Drexel Lingerie
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Vintage 1980s Dressers
Ash, Burl, Wood
Vintage 1980s Night Stands
Ash, Burl, Wood
Vintage 1980s Art Nouveau Beds and Bed Frames
Ash, Wood, Burl
20th Century American Chippendale Dressers
Walnut
People Also Browsed
Late 20th Century American Campaign End Tables
Metal, Brass
20th Century British Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass, Steel
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Beds and Bed Frames
Cane, Oak
Late 20th Century American Modern Night Stands
Metal, Brass
Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Cabinets
Mahogany
Vintage 1970s American Campaign Night Stands
Brass
Early 2000s American Black Forest Bedroom Sets
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Breccia Marble, Bronze
Antique 1880s French Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Marble
Antique 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Marble, Brass
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Hardwood
Vintage 1980s American Campaign Dressers
Brass
20th Century American Federal Dressers
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Night Stands
Fir
Recent Sales
1990s American Chippendale Cabinets
Mahogany
Late 20th Century Dressers
Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Chrome
Late 20th Century American Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
20th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Cherry
Mid-20th Century French Provincial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Cherry
Vintage 1980s American Georgian Dressers
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Wood, Paint
Finding the Right storage-case-pieces for You
Of all the antique and vintage case pieces and storage cabinets 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 storage 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. Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard made of colored glass and metals, 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.