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SUBLIME ANTiQUE CHINESE CIRCA 1900 PAGODA TOP DISPLAY CASE BOOKCASE CABINET
SUBLIME ANTiQUE CHINESE CIRCA 1900 PAGODA TOP DISPLAY CASE BOOKCASE CABINET

SUBLIME ANTiQUE CHINESE CIRCA 1900 PAGODA TOP DISPLAY CASE BOOKCASE CABINET

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite Pagoda top, display cabinet which dates to the early 1900's depicting Bats and Yua...

Category

Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Display Cases

Materials

Wood

Bow fronted display cabinet
Bow fronted display cabinet

Bow fronted display cabinet

$1,727Sale Price|20% Off

Bow fronted display cabinet

Located in Cheshire, GB

Bow-fronted glass cabinet the shaped top with carved detail above bow-fronted glazed display case with mirrored door to the rear, all raised up on a plinth base.

Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Display Cases

Materials

Walnut

Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Group Display Cabinet
Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Group Display Cabinet

Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Group Display Cabinet

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in New York, NY

Very versatile can use the lower chest of drawers separately and the upper display case can be wall mounted and or used elsewhere.

Category

1850s American Mid-Century Modern Antique Display Cases

Materials

Aluminum

Art Nouveau walnut bookcase / display cabinet, circa 1910
Art Nouveau walnut bookcase / display cabinet, circa 1910

Art Nouveau walnut bookcase / display cabinet, circa 1910

By Atelier Majorelle, Louis Majorelle

Located in VÉZELAY, FR

Art Nouveau walnut bookcase / display case, circa 1910 Attributed to Louis Majorelle In carved walnut.

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Display Cases

Materials

Glass, Wood, Walnut

Lg Antique Chas Bodach Country Store Walnut & Glass Coiunter Top Display c1900
Lg Antique Chas Bodach Country Store Walnut & Glass Coiunter Top Display c1900

Lg Antique Chas Bodach Country Store Walnut & Glass Coiunter Top Display c1900

Located in Big Flats, NY

This antique country store display case, by Chas Bodach and dating to circa 1900, presents an example of early 20th-century retail fixtures.

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Display Cases

Materials

Walnut

18th Century German Stripped Oak Baroque Display Cabinet
18th Century German Stripped Oak Baroque Display Cabinet

18th Century German Stripped Oak Baroque Display Cabinet

Located in Dusseldorf, DE

Base cabinet with 2 drawers and slightly overhanging profiled top plate. On top the display case with glazed pilaster strips. Both the base unit and the display cabinet have 2 she...

Category

18th Century German Baroque Antique Display Cases

Materials

Glass, Oak

Large 19th Century Lead Workers Spa Display Cabinet
Large 19th Century Lead Workers Spa Display Cabinet

Large 19th Century Lead Workers Spa Display Cabinet

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Lead miners collected these minerals while working, making objects and producing display cases, both for competition against each other and to sell for extra income. 

Category

19th Century English Antique Display Cases

Materials

Crystal

Charming and Unusual Display Table, France, 19th Century
Charming and Unusual Display Table, France, 19th Century

Charming and Unusual Display Table, France, 19th Century

Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse

This lovely table features a large rectangular display case/ vitrine as the table top, supported by by four barley twist legs with ununsual feet.

Category

19th Century French Antique Display Cases

Asian Style Vitrine, XIXth century
Asian Style Vitrine, XIXth century

Asian Style Vitrine, XIXth century

Located in Beaune, FR

Very beautiful Asian-style display case with mother-of-pearl floral decorations.

Category

19th Century French Antique Display Cases

Materials

Wood

19th Century French Belle Époque Display Cabinet in the Manner of François Linke
19th Century French Belle Époque Display Cabinet in the Manner of François Linke

19th Century French Belle Époque Display Cabinet in the Manner of François Linke

By François Linke

Located in London, GB

French, circa 1900 Only the best Parisian workshops were able to Craft exquisite display cases of this quality, requiring access not only to attractive Kingwood timbers, but also ...

Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Display Cases

Materials

Ormolu

Antique Curved Glass Display Showcase - early 20th
Antique Curved Glass Display Showcase - early 20th

Antique Curved Glass Display Showcase - early 20th

Located in Linkebeek, BE

Countertop Display Cabinet Measures : 70x60cm H: 34cm Materials : Glass - Brass - wood Charming gilt brass countertop display case with a domed glass front.Dating from the late to e...

Category

Early 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Antique Display Cases

Materials

Brass

Art Deco display cabinet / showcase / bookcase in walnut, France, Circa 1920
Art Deco display cabinet / showcase / bookcase in walnut, France, Circa 1920

Art Deco display cabinet / showcase / bookcase in walnut, France, Circa 1920

By Paul Follot, Maurice Dufrêne

Located in VÉZELAY, FR

Cabinet / display case / bookcase with glass door, in walnut.

Category

1920s French Art Deco Antique Display Cases

Materials

Glass, Wood, Walnut

Art Deco display cabinet / showcase / bookcase in walnut, France, Circa 1920
Art Deco display cabinet / showcase / bookcase in walnut, France, Circa 1920

Art Deco display cabinet / showcase / bookcase in walnut, France, Circa 1920

By Maurice Dufrêne, Paul Follot

Located in VÉZELAY, FR

Cabinet / display case / show case / bookcase with glass door, in walnut.

Category

1920s French Art Deco Antique Display Cases

Materials

Glass, Wood, Walnut

Handsome Antique 2-Part Display Cabinet/Tallboy, France
Handsome Antique 2-Part Display Cabinet/Tallboy, France

Handsome Antique 2-Part Display Cabinet/Tallboy, France

Located in Copenhagen K, DK

This display case was originally a bookcase, and is from around 1890, with original glass from the time, as well as a beautiful newer black, and lovely sea blue hue within.

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Display Cases

Materials

Glass, Wood

High-quality Victorian mahogany display bookcase, mahogany, England, 19th centur
High-quality Victorian mahogany display bookcase, mahogany, England, 19th centur

High-quality Victorian mahogany display bookcase, mahogany, England, 19th centur

Located in Berlin, DE

Construction: The bookcase consists of a two-part frame with an upper glazed section (display case) and a lower, closed cabinet section.

Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Display Cases

Materials

Brass

19th Century Dutch Oak Display Corner Cabinet
19th Century Dutch Oak Display Corner Cabinet

19th Century Dutch Oak Display Corner Cabinet

Located in Delft, NL

A 19th century Dutch oak display corner cabinet The corner cabinet consists of 2 parts with the upper part of a display case with 2 doors and the interior of 2 shelves and a small...

Category

Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Display Cases

Materials

Oak

Chinese Diamond Lattice Display Cabinet, c. 1850
Chinese Diamond Lattice Display Cabinet, c. 1850

Chinese Diamond Lattice Display Cabinet, c. 1850

Located in Chicago, IL

Beneath the latticework are decorative panels carved with scrolls, censers, and other precious scholars' objects, the like of which would be placed on display on the shelves within. ...

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Display Cases

Materials

Brass

Stunning Practical Tall Slim Brass Display Cabinet, Early 1900s
Stunning Practical Tall Slim Brass Display Cabinet, Early 1900s

Stunning Practical Tall Slim Brass Display Cabinet, Early 1900s

Located in Copenhagen K, DK

It would have been used to display pocket watches and jewellery. Suitable as both a hanging showcase for the wall or as a tall display case on a table/console.

Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Display Cases

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Vitrine Display Cabinet Showcase by Conquet
French 19th Century Vitrine Display Cabinet Showcase by Conquet

French 19th Century Vitrine Display Cabinet Showcase by Conquet

By H. Conquet

Located in New York, NY

Shaped marble top over a display case having a central glass door flanked by solid doors with two drawers below, raised on cabriole legs.

Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Display Cases

Materials

Marble, Bronze

circa 1920 Bromann Brothers Mercantile Display
circa 1920 Bromann Brothers Mercantile Display

circa 1920 Bromann Brothers Mercantile Display

Located in Dekalb, IL

c. 1920s; Bromann Bros - Chicago, IL Early 20th century wood and glass display case manufactured by Bromann Brothers. This piece features milk glass tiles near the base bordered by ...

Category

1920s American Industrial Antique Display Cases

Materials

Wood

19th Century French Louis XV Style Vitrine or Display Table
19th Century French Louis XV Style Vitrine or Display Table

19th Century French Louis XV Style Vitrine or Display Table

Located in Winter Park, FL

A 19th century French Louis XV style table vitrine or display case made of beech and pine. Oval quatrefoil shaped hinged glass top lifts up to allow access to a red velvet fabric lin...

Category

19th Century French Louis XV Antique Display Cases

Materials

Velvet, Glass, Beech, Pine

French Black Lacquer Napoleon III Showcase 19th Century
French Black Lacquer Napoleon III Showcase 19th Century

French Black Lacquer Napoleon III Showcase 19th Century

Located in Lisbon, PT

A one-of-a-kind Napoleon III-style showcase, cabinet, or display case for bijouterie and jewels. Interior features a glass bottom, translucent glass shelves, corniced top, marquetry,...

Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Display Cases

Materials

Marble, Brass

Antique French Display Cabinet Vitrine with Glass Doors, Carved Wood
Antique French Display Cabinet Vitrine with Glass Doors, Carved Wood

Antique French Display Cabinet Vitrine with Glass Doors, Carved Wood

Located in BŘECLAV, CZ

Ideal for use in dining rooms, living spaces, or as a display case, this vitrine combines practicality with refined European craftsmanship.

Category

1870s French Renaissance Revival Antique Display Cases

Materials

Brass

A 19th-Century Italian Renaissance Revival Display Cabinet
A 19th-Century Italian Renaissance Revival Display Cabinet

A 19th-Century Italian Renaissance Revival Display Cabinet

Located in San Francisco, CA

This exuberantly carved display case is a magnificent example of a 19th-century French or Italian Renaissance Revival cabinet.

Category

19th Century Renaissance Revival Antique Display Cases

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Louis XV / Louis XVI Style Vitrine with Bronze - XIXth Century
Louis XV / Louis XVI Style Vitrine with Bronze - XIXth Century

Louis XV / Louis XVI Style Vitrine with Bronze - XIXth Century

Located in Beaune, FR

Louis XV Louis XVI style mahogany and gilded bronze display case with one door with curved glass. There are two glass shelves inside.

Category

19th Century French Louis XV Antique Display Cases

Materials

Bronze

French Showcase Vitrine in the antique Transition Style 1870 mahogany veneer
French Showcase Vitrine in the antique Transition Style 1870 mahogany veneer

French Showcase Vitrine in the antique Transition Style 1870 mahogany veneer

Located in Berlin, DE

On its curled feet, a draped frame. Three-sided glazed display case. Slightly protruding top plate with brass gallery.

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Display Cases

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century French Regence Carved Oak Tall Glass Vitrine Display Cabinet
19th Century French Regence Carved Oak Tall Glass Vitrine Display Cabinet

19th Century French Regence Carved Oak Tall Glass Vitrine Display Cabinet

Located in Dallas, TX

Crafted in Normandy, France circa 1880 and built in two sections of solid oak, the elegant display case features two glazed doors, upper and lower, each framed by deeply carved flora...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Display Cases

Materials

Glass, Oak

Small antique bookcase
Small antique bookcase

Small antique bookcase

Located in BEEKBERGEN, NL

Beautiful small 2-door bookcase/display case in walnut. Completely in original condition.

