Blomstermala Mobelfabrik
Vintage 1940s Swedish Art Deco Sideboards
Walnut
Vintage 1940s Swedish Biedermeier Cabinets
Glass, Wood
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Mahogany, Walnut
Vintage 1950s Swedish Secretaires
Brass
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2010s American Ottomans and Poufs
Silk, Oak
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Country Bookcases
Pine, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and ...
Brass
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Lacquer
2010s Mexican Post-Modern Side Tables
Onyx
Early 2000s American Modern Sofas
Suede
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Iron
2010s French Buffets
Straw, Oak
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Antique 1890s American Cabinets
Wood
Late 20th Century French Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Velvet, Walnut
20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Fruitwood
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Sideboards
Walnut
2010s Belgian Modern Club Chairs
Linen
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools
Wood
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.