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Large Bamboo Wall Unit with Bamboo Arches and Dark Glass, Denmark
Large Bamboo Wall Unit with Bamboo Arches and Dark Glass, Denmark

Large Bamboo Wall Unit with Bamboo Arches and Dark Glass, Denmark

Located in Oirlo, LI

A beautiful bamboo wall unit with curved bamboo freestanding unit or bookcase from the 1970s. Wonderful Scandinavian feeling, from Denmark. This piece of furniture is in perfec...

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Bamboo

Pair of French Art Deco Arched Top Polished Wood Etageres
Pair of French Art Deco Arched Top Polished Wood Etageres

Pair of French Art Deco Arched Top Polished Wood Etageres

Located in Troy, MI

Footed platform base with three fixed shelves and elegant arched tops. Sold and priced as a pair, circa 1930s.  

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Shelves

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary

Located in Wichita, KS

The interior has six drawers and a center door cabinet flanked by two arched shelves. There are 3 large drawers below the drop-front desk surface.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Swedish Gustavian Desks

Mahogany Hanging Curio Display Wall Shelf 20th C
Mahogany Hanging Curio Display Wall Shelf 20th C

Mahogany Hanging Curio Display Wall Shelf 20th C

Located in Big Flats, NY

A hanging curio display wall shelf offers mahogany construction with three shelves and arched upper compartments, 20th century Measures- 24.5''H x 39.5''W x 6''D.

Category

20th Century Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Tall Mid-20th Century Woven Wicker Bookcases or Etagere
Pair of Tall Mid-20th Century Woven Wicker Bookcases or Etagere

Pair of Tall Mid-20th Century Woven Wicker Bookcases or Etagere

Located in Palm Beach, FL

A pair of mid-20th century woven wicker or rattan shelves or bookcases, currently with three glass shelves, but with the potential for six shelves.

Category

Vintage 1960s Chinese Organic Modern Shelves

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chrome Glass Baughman Étagère Bookcase Display Shelf
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chrome Glass Baughman Étagère Bookcase Display Shelf

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chrome Glass Baughman Étagère Bookcase Display Shelf

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Item features chrome frame, arched supports, 5 glass shelves, clean modernist lines, sleek sculptural form, circa mid-20th century.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Tall Arched Iron Mid-Century Modern Bookcase Etagere Mesh Shelves
Pair of Tall Arched Iron Mid-Century Modern Bookcase Etagere Mesh Shelves

Pair of Tall Arched Iron Mid-Century Modern Bookcase Etagere Mesh Shelves

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage pair of tall arched iron mid-century modern bookcase shelves. Item features six mesh shelves, tall narrow form, heavy iron construction, a few drill holes from original wall ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Iron

Vintage Coastal Arched Rattan Etagere, a Pair
Vintage Coastal Arched Rattan Etagere, a Pair

Vintage Coastal Arched Rattan Etagere, a Pair

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Fantastic pair of vintage Coastal etagere. Beautiful arched design with inset glass shelves. Beautiful in their simplicity.

Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Bookcases

Materials

Rattan, Glass

Vintage Beacon Hill Mahogany Arched Top English Regency Bookcase
Vintage Beacon Hill Mahogany Arched Top English Regency Bookcase

Vintage Beacon Hill Mahogany Arched Top English Regency Bookcase

By Beacon Hill

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

Vintage Beacon Hill Regency style arched mahogany bookcase with 3 shelves over 2 doors.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Regency Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Early 19th Century Pine Arch Top 4-Door Corner Cupboard
Early 19th Century Pine Arch Top 4-Door Corner Cupboard

Early 19th Century Pine Arch Top 4-Door Corner Cupboard

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous features and details such as, dentil moulding, arch top doors, scalloped shelves with original green paint, mortise and tenon construction and a curved back.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English George III Corner Cupboards

Materials

Pine

Period Gustavian Swedish Cabinet from 19th Century with Many Interior Shelves
Period Gustavian Swedish Cabinet from 19th Century with Many Interior Shelves

Period Gustavian Swedish Cabinet from 19th Century with Many Interior Shelves

Located in Atlanta, GA

This Swedish cabinet features two doors in the upper section, opening to multiple inner shelves. An opened arched section separates the top from the lower part, made of two smaller d...

