtains on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023Paper room dividers are often called decorative screens or merely room dividers depending on the design. The earliest examples of folding screens are said to have originated in China and go back at least as far as the Han dynasty. Screens of the era were heavy structures made of wood and had hinges of cloth or leather. They were adorned with elaborate landscape paintings that were typically created on silk or paper canvases and applied directly to the screen’s panels afterward. Just as they had been in the 20th century and today, the folding screens then were recognized for both their practical and purely decorative properties. Japanese room-divider screens were also decorated with paintings but constructed to be lightweight and mobile. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of room dividers and decorative screens.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023There are many things that you can use instead of a room divider. If you want to be able to open up the room or quickly create more privacy, curtains suspended from the ceiling can be a good choice. Folding screens are another option that give you the flexibility to change your room easily. For a more permanent solution, you can divide the room with case goods like bookcases. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of furniture from some of the world's top dealers.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Chinese room dividers are also called pingfengs. The term pingfeng in traditional Chinese literally means “wind blocker” or “wind wall.” Some people also refer to these room dividers as folding screens because they consist of hinged panels that allow them to fold up when not in use. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of folding screens from some of the world's top dealers.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Ettore Sottsass did not design the Carlton room divider for a specific patron or client. He created the piece while working with the Memphis Group, an art collective that held joint shows from 1981 to 1987. Find a selection of Ettore Sottsass furniture on 1stDibs.
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