Skip to main content

Cocktail Cabinets

to
98
1,052
381
1,453
66
11
549
332
45
19
11
11
7
7
6
6
5
4
3
2
2
2
8
55
1,389
77
234
960
104
11
6
101
342
49
143
100
63
13
8
1,239
563
424
372
259
1,167
626
373
193
141
1,530
1,480
1,490
61
20
13
12
10
Sort By
Gucci Barware Silver Plate and Crystal HighBall Tumbler Glasses Set, circa 1970
Gucci Barware Silver Plate and Crystal HighBall Tumbler Glasses Set, circa 1970

Gucci Barware Silver Plate and Crystal HighBall Tumbler Glasses Set, circa 1970

By Gucci

Located in Atlanta, GA

private home bar, cocktail service, or display cabinet. Adding to its desirability, each glass is

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Barware

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Gold Plate, Silver Plate

Christofle Abstract Love Sculpture By Xiao Hui Wang In Silvered Bronze Signed
Christofle Abstract Love Sculpture By Xiao Hui Wang In Silvered Bronze Signed

Christofle Abstract Love Sculpture By Xiao Hui Wang In Silvered Bronze Signed

By Christofle

Located in North Miami, FL

. This will need a great pedestal in your home or can sit on a large monumental cocktail table or cabinet

Category

Early 2000s French Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Silver, Bronze, Sterling Silver

Set of 10 Mid-Century Hand-Painted Heraldic Highball Glasses
Set of 10 Mid-Century Hand-Painted Heraldic Highball Glasses

Set of 10 Mid-Century Hand-Painted Heraldic Highball Glasses

Located in Northport, MI

bar cart, display cabinet, or cocktail service. These glasses complement traditional, eclectic, and

Category

Mid-20th Century Glass

Materials

Glass, Paint

Restored Crouch & Fitzgerald Leather Trunk, c 1920s, Signed
Restored Crouch & Fitzgerald Leather Trunk, c 1920s, Signed

Restored Crouch & Fitzgerald Leather Trunk, c 1920s, Signed

By Crouch & Fitzgerald

Located in Los Angeles, CA

well-suited for use as a cocktail table, drinks cabinet, blanket chest, or decorative storage piece

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Brass

Antique American Early Kitchen Stove Now Console Table
Antique American Early Kitchen Stove Now Console Table

Antique American Early Kitchen Stove Now Console Table

Located in Forney, TX

, breakfast buffet, workbench, library table, cocktail drinks liquor cabinet or portable dry bar cart, hall

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Metal, Iron

Cocktail Cabinet
Cocktail Cabinet

Cocktail Cabinet

$123,379 / item

Cocktail Cabinet

By LINLEY London

Located in London, GB

Inspired by our popular Trafalgar cocktail box, this elegant cocktail cabinet has been handcrafted

Category

2010s British Cabinets

Materials

Mirror, Sycamore

Arthur Umanoff Cocktail Dry Bar or Server for Raymor
Arthur Umanoff Cocktail Dry Bar or Server for Raymor

Arthur Umanoff Cocktail Dry Bar or Server for Raymor

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in St. Louis, MO

Midcentury Arthur Umanoff bar for Raymor. Wrought iron base, oak slats, rush and Formica top. Overall nice original condition, oak restored, wrought iron base repainted, top in very ...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Wrought Iron

Cocktail cabinet.
Cocktail cabinet.

Cocktail cabinet.

Unavailable|$6,580

Cocktail cabinet.

Located in London, GB

Pearwood cocktail cabinet with mirror and glass illuminated interior.

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Dry Bars

Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet
Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet

Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet

Unavailable|$5,500

Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet

Located in London, GB

A 1930's English Art Deco cocktail cabinet in satin wood veneer. All in orginal condition.

