Maddox Desk
Vintage 1970s American French Provincial Desks
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Desks
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Queen Anne Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Credenzas
Glass, Teak
20th Century French Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Secretaires
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century American Empire Secretaires
Glass, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American American Classical Desks and Writing Tables
Pine
Antique 1790s British George III Bookcases
Mahogany
20th Century American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Wood
Early 20th Century European Biedermeier Secretaires
Oak
Vintage 1950s Unknown Chinoiserie Secretaires
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires
Glass, Teak
Mid-20th Century American Queen Anne Dressers
Brass
Vintage 1950s American French Provincial Night Stands
Brass
Vintage 1960s American Louis XVI Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Wood
Vintage 1950s American French Provincial Dressers
Brass
Antique 19th Century American Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks
Wood, Paint, Lacquer
Mid-20th Century American Hepplewhite Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Vintage 1940s Chippendale Secretaires
Glass, Walnut
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Secretaires
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Queen Anne Secretaires
Glass, Cherry
Mid-20th Century American Hepplewhite Desks and Writing Tables
Wood, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks
Wood
Early 20th Century Chippendale Bookcases
Glass, Mahogany
Vintage 1960s American Sheraton Cabinets
Mahogany
Finding the Right Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets 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.