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19th Century French Painted Corner Cupboard
19th Century French Painted Corner Cupboard

19th Century French Painted Corner Cupboard

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Two shelves in the top half and one in the bottom half. Original locking mechanism and door holder. D x 57cm - back to front – each side of triangle 74cm.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Corner Cupboards

Materials

Wood

Scottish Two-Tiered Bookcase of Mahogany
Scottish Two-Tiered Bookcase of Mahogany

Scottish Two-Tiered Bookcase of Mahogany

Located in Austin, TX

A fine Scottish two-tier bookcase cabinet of mahogany, featuring a canopy top over two glazed locking doors with key, opening to four adjustable shelves, over a bottom tier with two ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Scottish Bookcases

Materials

Brass, Metal

9th Century Northern European Painted Cupboard
9th Century Northern European Painted Cupboard

9th Century Northern European Painted Cupboard

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Stunning original painted 19th Century Northern European two door cupboard.  Complete with lock and key and three shelves.

Category

Antique 19th Century Cupboards

Materials

Pine, Paint

Tall and wide Mid Century Danish Modern Teak cabinet. so much storage. Beautiful
Tall and wide Mid Century Danish Modern Teak cabinet. so much storage. Beautiful

Tall and wide Mid Century Danish Modern Teak cabinet. so much storage. Beautiful

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Includes one skeleton key. Each door has a lock. Gorgeous grain. Top has a few hard to notice old scratches (see pic).

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Teak

Handsome European Art Deco Cabinet / bookcase
Handsome European Art Deco Cabinet / bookcase

Handsome European Art Deco Cabinet / bookcase

Located in Buffalo, NY

two piece featuring large top with 3 adjustable shelves, tracks for sliding doors but absent,, base with locking storage and locking drawers,, locks fully functional,, Hand delivery ...

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Birch, Birdseye Maple

Antique Unique Swedish Rustic Tall Narrow Sideboard, Original Distressed Paint
Antique Unique Swedish Rustic Tall Narrow Sideboard, Original Distressed Paint

Antique Unique Swedish Rustic Tall Narrow Sideboard, Original Distressed Paint

Located in Kramfors, SE

The sideboard has double doors at the bottom which opens to two shelves. The doors have the original lock and key which are in working condition.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Folk Art Sideboards

Materials

Pine

French 18th Century Louis XV Solid Burl Walnut Armoires
French 18th Century Louis XV Solid Burl Walnut Armoires

French 18th Century Louis XV Solid Burl Walnut Armoires

Located in Carmine, TX

18th century French louis XV solid walnut armoire Chateau period, made of solid walnut the wood has been finished with a lustrous French polish, absolutely stunning, it features doub...

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Fabric, Walnut, Burl

Italian Art Deco Ebonized Display Cabinet with Gilt Capitals
Italian Art Deco Ebonized Display Cabinet with Gilt Capitals

Italian Art Deco Ebonized Display Cabinet with Gilt Capitals

Located in Troy, MI

Distinguished by ornate carved gilt capitals crowning the front columns and brass sabots on tapered legs. Beveled glazed door with working lock and key. Interior finished in birds-ey...

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Early 19th century Scandinavian carved pine cupboard
Early 19th century Scandinavian carved pine cupboard

Early 19th century Scandinavian carved pine cupboard

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Made from heavy pitch and painted in original green/grey colour scheme.  Top large single door cupboard open's to reveal 4 pine shelves which are semi adjustable for heights, below w...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Rustic Cupboards

Materials

Pine, Paint

A Chinese Side Cabinet
A Chinese Side Cabinet

A Chinese Side Cabinet

Located in Chicago, IL

The rearward slant also causes doors to close automatically. A center stile gives additional strength if the doors are locked.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Edwardian Inlaid Mahogany Bow Front Cabinet
Edwardian Inlaid Mahogany Bow Front Cabinet

Edwardian Inlaid Mahogany Bow Front Cabinet

Located in Cheshire, GB

The cabinet features a pair of lockable central doors opening to reveal a practical interior fitted with a single shaped shelf, providing useful storage while maintaining the cabinet...