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Danish Modern Pair of Small Wall Bookcases Shelves Curved Top Teak
Mid Century Danish Modern Pair of Small Wall Bookcases Shelves Curved Top Teak

Mid Century Danish Modern Pair of Small Wall Bookcases Shelves Curved Top Teak

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Pair of beautiful mid century Danish modern teak small display wall shelves - arched form with three fixed shelves. Wired to hang on wall vertically.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Mahogany Chippendale Style Wall Hanging Curio Cabinet Display Shelf 22"
Mahogany Chippendale Style Wall Hanging Curio Cabinet Display Shelf 22"

Mahogany Chippendale Style Wall Hanging Curio Cabinet Display Shelf 22"

Located in Dayton, OH

Vintage 20th century mahogany Chippendale style curio / display cabinet featuring a three sided glass front, arch top, and three interior shelves. Back of cabinet is fitted with slot...

Category

Late 20th Century Georgian Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

Continental 19th Century Cabinet
Continental 19th Century Cabinet

Continental 19th Century Cabinet

Located in Charlottesville, VA

The carved cornice top over three doors having six arched glazed panels having shelves and one drawer, over a dresser base having two drawers over three small carved-arch doors behin...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Wood

Queen Anne Walnut Secretary Bookcase
Queen Anne Walnut Secretary Bookcase

Queen Anne Walnut Secretary Bookcase

Located in Essex, MA

With broken arch pediment with floral carved scrolled volutes over a pair of arched glazed doors enclosing shelves, the base with slant lid desk opening to a fitted interior over fou...

Category

Antique 1720s English Queen Anne Bookcases

Late 20th Century Vintage Coastal Woven Rattan Etagere - a Pair
Late 20th Century Vintage Coastal Woven Rattan Etagere - a Pair

Late 20th Century Vintage Coastal Woven Rattan Etagere - a Pair

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A chic woven rattan in a clean arched design. Inset woven rattan shelves. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blanket Chests

Materials

Rattan

Queen Anne Japanned Secretary
Queen Anne Japanned Secretary

Queen Anne Japanned Secretary

Located in Essex, MA

Likely Dutch. With arched cornice over a pair of arched doors opening to shelves and drawers, the base with hinged slant lid writing surface opening to a fitted compartment with draw...

Category

Antique 1720s Dutch Queen Anne Bookcases

Materials

Oak, Paint

Charles Limbert Arts and Crafts Oak Magazine Stand Mission Stickley Roycroft
Charles Limbert Arts and Crafts Oak Magazine Stand Mission Stickley Roycroft

Charles Limbert Arts and Crafts Oak Magazine Stand Mission Stickley Roycroft

By Charles Limbert

Located in Forest Grove, PA

A Charles Limbert Arts & Crafts magazine stand with two shelves, arched aprons, pinned through-tenons and inset top.

Category

Antique Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Oak

Monumental Maitland Smith Neoclassical Burl Ash Library Bookcase Wall Unit
Monumental Maitland Smith Neoclassical Burl Ash Library Bookcase Wall Unit

Monumental Maitland Smith Neoclassical Burl Ash Library Bookcase Wall Unit

By Maitland Smith

Located in Dayton, OH

Features two concealed shelves behind and arched front with columns. Lower half includes six drawers with knocker pulls.

Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Bookcases

Materials

Ash, Mahogany, Burl

Matched Pair of Mahogany Midcentury China Cabinets or Bookcases
Matched Pair of Mahogany Midcentury China Cabinets or Bookcases

Matched Pair of Mahogany Midcentury China Cabinets or Bookcases

Located in Milford, NH

A fine matched pair of mahogany midcentury china cabinets or bookcases, each with a single glass door with arched wooden molding in its upper half, opening to three interior shelves,...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Georgian Ash Open Bookshelf Cabinets by Baker Furniture, Model #3970
Pair of Georgian Ash Open Bookshelf Cabinets by Baker Furniture, Model #3970

Pair of Georgian Ash Open Bookshelf Cabinets by Baker Furniture, Model #3970

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Toledo, OH

These cabinets are Model #3970 as shown in a vintage Baker Catalog. Cabinets feature arched opening with three adjustable shelves. The shelves have shaped fronts and double plate g...

