Flip Top Cabinet
Price
Shipping Options
Sort By
Art Deco Flip-Top Cocktail Cabinet
Located in Oakland, CA
Highly polished Art Deco flip-top bar cabinet is deceptively simple. While it is small, and looks like little more than a side table with a luminous finish, it flips open to reveal b...
Category
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Dry Bars
Materials
Wood
H 17.5 in. W 31 in. D 17.5 in.
Campaign Style Flip Top Fruitwood Server Liquor Cabinet Drexel
By Baker Furniture Company, Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern style fruitwood server bar liquor cabinet on wheels with brass pulls.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Materials
Brass
H 32 in. W 38 in. D 19 in.
Vintage Patchwork Flip-Top Bar Cabinet by Paul Evans
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Burbank, CA
An exceptional vintage patchwork flip –top bar cabinet designed by iconic designer Paul Evans for Directional, circa 1970s. This studio piece by Paul Evans exemplifies the perfect co...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Copper, Pewter
H 35.25 in. W 36 in. D 18.5 in.
Drexel Fruitwood Mid-Century Modern Flip Top Bar Liquor Cabinet
By Baker Furniture Company, Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Drexel drop pulls Mid-Century Modern liquor cabinet bar on wheels.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars
Materials
Brass
H 32 in. W 38 in. D 19 in.
Italian Late Baroque Walnut Flip Top 2-Door Credenza/Cabinet, Early 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having a hinged rectangular top with a molded edge opening to reveal a locking upper storage well above a conforming case with paneled doors and an interior with shelving, resting on...
Category
Antique Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Credenzas
Materials
Walnut
H 38 in. W 35.25 in. D 17 in.
Paul Evans Patchwork Copper Flip-Top Dry Bar Cabinet for Directional, circa 1967
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare patchwork copper flip topdry bar by Paul Evans was crafted in the mid-1960s by Directional. A collectors item and piece of design history, this stunning liquor cabinet was ...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Brutalist Dry Bars
Materials
Brass, Copper, Pewter
H 35.5 in. W 36 in. D 19 in.
Unique, Flip-Top, Inlaid Italian Commode
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Hand carved and beautifully inlaid, three-drawer, walnut and fruitwood Tuscan commode with a keyed, hinged, flip top. The drawers featuring whimsical scenes of a herald blowing a tru...
Category
Antique 1820s Italian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Fruitwood, Walnut
H 42 in. W 61 in. D 26 in.
American Empire Flip Top Sewing Table
By Anthony Gabriel Quervelle
Located in New York, NY
American Empire mahogany flip top sewing table on cornucopia carved legs with interior mirror and compartments. Attributed Anthony Quervelle.
Anthony G. Quervelle, as he was known ...
Category
Antique 19th Century American American Empire Commodes and Chests of Dra...
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany
H 31 in. W 25.5 in. D 17.5 in.
Danish Modern Flip Top Teak Vanity by Mogens Kold
By Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark
Designer: Unknown
Manufacturer: Mogens Kold
Era: 1950s
Dimensions (closed): 26.5 wide x 15 deep x 35 tall
Open 26.5 wide x 22 deep x 46 tall
Condition: In good ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Teak
H 36 in. W 26.5 in. D 22 in.
Early Victorian Era Rosewood Melodeon Flip-Top Desk, 1850s
Located in San Francisco, CA
A stately and impressive early Victorian era rosewood converted melodeon flip-top desk with pull-out writing surface. Dating from the 1850s, this former musical instrument’s exceptio...
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century American Early Victorian Desks
Materials
Metal
H 34.63 in. W 48.88 in. D 23.5 in.
Danish Mid-Century Modern Walnut Flip Top Server Bar
By Broyhill Brasilia, American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern walnut flip-top server bar cabinet on wheels. Beautiful walnut wood grain super clean original vintage condition.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Walnut
H 34 in. W 38 in. D 19 in.
John Widdicomb Rolling Flip Top Server Serving Cart Table
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Nice Mid-Century Modern rolling server cart.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Materials
Walnut
H 32 in. W 36 in. D 18 in.
Impressive Mid-Century Modern Teak Flip Top Dry Bar
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful vintage modern bar features a slatted top that flips open all the way to 78.5 inches wide offering plenty of room for items or guests. This unique piece hides tons of ...
