Cavalier Cedar
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Blanket Chests
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blanket Chests
Mahogany, Cedar
Vintage 1940s American Streamlined Moderne Blanket Chests
Mahogany, Cedar
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Walnut
Early 20th Century American William and Mary Blanket Chests
Mahogany, Cedar
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century North American Art Deco Blanket Chests
Mahogany, Cedar
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blanket Chests
Walnut, Cedar
Vintage 1940s American Blanket Chests
Mahogany
Vintage 1950s American Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany, Walnut, Cedar
Vintage 1950s American Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood, Paint
Vintage 1950s American Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut, Mahogany, Cedar
People Also Browsed
2010s South African Minimalist Night Stands
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blanket Chests
Walnut, Wood, Cedar
Antique Mid-19th Century American Primitive Blanket Chests
Iron
Antique 1860s North American Country Blanket Chests
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Blanket Chests
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century Rustic Blanket Chests
Mahogany
2010s Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Antique 19th Century American Rustic Blanket Chests
Wood
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Blanket Chests
Walnut, Cedar
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Blanket Chests
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century Korean Other Blanket Chests
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Queen Anne Blanket Chests
Wood, Hardwood, Mahogany, Cedar
Antique 18th Century American Chippendale Blanket Chests
Pine
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.