Victorian Style Bookshelf
Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Bookcases
Cherry
Antique 1850s English Victorian Desks
Bronze
People Also Browsed
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Bookcases
Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century British Aesthetic Movement Cabinets
Fruitwood, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Renaissance Revival Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Antique Early 18th Century French Baroque Western European Rugs
Silk, Wool
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Shelves
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Formica
Vintage 1950s English Shelves
Oak
Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Bookcases
Spruce
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis Philippe Shelves
Bronze
Vintage 1920s Gothic Revival Bookcases
Oak
Antique 1890s European Renaissance Revival Buffets
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Night Stands
Belgian Black Marble
Antique Mid-19th Century English Campaign Bookcases
Mahogany
Antique 1890s French Shelves
Cherry
Antique Early 19th Century French Louis Philippe Shelves
Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Shelves
Walnut
Recent Sales
2010s Australian Modern Bookcases
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Bookcases
Glass, Mirror, Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Bookcases
Pine
Early 20th Century American Tables
Reed, Wood, Paint
2010s English Victorian Bookcases
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Great Britain (UK) Victorian Bookcases
Cherry
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Victorian furniture often features dark woods with ornate carvings, heavy luxurious fabrics and often features natural images. Painted and gilded accents add to the luxe feel. From 1830 to 1890, during the reign of Queen Victoria, this very ornate style was popular with a great mix of other styles. Shop a collection of Victorian furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.