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars
Materials
Brass
H 40.5 in. W 39.5 in. D 19.5 in.
Art Deco English Envelope or Flip-Top Yacht Bar
Located in Oakland, CA
Spectacular English Art Deco envelope bar with flawless two tone flamed maple and mahogany wood finish can be opened as a half round “stand behind bar” or cabinet, discreetly closed ...
Category
Vintage 1940s English Art Deco Dry Bars
Materials
Wood
H 41 in. W 32 in. D 16 in.
Midcentury Arne Hovmand-Olsen Wall Mounted Flip Top Table in Teak
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this wonderful multifunctional wall-mounted console, desk, or table. Featuring a flip top table with two drawers. When fully extended the top measures 23." ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
H 7.5 in. W 40.5 in. D 12 in.
Danish Modern "Flip-Top" Executive Walnut Desk by Peter Løvig Nielsen
By Lovig Dansk, Niels Peter Nielsen
Located in Burbank, CA
An exceptional Danish modern "Flip-Top" executive walnut desk designed and manufactured by Peter Løvig Nielsen in Denmark. This fabulous desk stands out for its particular design, in...
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Walnut
H 34.25 in. W 63.75 in. D 28.75 in.
Midcentury Arne Hovmand-Olsen Wall Mounted Flip Top Table in Rosewood
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this wonderful multifunctional wall-mounted console, desk, or table. Featuring a flip top table with three drawers. When fully extended the top measures 23....
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
H 7.5 in. W 59 in. D 12 in.
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Flip Top Bar by Edmund Spence
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful vintage modern walnut bar features a flip top that opens up to 70 inches wide with a black laminate top. Sleek design offers plenty of room for storage within its thre...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars
Materials
Brass
H 29 in. W 35 in. D 16 in.
Flip Top Bar Cart Server Cabinet
By Baker Furniture Company, Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Miid-century modern flip top bar cart server on wheels. Faux bamboo legs.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Serving Tables
Materials
Fruitwood
H 32 in. W 36 in. D 18 in.
Henredon Chippendale Carved Mahogany and Burl Wood Flip Top Dry Bar Server
By Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Chippendale style five-drawer flip top dry bar or buffet server
By Henredon,
USA, 1980s
Carved mahogany, with burl wood drawer fronts, original brass hardware...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Chippendale Dry Bars
Materials
Brass
H 35 in. W 40.13 in. D 18 in.
Pennsylvania House Georgian Cherry Petite Flip Top Buffet Server Dry Bar Cart
By Pennsylvania House
Located in Dayton, OH
Penn, circa 1970s. House server or bar cabinet. Made from solid cherry with three drawers, lower cabinet and flip top. Features two cloth lined drawers, a key and brass hardware. Fin...
Category
Vintage 1970s Georgian Dry Bars
Materials
Cherry
H 32.25 in. W 18.5 in. D 24.5 in.
Hollywood Regency Mastercraft Brass and Burled Elm Dry Bar Server with Flip Top
By Mastercraft
Located in St. Louis, MO
Beautiful 1970s Mastercraft dry bar, cart or server with warm factory applied patina to the brass cladded cabinet and elm burl veneer flip top for extra serving space. Drawers and do...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars
Materials
Brass
H 33.19 in. W 40.07 in. D 19.13 in.
English Regency Mahogany Bed Step Commode Flip Top for Storage, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
English Regency mahogany bed step commode flip-top for storage, 19th century.
Category
Antique 19th Century English Regency Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
H 25.75 in. W 28.5 in. D 19.5 in.
Flip Top Bar Cabinet by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Ft Lauderdale, FL
Cityscape brass and burled wood patchwork veneer cover this unique rolling bar cabinet. Double front doors reveal black interior with shelving, and the flip top props open to reveal ...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Cabinets
Materials
Wood
H 36 in. W 36 in. D 18 in.
19th Century Flip-Top Library Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
An intriguing design indeed, this 19th century flip-top library cabinet features cabinets that open normally as well as a flip-open top that allows for exceptional ease of access! Ha...
Category
Antique 1860s French Renaissance Revival Cabinets
Materials
Oak
H 36.5 in. W 24 in. D 15 in.
Mastercraft Brass Burl Wood Flip-Top Bar Cabinet
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Brass clad bar cabinet with amboyna burl wood flip top by Mastercraft. Interior of flip top is laminate.
