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American Block Front Chest

American Walnut Block Front Drawers High Chest Dresser American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very clean American walnut Mid-Century Modern vintage block front drawers dresser high chest.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

American Walnut Block Front Chest of Drawers
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
A gorgeous one-of-a-kind block front style chest of drawers in walnut. Quality is what describes
Category

Vintage 1940s Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

American Walnut Block Front 6 Drawers Long Dresser Credenza Restored Mint
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern gorgeous American walnut six drawer block front dresser.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Old American Mahogany "New England Block Front" Chippendale Style Chest on Chest
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
Superb quality old American mahogany "New England Block Front" Chippendale style chest on chest
Category

Early 20th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Important Antique Mahogany Block Front Chest of Drawers
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An important and rare American Historical Block Front Chest. In mahogany with pine drawers
Category

Antique 19th Century American American Classical Commodes and Chests of ...

Materials

Brass

Chippendale Bow Front Chest
Located in Bradenton, FL
American 18th century Chippendale bow front ball and claw foot chest, likely from the Boston area
Category

Antique 18th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Chippendale Bow Front Chest
Chippendale Bow Front Chest
H 36.25 in W 42 in D 22.25 in
American Chippendale Oxbow Slant Front Desk, 1780
Located in Kenilworth, IL
American Chippendale slant front desk on four graduated drawers, resting on ogee bracket feet. The
Category

Antique Late 18th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Dr...

Materials

Brass

American Chippendale Cherry Chest of Drawers, 1770
Located in Kenilworth, IL
American Chippendale chest of four graduated drawers with a divided top drawer. The chest features
Category

Antique Late 18th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Dr...

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Five Drawers High Chest Dresser with Brass Accents
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American of Martinsville Mid-Century Modern walnut high chest dresser with block front drawers and
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

American Chippendale Birchwood Serpentine Chest of Drawers, circa 1770
Located in Shippensburg, PA
CHIPPENDALE MAHOGANIZED-BIRCHWOOD REVERSE SERPENTINE CHEST OF DRAWERS Massachusetts, probably
Category

Antique 18th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

English Antique Patinated Worn Elm Chest of Drawers, Early 19th Century
Located in Shippensburg, PA
ENGLISH PATINATED ELM CHEST OF FOUR DRAWERS Raised on bracket feet; circa first quarter of the 19th
Category

Antique 19th Century English Regency Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Rare Korean Pakch'on Bandaji Chest Joseon Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
pine wood, the chest has a nearly square form rested on two block feet. The elaborate ironwork hardware
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Korean Other Furniture

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Paul Evans Brutalist American Modern Metal Planter Box
By Paul Evans
Located in Forney, TX
Paul Evans (1931-1987) American Brutalist industrial modern welded steel and copper, mixed metals
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Metal, Copper, Steel

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Queen Size Mahogany Rice Carved Poster Bed by Leighton Hall
By Leighton Hall Furniture
Located in Suwanee, GA
This is a new traditional queen size mahogany rice carved poster bed by Leighton Hall Furniture. It’s design was inspired by poster beds from the Regency period and features handmade...
Category

2010s American Regency Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-Century Tall Danish Modern Rosewood Dresser Wardrobe 12-Drawer Denmark
By Arne Vodder
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful mid-century tall Rosewood dresser wardrobe 6-drawer on left and 6 drawers on the right behind cabinet door. Clean inside and out all drawers slide smooth. Made in Denmark. ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Rosewood

American Walnut High Boy Dresser by Cavalier
By Kent-Coffey
Located in Brooklyn, NY
High quality mid-century walnut dresser produced by Cavalier. Two door cabinet on top containing two notch top drawers and shelf storage. Four drawers below with two partitioned and ...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