Category

Early 20th Century British Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Antique Art Nouveau Inlaid Mahogany Display China Cabinet Vitrine Waring Gillow
Antique Art Nouveau Inlaid Mahogany Display China Cabinet Vitrine Waring Gillow

Antique Art Nouveau Inlaid Mahogany Display China Cabinet Vitrine Waring Gillow

By Samuel James Waring

Located in Portland, OR

The cabinet with a single locking door (key is present) with checkered inlay, the door is astragal glazed with a large oval design with a four pointed star shape to the interior.

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Art Nouveau Vitrines

Materials

Mahogany, Satin, Glass, Satinwood

Modernist Weimar Walnut Desk
Modernist Weimar Walnut Desk

Modernist Weimar Walnut Desk

Located in London, GB

Plenty of storage with two lockable doors and one lockable drawer. C.1930s

Category

Vintage 1930s German Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Elm Deux Corps Buffet Cabinet with Inlay and Fitted Interior
Antique French Elm Deux Corps Buffet Cabinet with Inlay and Fitted Interior

Antique French Elm Deux Corps Buffet Cabinet with Inlay and Fitted Interior

Located in Centennial, CO

The doors latch and lock. All door fronts and drawers are removable to lighten the load when moving.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French French Provincial Cupboards

Materials

Brass

An antique Swedish two-piece cupboard in black and grey
An antique Swedish two-piece cupboard in black and grey

An antique Swedish two-piece cupboard in black and grey

Located in Atlanta, GA

The lower section is a two-door sideboard, also locked with the original working lock; two keys are included.

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Cupboards

Materials

Pine

Italian mid-century bookcase series Selex for Industria Mobili Barovero, 1960s
Italian mid-century bookcase series Selex for Industria Mobili Barovero, 1960s

Italian mid-century bookcase series Selex for Industria Mobili Barovero, 1960s

By Barovero

Located in MIlano, IT

It features nine rectangular shelves with black metal rod bookends, a chest of four drawers, a compartment with a double sliding door and round brown plastic handles, and three compa...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Brass

Georgian Burl Walnut Bureau
Georgian Burl Walnut Bureau

Georgian Burl Walnut Bureau

Located in Woodbury, CT

Georgian burl walnut bureau on stand with fall front and fitted interior with serpentine drawers and prospect door with working lock and key. Incorporated below is a single shallow ...

Category

Antique 18th Century English George II Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut, Burl

Baker Manor House English George III Mahogany Breakfront China Cabinet Bookcase
Baker Manor House English George III Mahogany Breakfront China Cabinet Bookcase

Baker Manor House English George III Mahogany Breakfront China Cabinet Bookcase

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Dayton, OH

The central bank of drawers are flanked by larger outer cabinets for accessory storage. The drawers and doors all lock via original brass and iron skeleton keys.

Category

Mid-20th Century American George III Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Hand-Painted Bisque Figure of the Virgin of Luján, in Domed Reliquary Vitrine
Hand-Painted Bisque Figure of the Virgin of Luján, in Domed Reliquary Vitrine

Hand-Painted Bisque Figure of the Virgin of Luján, in Domed Reliquary Vitrine

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Minor wear consistent with age. The vitrine door closes securely; the original lock is present but no longer functions.

Category

Early 20th Century Argentine Spanish Colonial Religious Items

Materials

Metal

High-quality Victorian mahogany display bookcase, mahogany, England, 19th centur
High-quality Victorian mahogany display bookcase, mahogany, England, 19th centur

High-quality Victorian mahogany display bookcase, mahogany, England, 19th centur

Located in Berlin, DE

Solid and sturdy wooden shelves that are height-adjustable. Lockable doors with original key and lock. Topped with brass decorative fittings.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Vitrines

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Walnut Display Cabinet 1930s
Art Deco Walnut Display Cabinet 1930s

Art Deco Walnut Display Cabinet 1930s

Located in Dereham, GB

Art Deco Walnut Display Cabinet 1930s Rounded in Shape on 4 corners, Arch Shapes Astragal Moulding on doors, Working lock & key, open to reveal Embossed Black Wallpaper at back, ...

Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Antique Pine Vertiko Cabinet  Late 19th Century Solid Wood Cupboard
Antique Pine Vertiko Cabinet  Late 19th Century Solid Wood Cupboard

Antique Pine Vertiko Cabinet Late 19th Century Solid Wood Cupboard

Located in North Hollywood, CA

The doors retain their working lock and include the original key, providing secure enclosed storage for linens, dinnerware, books, or everyday essentials.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Provincial Cupboards

Materials

Wood, Pine

Norwegian Teak Sideboard, Attributed to Gustav Bahus, 1960s
Norwegian Teak Sideboard, Attributed to Gustav Bahus, 1960s

Norwegian Teak Sideboard, Attributed to Gustav Bahus, 1960s

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The case features four key locking cabinet doors concealing adjustable interior shelving, along with four drawers above lined in green felt.

Category

Vintage 1960s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Teak

19th Century Swedish White Gustavian Cabinet Sideboard
19th Century Swedish White Gustavian Cabinet Sideboard

19th Century Swedish White Gustavian Cabinet Sideboard

Located in Round Top, TX

Interior hook and latch hold left door in place when closed. One key included for right door; old lock currently functions.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sideboards

Materials

Pine, Paint

Yew Vitrine Display Cabinet, Georgian style, Made In England, Glass Shelves
Yew Vitrine Display Cabinet, Georgian style, Made In England, Glass Shelves

Yew Vitrine Display Cabinet, Georgian style, Made In England, Glass Shelves

By Bevan Funnell Ltd.

Located in Toronto, CA

An elegantly styled and proportioned display cabinet in the classic English style with beautifully detailed fret work on the two doors which are hand glazed and locking. Also featur...

Category

20th Century English Georgian Vitrines

Materials

Yew

Mid-Century Danish Teak Corner Bar Cabinet, 1960s
Mid-Century Danish Teak Corner Bar Cabinet, 1960s

Mid-Century Danish Teak Corner Bar Cabinet, 1960s

Located in BERKEL EN RODENRIJS, NL

The doors close with a small lock and have brass hinges.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Corner Cupboards

Materials

Teak

Vintage German Natural Pine Tall Cabinet Cupboard
Vintage German Natural Pine Tall Cabinet Cupboard

Vintage German Natural Pine Tall Cabinet Cupboard

Located in Centennial, CO

The drawer glides easily and the doors open and close well, locking with a key. The interior shelves are easy to adjust.

Category

Late 20th Century German Rustic Cupboards

Materials

Brass

Dutch 18th Century Oak Kussenkast Armoire
Dutch 18th Century Oak Kussenkast Armoire

Dutch 18th Century Oak Kussenkast Armoire

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

This substantial antique work of storage furniture is all hand-crafted of solid oak, some panels with “tigering” that creates a rippled appearance in the wood to fascinate in any roo...

Category

Antique 18th Century Dutch Renaissance Cabinets

Materials

Iron

French 19th Century Pitch Pine Bibliotheque
French 19th Century Pitch Pine Bibliotheque

French 19th Century Pitch Pine Bibliotheque

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

Behind the locking doors are five interior shelves (11 ½” deep) that are adjustable on sawtooth brackets to easily reconfigure as needed.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century Original Hand Painted Swedish Secretary Cabinet
Early 19th Century Original Hand Painted Swedish Secretary Cabinet

Early 19th Century Original Hand Painted Swedish Secretary Cabinet

Located in Round Top, TX

The upper lock and key function, while the lower cabinet opens with the key used as a pull only and the doors rest in place.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Secretaires

Materials

Pine, Paint

Pair of 19th Century Louis XV Bedside Cabinets in the Manner of Sormani
Pair of 19th Century Louis XV Bedside Cabinets in the Manner of Sormani

Pair of 19th Century Louis XV Bedside Cabinets in the Manner of Sormani

By Paul Sormani

Located in London, GB

A Pair of Louis XV Style Bombé Bedside Cabinets In the manner of Paul Sormani Constructed from bookmatched kingwood, surmounted by original fleur-de-pêcher marble tops, and dressed ...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Cabinets

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Scandinavian Modern Figured Mahogany Secretary Bookcase Cabinet 1960s
Scandinavian Modern Figured Mahogany Secretary Bookcase Cabinet 1960s

Scandinavian Modern Figured Mahogany Secretary Bookcase Cabinet 1960s

Located in Detroit, MI

Cabinet interiors are finished, outer drawers are dovetailed, cabinet shelves are adjustable and removable and all doors and drawers are locking with original working key.

Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Ebony Cabinet
Ebony Cabinet

Ebony Cabinet

Located in Camarate, PT

The fittings comprise two side handles, an elaborate lock and door hinges. Sri Lanka or Coromandel Coast, India

Category

Antique Late 17th Century Sri Lankan Dutch Colonial Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ebony

French 19th Century Petite Mahogany Louis Philippe Armoire
French 19th Century Petite Mahogany Louis Philippe Armoire

French 19th Century Petite Mahogany Louis Philippe Armoire

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

The clean, straight lines allow this timeless design to fit any number of traditional and transitional decorating tastes for clothing, linens, and other household storage. Behind the...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Mahogany

Sheraton Revival Inlaid Mahogany Corner Cabinet
Sheraton Revival Inlaid Mahogany Corner Cabinet

Sheraton Revival Inlaid Mahogany Corner Cabinet

Located in Cheshire, GB

The interior is fitted with a shaped shelf, providing practical storage behind the lockable doors. Dimensions Height: 35 inches – 89cm Width: 27.5 inches – 70cm Depth: 19.5 inches – ...

Category

Early 20th Century British Corner Cupboards

Materials

Wood

Antique Estate Gamekeeper's Cabinet, Scottish, Oak, Clerk's Cupboard, Victorian
Antique Estate Gamekeeper's Cabinet, Scottish, Oak, Clerk's Cupboard, Victorian

Antique Estate Gamekeeper's Cabinet, Scottish, Oak, Clerk's Cupboard, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

A fascinating cabinet, with a superb interior and thoughtful hardware Displays a desirable aged patina and in good order throughout Quality Scottish oak presents fine grain interest ...

Category

Early 20th Century Scottish Late Victorian Cupboards

Materials

Oak

Louis Philippe Period Buffet
Louis Philippe Period Buffet

Louis Philippe Period Buffet

Located in Bradenton, FL

Inside is housed a single shelf, and cabinet doors with beveled escutcheons lock with the original brass key.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Antique Oregon Pine Bookcase by Martin Nyrop for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark 1905.
Antique Oregon Pine Bookcase by Martin Nyrop for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark 1905.

Antique Oregon Pine Bookcase by Martin Nyrop for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark 1905.

Located in Asaa, DK

Three height adjustable shelves plus one height adjustable inside cabinet. Cabinet door with original lock. Keyhole plates are not original.

Category

Early 20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Bookcases

Materials

Pine

Teak Cabinet
Teak Cabinet

Teak Cabinet

Located in London, GB

The body of the unit houses two doors with a key and lock, the inside features two wooden shelves, which can be repositioned to your desired height.

Category

Mid-20th Century Cabinets

Materials

Teak

18th Century Three Part German Baroque Secretary Desk in Walnut & Fruitwood
18th Century Three Part German Baroque Secretary Desk in Walnut & Fruitwood

18th Century Three Part German Baroque Secretary Desk in Walnut & Fruitwood

Located in Milford, NH

A wonderful form three part German Baroque secretary desk in walnut & fruitwood, its upper case with a molded cornice surmounting a case with a locking center door with pull out uppe...

Category

Antique 18th Century German Baroque Secretaires

Materials

Brass, Iron

Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Black Lacquer Credenza by Florence Knoll
Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Black Lacquer Credenza by Florence Knoll

Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Black Lacquer Credenza by Florence Knoll

By Knoll, Florence Knoll

Located in North Hollywood, CA

The doors also feature integrated locking mechanisms for added functionality.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

18th Century French Louis XVI Marquetry Secretaire Desk in Mahogany
18th Century French Louis XVI Marquetry Secretaire Desk in Mahogany

18th Century French Louis XVI Marquetry Secretaire Desk in Mahogany

Located in Winter Park, FL

In two parts, the top bookcase has the original glass paned doors with working lock and key and opens to three adjustable shelves with an inside depth of 7".

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century French Provincial Cherrywood Cabinet
Early 19th Century French Provincial Cherrywood Cabinet

Early 19th Century French Provincial Cherrywood Cabinet

Located in Dusseldorf, DE

The cherry wood body made in stud construction, exclusively using wooden joints, featuring side paneling, and a front divided into three levels by four lockable doors and a middle se...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French French Provincial Cabinets

Materials

Cherry, Oak

Japonisme Mother of Pearl Inlaid Hardwood Display Cabinet after Viardot
Japonisme Mother of Pearl Inlaid Hardwood Display Cabinet after Viardot

Japonisme Mother of Pearl Inlaid Hardwood Display Cabinet after Viardot

By Gabriel Viardot

Located in London, GB

The right side features a storage space, contained behind a lockable door, inlaid with mother-of-pearl floral motifs.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique Solid Oak Display Case
Antique Solid Oak Display Case

Antique Solid Oak Display Case

Located in Cincinnati, OH

Antique Solid Oak Display Case as found 3 drawers at bottom. 23.75 W x 5.5 H x 13 D Brass pulls on drawers 3 glass shelves 14 x 23 plus bottom for display Working lock on door with ...

