Etageres Mcm
Late 20th Century American Art Deco Shelves
Glass, Plexiglass, Wood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Smoked Glass, Oak
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Brass, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Chrome
Recent Sales
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Plastic
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Vitrines
Brass
Vintage 1960s Brutalist Bookcases
Mahogany
Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Corner Cupboards
Steel
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Metal, Chrome
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vitrines
Brass
People Also Browsed
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Brass
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Vanities
Glass, Mirror, Teak
2010s American Minimalist Beds and Bed Frames
Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
20th Century Indian Art Deco Vitrines
Teak
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Stools
Aluminum
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Bronze
2010s Italian Modern Table Mirrors
Concrete, Stainless Steel
20th Century Italian Baroque Armchairs
Brass, Bronze, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Games
Crystal
Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Leather
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Chrome
2010s Italian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Murano Glass
2010s Chinese Books
Paper
Vintage 1950s American Lounge Chairs
Rattan
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.