Contemporary Column Set Of Four Brass Glass Cupboards

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

Whether burnished or lacquered, antique, new and vintage brass furniture can elevate a room.

From traditional spaces that use brass as an accent — by way of brass dining chairs or brass pendant lights — to contemporary rooms that embrace bold brass decor, there are many ways to incorporate the golden-hued metal.

“I find mixed metals to be a very updated approach, as opposed to the old days, when it was all shiny brass of dulled-out silver tones,” says interior designer Drew McGukin. “I especially love working with brass and blackened steel for added warmth and tonality. To me, aged brass is complementary across many design styles and can trend contemporary or traditional when pushed either way.”

He proves his point in a San Francisco entryway, where a Lindsey Adelman light fixture hangs above a limited-edition table and stools by Kelly Wearstler — also an enthusiast of juxtapositions — all providing bronze accents. The walls were hand-painted by artist Caroline Lizarraga and the ombré stair runner is by DMc.

West Coast designer Catherine Kwong chose a sleek brass and lacquered-parchment credenza by Scala Luxury to fit this San Francisco apartment. “The design of this sideboard is reminiscent of work by French modernist Jean Prouvé. The brass font imbues the space with warmth and the round ‘portholes’ provide an arresting geometric element.”

Find antique, new and vintage brass tables, case pieces and other furnishings now on 1stDibs.

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.