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Paul Frankl small  display cabinet
Paul Frankl small  display cabinet

Paul Frankl small display cabinet

By Paul Frankl

Located in Westport, CT

Paul Frankl creme Cork Mahogany Display Cabinet

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Vintage Glass Display Cabinet, Germany, 1940s
Vintage Glass Display Cabinet, Germany, 1940s

Vintage Glass Display Cabinet, Germany, 1940s

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo

A slender vintage glass display cabinet, defined by its light presence and refined proportions.

Category

Vintage 1940s German Cabinets

Materials

Metal

English Display Mahogany Cabinet Around 1910
English Display Mahogany Cabinet Around 1910

English Display Mahogany Cabinet Around 1910

Located in Apeldoorn, NL

Antique mahogany shop cabinet with 24 drawers behind glasses in sliding doors and 6 large closed drawers. Made entirely of solid mahogany. Very nice quality. With these types of shop...

Category

Vintage 1910s Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

A regency period mahogany display cabinet
A regency period mahogany display cabinet

A regency period mahogany display cabinet

Located in London, GB

The rectangular form is topped with a substantial, molded cornice displaying the warm tones and natural grain of the wood.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Regency Cabinets

Materials

Bronze

Dutch Marquetry Bombe Vitrine Display Cabinet
Dutch Marquetry Bombe Vitrine Display Cabinet

Dutch Marquetry Bombe Vitrine Display Cabinet

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A fine Dutch bombe shaped vitrine (display cabinet) from the late 19th century, richly decorated in floral marquetry across the drawer fronts, sides, and glazed upper cabinet.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Dutch Vitrines

Materials

Wood, Fruitwood

Gustavian Black-Painted Bureau Display Cabinet
Gustavian Black-Painted Bureau Display Cabinet

Gustavian Black-Painted Bureau Display Cabinet

Located in Kastrup, DK

Elegant Gustavian black-painted bureau display cabinet in three sections, crafted with fine classical detailing and beautiful patina.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Outstanding Demi Lune Mahogany Display Cabinet
Outstanding Demi Lune Mahogany Display Cabinet

Outstanding Demi Lune Mahogany Display Cabinet

Located in Swadlincote, GB

Wonderful deep demi lune mahogany display cabinet, with astra glazing bars, four heavy glass shelves, standing on outswept legs, excellent colour and condition. 66" high 28" wide 15...

Category

20th Century Chippendale Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

vintage display cabinet  sideboard  1950s  Swedish
vintage display cabinet  sideboard  1950s  Swedish

vintage display cabinet sideboard 1950s Swedish

Located in Lemmer, NL

vintage display cabinet sideboard 1950s Swedish period 1950s design unknown Sweden condition good light signs of wear/patina size 130 x 130 x 28 (hxwxd) details wood; gla...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Wood

Napoleon III Period Collector's Display Cabinet
Napoleon III Period Collector's Display Cabinet

Napoleon III Period Collector's Display Cabinet

Located in Brussels, Brussels

A unique 19th-century Napoleon III period collector's or jeweler's display cabinet. Superb craftsmanship in blackened and gilded wood, composed of two glass doors and two drawers.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Vitrines

Materials

Wood

Edwardian Display Cabinet Mahogany Bookcase 1900
Edwardian Display Cabinet Mahogany Bookcase 1900

Edwardian Display Cabinet Mahogany Bookcase 1900

Located in Potters Bar, GB

A very elegant Edwardian display cabinet in rich mahogany, finely inlaid and set on slender cabriole supports Circa 1900 Bought from a private residence in London's Queens Park The g...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

George II Walnut Breakfront Display Bookcase
George II Walnut Breakfront Display Bookcase

George II Walnut Breakfront Display Bookcase

By Jonathan Charles

Located in Westwood, NJ

Inside, adjustable glass shelves are perfect for displaying books, ceramics, or other favorite items.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Georgian Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Wood

Massive Art Deco Mirrored Display Cabinet
Massive Art Deco Mirrored Display Cabinet

Massive Art Deco Mirrored Display Cabinet

Located in Dekalb, IL

Monumental Art Deco display cabinet with mirrored back and reverse-painted figural glass.

Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Wood

Early 20th Century Mahogany Display Case
Early 20th Century Mahogany Display Case

Early 20th Century Mahogany Display Case

Located in Dekalb, IL

This is a turn-of-the-century American commercial display case, built expressly for retail or institutional use.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American American Classical Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Wood

Gustavian Style Glass Door Display Case
Gustavian Style Glass Door Display Case

Gustavian Style Glass Door Display Case

Located in Hollywood, FL

This is a unique 4 glass door top display case. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Midnight Black" the top, side cabinets shelves are 10" Deep center cabinet is 12...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Gustavian Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Louis XVI Style Display Cabinet
Louis XVI Style Display Cabinet

Louis XVI Style Display Cabinet

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality late 19th century French kingwood vitrine. Having gilded ormolu mounts, a single glass door, opening to reveal two shelves within. Raised on cabriole legs, termin...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Vitrines

Materials

Ormolu

Mid Victorian Burr Walnut Display Cabinet
Mid Victorian Burr Walnut Display Cabinet

Mid Victorian Burr Walnut Display Cabinet

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

A mid Victorian burr walnut display cabinet, of rectangular breakfront form, with four glazed doors and sides, mirror-backed with two adjustable glass shelves, decorated with delicat...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Edwardian Display Cabinet Mahogany Vitrine 1910
Edwardian Display Cabinet Mahogany Vitrine 1910

Edwardian Display Cabinet Mahogany Vitrine 1910

Located in Potters Bar, GB

You are viewing a period Edwardian display cabinet circa 1910 Mahogany construction with boxwood and satinwood line inlay, giving it a restrained but sophisticated decorative touch F...

Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Satinwood

Dutch Marquetry Display Cabinet Circa 1800
Dutch Marquetry Display Cabinet Circa 1800

Dutch Marquetry Display Cabinet Circa 1800

Located in Brussels, Brussels

Superb keyhole escutcheons with figures. The display cabinet has been completely hand polished in our workshops.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Dutch Louis XVI Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Gustavian Style Glass Door Display Cupboard
Gustavian Style Glass Door Display Cupboard

Gustavian Style Glass Door Display Cupboard

Located in Hollywood, FL

This is a Beautiful and unique Gustavian style glass top cupboard. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Gustavian Cupboards

Materials

Wood

Late Victorian Inlaid Rosewood Display Cabinet
Late Victorian Inlaid Rosewood Display Cabinet

Late Victorian Inlaid Rosewood Display Cabinet

Located in Worcester, GB

Late Victorian Inlaid Rosewood Display Cabinet Period: c.1890 Material: Rosewood, Inlaid Wood, Brass Origin: England This elegant Late Victorian display cabinet is crafted from ros...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Cabinets

Materials

Rosewood

Wooden Glass-Front Display Cupboard Cabinet
Wooden Glass-Front Display Cupboard Cabinet

Wooden Glass-Front Display Cupboard Cabinet

Located in High Point, NC

Colors may also vary slightly from their appearance in photos due to differences in monitor display settings and lighting conditions during photography.

Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Rustic Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Display Cabinet by Piet Hein Eek
Display Cabinet by Piet Hein Eek

Display Cabinet by Piet Hein Eek

By Piet Hein Eek

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful, delicate piece that allows for whatever you choose to display to speak.

Category

2010s Dutch Modern Cabinets

Materials

Brass

19th Century French display case vitrine
19th Century French display case vitrine

19th Century French display case vitrine

Located in Surrey, BC

Original , country store counter display case with , cast feet . original butter cream paint ..hardware and opening compartment with bevelled glass.

Category

Antique 1890s French Country Vitrines

Materials

Iron

Early 20th Century Chinese display cabinet
Early 20th Century Chinese display cabinet

Early 20th Century Chinese display cabinet

Located in Martlesham, GB

Ideal for displaying items and the cabinet is in excellent condition.

Category

Vintage 1910s Chinese Cabinets

Materials

Elm

Steel Display Shelves/Bookcase, France, Circa 1960
Steel Display Shelves/Bookcase, France, Circa 1960

Steel Display Shelves/Bookcase, France, Circa 1960

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An artist made six tiered display shelf with an unusual, sculptural form in patinated black steel.