Category

20th Century American Georgian Bookcases

Italian Baroque Style Inlaid Walnut Bureau Secretary
Italian Baroque Style Inlaid Walnut Bureau Secretary

Italian Baroque Style Inlaid Walnut Bureau Secretary

By Alfonso Marina

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The upper half features an arched cornice over two doors that can be locked, which open to reveal a section consisting of shelves flanking a central arched door.

Category

Early 2000s Mexican Baroque Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

English Georgian Mahogany Satinwood Inlaid Hinged Door China Press, Circa 1790
English Georgian Mahogany Satinwood Inlaid Hinged Door China Press, Circa 1790

English Georgian Mahogany Satinwood Inlaid Hinged Door China Press, Circa 1790

Located in Charleston, SC

English Georgian mahogany china press / bookcase with a carved molded edge cornice, upper case with the original flanking hinged glass doors and arched mullions, three interior adjus...

Category

Antique 1790s English Georgian Bookcases

Materials

Brass

George III Mahogany Bookcase
George III Mahogany Bookcase

George III Mahogany Bookcase

Located in Bridgeport, CT

George III period, with carved overhanging cornice, double glass doors with arched mullions, two interior shelves, and turned half column supports.

Category

Antique 19th Century Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Stunning Dorothy Draper Viennese China Cabinet Hutch for Henredon
Stunning Dorothy Draper Viennese China Cabinet Hutch for Henredon

Stunning Dorothy Draper Viennese China Cabinet Hutch for Henredon

By Dorothy Draper, Henredon

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Above the base is a vitrine section with two arched top doors, and three shelves. Vitrine has a triple-bonnet top that accentuates Draper's signature flowing ornamentation.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

French 20th Century Painted Bookcase
French 20th Century Painted Bookcase

French 20th Century Painted Bookcase

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

In this example–along the lines of a buffet a deux corps–the upper body features open shelves between two arches, crowned with a frieze decorated with diamond-shaped panels over each...

Category

20th Century French Other Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Paint

Massachusetts Federal Hepplewhite Secretary with Bookcase in Mahogany
Massachusetts Federal Hepplewhite Secretary with Bookcase in Mahogany

Massachusetts Federal Hepplewhite Secretary with Bookcase in Mahogany

Located in INTERLAKEN, NY

The upper section has a stepped crest topped with urn finials and glazed doors with Gothic arches opening to adjustable shelves. Middle section has tambour doors flanking a central e...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century American Federal Secretaires

Materials

Kingwood, Mahogany, Satinwood

19th Century English Mahogany Bookcase
19th Century English Mahogany Bookcase

19th Century English Mahogany Bookcase

Located in Dallas, TX

The multi-tiered crown is adorned with a bas relief pattern of alternating quatrefoils and four-pointed stars overlooking the upper glazed doors which have interesting half-arched mu...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Neoclassical Revival Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Arched Etagere
Arched Etagere

Arched Etagere

Sold|$1,650

Arched Etagere

Located in New York, NY

Chrome-plated steel etagere with a whimsical array of glass shelves. Located at Las Venus @ ABC Home 646-602-3519

Category

Vintage 1970s American Shelves

Materials

Chrome, Steel

Pair Chrome Arched Etageres
Pair Chrome Arched Etageres

Pair Chrome Arched Etageres

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Pair of Chrome Arched Etageres with glass shelves in nice as found VINTAGE condition.

Category

20th Century American Shelves

Pair of Arched Etageres
Pair of Arched Etageres

Pair of Arched Etageres

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Two early 20th century European Minimalist open étagères. In original grey enameled finish over iron. Each having four inset glass shelves.

Category

Early 20th Century European Industrial Shelves

1970s Arched Top Brass Étagère
1970s Arched Top Brass Étagère

1970s Arched Top Brass Étagère

Located in New York, NY

Arched top brass étagère with five glass shelves, USA, 1970s.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Shelves

Materials

Brass

Four Tier Arched Chrome Etagere
Four Tier Arched Chrome Etagere

Four Tier Arched Chrome Etagere

Located in Miami, FL

Four thick glass shelves, solid structure frame.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Shelves

Materials

Chrome

Rare Oriental-style Bamboo Victorian Pastry Stand
Rare Oriental-style Bamboo Victorian Pastry Stand

Rare Oriental-style Bamboo Victorian Pastry Stand

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Oriental-style, Austrian-made, Victorian pastry stand, upright bamboo-turned footed frame fitted with two tilt-down arched shelves, decorated on front with Japanese floral and bird d...

