Broyhill 'Emphasis' Series Dresser
By Broyhill
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern American made dresser by Broyhill.
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Buffets
Walnut
Broyhill 'Emphasis' Series Dresser
By Broyhill
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern American made dresser by Broyhill.
Walnut
Mid-century modern Broyhill sculptra credenza/buffet. Circa 1960s
By Broyhill
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-century modern Broyhill sculptra credenza/buffet.
Walnut
1960s Walnut MCM Broyhill Saga Buffet Credenza Bookcase Hutch
By Broyhill
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Beautiful, retro Mid-Century Modern detailed proportioned walnut Broyhill Saga versatile cabinet. Unique design with wonderful clean lines, beautiful all original walnut figuring an...
Glass, Wood
Unavailable
H 30.75 in W 38 in D 18 in
BROYHILL PREMIER Mid 20th Century Oak Brutalist Style Flip Top Server
By Broyhill
Located in Charlotte, NC
A mid 20th century Brutalist style flip top server by Broyhill Premier. Oak with slightly distressed finish, oak veneers, composite surface under the flip out top, geometric design b...
Composition, Brass
Unavailable
H 75 in W 72 in D 19 in
Walnut Brasilia Buffet Credenza by Broyhill with Detachable China Hutch
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Dallas, TX
The largest and hard to find piece in the Brasilia collection by Broyhill, this stunning midcentury hutch and buffet remains in nearly pristine condition. The hutch is lit, and has t...
Glass, Wood
Broyhill Saga Mid Century Walnut Sideboard Buffet Credenza
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill saga mid century walnut sideboard buffet credenza Credenza measures: 52.5 wide x 19.25 deep x 31 inches high ?
Chrome
Broyhill Saga Mid Century Walnut Credenza Buffet and Hutch
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Saga mid century walnut credenza buffet and hutch This buffet measures: 54.75 wide x 18 deep x 69.75 inches high ?
Brass
Broyhill Saga Mid Century Walnut Credenza Buffet with Hutch
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Saga mid century walnut credenza buffet with hutch This buffet measures: 38.75 wide x 17.25 deep x 65 high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored ...
Glass, Walnut
Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Buffet and Hutch
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia mid century buffet and hutch This piece is 56.25 wide x 17.25 deep x 75 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage condition.
Walnut
Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Buffet and Hutch
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia mid century buffet and hutch This piece is 56.25 wide x 17 deep x 75 inches high The credenza measures 56.25 wide x 17 deep x 28 inches high The hutch meas...
Brass
Broyhill Brasilia Mid-Century Buffet and Hutch
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia mid-century buffet and hutch.
Brass
Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Credenza Buffet and Hutch
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia mid century credenza buffet and hutch This buffet measures: 72 wide x 19 deep x 65.25 inches high ?
Glass, Wood
Sold
H 31 in W 17 in D 60 in
Broyhill Sculptra Walnut Slate Mid-Century Modern Buffet Sideboard Credenza MCM
By Broyhill
Located in Dayton, OH
Broyhill Premier Sculptra collection buffet or credenza, circa 1960s.
Slate
Sold
H 31 in W 54 in D 19 in
Broyhill Premier Emphasis Vintage Mid Century Modern Buffet Credenza c. 1960s
By Broyhill, Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Denville, NJ
Experience the elegance of a Mid Century Modern sideboard buffet, crafted by Broyhill as part of their Emphasis collection.
Walnut
Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Walnut Plinth Base Buffet and Hutch
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century walnut plinth base buffet and hutch Buffet and hutch measures: 62 wide x 13 deep x 53 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call re...
Brass
Sold
H 73.5 in W 72 in D 19 in
Broyhill Brasilia Brutalist Mid Century Walnut Sideboard Credenza Buffet and Hut
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia Brutalist mid century walnut sideboard credenza buffet and hutch.
Glass, Walnut
Sold
H 32.75 in W 38 in D 17.75 in
Broyhill Brasilia Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Rolling Bar Buffet Server
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in West Hartford, CT
Ultra rare Broyhill Brasilia sculpted walnut rolling server with expandable top that opens up and out at both left and right to go from 38" to 59.5" when open. All Broyhill hallmarks...