Category

Vintage 1960s Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Swedish Gustavian Glazed Display Cabinet in White
Swedish Gustavian Glazed Display Cabinet in White

Swedish Gustavian Glazed Display Cabinet in White

Located in Westwood, NJ

The open lower tier adds a display shelf at console height. Put it where it can be loaded and lit - a dining room wall, a wide landing, a shop-your-own-collection moment in a living...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Pine

English Style Walnut Display Cabinet Bookcase 1900
English Style Walnut Display Cabinet Bookcase 1900

English Style Walnut Display Cabinet Bookcase 1900

Located in NAVILLY, FR

English Style Walnut Cabinet-Bookcase-Display with antique glass doors. Features 3 removable shelves.

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Vitrines

Materials

Walnut

Transition Display Cabinet in Restored Mahogany Veneer
Transition Display Cabinet in Restored Mahogany Veneer

Transition Display Cabinet in Restored Mahogany Veneer

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Transition style display cabinet in mahogany veneer, fully restored.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Vitrines

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Bookcase - English Mahogany and Brass Display Cabinet
Bookcase - English Mahogany and Brass Display Cabinet

Bookcase - English Mahogany and Brass Display Cabinet

Located in NAVILLY, FR

English style bookcase-display cabinet in solid mahogany with brass on the glass panels.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Antique Early 20th Century Mahogany Display Cabinet
Antique Early 20th Century Mahogany Display Cabinet

Antique Early 20th Century Mahogany Display Cabinet

Located in Nottingham, GB

A handsome early 20th-century English display cabinet, finely crafted from mahogany and combining generous display space with elegant period detailing.

Category

Early 20th Century Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

Mahogany display cabinet in Louis XVI style
Mahogany display cabinet in Louis XVI style

Mahogany display cabinet in Louis XVI style

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Mahogany display cabinet mounted on oak in Louis XVI style, circa 1900.

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Vitrines

Materials

Brass

Louis XV style Display case - 19th century
Louis XV style Display case - 19th century

Louis XV style Display case - 19th century

Located in Porto, PT

Louis XV style display case - 19th century. French, 19th century; painted wood; decorated with a gallant scene; signed 'Marlin' with bronze applications; curved glass with two shelves.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Vitrines

Materials

Wood

Two-section display cabinet in Noble Wood
Two-section display cabinet in Noble Wood

Two-section display cabinet in Noble Wood

Located in Porto, PT

Two-section display cabinet in Noble Wood. 20th-century Chinese piece; made of Noble Wood.

Category

20th Century Chinese Vitrines

Materials

Wood

Two-section display cabinet in Noble Wood
Two-section display cabinet in Noble Wood

Two-section display cabinet in Noble Wood

Located in Porto, PT

Two-section display cabinet in Noble Wood. 20th-century Chinese piece; made of Noble Wood.

Category

20th Century Chinese Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Louis XV style Display case - 19th century
Louis XV style Display case - 19th century

Louis XV style Display case - 19th century

Located in Porto, PT

Louis XV style display case - 19th century. French, 19th century; painted wood; decorated with gallant scenes and landscapes; gilded metal appliqués; curved glass with two shelves.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Vitrines

Materials

Wood

Louis XV style Display case - 19th century
Louis XV style Display case - 19th century

Louis XV style Display case - 19th century

Located in Porto, PT

Louis XV style display case - 19th century. French; 19th century; Louis XV style with Noble Wood marquetry placed in various directions; satinwood and boxwood; vase with flowers, emb...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Vitrines

Materials

Wood

Louis XV style Display case - 19th century
Louis XV style Display case - 19th century

Louis XV style Display case - 19th century

Located in Porto, PT

Louis XV style display case - 19th century. French; 19th century; Louis XV style; marquetry of Noble Wood root placed in various directions; satinwood and boxwood; vase with flowers;...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Vitrines

Materials

Wood

A Fine Victorian Satinwood Display Cabinet
A Fine Victorian Satinwood Display Cabinet

A Fine Victorian Satinwood Display Cabinet

Located in London, GB

A Beautiful Victorian Satinwood Display Cabinet Delicate Intricate Carving Lovely Glazed Doors with Astragal Glazing Bars The Interior Consists on Shelves lined Hand Painted Floral ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Cabinets

Materials

Satinwood

Antique Haberdashery Shop Display Cabinet, circa 1920
Antique Haberdashery Shop Display Cabinet, circa 1920

Antique Haberdashery Shop Display Cabinet, circa 1920

Located in Nottingham, GB

A superb vintage haberdashery shop display cabinet dating to circa 1920, constructed from beech and retaining a particularly attractive warm honey-coloured finish.