Category

20th Century English Cabinets

Midcentury Burr Walnut Cocktail Cabinet
Midcentury Burr Walnut Cocktail Cabinet

Midcentury Burr Walnut Cocktail Cabinet

Located in Salisbury, GB

A stunning midcentury burr walnut drinks/cocktail cabinet, circa 1960.

Category

Mid-20th Century Cabinets

Materials

Wood

British 1960s Highboard Cocktail Cabinet
British 1960s Highboard Cocktail Cabinet

British 1960s Highboard Cocktail Cabinet

By S Form

Located in Nottingham, GB

A teak and graphic veneer highboard cocktail cabinet by S-form.

Category

Vintage 1960s British Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Teak

Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet
Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet

Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet

Unavailable|$1,507

Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet

Located in Honiton, Devon

Fabulous rosewood display cabinet / cocktail cabinet. This very stylish cabinet has been through

Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet and Sideboard
Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet and Sideboard

Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet and Sideboard

Located in Lee on the Solent, Hampshire

Great shaped piece of Art Deco furniture is both a cocktail cabinet and sideboard. It has two

Category

Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Mirror, Birch, Walnut

Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet in Coromandel
Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet in Coromandel

Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet in Coromandel

Located in Paddock Wood, Kent

Art Deco cocktail cabinet in Coromandel A very rare French Art Deco cocktail cabinet, this was

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Ebony

Althorp Cocktail Cabinet
Althorp Cocktail Cabinet

Althorp Cocktail Cabinet

Unavailable|$15,134

Althorp Cocktail Cabinet

Located in Nettlebed, Oxfordshire

An extremely fine and impressive walnut, mahogany and rosewood Renaissance cocktail cabinet on

Category

Antique 17th Century Vietnamese William and Mary Cabinets

Kate Noakes Cocktail Cabinet 'Poppy'
Kate Noakes Cocktail Cabinet 'Poppy'

Kate Noakes Cocktail Cabinet 'Poppy'

By Kate Noakes

Located in Newmarket, GB

Sheet metal inlaid with gesso on a 20th century cocktail cabinet, with light. All Kate's pieces are

Category

2010s Great Britain (UK) Cabinets

Materials

Metal

French Empire Style Inlaid Cocktail Cabinet
French Empire Style Inlaid Cocktail Cabinet

French Empire Style Inlaid Cocktail Cabinet

Located in Worcester, Worcestershire

Condition very good condition commensurate with age. Good looking antique style cocktail cabinet

Category

20th Century Cabinets

Storm Cocktail Cabinet in Marble Marquetry
Storm Cocktail Cabinet in Marble Marquetry

Storm Cocktail Cabinet in Marble Marquetry

By Rue Monsieur Paris

Located in Paris, FR

Cocktail cabinet. Berlinia solid wood structure, multi-tonal marble marquetry shards front

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cabinets

Materials

Marble

French Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet
French Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet

French Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet

Located in Lee-On-The-Solent, GB

A French Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet, with two cupboards to each side opening to reveal two shelves

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Wood

1950s Cocktail Cabinet by Osvaldo Borsani
1950s Cocktail Cabinet by Osvaldo Borsani

1950s Cocktail Cabinet by Osvaldo Borsani

By Osvaldo Borsani

Located in London, GB

A cocktail cabinet with maple and mirrored interior and brass detail, designed by Osvaldo Borsani.

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Danish Tambour Door cocktail Cabinet
Mid Century Danish Tambour Door cocktail Cabinet

Mid Century Danish Tambour Door cocktail Cabinet

Located in Hull, GB

DRINKS BAR A stunning mid century danish teak tambour door cocktail cabinet / drinks bar circa

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Teak

Kate Noakes Cocktail Cabinet 'Button-up'

Kate Noakes Cocktail Cabinet 'Button-up'

By Kate Noakes

Located in Newmarket, GB

Sheet metal inlaid with gesso on a reconditioned cocktail cabinet. All kate's pieces are one-offs

