Beacon Hill Breakfront
Vintage 1940s American Georgian Sideboards
Brass
Early 20th Century Unknown Georgian Cabinets
Glass, Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Cupboards
Brass
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Sideboards
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Georgian Bookcases
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Georgian Cabinets
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Georgian Bookcases
Wood, Glass
Vintage 1940s American Hollywood Regency Bookcases
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1950s American Empire Bookcases
Wood, Glass
Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Beds and Bed Frames
Upholstery, Mahogany
2010s Italian Empire Chandeliers and Pendants
Bronze, Enamel
Antique Early 19th Century English George III Bookcases
Mahogany
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Empire Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Early 20th Century European Louis XV Vitrines
Glass, Oak
Antique Late 19th Century Portuguese Baroque Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut
Early 20th Century British Bookcases
Satinwood
Late 20th Century Spanish Baroque Center Tables
Walnut
Antique Late 18th Century English Sheraton Bookcases
Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique Mid-19th Century English Campaign Bookcases
Mahogany
Antique 1780s English Chippendale Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Beds and Bed Frames
Bronze
Antique 1820s American Empire Beds and Bed Frames
Cherry, Poplar
2010s Regency Dining Room Tables
Mahogany
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.