Dropdown Desk
Antique 1810s American Sheraton Desks
Brass
Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Desks
Leather, Oak
1990s Italian Directoire Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Marble
Antique 19th Century American Country Secretaires
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desks
Teak
Vintage 1970s British Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Teak
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Metal
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Metal, Brass
Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Lacquer
Vintage 1970s American Federal Credenzas
Mahogany
Antique 1770s Secretaires
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century British Industrial and Work Tables
Oak, Pine
Antique Late 18th Century Chippendale Desks
Cherry
Antique 19th Century American Federal Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
Antique 1780s English George III Sideboards
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Georgian Desks
Brass
Vintage 1960s American Federal Dressers
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Night Stands
Wood
Vintage 1970s American Georgian Desks
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Country Desks and Writing Tables
Pine
Antique 18th Century American Federal Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
Recent Sales
Vintage 1980s American Desks and Writing Tables
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Brass
Early 20th Century British Victorian Desks
Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Dressers
Brass, Zinc
Vintage 1950s American Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Wood, Teak
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.
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