Carved Oak Gothic Revival Food Cupboard

The Gothic Revival movement (also called Victorian Gothic or Neo-Gothic) emerged in Britain in the 1740s, and reached its height in the late-19th century. Gothic Revival furniture's characteristics include such decorative flourishes as pointed arches, floral details, finials, heraldic motifs and linenfold carving.

The movement was rooted in religious and social conservatism. Gothic Revival's proponents, who included Charles Barry and A.W.N. Pugin, the architects of London’s Houses of Parliament (designed in 1840), believed that the art and architecture of the Middle Ages were authentically spiritual and inherently moral.

In the United States, the Gothic Revival movement shaped both public buildings and private houses. Numerous American schools were built in the early-19th century in a style now called Collegiate Gothic. Many builders and craftsmen were inspired by Andrew Jackson Downing’s widely read 1850 book Architecture for Country Houses, which posited that a family’s home should exemplify their values — and that the Gothic Revival style was particularly well-suited to scholars and clergymen. Furniture with detailing that mirrored that of Gothic Revival buildings appeared in the same period. Such pieces typically feature dark, intricately carved wood, and upholstery in velvet or leather.

Much like the castles or cathedrals that inspired them, Gothic Revival chairs, bookcases and beds make a bold design statement. And while you probably don’t have to cross a moat or raise a portcullis to get through your front door, a Gothic Revival piece will declare that your home is indeed your castle.

In any kitchen, dining room or other area of your home, antique and vintage cupboards can help you organize your space as well as support your endeavors to show off your prized collectibles and decorative objects.

Cupboards have long been staples in interior design as reliable and versatile case pieces, which have been a vital part of the home for centuries. Cupboards appeared in the Middle Ages and by the 17th century had eclipsed the chest in popularity as a piece of furniture for storage. New techniques in woodworking allowed furniture manufacturers to build pieces that were more complex than simple chests.

Early cupboards were often tall and were typically used to store linens. By the 18th century, there was more variety in the available shapes and sizes, with some pieces combining a chest of drawers with a tall cabinet.

Cupboards became large and heavy as their importance as furniture grew, frequently making them the biggest piece in a home. They could involve decorative elements like columns and cornices. Over the years, more features were added by furniture makers, such as glass panels for displaying items like porcelain ware.

Besides keeping the room tidy, a cupboard can set the tone through its size. Antique and vintage cupboards are built to last, and, with centuries of design choices, these structures are easy to match with existing furniture.

On 1stDibs, find a range of options for your home including new and custom cupboards, mid-century modern cupboards and original creations, like the weave quilt cupboards by Jim Rose. Contemporary cupboards with unexpected shapes and colors can add an element of surprise to a room. They also provide versatile storage while creating a modern effect.