John Stuart Midcentury Highboy Walnut Dresser
By Johnson Furniture Co., John Stuart
Located in Baltimore, MD
Absolutely stunning Mid-Century Modern Highboy dresser designed by John Stuart for Johnson Furniture Co. in the United States, circa 1960s. Pure style and sophistication, featuring t...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Highboy Walnut Dresser Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration
By Drexel, Kipp Stewart & Stewart MacDougall
Located in Baltimore, MD
An elegant Mid-Century Modern tall dresser/highboy/chest of drawers designed by Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall for Drexel’s Declaration Collection, circa 1960’s. Featuring a sol...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Henredon Georgian Carved Mahogany Chest of Drawers, Newly Refinished
By Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style dresser or chest of drawers By Henredon USA, Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany, with original brass hardware. Measures: 39"W x 19.1...
Category

Late 20th Century American Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Walnut American of Martinsville Highboy Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage-modern highboy dresser by American of Martinsvile featuring six drawers with beautiful walnut grain throughout. Please confirm item location NY or NJ with dealer.
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

American Walnut Concave Front Gentleman's Chest Dresser Double Door Compartment
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern American walnut high chest dresser with double doors compartment.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Drexel Heritage Georgian Mahogany Chest on Chest Highboy Dresser
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style eight-drawer chest on chest highboy dresser By Drexel Heritage USA, Circa 1980s Mahogany, with original brass hardware. Measures:...
Category

Late 20th Century American Georgian Dressers

Materials

Brass

American of Martinsville Chest
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall chest of drawers made by American of Martinsville. Mid-century modern style with a simple squared esthetic in warm walnut grain. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

American of Martinsville Chest
American of Martinsville Chest
H 35.25 in W 40 in D 19.5 in
LINK-TAYLOR Heirloom Solid Mahogany Queen Anne Style Highboy Chest
Located in Charlotte, NC
A highboy chest in the Queen Anne style made by Link-Taylor, from their Heirloom Gallery. Solid mahogany with brass hardware, a full pediment top, center finial, cabriole legs and pa...
Category

Late 20th Century American Queen Anne Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

19th Century landscape oil painting of cattle near Canterbury Cathedral
By William Sidney Cooper
Located in Nr Broadway, Worcestershire
William Sidney Cooper British, (1854-1927) Cattle Watering near Canterbury Cathedral Oil on canvas, signed & dated 1923 Image size: 15.5 inches x 23.5 inches Size including frame: 2...
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Henkel Harris Georgian Solid Cherry Wood Ten-Drawer Dresser, Newly Refinished
By Henkel Harris
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Georgian or Chippendale style ten-drawer dresser or credenza By Henkel Harris USA, 1975 Solid wild black cherry wood, with original brass hardware. Measure...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Georgian Dressers

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Sculptra Highboy Dresser by Broyhill
By Broyhill
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage-modern highboy dresser featuring raised edge, rich walnut grain and uniquely sculpted drawer pulls, by Broyhill. Please confirm item location NY or NJ with dealer.
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture Georgian Carved Mahogany Eight-Drawer Highboy Dresser
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style eight-drawer highboy dresser or chest of drawers By Baker Furniture USA, circa 1980s Carved mahogany, with original brass hardware. ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Georgian Dressers

Materials

Brass

1950's Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Highboy Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Burbank, CA
Original 1950's Mid-Century Modern dresser for sale. Manufactured by American of Martinsville, and very solidly constructed. It has five drawers, and has been professionally refinish...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Recent Sales

Chippendale Mahogany Slant-Lid Desk with a Blocked Serpentine Front, MA
Located in Providence, RI
This is an estimable serpentine desk with blocked ends on magnificent gadrooned feet. Interestingly
Category

Antique 1780s North American Chippendale Desks

Materials

Mahogany

A Rare Diminutive Chippendale Block Front Desk and Bookcase
Located in New York, NY
Newport secretaries and chest-on-chests. The ogee bracket feet with blocked returns and scrolled volutes
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany, Cedar

1970s Brutalist Lane Staccato Nightstands with Drawer
By Lane Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
chest is done in a mosaic sculptural pattern of oak blocks on the drawer fronts. Beneath the drawer is
Category

