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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 Rare Cathedral Display Vitrine Cabinet in Walnut, English, 1930s
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this rare and totally original 1930s Art Deco English walnut display cabinet. A gorgeous piece of furniture that's veneered in figured mid tone walnut with ...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Carved Giltwood Bombay Serpentine Vitrine With Verdis Martin Panels c1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
Carved Giltwood Bombay Serpentine Vitrine With Verdis Martin Panels C1890 Measures - 72 1/2" x 29 3/4" x 18 1/2" This carved giltwood vitrine, dating back to circa 1890, features a...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Vitrines

Materials

Giltwood

Unique Henning Kjaernulf Style Glazed Display Cabinet in Solid Oak 1970s
Located in Meer, VAN
Unique Henning Kjaernulf Style Glazed Display Cabinet in Solid Oak 1970s This is a truly special glazed display cabinet, made in solid oak somewhere in the 1970s. Wonderful castle ...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Vitrines

Materials

Oak

French Louis XV Style Hand-Painted Curio Vitrine Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Hand Painted Wood, Original Curved Glass, Brass Accents, Original Skeleton Key Style: French Louis XV This elegant curio vitrine ...
Category

Vintage 1920s French Louis XV Vitrines

Materials

Brass

Carlo Scarpa for Bernini Black laquered Wood Display Cabinet, Italy 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
Raro Mobile Vetrina disegnato da Carlo Scarpa per la Ditta Italiana Bernini anni ’70. Struttura in legno tinto nero e vetro con particolare apertura delle ante laterale verso il ce...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vitrines

Materials

Brass

Polished iron medical cabinet, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Original medical cabinet from the 1920s, made in Germany. This cabinet is made of iron and glass, creating a robust industrial look. The cabinet has been carefully stripped down to t...
Category

Vintage 1920s German Industrial Vitrines

Materials

Iron

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