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Asian Curio Cabinets

Vintage Asian-Inspired Rosewood Display Cabinet / Curio With Glass Doors
Vintage Asian-Inspired Rosewood Display Cabinet / Curio With Glass Doors

Vintage Asian-Inspired Rosewood Display Cabinet / Curio With Glass Doors

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Elegant Asian-inspired rosewood curio display cabinet, beautifully crafted with clean architectural lines and warm wood tones.

Category

Vintage 1980s Chinese Chinoiserie Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Rosewood

Vtg Oriental Chinese Asian Lacquered Figural Painted Mirrored Cabinet Curio
Vtg Oriental Chinese Asian Lacquered Figural Painted Mirrored Cabinet Curio

Vtg Oriental Chinese Asian Lacquered Figural Painted Mirrored Cabinet Curio

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Striking & Unique Vintage Oriental Lacquered Storage Cabinet. The piece features lovely relief painted figures, a distress yellow painted finish, a mirrored back interior with 2 glas...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Export Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Linen Chest Curio Cabinet Glass Door with Carved Wood
Linen Chest Curio Cabinet Glass Door with Carved Wood

Linen Chest Curio Cabinet Glass Door with Carved Wood

$1,375Sale Price|50% Off

H 61 in W 25 in D 19.75 in

Linen Chest Curio Cabinet Glass Door with Carved Wood

Located in Somis, CA

A beautiful 20th century solid wood custom linen press with glass door. The cabinet is constructed with three frame members, among them two are inset with choice elm woods that form ...

Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Chinese Rosewood Cabinet with Bone Inlay Glass Curio Three Tiered
Antique Chinese Rosewood Cabinet with Bone Inlay Glass Curio Three Tiered

Antique Chinese Rosewood Cabinet with Bone Inlay Glass Curio Three Tiered

Located in Somis, CA

An exceptional turn-of-the-century three-tier cabinet from Ningbo Province, this rare piece exemplifies the elegance and craftsmanship of traditional Chinese furniture. Constructed i...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Furniture

Materials

Brass

Recent Sales

Asian Gold Hand Painted Open Curio Display Cabinet
Asian Gold Hand Painted Open Curio Display Cabinet

Asian Gold Hand Painted Open Curio Display Cabinet

Unavailable

H 60 in W 42 in D 22 in

Asian Gold Hand Painted Open Curio Display Cabinet

Located in Jupiter, FL

This is a beautiful curio cabinet. I have been using this as a display unit in my Consignment Gallery. What I love about it is it open on all sides so you could see feel and touch th...

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Jade, Metal

THOMASVILLE Mystique Collection Burl Walnut Asian Curio Display Cabinet - A
THOMASVILLE Mystique Collection Burl Walnut Asian Curio Display Cabinet - A

THOMASVILLE Mystique Collection Burl Walnut Asian Curio Display Cabinet - A

By Thomasville

Located in Charlotte, NC

An Asian inspired curio display cabinet by Thomasville, from their Mystique Collection.

Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Brass

THOMASVILLE Mystique Collection Burl Walnut Asian Curio Display Cabinet - B
THOMASVILLE Mystique Collection Burl Walnut Asian Curio Display Cabinet - B

THOMASVILLE Mystique Collection Burl Walnut Asian Curio Display Cabinet - B

By Thomasville

Located in Charlotte, NC

An Asian inspired curio display cabinet by Thomasville, from their Mystique Collection.

Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Late 20th Century Asian Ming Style Lighted Curio Display Cabinet
Late 20th Century Asian Ming Style Lighted Curio Display Cabinet

Late 20th Century Asian Ming Style Lighted Curio Display Cabinet

Located in Charlotte, NC

An Asian Ming style display cabinet, unbranded, similar quality to Drexel or Henredon. Nutwood, decorative brass hardware, dual glass front doors, glass side panels, pagoda like top ...

Category

Late 20th Century American Ming Cabinets

Materials

Brass

French Ebonized Brass Bound Shop Display Cabinet circa 1910 Glazed Curio
French Ebonized Brass Bound Shop Display Cabinet circa 1910 Glazed Curio

French Ebonized Brass Bound Shop Display Cabinet circa 1910 Glazed Curio

Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, GB

An impressive early 20th century French ebonized and brass bound display cabinet. The glazed doors enclosed blue velvet interiors and raised on bracket feet. Dismantles to two ...

