Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What is a vitrine?
1 Answer

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.
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
Related Questions
View All QuestionsShop for Vitrines on 1stDibs
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit in Maple and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Attributed to Gustavo & Vito Latis, highboard or showcase library, maple, walnut, glass, brass, Italy, circa 1960
Beautiful showcase made in Italy in the 1960s. Executed in mapl...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vitrines
Materials
Brass
Vintage medical cabinet, 1970’s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Medicine cabinet (wall unit) from a hospital. Made of iron and glass that is clamped into the steel by a rubber strip. This cabinet comes from the 70s and was produced in Hungary. Wi...
Category
Vintage 1970s Hungarian Industrial Vitrines
Materials
Iron
Danish Henning Kjærnulf Style Small Curved Carved Chest of Drawers of Oak 1970s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Small curved and carved front chest of drawers most likely by the danish designer Henning Kjærnulf manufactured in Denmark in the 1970s.
A cute piece of furniture, which can be used...
Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vitrines
Materials
Brass
Carlo de Carli for Fiarm Hall Stand in Wood
By Fiarm, Carlo di Carli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo De Carli for Fiarm, hall stand, wood, Italy, 1960s
This hall stand designed by Carlo De Carli in the 1960s exemplifies the designer’s thoughtful approach to form, function, an...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vitrines
Materials
Wood
1980s Hollywood Regency Pagoda Topped Two Door Illuminated Glass Vitrine Display
By James Mont
Located in St. Louis, MO
Extremely well built 1980s Hollywood Regency two glass door chinoiserie pagoda topped vitrine or display cabinet on Ming horse hoof legs.. Shown in its original dark espresso stained...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Vitrines
Materials
Brass
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