Category

1890s English Late Victorian Antique Display Cases

Materials

Walnut

Gabriel Viardot (attributed To) - Orientalist Showcase / cabinet
Gabriel Viardot (attributed To) - Orientalist Showcase / cabinet

Gabriel Viardot (attributed To) - Orientalist Showcase / cabinet

By Gabriel Viardot

Located in BARSAC, FR

Magnificent carved wood display case with rich Asian-inspired with different levels of shelves and niches, as well as a door decorated and a door with plant decoration in mother-of-p...

Category

Late 19th Century French Japonisme Antique Display Cases

Materials

Wood

18 Century English Sheraton George III Satinwood Cabinet Bookcase, circa 1785
18 Century English Sheraton George III Satinwood Cabinet Bookcase, circa 1785

18 Century English Sheraton George III Satinwood Cabinet Bookcase, circa 1785

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A classic period Sheraton English satinwood and tulipwood China display case or bookcase the upper section with dentil cornice above a pair of astragal glazed doors, enclosing three ...

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Display Cases

Materials

Satinwood

Antique Quartersawn Oak Side by Side Secretary Desk Bookcase Curio Cabinet
Antique Quartersawn Oak Side by Side Secretary Desk Bookcase Curio Cabinet

Antique Quartersawn Oak Side by Side Secretary Desk Bookcase Curio Cabinet

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique Victorian side by side / secretary desk / bookcase / display case. Made of quartersawn oak featuring Art Nouveau styling with curio cabinet next to a drop front secretary ove...

Category

Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Antique Display Cases

Materials

Mirror, Oak

19th Century Bookcase
19th Century Bookcase

19th Century Bookcase

$3,770Sale Price|35% Off

19th Century Bookcase

Located in New York, NY

19th Century Bookcase Round Corner Display Case Shanxi. Wonderful Round Corner Bookcase, Display case, Scholars Shelf.

Category

1850s Chinese Qing Antique Display Cases

Materials

Elm

18th Century Imperial Russian Gilt Bronze, Brass and Mahogany Display Cabinet
18th Century Imperial Russian Gilt Bronze, Brass and Mahogany Display Cabinet

18th Century Imperial Russian Gilt Bronze, Brass and Mahogany Display Cabinet

By Christian Meyer

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

Structurally, the book/display case is made up of three sections which the French call " trois corps"; a central top pediment; a top section with three glazed doors opening to reveal...

Category

Late 18th Century Russian Neoclassical Antique Display Cases

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-Century Credenza Palazzi del Mobile with Showcase , Paolo Buffa Style
Mid-Century Credenza Palazzi del Mobile with Showcase , Paolo Buffa Style

Mid-Century Credenza Palazzi del Mobile with Showcase , Paolo Buffa Style

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Vigonza, Padua

Cupboard two bodies 1940s curved walnut folder, Cantu production ,Paolo Buffa Style designer Top: Central display case with internal shelf and sandblasted stained glass; two doors wi...

Category

Early 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Antique Display Cases

Materials

Walnut

20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vitrine Inlaid Wood, 1920s
20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vitrine Inlaid Wood, 1920s

20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vitrine Inlaid Wood, 1920s

Located in Casale Monferrato, IT

Good internal capacity. The display case is used but in very good condition to indicate small slit in the lower back caused by the natural movement of the wood. on the elegant green ...

Category

1920s Italian Art Nouveau Antique Display Cases

Materials

Walnut

Antique Arts & Crafts Brass Top Table with Display Cabinet Compartment
Antique Arts & Crafts Brass Top Table with Display Cabinet Compartment

Antique Arts & Crafts Brass Top Table with Display Cabinet Compartment

Located in Seattle, WA

Antique Arts & Crafts oak side table features beveled glass display case under hammered brass table top Measures 28 in tall by 24 in diameter.

Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Display Cases

Materials

Brass

STUNNING ANTiQUE VICTORIAN SHERATON WALNUT DRAWERS WITH NAPOLEONIC BLUE DISPLAY
STUNNING ANTiQUE VICTORIAN SHERATON WALNUT DRAWERS WITH NAPOLEONIC BLUE DISPLAY

STUNNING ANTiQUE VICTORIAN SHERATON WALNUT DRAWERS WITH NAPOLEONIC BLUE DISPLAY

By Sheraton Revival

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

A very good looking well made and decorative piece, ideal for housing trinkets and collections in the top section, its made with luxury Mahogany & Walnut and looks expensive and ...

Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Display Cases

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Biedermeier Vitrine Cabinet in Fruitwood & Ebonized Detail, Germany, circa 1825
Biedermeier Vitrine Cabinet in Fruitwood & Ebonized Detail, Germany, circa 1825

Biedermeier Vitrine Cabinet in Fruitwood & Ebonized Detail, Germany, circa 1825

Located in Atlanta, GA

19th century German Biedermeier vitrine on cabinet base in fruitwood with ebonized and gilt accents. The display case with architectural pediment, fronted by glass panels with flanki...

Category

19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Display Cases

Materials

Fruitwood

19th Century, Louis XVI Style Golden Wood & Wedgwood Vitrine
19th Century, Louis XVI Style Golden Wood & Wedgwood Vitrine

19th Century, Louis XVI Style Golden Wood & Wedgwood Vitrine

Located in Beaune, FR

Magnificent curved display case in gilded wood with white marble top in Louis XVI style.

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Display Cases

Materials

Glass, Giltwood

Rustic Folk Art Cabinet, France, Early 20th Century
Rustic Folk Art Cabinet, France, Early 20th Century

Rustic Folk Art Cabinet, France, Early 20th Century

Located in Antwerp, BE

The top section of the cabinet remains open and provides an ideal display case for your treasured collectibles and decorative pieces.

Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Antique Display Cases

Materials

Wood

20th Century Large French Oak Bookcase Display Cabinet with Adjustable Shelves
20th Century Large French Oak Bookcase Display Cabinet with Adjustable Shelves

20th Century Large French Oak Bookcase Display Cabinet with Adjustable Shelves

Located in Round Top, TX

Restored, this large display case is ready to be used and enjoyed. No locks, key is included to use as a "pull" in the doors.

Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Antique Display Cases

Materials

Glass, Oak, Paint

Japanese Antique Paper Pasted Large Open Showcase / Wabi-Sabi
Japanese Antique Paper Pasted Large Open Showcase / Wabi-Sabi

Japanese Antique Paper Pasted Large Open Showcase / Wabi-Sabi

Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture

This large open display case is finished by hand with layers of aged Japanese paper, carefully applied one sheet at a time.

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Minimalist Antique Display Cases

Materials

Oak, Paper, Cedar, Hardwood

Antique Rustic Scholars Bookcase
Antique Rustic Scholars Bookcase

Antique Rustic Scholars Bookcase

Located in New York, NY

A fantastic natural utilitarian book or display case In good condition. Wonderful rustic piece that will warm any setting.

Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Display Cases

Materials

Elm

18th Century George III English Satinwood & Hand Painted Side Cabinet / Commode
18th Century George III English Satinwood & Hand Painted Side Cabinet / Commode

18th Century George III English Satinwood & Hand Painted Side Cabinet / Commode

Located in Dublin, IE

A very fine George III satinwood and hand painted side cabinet, the superstructure with central mirror backed arch display case, flanked by painted panelled doors on either side.

Category

Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Display Cases

Materials

Satinwood

Mahogany Museum Cabinet from the V & A Museum, London
Mahogany Museum Cabinet from the V & A Museum, London

Mahogany Museum Cabinet from the V & A Museum, London

Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire

A superb quality museum display case or cabinet from the world famous Victoria and Albert (V&A) museum in London.