Category

2010s Great Britain (UK) Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Althorp Mahogany and Rosewood Cocktail Cabinet
Althorp Mahogany and Rosewood Cocktail Cabinet

Althorp Mahogany and Rosewood Cocktail Cabinet

Located in Nettlebed, Oxfordshire

A George III style mahogany and rosewood cocktail cabinet with panelled doors and slides below. The

Category

Antique 18th Century Vietnamese George III Cabinets

Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet by Harrods
Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet by Harrods

Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet by Harrods

Located in Lee-On-The-Solent, GB

A quality Art Deco cocktail cabinet by Harrods. The retail label to inside the central cupboard. In

Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Maple

English Mahogany Cocktail Cabinet Drinks Bar
English Mahogany Cocktail Cabinet Drinks Bar

English Mahogany Cocktail Cabinet Drinks Bar

Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, GB

A fine quality mahogany cocktail cabinet. Constructed from thick cuts of solid mahogany boasting

Category

20th Century English Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet in Walnut Veneers
Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet in Walnut Veneers

Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet in Walnut Veneers

Located in Edenbridge, Kent

A compact Modernist style cocktail cabinet from the Art Deco period in figured walnut veneers with

Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Dry Bars

Materials

Walnut

Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet in Sycamore, circa 1930
Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet in Sycamore, circa 1930

Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet in Sycamore, circa 1930

Located in Paddock Wood, Kent

Art Deco cocktail cabinet in Sycamore, circa 1930 A Stunning Sycamore Art Deco cocktail cabinet

Category

Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Sycamore

Fine Italian Carved Walnut Cocktail Cabinet
Fine Italian Carved Walnut Cocktail Cabinet

Fine Italian Carved Walnut Cocktail Cabinet

Located in Heathfield, East Sussex

A fine and beautifully constructed Italian carved walnut cocktail cabinet from the mid-20th century

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Dry Bars

Materials

Ormolu

Fine Italian Carved Walnut Cocktail Cabinet
Fine Italian Carved Walnut Cocktail Cabinet

Fine Italian Carved Walnut Cocktail Cabinet

Located in Heathfield, East Sussex

A fine and beautifully constructed Italian carved walnut cocktail cabinet from the mid-20th century

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Dry Bars

Materials

Ormolu

French Art Deco Rosewood Cocktail Cabinet, circa 1930
French Art Deco Rosewood Cocktail Cabinet, circa 1930

French Art Deco Rosewood Cocktail Cabinet, circa 1930

Located in Paddock Wood, Kent

French Art Deco rosewood cocktail cabinet, circa 1930 Original, French Art Deco Rosewood 2-door

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Rosewood

Alessandro Mendini Cocktail Cabinet Prototype Made for Zabro
Alessandro Mendini Cocktail Cabinet Prototype Made for Zabro

Alessandro Mendini Cocktail Cabinet Prototype Made for Zabro

By Alessandro Mendini

Located in London, GB

A lacquered cocktail cabinet with three doors on two asymmetrical legs, the only one produced with

Category

20th Century Italian Dry Bars

Materials

Copper, Silver, Silver Plate

Paolo Buffa 1950s mirrored cocktail cabinet
Paolo Buffa 1950s mirrored cocktail cabinet

Paolo Buffa 1950s mirrored cocktail cabinet

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Haywards Heath, GB

Rare 1940/50s illuminated mirrored cocktail cabinet by Paolo Buffa. Such a beautiful piece of

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Shagreen and Bone Cocktail Cabinet, 1920s
Shagreen and Bone Cocktail Cabinet, 1920s

Shagreen and Bone Cocktail Cabinet, 1920s

Located in By, GB

A highly unusual and decorative shagreen and bone cocktail cabinet of neat proportions.The green

Category

Early 20th Century British George I Dry Bars

Materials

Silver

Mirror-Door Solid Wood Horizontal Liquor/Cocktail Cabinet – Casablanca
Mirror-Door Solid Wood Horizontal Liquor/Cocktail Cabinet – Casablanca