Category

Early 20th Century French Edwardian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Asian style gilded Curio Cabinet
Asian style gilded Curio Cabinet

Asian style gilded Curio Cabinet

Located in North Miami, FL

An Asian style gilt decorated curio in the style of James Mont.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Glass, Paint

Antique Chinese Glass Curio Cabinet, Ming Style
Antique Chinese Glass Curio Cabinet, Ming Style

Antique Chinese Glass Curio Cabinet, Ming Style

Sold

H 70.5 in W 41.5 in D 17.5 in

Antique Chinese Glass Curio Cabinet, Ming Style

Located in Somis, CA

A Ming style solid wood cabinet with glass doors and removable shelves. Three full length drawers provide additional storage. Carved thin lines on the top reflect Ming influence. Bea...

Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Chinese Intricate Carved Hardwood Curio Cabinet, Display
Antique Chinese Intricate Carved Hardwood Curio Cabinet, Display

Antique Chinese Intricate Carved Hardwood Curio Cabinet, Display

Located in Pomona, CA

This wonderful Chinese hand carved Treasure Curio Cabinet Shelf was made from solid rosewood in about 1900 to 1940. You may easily see from the pictures that It is still in its origi...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Vintage Chinese Mother of Pearl Inlay Rosewood Display/Curio Cabinet
Vintage Chinese Mother of Pearl Inlay Rosewood Display/Curio Cabinet

Vintage Chinese Mother of Pearl Inlay Rosewood Display/Curio Cabinet

Located in Pomona, CA

Size: 76in H x 40in W x 14in D Door opening: Top glass door: 44in H x 37in W Bottom wooden door: 18 1/4in H x 37in W Drawer: 3 1/2in H x 16in W x 10in D Origin: China Circa: 1...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Glass, Rosewood

Mid-20th Century Chinese Hardwood Wall Mounted Display/Curio Cabinet
Mid-20th Century Chinese Hardwood Wall Mounted Display/Curio Cabinet

Mid-20th Century Chinese Hardwood Wall Mounted Display/Curio Cabinet

Located in Pomona, CA

This Vintage Chinese Wall Mounted Curio cabinet is hand made and hand carved with one single glass door on the front. It is perfect for all your Treasures & Miniatures. It has 23 she...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Chinese Glass Curio Cabinet, Bone Inlaid Two-Tier Ming Style
Antique Chinese Glass Curio Cabinet, Bone Inlaid Two-Tier Ming Style

Antique Chinese Glass Curio Cabinet, Bone Inlaid Two-Tier Ming Style

Located in Somis, CA

A Ming style solid wood cabinet with glass doors and removable shelves from the Ning Bo vernacular culture. Solid single panels make the door and drawer fronts. Two full length drawe...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vintage Japanese Style Burl, Ebonized and Beveled Glass Curio Cabinet
Vintage Japanese Style Burl, Ebonized and Beveled Glass Curio Cabinet

Vintage Japanese Style Burl, Ebonized and Beveled Glass Curio Cabinet

Located in Big Flats, NY

Vintage Asian Japanese style curio cabinet by Century Furniture features burl and ebonized construction with beveled glass side panels and double doors opening to lighted mirror back...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Cabinets

Thai Temple Form Wall Curio Cabinet
Thai Temple Form Wall Curio Cabinet

Thai Temple Form Wall Curio Cabinet

Sold

H 33.5 in W 32 in D 10 in

Thai Temple Form Wall Curio Cabinet

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A colorful and very decorative architectural form painted and gilt cabinet, likely from Thailand. Thai temple form wall curio cabinet with heavy carved and gilt front and crest. The ...

Category

20th Century Thai Anglo Raj Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

19th Century Chinese Scholar's Cabinet Glass Curio
19th Century Chinese Scholar's Cabinet Glass Curio

19th Century Chinese Scholar's Cabinet Glass Curio

Located in Somis, CA

A late 19th century solid wood Chinese scholar's cabinet with glass doors and removable shelves. The glass doors with elegant black lacquered frames are mounted on dowels adorned wit...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Henredon Black Lacquer Asian Modern Curio Display Cabinet Bunching Scene Three
Henredon Black Lacquer Asian Modern Curio Display Cabinet Bunching Scene Three

Henredon Black Lacquer Asian Modern Curio Display Cabinet Bunching Scene Three

By Henredon

Located in Dayton, OH

Henredon black lacquer Asian modern curio display cabinet bunching scene three Up for consideration is a beautiful Henredon curio cabinet.

