1930s Cedar Chest
Early 20th Century Japanese Furniture
Wood
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century American Cabinets
Cedar
Early 20th Century Tudor Blanket Chests
Wood, Walnut, Cedar
Early 20th Century North American Art Deco Blanket Chests
Mahogany, Cedar
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Chrome
Vintage 1930s Chippendale Trunks and Luggage
Mahogany
Vintage 1930s Chinese Chinese Export Trunks and Luggage
Walnut, Cedar
Early 20th Century Art Deco Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Early 20th Century Canadian Art Deco Blanket Chests
Cedar
Early 20th Century American American Classical Blanket Chests
Metal, Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
Laminate, Walnut
Early 20th Century Blanket Chests
Mahogany, Cedar
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Dressers
Brass
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Blanket Chests
Mahogany
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Marble
Finding the Right storage-case-pieces for You
Of all the antique and vintage case pieces and storage cabinets that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items.
In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior.
Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time.
Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of storage case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room.
In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.
A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard made of colored glass and metals, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Whether or not Lane cedar chests are solid cedar depends on the furniture in question. Most chests produced by the manufacturer feature solid cedar wood interiors finished with five layers of walnut veneers. Legs and molding are usually some variety of solid hardwood but not always cedar. On 1stDibs, find a range of Lane cedar chests.
- What is a waterfall cedar chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The term Waterfall Cedar Chest refers to a specific shape of cedar chest where the lid extends down the side a bit as though it’s flowing off the top. It’s not like modern waterfall countertops where the top extends to the floor, instead it reaches a few inches down from the top. Shop a collection of cedar chests from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- How do you date a cedar chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024To date a cedar chest, search the piece for a manufacturer’s mark. Then, use trusted online resources to determine who the maker is based on those markings. From there, you can use photographs, serial numbers and other identifying characteristics to get a rough idea of when the maker produced it. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer evaluate your cedar chest. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of cedar chests.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024Cavalier cedar chests were mostly made between 1923 and the 1940s. The company's history dates back to 1865, with the formation of the Tennessee Furniture Company in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Its name changed to the Cavalier Corporation the same year that the furniture maker unveiled its line of cedar chests. Shop a selection of Cavalier furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023To tell how old a cedar chest is, look for a stamp or label that indicates the maker's name. In some cases, you may find a date printed on the label. Otherwise, use trusted online resources to determine the years that the manufacturer operated and when it produced chests similar to yours. Alternatively, you can consult a certified appraiser or licensed antique dealer for assistance dating the piece. Find a collection of cedar chests on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021An old cedar chest’s worth is based on its age, condition or rarity -- starting at $99 and as high as $700 or more. If the hardware is original then it is worth more and can fetch about $200 to $400. Find a collection of old cedar chests on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Lane Furniture does indeed make cedar chests. From 1912 to 1987, the American furniture company estimated it had sold around 12 million chests and that number continues to grow with today’s sales. Cedar chests are widely used to store clothing and linen because cedar wood is a natural repellent against moisture and moths. You can shop a collection of Lane cedar chests from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, the last Lane cedar chest produced was in 2001 and the plant was then permanently closed. The company hit its heights in World War II, using a great ad campaign and encouraging the purchase of cedar chests, known as Hope Chests. In 1987 a hostile corporate purchase occurred and the new owners filed for bankruptcy in 1992. Shop a collection of Lane chests from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023What brides wore in the 1930s varied. Some wore long flowing dresses made of satin or silk. Long sleeves were popular and designs often featured only minimal embellishments like appliqués and beading. Because many people faced difficult financial situations due to the Great Depression, brides also sometimes simply wore their best dresses on their wedding days. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage wedding dresses.
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