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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
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

Vintage Iron And Glass Display Cabinet, 1970s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Vintage medicine cabinet from the 1970s, made in Hungary. This cabinet is a real eye-catcher thanks to its industrial design and all-glass walls on all four sides. Made of iron and g...
Category

Vintage 1970s Hungarian Industrial Vitrines

Materials

Iron

Campaign Style Oak Curio Cabinet by Drexel Heritage Accolade II Collection
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage Campaign style oak lighted curio cabinet by Drexel Heritage Accolade II Collection with glass shelves, brass pulls, & cor...
Category

Late 20th Century American Campaign Vitrines

Materials

Brass

20th Century French Art Deco Curved Vitrine/ Corner Display Cabinet, FR ca. 1930
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Absolute stunning, rare Art Deco palisander vitrine or corner display cabinet from the famous period in France around 1930. This dreamlike Art Deco vitrine cabinet impresses with its...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Palisander

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

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