Category
Vintage 1960s American Cabinets
Materials
Brass
H 33 in. W 40 in. D 19.25 in.
Paul Evans Flip-Top Cityscape Bar Cabinet
By Paul Evans
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Rare Paul Evans Studio burl wood and chrome flip-top cityscape bar cabinet on castors and finished on all sides.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Dry Bars
Materials
Brass, Chrome
H 35.5 in. W 36 in. D 18 in.
Mid-Century Modernist Bookmatched Rosewood Flip-Top Bar Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
This outstanding Mid-Century Modernist flip-top bar cabinet features a pair of center opening doors which disguises the inner workings of this compact bar cabinet. The interior boast...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Dry Bars
H 26.5 in. W 27.5 in. D 18 in.
Pennsylvania House Traditional Solid Cherry Flip Top Buffet Server Cabinet
By Pennsylvania House
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Pennsylvania House flip top cherry buffet, server or cabinet. Made of solid cherry construction with traditional styling, raised panel cabinet doors with dovetailed drawers, ...
Category
Late 20th Century Buffets
Materials
Cherry
H 32 in. W 18 in. D 36 in.
Vintage French Oak Flip-Top Confiturier, Dry Sink, or Bar
Located in Chicago, IL
Endless possibilities abound in this special French confiturier. Constructed of solid oak with raised panels, a full door hinge, and a wonderful flip open top, give this fine cupboar...
Category
Vintage 1930s French Cabinets
Materials
Oak
H 43.75 in. W 25.75 in. D 20.5 in.
George Nelson Thinedge Cabinets with flip top Vanity
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Nelson Thinedge vanity consisting of three pieces <br />
Cabinets can be used with Vanity or seperatly<br />
four drawer cabinet 30"w x 18 1/2"d 27 1/2"h<br />
smaller can...
Category
20th Century American Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
H 27.5 in. W 30 in. D 18.5 in.
Teak Flip-Top Lovig Desk
By Peter Løvig Nielsen, Jens Harald Quistgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed by Peter Løvig Nielsen and often attributed to Jens Quistgaard, this ingenious desk has a shelf that flips open, creating a flat work surface. Open, the desk is wide enough ...
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks
H 28.75 in. W 63.75 in. D 28.75 in.
Art Deco Streamline Bar Cabinet in Walnut with Flip Top
Located in New York, NY
Book matched walnut cabinet with<br />
black lacquered detailing,and cut<br />
crystal pulls. Has a flip top for<br />
serving and features open display<br />
shelf as well as mo...
Category
20th Century Dry Bars
H 36.5 in. W 38.5 in. D 18 in.
Lovig Rosewood Flip-Top Desk
By Jens Harald Quistgaard
Located in San Francisco, CA
Danish rosewood desk completely refinished with unique flip top design. Manufactured by Lovig and often attributed to Jens Quistgaard, stamped and dated 1972.
Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks
H 29 in. W 64 in. D 29 in.
Pennsylvania House Queen Anne Solid Cherry Flip Top Buffet Server Cabinet
By Pennsylvania House
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Pennsylvania House flip top cherry buffet or server. Features 18th century design made of solid cherry construction with traditional Queen Anne styling, raised panel cabinet ...
Category
Late 20th Century Queen Anne Buffets
Materials
Cherry
H 32 in. W 40 in. L 32 in.
Scandinavian Modern Flip Top Teak Storage Cabinet 1960s after Nils Jonsson
By Nils Jonsson
Located in National City, CA
For your consideration: Small teak wood cabinet/credenza Scandinavian Modern 1960s. In the manner of Nils Jonsson.
Features clever flip top opening and two easy access front doors...
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Cupboards
Materials
Wood, Teak
H 23 in. W 35.25 in. L 23 in.
Antique Flame Mahogany Front Two-Drawer Flip-Top Sewing Stand, circa 1880
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique flame mahogany American Empire sewing stand features serpentine front two-drawer cabinet atop open plinth, top opening and swivels to seat and provide work surface or game ta...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American American Empire Cabinets
Materials
Mahogany
H 30.5 in. W 23 in. D 32 in.
Danish Teak Flip-Top Partners Desk with Bookcase Cabinets by Peter Lovig
By Kai Kristiansen, Dansk, Peter Løvig Nielsen
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
This handsome and innovative partners desk has may Scandinavian practicalities, but the coolest feature by far is the flip-over cabinet that folds down to create a large, flat surfac...
