Bookshelf Ladder
Early 20th Century French Bookcases
Wood
Late 20th Century Industrial Bookcases
Metal
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Console Tables
Rattan
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets
Teak
2010s Italian Bookcases
Stainless Steel, Other
People Also Browsed
2010s American Wall Lights and Sconces
Marble, Brass, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Velvet, Walnut
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Fiberglass
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Bergere Chairs
Linen
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Wood, Beech, Oak
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Wicker, Rattan, Mahogany
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Steel
20th Century Unknown Primitive Ladders
Iron
Antique Late 19th Century French Country Ladders
Beech
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ladders
Wood
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Bamboo
Vintage 1940s Italian Ladders
Brass
Antique 19th Century Italian Shelves
Metal, Brass
Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Walnut
20th Century American Organic Modern Console Tables
Bamboo, Rattan, Glass
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century Modern Bookcases
Metal
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Walnut
Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Shelves
Metal
Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Bookcases
Metal
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Metal
2010s Surrealist Figurative Prints
Paper, Color
2010s Surrealist Figurative Prints
Paper, Color
Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Shelves
Steel
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Metal
20th Century American Shelves
Wood, Paint
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Metal
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Wood, Teak
Finding the Right storage-case-pieces 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.
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