Black Medicine Cabinet
Antique Late 18th Century Japanese Edo Apothecary Cabinets
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Brass
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century Chinese Furniture
Elm
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets
Bakelite
Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Cabinets
Elm
Vintage 1930s French Cabinets
Metal
Vintage 1920s American Industrial Cabinets
Nickel, Steel
Antique Early 19th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Cedar
Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Apothecary Cabinets
Elm
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Black and White Photography
Archival Pigment
Mid-20th Century Industrial Cabinets
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century American Other Cabinets
Wood, Mirror
Vintage 1930s Hungarian Industrial Vitrines
Iron
Antique Early 19th Century European Cabinets
Wood
Vintage 1930s American Industrial Apothecary Cabinets
Steel
Antique Late 19th Century German Black Forest Shelves and Wall Cabinets
Mirror, Wood
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Cabinets
Marble, Brass
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Apothecary Cabinets
Bakelite
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Elm
Antique 19th Century Chinese Cabinets
Vintage 1930s British Industrial Cabinets
Steel
Late 20th Century American Industrial Cabinets
Steel
Antique 19th Century German Shelves and Wall Cabinets
Wood
People Also Browsed
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sideboards
Cedar
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sideboards
Cedar
Early 20th Century Japanese Edo Cabinets
Cedar
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Iron
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Side Tables
Wood, Cedar
Antique 1870s Japanese Meiji Cabinets
Iron
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cabinets
Cedar
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sideboards
Cedar
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Iron
Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Fireplaces and Mantels
Carrara Marble
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Fireplaces and Mantels
Marble
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Cedar
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood, Cedar
20th Century Spanish Neoclassical Revival Decorative Art
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Cedar, Wood
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Iron
Black Medicine Cabinet For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Black Medicine Cabinet?
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023What medicine cabinets are made of varies. Modern medicine cabinets generally feature metal construction, but vintage and antique pieces could be made of wood or metal. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and modern medicine cabinets on 1stDibs.
Read More
37 Cheerful Home Bars, Where Everybody (Literally) Knows Your Name
Simple or sophisticated, equipped with console, cart or custom cabinetry, these stylish bar areas deserve a toast.
The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
What Exactly Is a Secretary Desk, and What Is It Used For?
The furniture equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, it's the multifunctional piece you didn't know you needed.
This Shelving System with Oxidized Brass Tubes Is Retro and Futuristic at Once
Italian studio DimoreMilano mustered great ingenuity when crafting these sculptural shelves, which are built without any screws.
Ask an Interior Designer: Work-from-Home Edition
Leaping into a design project, whether it's refreshing the bedroom or redoing the whole house, can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know more than a few interior designers. You asked questions on Instagram, and now they're answering.
Collected and Eclectic, ‘Wunderkammern’ Are Back in a Big Way
Introduced nearly 500 years ago, curiosity cabinets are finding new fans among today's collectors and designers.
Meet the Incredible Woman Transforming Fallen Trees into Sleek Furniture
In the hands of New York Heartwoods cofounder Megan Offner, unwanted local trees become works of design art.
These New York Architects Love a Complicated Project
From Brooklyn townhouses to Maine campgrounds, Trattie Davies and Jonathan Toews relish a challenge, like transforming a former warehouse space into the new 1stdibs Gallery.