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German Shrunk

Original Painted German Shrunk Armoire with Four Seasons, Dated 1802
Original Painted German Shrunk Armoire with Four Seasons, Dated 1802

Original Painted German Shrunk Armoire with Four Seasons, Dated 1802

Located in Round Top, TX

This German shrunk or armoire still maintains the quality and details of the original hand-painted

Category

Antique 19th Century German Folk Art Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Original Painted German Two Door Armoire Shrunk
19th Century Original Painted German Two Door Armoire Shrunk

19th Century Original Painted German Two Door Armoire Shrunk

Located in Round Top, TX

This lovely painted armoire or German "Shrunk" still maintains the quality and details of the

Category

Antique 19th Century German Folk Art Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

Early 19th Century Antique Original Painted Break Down Armoire from Germany
Early 19th Century Antique Original Painted Break Down Armoire from Germany

Early 19th Century Antique Original Painted Break Down Armoire from Germany

Located in Round Top, TX

This impressive original painted large armoire or "German Shrunk" was built in the traditional

Category

Antique Early 19th Century German Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood, Paint

19t Century German Painted Two Door Armoire / Shrunk
19t Century German Painted Two Door Armoire / Shrunk

19t Century German Painted Two Door Armoire / Shrunk

Located in Sarasota, FL

Handpainted German cabinet from the 1800s. Deep blues and reds are the main colors. Great vintage

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century German Folk Art Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Early 19th Century Hand-Painted German Two-Door Armoire Shrunk
Early 19th Century Hand-Painted German Two-Door Armoire Shrunk

Early 19th Century Hand-Painted German Two-Door Armoire Shrunk

Located in Round Top, TX

Early 19th Century Hand-Painted German Two-Door Armoire Shrunk Early 19th-century German pine two

Category

Antique Early 19th Century German Folk Art Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

Recent Sales

Vintage German Mid-Century Cabinet German Shrunk
Vintage German Mid-Century Cabinet German Shrunk

Vintage German Mid-Century Cabinet German Shrunk

Located in Pasadena, TX

Lovely example of Mid-Century German design. Maple exterior with mahogany interiors. Can be used as

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Oak

MCM Teak Veneer German Shrunk Wall Unit Secretary Liquor Cabinet 2-Piece
MCM Teak Veneer German Shrunk Wall Unit Secretary Liquor Cabinet 2-Piece

MCM Teak Veneer German Shrunk Wall Unit Secretary Liquor Cabinet 2-Piece

Located in Topeka, KS

Handsome Mid-Century Modern German shrunk, wall unit, secretary, or liquor cabinet in beautiful

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Grasscloth, Paint, Teak

Antique Large "Break Down" Armoire Shrunk From Germany with Original Polychrome
Antique Large "Break Down" Armoire Shrunk From Germany with Original Polychrome

Antique Large "Break Down" Armoire Shrunk From Germany with Original Polychrome

Located in Round Top, TX

This amazing original painted large armoire or "German Shrunk" was built in the traditional manner

Category

Antique Early 19th Century German Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

Antique Original Red Painted One Door Armoire Cabinet from Germany
Antique Original Red Painted One Door Armoire Cabinet from Germany

Antique Original Red Painted One Door Armoire Cabinet from Germany

Located in Round Top, TX

attached were traditional elements as well. This German shrunk is sold as is, how we found it in Europe

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century German Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood, Paint

Midcentury German Modern Wilhelm Guth Mobelfabrik Teak and Birch Hutch Sideboard
Midcentury German Modern Wilhelm Guth Mobelfabrik Teak and Birch Hutch Sideboard

Midcentury German Modern Wilhelm Guth Mobelfabrik Teak and Birch Hutch Sideboard

By Arne Vodder, Kai Kristiansen

Located in Chattanooga, TN

This is not a typical Rockabilly German Shrunk cabinet. This piece, although authentically German

Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Teak, Birch

German Original Painted Armoire/Shrunk Dated 1810 With Birds
German Original Painted Armoire/Shrunk Dated 1810 With Birds

German Original Painted Armoire/Shrunk Dated 1810 With Birds

Located in Round Top, TX

This armoire displays exceptional German styling of the period and is monogramed/dated "AKB 1810

Category

Antique 19th Century German Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

Rare Vintage German Qualitasmobel Mcm 1950s Shrunk Glass Shelf Dry Bar Cabinet
Rare Vintage German Qualitasmobel Mcm 1950s Shrunk Glass Shelf Dry Bar Cabinet

Rare Vintage German Qualitasmobel Mcm 1950s Shrunk Glass Shelf Dry Bar Cabinet

By Karl Springer

Located in Jensen Beach, FL

An extremely rare stunning German Mid-Century Modern dry bar or entertainment cabinet by

Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Original Painted Pine Armoire German Shrunk with Birds
19th Century Original Painted Pine Armoire German Shrunk with Birds

19th Century Original Painted Pine Armoire German Shrunk with Birds

Located in Round Top, TX

armoire. This original painted "German Shrunk" was built in the traditional manner to "break down" into 2

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century German Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Pine, Paint

Large Original Painted "Break Down" Armoire Dated 1793 from Germany
Large Original Painted "Break Down" Armoire Dated 1793 from Germany

