Drexel Illuminated Cabinet
Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Wood
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Late 20th Century Asian Tibetan Cabinets
Sheet Metal
Vintage 1970s American Campaign Bookcases
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Brass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Walnut
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vitrines
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Vintage 1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Wool, Birch
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Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Fabric, Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Danish Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Beech
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Glass, Oak
2010s Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Books
Paper
Vintage 1960s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Night Stands
Fir
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Marble, Aluminum
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Night Stands
Glass, Wood
Vintage 1970s Italian Night Stands
Brass, Steel
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Walnut
Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Buffets
Wood
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.