Category

Vintage 1940s American Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Oak

Danish Gustavian Green Secretary Cabinet, 1780s.
Danish Gustavian Green Secretary Cabinet, 1780s.

Danish Gustavian Green Secretary Cabinet, 1780s.

Located in Asaa, DK

Doors with lock and key. The true age of this antique can among other be seen in the original backing which is fastened with wooden pegs.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Danish Gustavian Secretaires

Materials

Pine

Pair Of Modernist Weimar Republic Walnut Bedsides/Nightstands
Pair Of Modernist Weimar Republic Walnut Bedsides/Nightstands

Pair Of Modernist Weimar Republic Walnut Bedsides/Nightstands

Located in London, GB

Plenty of storage with single internal shelf behind original locking door. Berlin, Weimar Republic C.1930.

Category

Vintage 1930s German Night Stands

Materials

Walnut

Antique Victorian Black Forest Carved Round Wall Mirror Curio Cabinet
Antique Victorian Black Forest Carved Round Wall Mirror Curio Cabinet

Antique Victorian Black Forest Carved Round Wall Mirror Curio Cabinet

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Item features a round beveled glass central mirror, carved "harvest" details, 1 swing door, working lock and key, 1 wooden shelf, very nice antique item.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Mirror, Walnut

Large Mid Century Danish Modern Rosewood Cabinet 1960s
Large Mid Century Danish Modern Rosewood Cabinet 1960s

Large Mid Century Danish Modern Rosewood Cabinet 1960s

By Kaare Klint

Located in Detroit, MI

The cabinet features two locking upper doors over two locking lower drawers with elegant hanging brass cabinet pulls.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Japanese Edo Period c1850's Chobadansu Merchant Chest Kiri & Sugi Tansu 36"W
Japanese Edo Period c1850's Chobadansu Merchant Chest Kiri & Sugi Tansu 36"W

Japanese Edo Period c1850's Chobadansu Merchant Chest Kiri & Sugi Tansu 36"W

Located in Portland, OR

The middle register presents two wide stacked drawers to the left, each with paired warabite pulls, beside a narrow right column comprising a small drawer, a hinged lockable door, an...

Category

Antique 1850s Japanese Edo Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

French 19th Century Pine Bibliotheque
French 19th Century Pine Bibliotheque

French 19th Century Pine Bibliotheque

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

Note doors are fitted so the right side contains the lock while the left door uses a slide-bolt for security.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Pine, Paint

German Bodensee Lake Constance Cabinet made of Oak, 1832
German Bodensee Lake Constance Cabinet made of Oak, 1832

German Bodensee Lake Constance Cabinet made of Oak, 1832

Located in Dusseldorf, DE

At the top edge, the inscription ‘MVL’ ‘1832’ can also be read, which refers both to the year of manufacture and to the fact that this piece of furniture was most likely brought into...

Category

Antique 1830s German Cabinets

Materials

Fruitwood, Maple, Oak, Pine

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Ishōdansu Clothing Chest with Safe c1880s
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Ishōdansu Clothing Chest with Safe c1880s

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Ishōdansu Clothing Chest with Safe c1880s

Located in Portland, OR

The internal layout consists of four full-width main drawers arranged vertically on the left, paired with a stacked right-hand column containing a locking safe door and multiple smal...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Other Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

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Door Lock For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the door lock you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each door lock for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, wood and iron. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect door lock — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. When you’re browsing for the right door lock, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Georgian and Scandinavian Modern styles are of considerable interest. You’ll likely find more than one door lock that is appealing in its simplicity, but P.&F. Corbin Company and Arne Vodder produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Door Lock?

The average selling price for a door lock at 1stDibs is $1,750, while they’re typically $120 on the low end and $9,500 for the highest priced.

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.

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