Category

20th Century Austrian Tray Tables

Rare Oriental-Style Bamboo Victorian Pastry Stand
Rare Oriental-Style Bamboo Victorian Pastry Stand

Rare Oriental-Style Bamboo Victorian Pastry Stand

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Oriental-style, Austrian-made, Victorian pastry stand, upright bamboo-turned footed frame fitted with two tilt-down arched shelves, decorated on front with Japanese floral and bird d...

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Dessert Tables and Tilt-top Tables

Steel and Brass Etagere
Steel and Brass Etagere

Steel and Brass Etagere

Located in New York, NY

Integral decorative brass brackets hold glass shelves. Elegant angular arched top. Finely wrought.

Category

Vintage 1960s French Shelves

Materials

Brass

BLUE PAINTED INTERIOR ARCHITECTUAL ARCH
BLUE PAINTED INTERIOR ARCHITECTUAL ARCH

BLUE PAINTED INTERIOR ARCHITECTUAL ARCH

Located in Stamford, CT

COULD BE USED WITH A SOFA TO BREAK UP LONG HALL - A MASTERPIECE IN DINING ROOM OR LIVING ROOM. CARVED ARCH FLOWERS AND BEADING , SIDE SHELVES AND DOORS.

Category

French Architectural Elements

Anglo-Indian Rosewood Armoire with Satinwood Drawers
Anglo-Indian Rosewood Armoire with Satinwood Drawers

Anglo-Indian Rosewood Armoire with Satinwood Drawers

Located in San Francisco, CA

Anglo- Indian rosewood armoire with arched panel doors, double brass locks. Side panels have double arched doors.

Category

20th Century Indian Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Rosewood

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Pair End Tables
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Pair End Tables

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Pair End Tables

Located in New York, NY

Pair 1950's Gibbings end tables in solid walnut with curved arch detail & lower shelves. Superb condition.

Category

Vintage 1950s American End Tables

Japanese Incised and Lacquered Cabinet Vitrine
Japanese Incised and Lacquered Cabinet Vitrine

Japanese Incised and Lacquered Cabinet Vitrine

Located in Stamford, CT

Japanese Incised and Lacquered Cabinet Vitrine with silk lined shelves and glass arched doors and lower drawers for storage.

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Vitrines

Superb 1950s Italian Baroque Style Parcel Gilt Green Painted Cabinet
Superb 1950s Italian Baroque Style Parcel Gilt Green Painted Cabinet

Superb 1950s Italian Baroque Style Parcel Gilt Green Painted Cabinet

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This is a superb very elegant antique style bookcase or cabinet in two parts with lighting inside . the upper section with a raised molded scroll cresting over two glazed arched door...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Cabinets

Pair of Stripped Oak  Cabinets
Pair of Stripped Oak  Cabinets

Pair of Stripped Oak Cabinets

Located in New York, NY

A Pair of Stripped Oak Cabinets With Arch Tops and Shelves Inside, Newly Made, Useing Old Elements, Fronts have Artificial Glass

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Cabinets

Antique Armoire
Antique Armoire

Antique Armoire

Sold|$4,500

Antique Armoire

Located in Los Angeles, CA

With beautiful scrolling cut out shelves, arched top, and interior refinished in weathered cream paint.

Category

Antique 19th Century Belgian Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Oak

Arts & Crafts Two Door Bookcase
Arts & Crafts Two Door Bookcase

Arts & Crafts Two Door Bookcase

Located in Pasadena, CA

American two-door bookcase c. 1905, with cut-out gallery top, arched apron, and three interior shelves. Quartersawn oak with brass pulls.

Category

Early 20th Century American Bookcases

Pair Custom Bookcases
Pair Custom Bookcases

Pair Custom Bookcases

Located in Savannah, GA

Pair custom bookcases with decorative details, including crown mold, moorish arch, paneled pillars, and adjustable shelves. The cases are backed with bead board.