Walnut
Broyhill Brasilia Mid-Century Modern Hutch
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Esperance, NY
Available for purchase is this highly sought-after smaller-sized hutch from Broyhill Brasilia. Crafted in 1962, it has been well maintained and has had only two previous owners.
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Brasilia Walnut Server
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Brasilia Walnut Server. Featuring a straight line design, sculpted doors on the left that open up to storage space, three drawers on...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Brasilia Walnut Server
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for an iconic Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Brasilia Walnut Server. Featuring a straight line design, two doors with the sculpted Brasilia pulls, the doors open up to f...
Brass
Broyhill Brasilia Brutalist MCM Walnut Sideboard Credenza Buffet Hutch
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia Brutalist midcentury walnut sideboard credenza buffet and hutch Buffet and hutch measures: 54 wide x 19 deep x 65 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had...
Brass
Sold
H 65 in W 54 in D 19 in
Broyhill Brasilia Brutalist MCM Walnut Sideboard Credenza Buffet and Hutch
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia Brutalist mid-century walnut sideboard credenza buffet and Hutch Buffet and hutch measures: 54 wide x 19 deep x 65 inches high All pieces of furniture can be ...
Brass
Sold
H 65 in W 54 in D 19 in
Broyhill Brasilia Brutalist MCM Offset Walnut Sideboard Credenza Buffet Hutch
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia Brutalist mid-century offset walnut sideboard credenza buffet and hutch Buffet and hutch measures: 54 wide x 19 deep x 65 inches high Buffet measures: 54 wide...
Brass
Mid-Century Broyhill Premier Bar / Hutch
By Drexel, Dixie Furniture Co., Young Manufacturing Company, United Furniture Corporation, Broyhill
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century bar or hutch manufactured by Broyhill, circa 1960s. Made from walnut and features two distinct sections. The bottom section has a bank of three drawers on the right hand...
Brass
Broyhill Saga Mid Century Walnut Sideboard Buffet Credenza
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Saga mid century walnut sideboard buffet credenza Credenza measures: 60.75 wide x 19.25 deep x 31 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored...
Brass
Broyhill Emphasis Mid Century Walnut Sideboard Buffet Credenza
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Emphasis mid century walnut sideboard buffet credenza This credenza measures: 56 wide x 17 deep x 27.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call re...
Walnut
Brutalist Mid-Century Modern Credenza or Hutch or China Cabinet
By Broyhill
Located in Redding, CT
This Brutalist Mid-Century Modern Hutch in the style of Kent Coffey-Perspecta or Broyhill Brasilia is Canadian made. This solid well built piece comes in two parts for easy moving or...
Glass, Wood
Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Sideboard Buffet Credenza
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia mid century sideboard buffet credenza Credenza measures: 56 wide x 17 deep x 28 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintag...
Wood
Broyhill Sculptra Brutalist Mid Century Bar Buffet and Hutch
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill sculptra Brutalist mid century bar buffet and hutch Buffet and hutch together measure: 31.25 wide x 17 deep x 79 inches high Buffet measures: 31.25 wide x 11.5 deep x 48...
Wood
Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Sideboard Buffet Credenza
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century sideboard buffet credenza This credenza is: 66 wide x 19 deep x 30.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage c...
Wood
Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Sideboard Buffet Credenza
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia mid century sideboard buffet credenza This credenza is: 66 wide x 19 deep x 30.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintag...
Wood
Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Sideboard Buffet Credenza
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia mid century sideboard buffet credenza This credenza measures: 66 wide x 19 deep x 30.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restore...
Wood
Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Sideboard Buffet Credenza
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia Mid century sideboard buffet credenza Credenza measures: 56 wide x 17 deep x 28 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintag...
Brass
Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Sideboard Buffet Credenza
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia mid century sideboard buffet credenza This credenza is: 66 wide x 19 deep x 30.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vint...
Brass
Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Buffet China Cabinet
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia mid century buffet China cabinet This china cabinet measures: 37 wide x 17 deep x 26 high without hutch and the hutch itself is 36.5 wide x 12.5 deep x 48 high f...
Glass, Wood
Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Sideboard Buffet Credenza
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia mid century sideboard buffet credenza This credenza is: 66 wide x 19 deep x 30.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vint...
Brass
Broyhill Sculptra Mid Century 9 Drawer Lowboy Dresser or Buffet
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Sculptra mid century 9 drawer lowboy dresser or buffet This piece measures: 66 wide x 17 deep x 30.5 inches high ?