Category

Early 20th Century Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Empire style display cabinet-library in mahogany
Empire style display cabinet-library in mahogany

Empire style display cabinet-library in mahogany

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Exceptional Empire style display cabinet-library with Louis XVI influences and high period features.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Vitrines

Materials

Bronze

Danish Art Deco Display Case, circa 1920
Danish Art Deco Display Case, circa 1920

Danish Art Deco Display Case, circa 1920

Located in Kastrup, DK

Danish Art Deco display case crafted from black-painted wood with a simple, functional design.

Category

Early 20th Century Danish Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Henredon Scene One Campaign Display Cabinet
Henredon Scene One Campaign Display Cabinet

Henredon Scene One Campaign Display Cabinet

By Henredon

Located in W Allenhurst, NJ

Timeless design in this Henredon Scene One Campaign display cabinet. Classic streamline lines with inset brass hardware. 2 door lower cabinet with adjustable shelf, 3 adjustable glas...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Campaign Cabinets

Materials

Brass

18C German Walnut Baroque Display Cabinet
18C German Walnut Baroque Display Cabinet

18C German Walnut Baroque Display Cabinet

Located in London, GB

Baroque cabinet, middle/end of the 18th century. Elaborately inlaid with walnut burl wood, among other things with key and original lock and fittings. Two-part piece with glass cabin...

Category

Antique 18th Century German Baroque Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Walnut

Antique industrial metal display cabinet, circa 1920
Antique industrial metal display cabinet, circa 1920

Antique industrial metal display cabinet, circa 1920

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Originating from a medical, laboratory, or professional workspace, this unique item boasts a rugged look—perfect as a display cabinet or storage unit for an industrial, rustic, or ec...

Category

Vintage 1920s German Industrial Cabinets

Materials

Iron

English Neo-classical Pine Display Cabinet
English Neo-classical Pine Display Cabinet

English Neo-classical Pine Display Cabinet

Located in Dallas, TX

19th Century English Neo-classical carved pine display cabinet. Circa 1860. A fine addition to any home!

Category

Antique 19th Century Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Pine

Art Nouveau Display Cabinet Mahogany 1890
Art Nouveau Display Cabinet Mahogany 1890

Art Nouveau Display Cabinet Mahogany 1890

Located in Potters Bar, GB

Unusual mahogany Art Nouveau display cabinet with mirrors Fine astragal glazed door circa 1890 Fully restored by our inhouse restorer Bought from a private house sale in London's Blo...

Category

Antique 1890s Art Nouveau Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

19th century display cabinet on stand
19th century display cabinet on stand

19th century display cabinet on stand

Located in Cheshire, GB

Display cabinet on stands the moulded pagoda-style top above bevelled glazed doors opening to reveal a velvet-lined interior and single glass shelf.

Category

Antique 19th Century British Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Vintage French Brass Etagere Display Cabinet
Vintage French Brass Etagere Display Cabinet

Vintage French Brass Etagere Display Cabinet

Located in London, GB

An extremely stylish and very well made vintage French brass etagere display cabinet. This was made in France, it dates from the 1970’s.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Figured Walnut Bowfront Display Cabinet
Art Deco Figured Walnut Bowfront Display Cabinet

Art Deco Figured Walnut Bowfront Display Cabinet

Located in Oakwood, GA

The cabinet features a projecting bowed center section flanked by two glazed display compartments, creating an unusually handsome combination of concealed storage and open display.

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Fabric, Glass, Wood, Walnut

Louis XV-style Walnut Display Case/sideboard
Louis XV-style Walnut Display Case/sideboard

Louis XV-style Walnut Display Case/sideboard

Located in Beaune, FR

A Louis XIV-style display cabinet or cash box made of solid carved walnut in good condition.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Vitrines

Materials

Walnut

Antique Edwardian Mirrored Shop Display Cabinet
Antique Edwardian Mirrored Shop Display Cabinet

Antique Edwardian Mirrored Shop Display Cabinet

Located in Ware, GB

This exquisite Edwardian mahogany shop display dresser, crafted in 1902 for a Devon jewellery shop, showcases a stunning mirrored back and elegant glass shelving, perfect for highlig...