Mirror-Door Solid Wood Horizontal Liquor/Cocktail Cabinet – Casablanca

By Ananas Design + Crafts

Located in Orlando, FL

-lit cocktail cabinet is opened, its dedicated cocktail preparation area ensures a practical and

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Credenzas

Materials

Chrome

Mid-20th Century Walnut Cocktail Cabinet on Stand
Mid-20th Century Walnut Cocktail Cabinet on Stand

Mid-20th Century Walnut Cocktail Cabinet on Stand

Located in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

A fabulous finely carved and pierced walnut cocktail cabinet, circa 1930. The pair of well figured

Category

Mid-20th Century English Anglo-Japanese Dry Bars

Materials

Walnut

Bleached Burl Walnut Cocktail Cabinet Art Deco Drinks Bar
Bleached Burl Walnut Cocktail Cabinet Art Deco Drinks Bar

Bleached Burl Walnut Cocktail Cabinet Art Deco Drinks Bar

Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, GB

A fine quality Art Deco period bleached burl walnut cocktail cabinet. The shaped arched doors

Category

Early 20th Century English Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Early 20th Century Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet
Early 20th Century Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet

Early 20th Century Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet

Located in Poling, West Sussex

A striking domed top walnut cocktail cabinet from the Art Deco period. Well made in walnut, with

Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Maple, Walnut

Art Deco Bird's-Eye Maple and Walnut Coffee Table Cocktail Cabinet
Art Deco Bird's-Eye Maple and Walnut Coffee Table Cocktail Cabinet

Art Deco Bird's-Eye Maple and Walnut Coffee Table Cocktail Cabinet

Located in Lee on the Solent, Hampshire

Art Deco bird's-eye maple and walnut occasional/coffee table cocktail cabinet, with two opening

Category

Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Maple, Walnut

Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet in Burr Walnut and Other Veneers
Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet in Burr Walnut and Other Veneers

Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet in Burr Walnut and Other Veneers

Located in Kent, GB

This a superb quality Art Deco cocktail cabinet with veneers and banding in burr walnut, satinwood

Category

Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Bertrand Cocktail Cabinet by Massimo Iosa Ghini for Memphis Milano
Bertrand Cocktail Cabinet by Massimo Iosa Ghini for Memphis Milano

Bertrand Cocktail Cabinet by Massimo Iosa Ghini for Memphis Milano

By Massimo Iosa Ghini

Located in PARIS, FR

movement as well as his involvement in the Memphis group. The Bertrand Cocktail Cabinet is an

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Futurist Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

A Fine Cocktail Cabinet by Harry & Lou Epstein
A Fine Cocktail Cabinet by Harry & Lou Epstein

A Fine Cocktail Cabinet by Harry & Lou Epstein

By Harry & Lou Epstein Furniture Co

Located in Lee-On-The-Solent, GB

A fine Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet by Harry and Lou Epstein. In highly figured blond walnut, with the

Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Wall-Mounted Liquor / Cocktail Cabinet – CASABLANCA Wall Showcase Series
Wall-Mounted Liquor / Cocktail Cabinet – CASABLANCA Wall Showcase Series

Wall-Mounted Liquor / Cocktail Cabinet – CASABLANCA Wall Showcase Series

By Ananas Design + Crafts

Located in Orlando, FL

showcase your liquor and wine collection. When you open the door of this LED-lit cocktail cabinet, a built

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Credenzas

Materials

Oak

Solid Wood Tall Liquor / Cocktail Cabinet – CASABLANCA High Showcase Series
Solid Wood Tall Liquor / Cocktail Cabinet – CASABLANCA High Showcase Series

Solid Wood Tall Liquor / Cocktail Cabinet – CASABLANCA High Showcase Series

By Ananas Design + Crafts

Located in Orlando, FL

showcase for your liquor and wine collection. When you open the drawer of this LED-lit cocktail cabinet, a