Category

Vintage 1980s Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Lacquer

Oriental Asian Style Bamboo Rattan Hutch Buffet Display Cabinet Curio Sideboard
Oriental Asian Style Bamboo Rattan Hutch Buffet Display Cabinet Curio Sideboard

Oriental Asian Style Bamboo Rattan Hutch Buffet Display Cabinet Curio Sideboard

By Paul Frankl

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Two part nice craftsmanship decorative asian style rattan and bamboo hutch cabinet with lights from c. 1970s. Perfect Paul Frankl decor match.

Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Rattan

R.J. Horner French Style Clover Leaf Shaped Curio Cabinet
R.J. Horner French Style Clover Leaf Shaped Curio Cabinet

R.J. Horner French Style Clover Leaf Shaped Curio Cabinet

By R.J. Horner & Co.

Located in Guaynabo, PR

Louis XV style hand painted curio cabinet that its wood and glass top is shaped as a clover leaf. This top is also framed by floral bronze mounts. It has four curved glass panels tha...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Louis XV Furniture

Materials

Wood

Jasper Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Display Cabinet Curio Credenza
Jasper Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Display Cabinet Curio Credenza

Jasper Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Display Cabinet Curio Credenza

By James Mont, Edward Wormley

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Expertly crafted with solid wood construction, this 1950s Jasper cabinet looks outstanding with it's gold gilt trim and hand painted Asian motif panels. Both glass display cabinet ar...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Lacquer

Materials

Brass

Mid 20th Century Asian Rosewood Curio Display Cabinet
Mid 20th Century Asian Rosewood Curio Display Cabinet

Mid 20th Century Asian Rosewood Curio Display Cabinet

Located in Charlotte, NC

An Asian Chinoiserie style curio display cabinet, unbranded.

Category

Mid-20th Century East Asian Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Brass

AMERICAN OF MARTINSVILLE Mahogany Asian Chinoiserie Curio Display Cabinet
AMERICAN OF MARTINSVILLE Mahogany Asian Chinoiserie Curio Display Cabinet

AMERICAN OF MARTINSVILLE Mahogany Asian Chinoiserie Curio Display Cabinet

By American of Martinsville

Located in Charlotte, NC

An Asian Chinoiserie style curio cabinet by American of Martinsville.

Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Vitrines

Materials

Brass

James Mont Style Pair of Asian Pagoda Style Curio Cabinets
James Mont Style Pair of Asian Pagoda Style Curio Cabinets

James Mont Style Pair of Asian Pagoda Style Curio Cabinets

Located in Southfield, MI

Removed from a home in Miami decorated in 1958, this James Mont style pair of curio cabinets are very well made, having full height glass doors and side lights, beautiful square bras...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Asian inspired Mahogony Curio Table
Asian inspired Mahogony Curio Table

Asian inspired Mahogony Curio Table

Located in Stamford, CT

Beautifully detailed Asian inspired curio cabinet would make a great side table or display case.

Category

20th Century Unknown End Tables

Materials

Glass

19th Century, Qing Dynasty Curio Cabinet
19th Century, Qing Dynasty Curio Cabinet

19th Century, Qing Dynasty Curio Cabinet

Sold

H 83 in W 41.5 in D 15.5 in

19th Century, Qing Dynasty Curio Cabinet

Located in Houston, TX

Expressing long life and happiness this beautifully highly reticulated Hong Mu curio cabinet is of the Qing dynasty. Birds, animals, berries, vines and the never ending coil are beau...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

BAKER 1960's Oak Asian Style Curio Display Cabinet
BAKER 1960's Oak Asian Style Curio Display Cabinet

BAKER 1960's Oak Asian Style Curio Display Cabinet

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Charlotte, NC

An Asian Style curio display cabinet by Baker Furniture.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Spotted Bamboo Chinoiserie Curio Shelves Display Cabinet
Spotted Bamboo Chinoiserie Curio Shelves Display Cabinet

Spotted Bamboo Chinoiserie Curio Shelves Display Cabinet

Located in 10 Chater Road, HK

The Chinoiserie display cabinet with open curio shelves is handcrafted with ribbed spotted bamboo and hardwood. Interestingly arranged and open on four sides, the curio shelves are p...

Category

2010s Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Hardwood, Lacquer

HENREDON Scene Three Asian Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Curio China Display Cabinet
HENREDON Scene Three Asian Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Curio China Display Cabinet

HENREDON Scene Three Asian Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Curio China Display Cabinet

By Henredon

Located in Charlotte, NC

An Asian influenced china display cabinet by Henredon, from their Scene Three Collection. Black lacquered hardwood, burlwood door & drawer fronts, brass hardware and brass with burlw...

Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Brass

People Also Browsed

'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö

'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö

By Örsjö Industri AB

Located in Glendale, CA

'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Textile

1940s Kozelka & Kropacek Armchairs in Texel Sheepskin & Brown Patinated Frame
1940s Kozelka & Kropacek Armchairs in Texel Sheepskin & Brown Patinated Frame

1940s Kozelka & Kropacek Armchairs in Texel Sheepskin & Brown Patinated Frame

By Jindřich Halabala, Karel Kozelka & Antonin Kropacek

Located in Almelo, NL

Mid-Century Czech design by Kozelka & Kropacek, reupholstered in luxurious Texel sheepskin with warm brown patinated bentwood frames. Comfort, craftsmanship, and timeless style. De...

Category

Vintage 1940s Czech Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Sheepskin, Upholstery, Bentwood

Rosso Wall Mirror

Rosso Wall Mirror

$1,395 / item

H 31.5 in W 23.63 in D 1.97 in

Rosso Wall Mirror

By Specchi Veneziani

Located in Milan, IT

Crafted in the finest Murano tradition, this exquisite Venetian mirror is a true work of art. Assembled with crystal and gold elements, and adorned with red glass flowers, each piece...

Category

2010s Italian Renaissance Wall Mirrors

Materials

Glass

Early 20th Century Antique Tibetan Hand Painted Tall Credenza Storage Cabinet
Early 20th Century Antique Tibetan Hand Painted Tall Credenza Storage Cabinet

Early 20th Century Antique Tibetan Hand Painted Tall Credenza Storage Cabinet

Located in Pomona, CA

This Antique Tibetan Painted Cabinet is 100% hand made and hand painted using mineral painting which last the paint a much longer time. You can see some of the finish has already los...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Chinese Cabinet with Small Drawers
Mid Century Chinese Cabinet with Small Drawers

Mid Century Chinese Cabinet with Small Drawers

$995

H 30.5 in W 37.75 in D 14 in

Mid Century Chinese Cabinet with Small Drawers

Located in Troy, MI

This circa 1950s small Chinese cabinet has four small drawers at the top, chow style feet and an open storage compartment with two hinged drawers. Adorned with decorative brass hardw...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Chinese Woven Top Canopy Bed, c. 1800
Chinese Woven Top Canopy Bed, c. 1800

Chinese Woven Top Canopy Bed, c. 1800

$22,800

H 90 in W 85 in D 50 in

Chinese Woven Top Canopy Bed, c. 1800

Located in Chicago, IL

A Chinese canopy bed was typically part of a bride's dowry or a gift to a courtesan. It grew to be an important household status symbol, and the subject of rivalry among wives and co...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Qing Daybeds

Materials

Rattan, Elm

Art Deco Stylish Display Vitrine Cabinet in Walnut, English, 1930s
Art Deco Stylish Display Vitrine Cabinet in Walnut, English, 1930s

Art Deco Stylish Display Vitrine Cabinet in Walnut, English, 1930s

Located in Devon, England

Beautiful and original 1930s Art Deco English walnut display cabinet. A lovely piece of furniture that's veneered in figured mid tone walnut. Still retains its original silk interior...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Antique Chinoiserie Jacobean Red Lacquered Hand Painted Bookcase or Bar Cabinet
Antique Chinoiserie Jacobean Red Lacquered Hand Painted Bookcase or Bar Cabinet

Antique Chinoiserie Jacobean Red Lacquered Hand Painted Bookcase or Bar Cabinet

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique Chinoiserie Jacobean style bookcase, dining cabinet, or bar cabinet In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1920s Red lacquered carved walnut, with hand pai...

Category

Vintage 1920s American Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Art Dèco Italian Walnut Vitrines or Bar Display Cabinet, 1925
Art Dèco Italian Walnut Vitrines or Bar Display Cabinet, 1925

Art Dèco Italian Walnut Vitrines or Bar Display Cabinet, 1925

Located in Puglia, Puglia

Art Dèco vitrines or display cabinet, Italian production of the 1920s, in walnut and walnut briar, screen-printed glass with grinding around. The showcase has been restored and polis...