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Antique Display Cases

Materials

Mahogany, Glass, Wood

French Art Deco Walnut Cabinet/ Vitrine/ Bar/ Bookcase with Metal Leaf Detail
French Art Deco Walnut Cabinet/ Vitrine/ Bar/ Bookcase with Metal Leaf Detail

French Art Deco Walnut Cabinet/ Vitrine/ Bar/ Bookcase with Metal Leaf Detail

Located in New York City, NY

The center of the cabinet houses a mirrored backed glass display case which rests under a metal leaf apron circumventing the top surface and is a decorative feature affording the pie...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Antique Display Cases

Materials

Silver Leaf

19th Century antique Biedermeier Corner Cupboard Cuba Mahogany Veneer
19th Century antique Biedermeier Corner Cupboard Cuba Mahogany Veneer

19th Century antique Biedermeier Corner Cupboard Cuba Mahogany Veneer

Located in Berlin, DE

The corner cabinet is in an unrestored condition with a warm patina grown over decades. This corner display case comes from an Berlin estate.

Category

19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Display Cases

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Napoleon III Style Vitrine
19th Century Napoleon III Style Vitrine

19th Century Napoleon III Style Vitrine

Located in Miami, FL

Mirrored back wall. The display case has a marble slab surrounded by a decorative grid.

Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Display Cases

Materials

Bronze

Louis XIV Antique Ebonized Brass-Inlaid Display Cabinet Bookcase Vitrine
Louis XIV Antique Ebonized Brass-Inlaid Display Cabinet Bookcase Vitrine

Louis XIV Antique Ebonized Brass-Inlaid Display Cabinet Bookcase Vitrine

Located in Shippensburg, PA

The front is a picture of contrast, the elaborate boulle-work with symmetrical displays of brass inlay that flow across every aspect of the facade being sharp and brilliant against t...

Category

18th Century French Louis XIV Antique Display Cases

Materials

Brass

SUITE OF FiVE SHERATON REVIVIAL LED LIGHT DISPLAY CABINETS WITH GLASS SHELVES
SUITE OF FiVE SHERATON REVIVIAL LED LIGHT DISPLAY CABINETS WITH GLASS SHELVES

SUITE OF FiVE SHERATON REVIVIAL LED LIGHT DISPLAY CABINETS WITH GLASS SHELVES

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

These are a very good looking well made and decorative suite of display cases, they have been fully restored to have all the lights removed and replaced with new LED's, they each hav...

Category

Early 20th Century English Sheraton Antique Display Cases

Materials

Hardwood, Satinwood, Walnut

Viennese Art Nouveau showcase table Hans Bolek August Ungethüm 1913
Viennese Art Nouveau showcase table Hans Bolek August Ungethüm 1913

Viennese Art Nouveau showcase table Hans Bolek August Ungethüm 1913

By August Ungethüm Kunstmöbel-Fabrik, Hans Bolek

Located in Klosterneuburg, AT

Particularly impressive is the cabinet display case, whose interior is lined with precious mahogany veneer, giving the display case a warm and deep aura.

Category

1910s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Display Cases

Materials

Spruce

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Antique Display Cases For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of antique display cases is available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, glass and mahogany, all antique display cases available were constructed with great care. Antique display cases have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. There are many kinds of antique display cases to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Victorian, Louis XV and Louis XVI antique display cases are of considerable interest. Maple & Co., Edwards and Roberts and Siegel Paris each produced beautiful antique display cases that are worth considering.

How Much are Antique Display Cases?

Prices for antique display cases start at $40 and top out at $21,097,188 with the average selling for $3,879.

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.

Questions About Antique Display Cases
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
    A glass display case is also called a showcase, vitrine, or display cabinet. It usually has one or more panels of transparent glass that allows for proper display of your treasured collectibles. Find a collection of antique and vintage furniture on 1stDibs today.

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