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

British Cocktail Cabinet circa 1920 Hand-Painted by Kensa Designs
British Cocktail Cabinet circa 1920 Hand-Painted by Kensa Designs

British Cocktail Cabinet circa 1920 Hand-Painted by Kensa Designs

Located in Oxted, Surrey

This burr walnut cocktail cabinet is intrinsic in design and appeal. The Majestic Stag in an autumn

Category

Vintage 1920s British Cabinets

Materials

Acrylic, Glass, Mirror, Wood

British Cocktail Cabinet, circa 1920 with Petra Hand-Painted by Kensa Designs
British Cocktail Cabinet, circa 1920 with Petra Hand-Painted by Kensa Designs

British Cocktail Cabinet, circa 1920 with Petra Hand-Painted by Kensa Designs

Located in Oxted, Surrey

This charming antique cocktail cabinet in Queen Anne style has been refurbished and hand-painted by

Category

Vintage 1920s British Queen Anne Cabinets

Materials

Acrylic, Glass, Mirror, Wood

Harry & Lou Epstein British Custom Made Marquetry Exquisite Cocktail Cabinet
Harry & Lou Epstein British Custom Made Marquetry Exquisite Cocktail Cabinet

Harry & Lou Epstein British Custom Made Marquetry Exquisite Cocktail Cabinet

By Harry & Lou Epstein Furniture Co

Located in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

Exquisite Harry & Lou Epstein British custom made marquetry cocktail cabinet. To reveal mirrored

Category

20th Century British Queen Anne Dry Bars

Materials

Cut Glass, Mirror, Walnut

Art Deco H&L Epstein Blonde Burr Walnut Semi Circular Fluted Cocktail Cabinet
Art Deco H&L Epstein Blonde Burr Walnut Semi Circular Fluted Cocktail Cabinet

Art Deco H&L Epstein Blonde Burr Walnut Semi Circular Fluted Cocktail Cabinet

By Harry & Lou Epstein Furniture Co

Located in London, GB

This is the best and most popular Cocktail Cabinet made in the UK in the Art Deco Period. Veneered

Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Dry Bars

Materials

Wood

British Chairside Mobile Cocktail Cabinet Painted Mirrors
British Chairside Mobile Cocktail Cabinet Painted Mirrors

British Chairside Mobile Cocktail Cabinet Painted Mirrors

Located in Senden, NRW

1930s chair side mobile cocktail cabinet with reverse painted mirrors. Made of beautiful

Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Dry Bars

Materials

Mirror, Burl

Rare Art Deco Venesta Plywood and Limed Oak Mirror Backed Cocktail Cabinet
Rare Art Deco Venesta Plywood and Limed Oak Mirror Backed Cocktail Cabinet

Rare Art Deco Venesta Plywood and Limed Oak Mirror Backed Cocktail Cabinet

By Isokon

Located in Sherborne, GB

A rare and super quality Art Deco limed oak cocktail cabinet, with nickel plated banding. Probably

Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Mirror, Oak, Plywood

Bird of Paradise Cocktail Cabinet
Bird of Paradise Cocktail Cabinet

Bird of Paradise Cocktail Cabinet

By Rue Monsieur Paris

Located in Paris, FR

Black lacquered wooden structure, empress green marble front; white resin and brass handles; inside drawers in white resin; polished brass base; LED lighting. Unique piece.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cabinets

Materials

Marble

Large Art Deco Walnut Cocktail Cabinet
Large Art Deco Walnut Cocktail Cabinet

Large Art Deco Walnut Cocktail Cabinet

Located in Manchester, GB

Magnificent burr walnut cocktail/drinks cabinet of large proportions. The base is heavily carved

Category

Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Burr Walnut Bow Fronted Cocktail Cabinet
Burr Walnut Bow Fronted Cocktail Cabinet

