Barley Twist Credenza
Antique 1860s English Credenzas
Marble
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Oak
Antique Mid-19th Century Belgian Renaissance Credenzas
Oak
Early 2000s American Georgian Credenzas
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Italian Rococo Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique 19th Century European Renaissance Revival Cabinets
Pewter
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Vintage 1920s English Jacobean Dressers
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Vintage 1920s English Jacobean Dressers
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Antique Late 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Credenzas
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Antique Mid-19th Century European Victorian Credenzas
Satinwood
Antique 1880s French Gothic Credenzas
Oak, Walnut
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Oak
Vintage 1920s Scottish Sideboards
Oak
Early 20th Century American Empire Buffets
Cherry
Vintage 1930s French Buffets
Walnut
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Antique Mid-19th Century Belgian Credenzas
Marble
Early 20th Century French Renaissance Revival Credenzas
Steel
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Candlesticks
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Brass
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Hardwood
Antique 19th Century Victorian Sideboards
Mahogany
Early 20th Century English Dressers
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Oak
Finding the Right Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets for You
Of all the antique and vintage case pieces and storage cabinets that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items.
In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior.
Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time.
Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of storage case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room.
In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.
A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard made of colored glass and metals, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.
- What is a classic barley twist?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A classic barley twist refers to a specific attribute of a piece of furniture. The “twist” refers to a furnishing’s twisted form — in a table’s legs or in its trim, for example — that resembles a twisted stalk of barley sugar. The twist was frequently made of beech or walnut.
- What does barley twist mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The term “barley twist” refers to thin spiraling forms. Most often when barley twist is used, it relates to furniture. During the 19th century, many chairs, tables and casegoods featured barley twist legs. You can find a range of barley twist furniture on 1stDibs.
- What is a barley twist lamp?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023A barley twist lamp is a table lamp or floor lamp that has a spiraling base. Usually, the bases are solid mahogany wood, but other types of wood and even metal are sometimes used. Find a variety of lamps from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- How are barley twist legs made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Barley twist legs were originally cut by hand until the invention of the lathe, which assisted with creating the twisted design. Barley twist legs are named after sticks of barley sugar and feature a spiral look. Browse a selection of furniture featuring barley twist legs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Barley twist furniture dates back to the Jacobean and Stuart eras in England and the Louis XIII and Louis XIV eras in France. During this time, many furniture makers produced chairs, tables and case goods with twisty legs. The name barley twist comes from barley sugar candy enjoyed at the time. Shop a range of barley twist furniture on 1stDibs.
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