Category

Vintage 1920s British Edwardian Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Wood, Mahogany

Grey-Painted Display Cabinet with Drawers, 1890
Grey-Painted Display Cabinet with Drawers, 1890

Grey-Painted Display Cabinet with Drawers, 1890

Located in Lejre, DK

Antique display cabinet with a grey-painted finish, glass doors and drawers in the lower section.

Category

Antique 1890s Danish Gustavian Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Display Cabinet c.1930s
Art Deco Display Cabinet c.1930s

Art Deco Display Cabinet c.1930s

Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB

An elegant and compact Art Deco display cabinet dating to the 1930s. Crafted in richly grained Indian rosewood with a deep, warm tone and softly rounded corners, this piece offers bo...

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Rosewood

MOBILI COLOMBO Mahogany Neoclassical Vitrine Display Cabinet
MOBILI COLOMBO Mahogany Neoclassical Vitrine Display Cabinet

MOBILI COLOMBO Mahogany Neoclassical Vitrine Display Cabinet

Located in Perkasie, PA

A lighted interior and fabric-lined back further enhance the display, while adjustable shelves provide flexibility for showcasing pieces of varying sizes.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Neoclassical Vitrines

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Wooden Display Cabinet with Glass Top
Antique Wooden Display Cabinet with Glass Top

Antique Wooden Display Cabinet with Glass Top

Located in Dekalb, IL

Inside, two adjustable glass shelves offer flexible display options for merchandise, collectibles, or décor.

Category

Early 20th Century Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Wood

19th-Century Watch Winding Display Cabinet
19th-Century Watch Winding Display Cabinet

19th-Century Watch Winding Display Cabinet

Located in New Orleans, LA

This incredible, one-of-a-kind watch display cabinet brings together the beauty of an antique with the functionality of modern technology.

Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Empire Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

19thC English Mahogany Glazed Display Cabinet
19thC English Mahogany Glazed Display Cabinet

19thC English Mahogany Glazed Display Cabinet

Located in Staffordshire, GB

circa 1890 19thC English Mahogany Glazed Display Cabinet sku 1951 W128 x D35 x H228 cm Internal shelf depth 28 cm Weight 100 kg

Category

Antique 19th Century Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Art Deco Walnut Bookcase Display Cabinet 1930
Art Deco Walnut Bookcase Display Cabinet 1930

Art Deco Walnut Bookcase Display Cabinet 1930

Located in Potters Bar, GB

Stylish Art Deco bookcase and display cabinet in richly figured walnut Asymmetrical design with seven drawers to the left side Open shelving to the right providing useful display spa...

Category

Vintage 1930s Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Rare and Impressive Art Deco Display Cabinet
Rare and Impressive Art Deco Display Cabinet

Rare and Impressive Art Deco Display Cabinet

By Harry & Lou Epstein Furniture Co

Located in Forest Row, East Sussex

An Art Deco display cabinet by Harry & Lou Epstein. Satinwood and burr walnut veneered with floral border pattern glass fronted display and satin birch veneered interior.

Category

Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Satinwood, Walnut

Art Nouveau Display Cabinet Period 1890
Art Nouveau Display Cabinet Period 1890

Art Nouveau Display Cabinet Period 1890

Located in Potters Bar, GB

Impressive art nouveau mahogany display cabinet. Circa 1890 This cabinet is raised upon cabriole legs with a shaped frieze.

Category

Antique 1890s Art Nouveau Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

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Display Cases For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of display cases for sale on 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and glass, all display cases available were constructed with great care. We have 21963 antique and vintage display cases in-stock, while there are 1416 modern editions to choose from as well. Display cases have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Display cases bearing mid-century modern or Art Deco hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. Many display cases are appealing in their simplicity, but Poul Cadovius, Mastercraft and Henredon produced popular display cases that are worth a look.

How Much are Display Cases?

Display cases can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $3,997, while the lowest priced sells for $0 and the highest can go for as much as $21,247,058.

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 Display Cases

  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
    A glass display case is also called a showcase, vitrine, or display cabinet. It usually has one or more panels of transparent glass that allows for proper display of your treasured collectibles. Find a collection of antique and vintage furniture on 1stDibs today.

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