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What is a vitrine?

1 Answer
What is a vitrine?
A vitrine is a type of case piece or storage furniture. Antique and vintage vitrines can be used to safely store and display your most treasured objects.

While they were initially used to display relics in churches or to preserve specimens for scientific observation, vitrines are best known for their place in retail spaces and museums. The name for these glass display cases comes from the Latin word “vitrum,” meaning glass, as well as the Old French word “vitre,” which also refers to glass. 

Instead of simply showcasing collectibles or decorative objects on shelves, you can bestow extra importance on them by displaying them in a vitrine for passers-by to observe and admire.

Find antique vitrines for sale on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertJune 12, 2024
Shop for Vitrines on 1stDibs
Art Deco Impressive Walnut Display Cabinet Vitrine, English, circa 1930
Located in Devon, England
This is a superb example of an English made Art Deco display cabinet, dating to the 1930s and very popular at the time for displaying your best 'china' usually displayed in what was ...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Vitrines

Materials

Lead

Art Deco Walnut Circular Display Cabinet, Vitrine, circa 1930s
Located in Devon, England
Offered for your consideration is this superbly stylish and totally original 1930s English Art Deco round display cabinet. Figured walnut veneer in a warm mid-tone coloring with a di...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Walnut

French Louis XVI Style Ormolu-Mounted Mahogany Vitrine Table, C. 1880
Located in Queens, NY
A French Louis XVI style Ormolu-Mounted Mahogany Vitrine Table, C. 1880, attributed to Paul Sormani.   Very good quality, nice ormolu mounts throughout, presents very well.   Measure...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Vitrines

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Old Metal Pharmacy Cabinet Medicine Cabinet Glass Industrial 1960s
Located in Poperinge, BE
Old pharmacy cabinet, medicine cabinet, made of a white painted metal frame and glass, has 3 new ground shelves made of 6mm tempered glass, marked Spoina Lublin, made in Poland in th...
Category

Vintage 1960s Polish Industrial Vitrines

Materials

Metal

Vintage medical cabinet, 1930’s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Medical cabinet from the 1930s. The cabinet is produced in Hungary and is made of thick iron and glass. The cabinet has its original antique glass. The glass shelves are new. Heavy q...
Category

Vintage 1930s Hungarian Industrial Vitrines

Materials

Iron

Vintage Iron Medical Cabinet, 1960’s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Polish medical cabinet, produced in the 1960’s. Made of iron and glass. Elegant design with rounded corners. On the inside three clothes hooks and 4 glass shelves. The cabinet has be...
Category

Vintage 1960s Polish Industrial Vitrines

Materials

Iron

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