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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
Pair of Danish Henning Kjærnulf Style Small Curved Chest of Drawers of Oak 1970s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Pair of 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...
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vitrines

Materials

Brass

Industrial Commercial Grade Stainless Steel and Glass Medical Cabinet, Vitrine
Located in New York, NY
Industrial, commercial grade stainless steel and glass medical cabinet, vitrine, showcase. The case features two full length glass fronted doors, which open to reveal interior adjust...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Vitrines

Materials

Stainless Steel

French 19th Century Ebonized & Inlay Petite Bibliotheque
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This petite, yet stately bibliothèque, was made in France, circa 1870’s. Ebonized and adorned with exceptional brass and mother of pearl inlay, depicting floral-and-foliate scrolls e...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Vitrines

Materials

Bone, Mother-of-Pearl, Glass, Mahogany

Swedish Early 19th Century Blue Painted Arched Wall Cabinet
Located in Atlanta, GA
A charming Swedish wall cabinet dating to the early 19th century, distinguished by its architectural arched crest and beautifully aged blue painted finish. The cabinet features a pai...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Vitrines

Materials

Wood

Vintage medical cabinet, 1970s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Vintage medical cabinet from the 1970s, made in Hungary. This characterful cabinet is made of iron and glass, with the glass clamped to the steel with a rubber strip. The cabinet has...
Category

Vintage 1970s Hungarian Industrial Vitrines

Materials

Iron

Vintage medical cabinet, 1970s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This Polish medicine cabinet from 1975 combines functional industrial design with a historical look. Manufactured by HOSMET and featuring an original nameplate, glass shelves, and lo...
Category

Vintage 1970s Polish Industrial Vitrines

Materials

Iron

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