Federal Butlers Desk
Antique Early 19th Century Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Antique 1810s American Federal Desks
Brass
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Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Secretaires
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Early 20th Century American Georgian Bookcases
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Antique 1770s American Federal Sideboards
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Antique 1780s American Hepplewhite Sideboards
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Antique 1820s American Federal Trunks and Luggage
Silver, Iron
Antique 1780s American Hepplewhite Sideboards
Brass
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Bookcases
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Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Bookcases
Glass, Oak
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Serving Pieces
Wood
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Bookcases
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Antique 1870s English Victorian Bookcases
Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Bookcases
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Antique Late 18th Century Unknown George III Desks
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century American Arts and Crafts Bookcases
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Antique Early 1900s German Rococo Dinner Plates
Porcelain
Antique 18th Century Irish George III Armchairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Recent Sales
Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Sideboards
Birdseye Maple, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century American Hepplewhite Sideboards
Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century American Federal Desks
Glass, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
Antique 1830s American Federal Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany, Maple
Antique 1810s American Federal Linen Presses
Brass
Early 20th Century American Georgian Bookcases
Brass
Antique Late 18th Century American Federal Dressers
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Sideboards
Brass
Antique 19th Century American Federal Desks
Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Desks
Antique 1810s American Federal Linen Presses
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century American Secretaires
Mahogany, Birdseye Maple, Pine
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.