Category
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Desks
Materials
Teak
H 28.5 in. W 64 in. D 38 in.
Original Drawer and Flip-Up Top Hanging Shelf or Cabinet in Walnut
Located in Miami, FL
Drawer and flip-up top hanging shelf or cabinet in walnut.
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Modern Shelves
H 19.25 in. W 45.25 in. D 21 in.
Jens Quistgaard Rosewood flip top desk
Located in New York, NY
Very rare and beautifully designed rosewood flip top desk, purchased from the original owner. When you flip the top over, it becomes a partners desk or can simply be turned over for ...
Category
20th Century Danish Desks
Materials
Rosewood
H 29 in. W 64 in. D 29 1/2"d in.
Rare Harvey Probber Flip Top Bar
By Harvey Probber
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Rare Harvey Probber flip top bar circa mid 1950's. This stunning example has a striped African mahogany case and legs with elegant hand rubbed brass accents. The interior top and dra...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Dry Bars
H 36.5 in. W 36 in. D 18 in.
Tall Euro Chest with Flip Top Mirror
Located in Pompano Beach, FL
European Art Deco lingerie chest with mahogany checkerboard inlay.
Category
Vintage 1930s American Dressers
Materials
Mahogany
H 53 in. W 16 in. D 13 in.
Flip-Top Partner Desk by Løvig Nielsen
Located in Pasadena, CA
Designed by Peter Løvig Nielsen and often attributed to Jens Quistgaard. Flip over-extension 38", knee height 23".
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Desks
Materials
Teak
H 33.75 in. W 63.75 in.
Lovig flip-top desk with walnut finish
Located in New York, NY
Teak Lovig desk with walnut finish. Drawer compartment can flip over to extend the work surface to a 38" depth.
Category
Danish Desks
Materials
Teak
H 28.75 in. W 64 in. D 28.25 in.
Peter Løvig Nielsen “Flip Top” Teak Desk
By Peter Løvig Nielsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Peter Løvig Nielsen.
Manufacturer: Lovig.
Period/Style: Danish modern.
Country: Denmark.
Date: 1970s.
Dimensions: 29″ - 34″ H x 63.75″ x 29″ L x 38″ W.
Materials: S...
Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
H 29 in. W 63.75 in. D 29 in.
Flip-Top Desk by Peter Lovig Nielsen
By Peter Løvig Nielsen
Located in Boston, MA
This desk was designed by Peter Lovig Nielsen. It features four drawers with unique tab drawer pulls, one of which has a working lock. The upper storage portion features two drawers ...
Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks
Materials
Teak
H 34.25 in. W 63.8 in. D 28.75 in.
Rosewood Flip-Top Desk, Quistgaard for Løvig
By Peter Løvig Nielsen, Jens Harald Quistgaard
Located in Crockett, CA
Rare desk in rosewood, designed by Jens Quistgaard for Peter Løvig Nielsen. Beautiful book-matched rosewood grain patterns throughout with mahogany drawer interiors. Lots of drawers ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Rosewood
H 29.75 in. W 64 in. D 28.75 in.
Teak Flip-Top Desk by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Harald Quistgaard, Løvig Design
Located in RHEEZERVEEN, Overijssel
Elegant desk with flip-top secretary designed by Jens Quistgaard. The secretary shelf can be flipped down to create a larger workspace. In this condition the desk can also be used fr...
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
H 33.86 in. W 63.78 in. D 28.75 in.
Mid-Century Art Deco Burl Walnut Envelop or Flip-Top Dry Bar Cabinet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This beautiful bar offers access from the front and the back as it is on wheels which allows it to be moved away from the wall easily and transformed into a "Stand behind" bar.
When...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars
Materials
Aluminum
H 41.74 in. W 35.44 in. D 17.72 in.
Paul Mccobb for Calvin Flip Top Bar
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Paul Mccobb for Calvin flip top bar circa mid 1950's. This example is done in striped African mahogany with hand rubbed satin finished brass accents and satin steel drawer pulls. Low...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Dry Bars
Materials
Metal
H 30 in. W 40 in. D 20 in.
English Envelope or Flip-top Yacht Bar
Located in Oakland, CA
Spectacular English Art Deco Envelope Bar with flawless two tone flamed maple and mahogany wood finish can be opened as a half round “stand behind bar” or cabinet, discreetly closed ...