Burr Walnut Bow Fronted Cocktail Cabinet

Located in Altrincham, Cheshire

Burr walnut bow fronted drinks cabinet with lift up lid, light fitted interior, 3 cupboards on ball

Category

Vintage 1920s English Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Art Deco Flip-Top Cocktail Cabinet
Art Deco Flip-Top Cocktail Cabinet

Art Deco Flip-Top Cocktail Cabinet

Located in Oakland, CA

Highly polished Art Deco flip-top bar cabinet is deceptively simple. While it is small, and looks

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Dry Bars

Materials

Wood

Jamaican Art Deco Round Bar/Cocktail Cabinet By Burnett Webster(circa.1934-1939)
Jamaican Art Deco Round Bar/Cocktail Cabinet By Burnett Webster(circa.1934-1939)

Jamaican Art Deco Round Bar/Cocktail Cabinet By Burnett Webster(circa.1934-1939)

Located in Charleston, SC

This Rare Jamaican Art Deco. Round, Four Door Mahogany Bar / Cocktail Cabinet was designed and

Category

Early 20th Century Jamaican Art Deco Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Glass, Ebony, Mahogany

English Large Sized Burl Walnut Cocktail Cabinet
English Large Sized Burl Walnut Cocktail Cabinet

English Large Sized Burl Walnut Cocktail Cabinet

Located in Poling, West Sussex

An impressive burr walnut cocktail, or drinks, cabinet of generous proportions. In the Queen Anne

Category

Early 20th Century English Queen Anne Dry Bars

Materials

Walnut, Burl

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Cocktail Cabinets", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Cocktail Cabinets For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of cocktail cabinets available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, walnut and metal, all cocktail cabinets available were constructed with great care. Find 1359 antique and vintage cocktail cabinets at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 72 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. Cocktail cabinets have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Cocktail cabinets are generally popular furniture pieces, but Art Deco, mid-century modern and modern styles are often sought at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made cocktail cabinets over the years, but those made by Harry & Lou Epstein Furniture Co, Maurice Adams and Greenapple are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Cocktail Cabinets?

Prices for cocktail cabinets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, cocktail cabinets begin at $150 and can go as high as $410,519, while the average can fetch as much as $3,406.

Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets 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.

Questions About Cocktail Cabinets
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Cocktail tables are ornate low tables traditionally used to serve cocktails and food in a seating area. When first sold in the early 20th-century, cocktail tables tended to be square or rectangular, while coffee tables were round or oval shaped. Today, both types of table come in a wide range of shapes. Find a variety of antique and vintage cocktail tables on 1stDibs.

Read More

37 Cheerful Home Bars, Where Everybody (Literally) Knows Your Name

Simple or sophisticated, equipped with console, cart or custom cabinetry, these stylish bar areas deserve a toast.

The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home

Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.

What Exactly Is a Secretary Desk, and What Is It Used For?

The furniture equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, it's the multifunctional piece you didn't know you needed.

This Shelving System with Oxidized Brass Tubes Is Retro and Futuristic at Once

Italian studio DimoreMilano mustered great ingenuity when crafting these sculptural shelves, which are built without any screws.

Ask an Interior Designer: Work-from-Home Edition

Leaping into a design project, whether it's refreshing the bedroom or redoing the whole house, can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know more than a few interior designers. You asked questions on Instagram, and now they're answering.

Collected and Eclectic, ‘Wunderkammern’ Are Back in a Big Way

Introduced nearly 500 years ago, curiosity cabinets are finding new fans among today's collectors and designers.

Meet the Incredible Woman Transforming Fallen Trees into Sleek Furniture

In the hands of New York Heartwoods cofounder Megan Offner, unwanted local trees become works of design art.

These New York Architects Love a Complicated Project

From Brooklyn townhouses to Maine campgrounds, Trattie Davies and Jonathan Toews relish a challenge, like transforming a former warehouse space into the new 1stdibs Gallery.