Vintage 1970s North American Brutalist Night Stands

Materials

Oak

18th Century American Block Front Chest
Located in Greenwich, CT
18th Century Boston block front chest of drawers, the shaped and ogee molded top over four
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century American Block Front Chest
18th Century American Block Front Chest
H 30 in W 38.75 in D 21.5 in
Pair of Shell Chippendale Style Block Front Chests
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of shell Chippendale style block front chests. Each custom quality, American drew, crafted
Category

Vintage 1940s American Commodes and Chests of Drawers

American Oxbow Front Chest of Drawers
Located in Greenwich, CT
18th Century New England oxbow fronted chest of four drawers, the ogee molded top with dovetailed
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

American Oxbow Front Chest of Drawers
American Oxbow Front Chest of Drawers
H 32.5 in W 37 in D 20 in
Serpentine Front Painted Chest After Peter Hunt
Located in Hanover, MA
Serpentine front chest of drawers with later (perhaps mid-20th century) hand painted decorative
Category

Vintage 1950s American Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Miniature American Classical Salesman's Sample Chest of Drawers Box
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A fine American Classical salesman’s sample, the chest is crafted with fine attention to detail as
Category

Antique 19th Century American American Classical Commodes and Chests of ...

American Federal Inlaid Chest of Drawers
Located in Shippensburg, PA
continuation of the front of the chest up through the top, a somewhat unusual and perhaps unique construction
Category

Antique 19th Century American Federal Commodes and Chests of Drawers

American Federal Inlaid Chest of Drawers
American Federal Inlaid Chest of Drawers
H 45.25 in W 43.5 in D 22.38 in
Three Drawer American Art Deco Chest of Drawers
Located in New York, NY
A three drawer American Art Deco chest of drawers. The bow front drawers, top with waterfall edge
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Silver Leaf

American Federal Antique Blanket Chest on Flared Feet, Pennsylvania 19th Century
Located in Shippensburg, PA
American Federal Antique Blanket Chest on Flared Feet, Pennsylvania, circa Second Quarter of the
Category

Antique 19th Century American Blanket Chests

American Chippendale Painted Blanket Chest of Drawers, Pennsylvania c. 1790-1810
Located in Shippensburg, PA
through-tenons; note the face of the tenon is left open along the front of the chest, exposing the quality
Category

Antique 19th Century American Chippendale Blanket Chests

American Chippendale Red Faux-Grain Painted Blanket Chest of Drawers, circa 1800
Located in Shippensburg, PA
Crafted mostly of poplar in both primary and secondary woods, the exterior of this chest retains
Category

Antique 19th Century American Chippendale Blanket Chests

Materials

Wrought Iron

American Chippendale Antique Chest of Drawers, Pennsylvania circa 1770
Located in Shippensburg, PA
, a fine American Chippendale Walnut Chest of Drawers of rather desirable proportions. The chest has
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Chippendale Commodes and Chest...

American Chippendale Tiger Maple Chest of Drawers, circa 1790
Located in Shippensburg, PA
fronts a full depth poplar dust board. Interestingly, the underside of the chest is finished in a piece
Category

Antique Late 18th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Dr...

Materials

Brass

18th Century American Chippendale Walnut Antique Chest of Drawers
Located in Shippensburg, PA
scarring and triangular patch to one front foot facing; interior block of back proper left foot replaced
Category

Antique 1780s American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

American Chippendale Walnut Chest of Drawers, Pennsylvania, Late 18th Century
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A very attractive piece executed in solid walnut, this delightful chest of drawers was crafted
Category

Antique Late 18th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Dr...

Materials

Walnut

American Chippendale Oxbow Antique Chest of Drawers, Connecticut c. 1780
Located in Shippensburg, PA
[three oxbow chests discussed, two with flanking quarter columns and identical feet] American Antiques
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Chippendale Commodes and Chest...