Category

Late 20th Century American Bookcases

Materials

Wood

a sycamore sideboard attributed to Lahalle & Levard
a sycamore sideboard attributed to Lahalle & Levard

a sycamore sideboard attributed to Lahalle & Levard

By Lahalle et Levard

Located in Janvry, Essonne

a sycamore sideboard with an ondulating line: 2 lateral small bent doors,central curved twin doors,3 shelves,original keys,arched groove legs with scrolled ends

Category

Vintage 1940s French Sideboards

Materials

Sycamore

English Pine Bookcase and Display Cabinet
English Pine Bookcase and Display Cabinet

English Pine Bookcase and Display Cabinet

Located in Houston, TX

Handsome bookcase features a center piece for display with arched top and shaped shelves. Interior back is paneled Entire cabinet has been illuminated with low voltage lighting...

Category

Late 20th Century English Georgian Bookcases

Materials

Pine

Late Regency Period Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase
Late Regency Period Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase

Late Regency Period Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase

Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire

A late Regency period mahogany breakfront bookcase, with Gothic arched glazed doors with adjustable shelves above a well fitted secretaire drawer and cupboards, pierced brass plate h...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Early 18th c. Corner Cabinet
Early 18th c. Corner Cabinet

Early 18th c. Corner Cabinet

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

Two fitted doors enclosing shelves. Arched open pediment with one shelf. Two small drawers with carved fronts.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Corner Cupboards

Louis XVI Style Desserte
Louis XVI Style Desserte

Louis XVI Style Desserte

Located in Austin, TX

The inside has 2 adjustable shelves. The arched top Mirror attached to the back is beveled.

Category

Early 20th Century French Sideboards

Materials

Marble

Georgian Corner Cupboard in Oak
Georgian Corner Cupboard in Oak

Georgian Corner Cupboard in Oak

Located in Whaley Bridge, GB

Sn736B Fine example of Georgian, oak and mahogany, freestanding corner cupboard of unusual small proportions, having moulded cornice with mahogany crossbanded frieze below, single gl...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Corner Cupboards

Materials

Oak

A Swedish Neoclassical Mahogany Bookcase
A Swedish Neoclassical Mahogany Bookcase

A Swedish Neoclassical Mahogany Bookcase

Located in New York, NY

Of architectural form, the recessed plinth top above two glazed doors divided by arched mullions enclosing five shelves, the lower sections with two solid doors, on a stepped base.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Swedish Bookcases

L & JG Stickley Arts & Crafts Stand
L & JG Stickley Arts & Crafts Stand

L & JG Stickley Arts & Crafts Stand

Located in San Francisco, CA

Model No. 47 Four shelves above an arched toe board, supported by slab sides with through-tenon and pegged construction.

Category

Early 20th Century American Pedestals

Materials

Oak

Period Baroque Cabinet
Period Baroque Cabinet

Period Baroque Cabinet

Located in Sheffield, MA

The upper section has two raised panel doors under a bold arched cornice and three shelves and four small drawers inside.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Swedish Baroque Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Magnificent Victorian Haberdashery Bookcase Display Cabinet Antique Mahogany
Magnificent Victorian Haberdashery Bookcase Display Cabinet Antique Mahogany

Magnificent Victorian Haberdashery Bookcase Display Cabinet Antique Mahogany

Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury

Fabulous antique Victorian Haberdashery style mahogany bookcase enclosed by a single arched glazed door with adjustable shelves within, with applied 'Fry's Milk Chocolate' advertisin...

Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

A Liberty & Co Arts & Crafts Stained Oak Bookcase  Circa 1890
A Liberty & Co Arts & Crafts Stained Oak Bookcase  Circa 1890

A Liberty & Co Arts & Crafts Stained Oak Bookcase Circa 1890

By Liberty & Co., Leonard F. Wyburd

Located in London, GB

The upper section inscribed with a hand formed copper motto, 'READ NOT TO BELIEVE & TAKE FOR GRANTED BUT TO WEIGH & CONSIDER,' above a pair of open shelves, the upper with a row of p...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Bookcases

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Arched Shelves For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of arched shelves is available at 1stDibs. Each of these unique arched shelves was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, brass and glass. Find 15 antique and vintage arched shelves at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 2 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. There are all kinds of arched shelves available, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Arched shelves are generally popular furniture pieces, but Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco and Hollywood Regency styles are often sought at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made arched shelves over the years, but those made by Maria Tyakina are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Arched Shelves?

Prices for arched shelves can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, arched shelves begin at $850 and can go as high as $14,000, while the average can fetch as much as $2,600.

Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets 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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