Wood
Sold
H 75.5 in W 58 in D 17.5 in
Broyhill Forward '70 Mid Century Walnut Sideboard Credenza Buffet and Hutch
By Broyhill
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill forward '70 mid century walnut sideboard credenza buffet and hutch Buffet and hutch measure: 58 wide x 17.5 deep x 75.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in...
Brass
Broyhill Brasília Bar Cart
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Southampton, NJ
Broyhill Brasilia bar cart on wheels Sought after piece in the Brasilia collection. Walnut with brass pulls and of course those iconic arches. Excellent original condition with...
Walnut
Broyhill Premier Sculptra Walnut Credenza / Buffet, 1960s
By Broyhill
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Mid-Century Modern sculptra credenza by Broyhill. Signature relief cut pattern adorns the cabinet doors. Inset elliptical handles on the drawers enhance the atomic age charm. Left si...
Walnut
Sold
H 78 in W 44.5 in D 17.5 in
Broyhill Brasilia II Mid Century Plinth Base Sideboard Credenza Buffet and Hutch
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia II Mid Century plinth base sideboard credenza buffet and hutch Credenza and hutch measure: 44.5 wide x 17.5 deep x 78 inches high Credenza measures: 44.5 wide x...
Glass, Wood
MCM Slide Top Rolling Bar Cart Buffet by Broyhill Premier
By Broyhill
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Maple, Burl
Broyhill Brasilia Brutalist MCM Walnut Sideboard Credenza Buffet/Hutch
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia Brutalist mid century walnut sideboard credenza buffet and hutch Buffet and hutch measures: 54 wide x 19 deep x 65 inches high All pieces of furniture can be ha...
Walnut
Sold
H 65 in W 54 in L 65 in
Broyhill Brasilia Brutalist Midcentury Walnut Sideboard Credenza Buffet/Hutch
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia Brutalist midcentury walnut sideboard credenza buffet and hutch Buffet and hutch measures: 54 wide x 19 deep x 65 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had...
Walnut
Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Buffet and Hutch
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia mid century 66 inch buffet and hutch The buffet measures: 66 wide x 19 deep x 31 inches high The hutch measures: 55 wide x 13 deep x 47 inches high The combine...
Brass
Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Walnut China Cabinet Buffet and Hutch
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Walnut China cabinet buffet and hutch The buffet measures: 56 wide x 17 deep x 28 inches high The hutch measures: 55 wide x 13 deep x 47 inches high...
Brass
Broyhill Brasilia Mid Century Walnut Buffet Credenza Hutch
By Broyhill Brasilia, Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Baltimore, MD
A beautiful Broyhill Brasilia Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut credenza/sideboard with detachable lighted hutch.
Brass
Sold
H 74.75 in W 56 in D 17 in
Walnut Brasilia Buffet Credenza by Broyhill with detachable china hutch
By Oscar Niemeyer, Broyhill Brasilia
Located in South Charleston, WV
Price is for both buffet and the hutch. The Broyhill Brasilia series inspired by Oscar Niemeyer is now widely recognized as the best mid century era design series produced by Broy...
Walnut
All White Lacquer Broyhill Brasilia China Cabinet Buffet and Hutch
By Broyhill Brasilia, Oscar Niemeyer
Located in South Charleston, WV
Entirely refinished in white lacquer, these two pieces are available as a set or can be sold individually. Price listed is for the set. A remarkable end result is seen with brass hig...
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Display Hutch Cabinet or Buffet by Broyhill
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern display Hutch cabinet or buffet by Broyhill Dimensions. 38 1/2 W ; 17 D ; 65 H Base Height 28”.
Wood
Refinished Broyhill Brasilia Credenza with hutch
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Sayreville, NJ
Iconic Broyhill Brasilia credenza with hutch top. Professionally refinished piece designed by Oscar neimeryer circa 1960. Dim: The buffet measures: 54 wide x 19 deep x 30 inches h...
Walnut
Mid-Century Broyhill Saga Walnut Buffet Credenza Hutch
By Broyhill
Located in Baltimore, MD
Beautiful, retro Mid-Century Modern detailed proportioned walnut Broyhill, Saga, buffet China cabinet in great original condition.