Materials

Mahogany

Fine American Chippendale Cherry Chest of Drawers, Pennsylvania, circa 1770
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A most attractive piece of early Pennsylvania craftsmanship, this chest of drawers is one that
Category

Antique 1770s American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cherry

American Federal Birch Inlaid Mahogany Chest of Drawers, Massachusetts c. 1788
Located in Shippensburg, PA
Collection, vol. II, 1981, p. 515, f. 1231 [flamed birch chest, Salem Massachusetts] American Antiques from
Category

Antique 1780s American Federal Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

American Federal Walnut Tall Chest of Drawers, Pennsylvania circa 1810-1820
Located in Shippensburg, PA
American Federal Walnut Tall Chest Of Drawers With Fluted Columns Pennsylvania, circa 1810-1820
Category

Antique 19th Century American Federal Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Fine American Pennsylvania Chippendale Cherry Tall Chest of Drawers c. 1790-1810
Located in Shippensburg, PA
The entirety of this fine tall chest of drawers is preserved in nearly untouched condition. All
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Chippendale Commodes and Chest...

Materials

Brass

Chippendale Style Mahogany Block Front 3 Drawer Nightstand Chest Bedside Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Chippendale Style Mahogany block front 3 drawer nightstand chest bedside table. Item features
Category

Late 20th Century North American Chippendale Night Stands

Materials

Wood

Antique Chest of Drawers with Cross Handle Pulls
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Exquisite early 20th century solid wood chest of drawers. This solidly constructed piece features
Category

Early 20th Century North American Rustic Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Pennsylvania Chippendale Walnut Antique Bachelor's Chest of Drawers c. 1780
Located in Shippensburg, PA
molding are replaced, front left foot with blocking absent. We have 72 images of this chest of
Category

Antique 1780s American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

19th Century small Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Germany, Light Colored Mahogany
Located in Greven, DE
Small antique chest of drawers Northern Germany Light colored mahogany Mid-19th century
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century German Biedermeier Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Palatial Louis XV Style Commode by Maison Jansen
By Maison Jansen
Located in Stamford, CT
not be seen around. Oddly shaped block front with rounded corners and size make this piece a standout
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Rare American Queen Anne Child’s Slant-Front Desk, New England ca. 1760
Located in Shippensburg, PA
AMERICAN QUEEN ANNE MAHOGANIZED BIRCHWOOD CHILD'S SLANT-FRONT DESK New England States, circa 1760
Category

Antique 18th Century American Queen Anne Desks

Materials

Brass, Steel, Iron

Miniature Antique American Federal Salesmans Sample Chest of Drawers, circa 1800
Located in Shippensburg, PA
resting in grooves on either side. Each drawer of this American Federal miniature chest of drawers is
Category

Antique 19th Century American Federal Models and Miniatures

Materials

Mahogany, Pine

PENNSYLVANIA OR OHIO BLANKET CHEST
Located in York County, PA
PENNSYLVANIA OR OHIO BLANKET CHEST WITH EXHUBERANT PAINT-DECORATION, ca 1830-40: An
Category

Antique 19th Century American Painted Furniture

PENNSYLVANIA OR OHIO BLANKET CHEST
PENNSYLVANIA OR OHIO BLANKET CHEST
H 26.25 in W 45 in D 20.25 in
American Chippendale Mahogany Oxbow Desk, Massachusetts, circa 1770
Located in Shippensburg, PA
nails and reinforced along the front with three pine blocks. All drawers remain nearly untouched with
Category

Antique Late 18th Century American Chippendale Desks

Materials

Brass

American Chippendale Oxbow Desk on Ball and Claw Feet, Boston c. 1760
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A remarkable work of art, this fine American Chippendale slant front desk features the very
Category

Antique Late 18th Century American Chippendale Desks

Materials

Brass

Rare and Fine Federal Mahogany Linen Press with Secretary Desk, circa 1805-1815
Located in Shippensburg, PA
small blocks (generally pine); the only variation between linen drawers/chest of drawers is that some
Category

Antique 1810s American Federal Linen Presses

Materials

Brass

Blonde 1940s French & Heald Block Front Chest of Drawers
Located in Miami, FL
Blonde 1940s French & Heald Block Front Chest of drawers Offered for sale is an American blonde
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

19th Century Empire Bow-Front Chest in Burled Olivewood and Ebony
Located in Miami, FL
ebony, with bowed front and splayed block feet. American, probably Pennsylvania, circa 1820. This chest
Category

Antique Early 19th Century American Biedermeier Commodes and Chests of D...