Category
20th Century English Dry Bars
Materials
Metal
H 41 in. W 64 in. D 16 in.
Danish Rosewood "Flip-Top" Desk by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Harald Quistgaard, Løvig Design
Located in Burbank, CA
Stunning Danish rosewood "flip-top" desk designed by Jens Quistgaard for Peter Løvig Nielsen. The secretary shelf flips down to extend the desk top for more working space. Expands up...
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks
Materials
Rosewood
H 34 in. W 63.75 in. D 28.75 in.
Danish Modern Flip-Top Desk by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Harald Quistgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An expandable Danish modern desk designed by Jens Quistgaard of Dansk for Peter Løvig Nielsen, circa 1970s. With a generous work surface and low profile cubbies and storage trays, it...
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks
Materials
Teak
H 34 in. W 63.75 in. D 29 in.
Teak 1960's flip top desk, mfg. Lovig, Denmark
Located in New York, NY
Flip top desk attributed to Jens Quistgaard. Manufactured by Lovig, Denmark 1960's. flip top secretary unit which extends the work surface 9" when down.
Category
20th Century Danish Desks
Materials
Teak
H 29 in. W 64 in. D 29 in.
Walnut Flip Top Desk by Peter Lovig Nielsen
By Jens Harald Quistgaard, Peter Løvig Nielsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed by Peter Løvig Nielsen and often attributed to Jens Quistgaard, this ingenious desk has a shelf that flips open, creating a flat work surface. Ideal as a shared partner desk...
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks
H 28.75 in. W 63.75 in. D 37.75 in.
19th Century French Flip Top Storage Buffet
Located in High Point, NC
From France circa 1800, this unique cabinet features a storage trunk compartment, hidden under the top. Time tested traditional craftsmanship in old growth European oak, with origina...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Buffets
Materials
Oak
H 32.7 in. W 47.2 in. D 23.6 in.
Danish Teak Flip-Top Desk by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Harald Quistgaard, Løvig Design
Located in Burbank, CA
Danish teak desk has a flip-top to extend the desk top for more working space. Contains four dovetail drawers and storage slot in front and additional storage space in the back. Meas...
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks
Materials
Teak
H 34 in. W 63.75 in. D 28.75 in.
Danish Lovig Teak Wood Desk Flip Top, 1970s
By Hedensted Møbelfabrik
Located in Hamburg, PA
Designed by Peter Lovig-Nielsen, sometimes attributed to Jens Quistgaard. Excellent teak wood desk with four drawers, no key for lock, drawer is currently unlocked. Height of flip to...
Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks
Materials
Teak
H 28.75 in. W 64 in. D 29 in.
Danish Flip-Top Partners Desk by Lovig, 1972
By Peter Løvig Nielsen
Located in Washington, DC
Attractive and highly functional desk by Peter Lovig Nielsen. Top flips down creating a partner's desk and a large solid flat work surface. Condition is excellent with original locki...
Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
H 29 in. W 64 in. D 29 in.
Lovig "Flip Top" Teak Desk by Jens Quistgaard
Located in North Miami, FL
Teak desk designed by Jens Quistgaard for Lovig, circa 1960. Back gallery with removable letter trays can flip down to create a larger partners desk with storage on both sides… Genius!
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Teak
Flip Top Cabinet For Sale on 1stDibs
With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the flip top cabinet you’re looking for. Each flip top cabinet for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and brass. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect flip top cabinet —, we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. A flip top cabinet made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Art Deco — is very popular. A well-made flip top cabinet has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Directional, Paul Evans and Henredon are consistently popular.
How Much are Flip Top Cabinet?
The average selling price for a flip top cabinet at 1stDibs is $2,800, while they’re typically $1,695 on the low end and $24,500 for the highest priced.
Finding the Right Storage Case Pieces for You
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 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.
Read More
28 Cheerful Home Bars, Where Everybody (Literally) Knows Your Name
Simple or sophisticated, equipped with console, cart or custom cabinetry, these stylish bar areas deserve a toast.
Ask an Interior Designer: Work-from-Home Edition
Leaping into a design project, whether it's refreshing the bedroom or redoing the whole house, can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know more than a few interior designers. You asked questions on Instagram, and now they're answering.