Brass
American Walnut Credenza
By Broyhill
Located in South Charleston, WV
Not clearly marked, it is either produced by Lane Alta Vista or the Broyhill company. A singular sideboard with modernist lines and quality black walnut throughout. Note the good de...
Sold
H 65 in W 54 in D 19 in
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Brasilia Buffet with Detachable China Hutch Cabinet
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Broyhill Brasilia Mid-Century Modern two-piece walnut display cabinet consisting of buffet with detachable china hutch.
Brass
Sold
H 26 in W 37 in D 17 in
Lightly Restored Broyhill Brasilia Walnut & Brass Petite Buffet or Media Cabinet
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This fantastic buffet or media cabinet was built in the 1970s by high-end manufacturer Broyhill for their Brasilia line of furntiure. Since then, the Brasilia line has become more de...
Brass
Sold
H 31 in W 60 in D 19 in
Rare Broyhill Brasilia Model 6140-13 Credenza Buffet Sideboard Fluted Walnut
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made in the United States, this model is one of many in the Brasilia line. This one, however, is more special than most. It features four fluted carved walnut doors, whi...
Walnut
Sold
H 75 in W 56 in D 17 in
Broyhill Brasilia Model 6140-62/63 Breakfront Buffet/Hutch Walnut China Cabinet
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Broyhill Brasilia line is extensive, spanning multiple rooms across more than 30 models. Throughout our multi-decade experience in this industry, we have seen and handled nearly ...
Walnut
Sold
H 30 in W 71 in D 19 in
Stylish Sculptural Walnut Brasilia Style Buffet Credenza Mid-Century Modern
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stylish sculptural front walnut Brasilia style buffet credenza. We just love the quality and craftsmanship of this piece, they surely don't make them this anymore! The top middle dra...
Walnut
Monumental Tobago Brutalist Mid Century Walnut Buffet and Hutch
By Broyhill Brasilia, Paul Evans
Located in Buffalo, NY
Tobago Brutalist Mid Century Canadian Walnut Buffet and Hutch,, Amazing design,, 2-piece,, credenza and china top.. Generous storage..Retains original finish,,patina,, minor veneer l...
Glass, Walnut
Coveted 4-Door Credenza Buffet in Walnut by Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Kensington, MD
The Coveted 72? 4-Door Credenza Buffet in Walnut by Broyhill Brasilia Additional Information: Material: Walnut Featured at Kensington: We are pleased to present this stunning p...
Walnut
$3,995
H 76 in W 60 in D 18 in
MCM 2-Piece China Hutch Cabinet Buffet by Heywood Wakefield Contessa Collection
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Topeka, KS
Mid-Century Modern 2-piece china hutch, cabinet, or buffet by Heywood Wakefield for the Contessa Collection. Comprised of 2-pieces a top hutch & a bottom buffet in a dark cherrywood,...
Metal
$4,800
H 72 in W 82 in D 16.5 in
Mid Century Danish Modern Wall Unit with Shelves & Cabinets with Desk in Teak
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large Scandinavian wall unit circa 1960's. It features teak wood finish with a drop down center desk. The unit is totally modular and can arranged to your liking. It also includes ...
Teak
Unusual Modernist 8-Drawer Walnut Chest by Broyhill Premier
By Broyhill
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Mid-Century Modern walnut 8-drawer hest by Broyhill Premier, "Emphasis Collection" Classic design,, Superior quality and construction, unusual sculpted hand pulls, dovetail j...
Walnut
19th Century Sheraton Country Pine Narrow Depth Breakfront
Located in Sheffield, MA
English 19th Century Sheraton style country pine breakfront bookcase dresser cabinet with lattice center doors and open side shelves. The one piece construction classic country farmh...
Pine, Glass
$10,000
H 72.5 in W 54 in D 17 in
Broyhill Brasilia Model 6140-72/73 Room Divider Base & Deck Walnut Wall Unit
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Broyhill Brasilia line is extensive, spanning multiple rooms across more than 30 models. Throughout our multi-decade experience in this industry, we have seen and handled nearly ...
Walnut
Midcentury Vintage Broyhill Premier "Emphasis" Credenza
By Broyhill, J.B. Van Sciver Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring genuine Mid-Century Modern American design home with this fantastic petite credenza by Broyhill Premier Furniture. From their iconic "Emphasis" series, featuring diamond-like c...
Wood, Walnut
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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.