Materials

Ebony, Elm, Olive

American Chippendale Oxbow Serpentine Chest of Drawers, Massachusetts
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A rather striking chest of drawers, the oxbow is a particularly difficult form to master and added
Category

Antique 1770s American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Vintage American Harold Grieve (Attrib) Painted Oak Chest Of Drawers
Located in Forney, TX
sides, stepped molding skirt, rising on bun feet in the front and block feet rear. Harold Grieve was
Category

Antique 19th Century American William and Mary Commodes and Chests of Dr...

Materials

Oak, Paint

American Federal Bowfront Mahogany Chest of Drawers, Mid Atlantic States c. 1790
Located in Shippensburg, PA
FINE AMERICAN FEDERAL MAHOGANY BOWFRONT CHEST OF DRAWERS Mid-Atlantic States, probably Maryland, c
Category

Antique 19th Century American Federal Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Antique English Regency Period Mahogany Cellarette Wine Cabinet & Large Samovar
Located in Forney, TX
on shaped front feet and block rear feet. circa 1815 Topped with a most impressive pair of
Category

Antique 19th Century English Regency Cabinets

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Copper

American Chippendale Style Walnut Block-Front Chest on Chest
Located in Denver, CO
century chest on chest. It features a bonnet top with three flaming urn finials. The two-part block front
Category

Early 20th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Chippendale Block-Front Bureau with Original Brasses, Boston
Located in Providence, RI
This is a 38 in. wide block front chest with a radiant mahogany red shining through its dark old
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Chippendale Commodes and Chest...

Materials

Mahogany

William IV Period Mahogany and Bird's Eye Maple Bow Front Chest of Drawers from Scotland Circa 1835
Located in Houston, TX
A William IV period mahogany and bird's eye maple bow front chest of drawers from Scotland circa
Category

Antique 19th Century Scottish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany, Birdseye Maple

Superbly Spooner
Located in Woodbury, CT
Spooner & Fitts Swelled-front Chest. A Sheraton Swelled-front Chest of Drawers in a fine old
Category

Antique 19th Century American Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cherry, Mahogany

Superbly Spooner
Superbly Spooner
H 42 in W 42 in D 21 in
Vintage Lane "Mosaic" Brutalist Nightstands or End Tables
By Lane Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of cabinets from American maker lane. One is a chest of drawers, one opens to reveal
Category

Vintage 1970s American Brutalist Night Stands

Materials

Walnut

American Cenntenial Block Front Mahogany Chest on Chest
Located in Bridgeport, CT
shell carvings, ball and claw feet, as well as block front in shape. Likely a direct copy of an
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American American Classical Commodes and Chest...

Materials

Mahogany

Chippendale Tiger Maple Chest with Original Brasses, New England, circa 1790
Located in Providence, RI
This tiger maple chest of small size (36 in. wide) has dramatic tiger maple drawer fronts with deep
Category

Antique 1790s American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Maple

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American Block Front Chest For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic American block front chest available at 1stDibs. Each American block front chest for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and brass. There are many kinds of the American block front chest you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. An American block front chest is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in mid-century modern, industrial and neoclassical styles are sought with frequency. Many designers have produced at least one well-made American block front chest over the years, but those crafted by American of Martinsville and Paul Evans are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is an American Block Front Chest?

An American block front chest can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $4,745, while the lowest priced sells for $2,495 and the highest can go for as much as $22,400.

Finding the Right storage-case-pieces for You

Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces 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 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. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.

Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, 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.

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