Category

Vintage 1920s Italian Art Deco Vitrines

Materials

Crystal

Chinese Red Lacquered Qing Dynasty 19th Century Cabinet with Chinoiserie Décor
Chinese Red Lacquered Qing Dynasty 19th Century Cabinet with Chinoiserie Décor

Chinese Red Lacquered Qing Dynasty 19th Century Cabinet with Chinoiserie Décor

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period red lacquered cabinet from the 19th century, with chinoiserie décor. Created in China during the Qing dynasty, this cabinet captures our attention with ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi Bedroom Divider Wardrobe Walnut
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi Bedroom Divider Wardrobe Walnut

Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi Bedroom Divider Wardrobe Walnut

By Giuseppe Rivadossi, Officina Rivadossi

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, bedroom divider or wardrobe unit, walnut, glass Italy, 1980s This exceptional piece by Italian sculptor and designer Giuseppe Rivadossi is...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Exceptional 19th Century English Chinoiserie Pagoda Display Cabinet
Exceptional 19th Century English Chinoiserie Pagoda Display Cabinet

Exceptional 19th Century English Chinoiserie Pagoda Display Cabinet

Located in Houston, TX

Large-scale 19th century English display cabinet executed in the Chinoiserie tradition. Constructed in carved mahogany and conceived as a tripartite architectural façade, each glazed...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Chinese Chippendale Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

Moroccan Display Cabinet
Moroccan Display Cabinet

Moroccan Display Cabinet

$22,000

H 117 in W 57.25 in D 23.25 in

Moroccan Display Cabinet

Located in Houston, TX

A stately and rare 1900s Moroccan vitrine. This beautiful display cabinet has traditional stylized intricate geometric inlay detail, two drawers, with glass sides , doors and shelves.

Category

Early 20th Century Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Wood

Antique William and Mary Style Walnut Small Radio Cabinet by Radio Art Cabinets
Antique William and Mary Style Walnut Small Radio Cabinet by Radio Art Cabinets

Antique William and Mary Style Walnut Small Radio Cabinet by Radio Art Cabinets

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique William and Mary Style Carved Walnut Small Radio Cabinet by Radio Art Cabinets. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 51" H x 28" W x 20" D.

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown William and Mary Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Brutalist Style Italian Dry Bar made of Oak Wood, Hand-carved Drinks Cabinet
Brutalist Style Italian Dry Bar made of Oak Wood, Hand-carved Drinks Cabinet

Brutalist Style Italian Dry Bar made of Oak Wood, Hand-carved Drinks Cabinet

Located in Madrid, ES

Italian hand-carved oak wood bar cabinet with four folding doors and central interior shelf. Discover the essence of Italian style with our stunning contemporary oak wood bar cabin...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Brutalist Dry Bars

Materials

Wood

Early Meiji Period Japanese Elm Shadona Cabinet
Early Meiji Period Japanese Elm Shadona Cabinet

Early Meiji Period Japanese Elm Shadona Cabinet

Located in Dekalb, IL

c. 1870s/1880s; Japan Late 19th century decorative keyaki (Japanese elm) cabinet. This ornate, pagoda-inspired piece dates to the early/middle Meiji period in Japan and is construc...

Category

Antique 1870s Japanese Meiji Cabinets

Materials

Elm

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Asian Curio Cabinets For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of Asian curio cabinets available for sale. The range of distinct Asian curio cabinets — often made from wood, brass and metal — can elevate any home. Asian curio cabinets have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of Asian curio cabinets to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Louis XV, Mid-Century Modern and Modern Asian curio cabinets are of considerable interest. Henredon and R.J. Horner & Co. each produced beautiful Asian curio cabinets that are worth considering.

How Much are Asian Curio Cabinets?

Prices for Asian curio cabinets start at $699 and top out at $5,500 with the average selling for $2,548.

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.

Questions About Asian Curio Cabinets
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

    A curio cabinet (or curiosity cabinet) is a large display case typically made of glass with a wooden frame. Small collections are stored in curio cabinets: jewelry, figurines, crystal or any small objects with a common theme.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The purpose of a curio cabinet is to store and display decorative objects. Keeping items in a curio cabinet rather than on an open shelf allows you to still easily admire them and to protect them from dust and breakage at the same time. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of antique and vintage curio cabinets.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Curio cabinets have existed since the 16th century, where they were often found in the homes of European aristocrats and royalty. They remain popular today and always have an antique feel. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique curio cabinets from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A curio cabinet gets its name from cabinet of curiosities. A curio cabinet is a special type of cabinet predominately made of glass to display and protect your favorite collectibles and antiques. Shop a wide range of vintage curio cabinets on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A curio cabinet is a glass display case where fine china and other collectibles can be safely displayed. Curios range in size and come in a variety of styles, including corner cabinets that fit into the corner of a room. Many also include built-in lights and mirrors to enhance the display. Shop a selection of curio cabinets on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    Yes, curio cabinet is short for curiosity cabinet. This name comes from the fact that the cabinets allow you to view whatever you store inside through glass doors, sparking curiosity. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of curio cabinets from some of the world’s top sellers.

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