Large Original Painted "Break Down" Armoire Dated 1793 from Germany

Located in Round Top, TX

is the case with this lovely original hand-painted armoire or shrunk from Germany. Beautiful floral

Category

Antique Late 18th Century German Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

Modernist Matthew Koch German Shrunk Style Wall Unit
Modernist Matthew Koch German Shrunk Style Wall Unit

Modernist Matthew Koch German Shrunk Style Wall Unit

By Matthew Koch

Located in Southfield, MI

Giant teakwood German shrunk style wall unit, dating to the 1960s. An elegant design by Matthew

Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

1950's Mid-Century Modern German Shrunk Cabinet
1950's Mid-Century Modern German Shrunk Cabinet

1950's Mid-Century Modern German Shrunk Cabinet

Located in Richmond, VA

Your storage options are endless in this fabulous, 1950s space-age German shrunk cabinet. Includes

Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Oak

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Japanese Antique Chest of Drawers 1860s-1900s / Tansu Nightstand Wabi Sabi
Japanese Antique Chest of Drawers 1860s-1900s / Tansu Nightstand Wabi Sabi

Japanese Antique Chest of Drawers 1860s-1900s / Tansu Nightstand Wabi Sabi

$680Sale Price|32% Off

H 18.12 in W 23.82 in D 13 in

Japanese Antique Chest of Drawers 1860s-1900s / Tansu Nightstand Wabi Sabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is an old drawer storage made in Japan. This furniture was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and is a valuable piece of furniture that has transcended time and remains ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Orbitale Brass Chandelier 5 Rotating Balanced Arms, All Brass and Natural Patina
Orbitale Brass Chandelier 5 Rotating Balanced Arms, All Brass and Natural Patina

Orbitale Brass Chandelier 5 Rotating Balanced Arms, All Brass and Natural Patina

By Silvio Piattelli

Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence

After many requests of customization in all brass and patina of the orbitale chandelier I decided to go ahead with a separate listing. This all brass version is possible as the orbi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Exciting Gino Hollander Style Abstract Oil Painting Mid-Century Modern
Exciting Gino Hollander Style Abstract Oil Painting Mid-Century Modern

Exciting Gino Hollander Style Abstract Oil Painting Mid-Century Modern

By Gino Hollander

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Exciting Gino Hollander style abstract oil painting. This painting is not signed but we believe it to be by the artist.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Cabinet Circa 1810
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Cabinet Circa 1810

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Cabinet Circa 1810

$9,950

H 76.375 in W 43.5 in D 15 in

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Cabinet Circa 1810

Located in Atlanta, GA

This 19th-century Swedish Folk Art cabinet, circa 1810, is an exquisite example of rustic craftsmanship blended with functional design. Made from solid wood, it features a beautifull...

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Cabinets

Materials

Pine

Giltwood "Confidente" Large Sofa in the Louis XV Style made by La Maison London
Giltwood "Confidente" Large Sofa in the Louis XV Style made by La Maison London

Giltwood "Confidente" Large Sofa in the Louis XV Style made by La Maison London

By La Maison London

Located in London, Park Royal

An elegant and impressive large Louis XV style confidante sofa which has been hand carved and gilded using traditional methods and materials to achieve an authentic period finish. Th...

Category

2010s British Louis XVI Sofas

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

19Thc Amazing Brass & Iron Large Bakers Rack
19Thc Amazing Brass & Iron Large Bakers Rack

19Thc Amazing Brass & Iron Large Bakers Rack

$2,636Sale Price|20% Off

H 74 in W 84 in D 21 in

19Thc Amazing Brass & Iron Large Bakers Rack

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This fine and very large French style bakers rack is in fine condition.This rack / shelf has custom made sized glass. This rack is in very good condition. This is the largest bakers ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American French Provincial Shelves

Materials

Iron

Crackle Textured Handmade Ceramic Mushroom Lamp, Blue
Crackle Textured Handmade Ceramic Mushroom Lamp, Blue

Crackle Textured Handmade Ceramic Mushroom Lamp, Blue

$1,250 / item

H 16 in W 11.5 in D 11.5 in

Crackle Textured Handmade Ceramic Mushroom Lamp, Blue

By Streicher Goods, Ethan Streicher

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Every mushroom lamp is hand-made and hand-painted by Ethan Streicher, the founder and designer behind the Streicher Goods brand in Brooklyn, NY. The lamp's silhouette is simple and c...

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Brutalist, Handmade Ceramic Table Lamp, Double Decker Lamp by Streicher Goods
Brutalist, Handmade Ceramic Table Lamp, Double Decker Lamp by Streicher Goods

Brutalist, Handmade Ceramic Table Lamp, Double Decker Lamp by Streicher Goods

By Ethan Streicher, Streicher Goods

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The Double Decker lamp is a tall, brutalist-inspired table lamp, perfect for lighting in larger living spaces, created by Streicher Goods in Brooklyn, NY. The lamp is composed of a...

Category

2010s American Brutalist Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Monumental 18th Century Baroque Italian Walnut Armoire with Later Decoration
Monumental 18th Century Baroque Italian Walnut Armoire with Later Decoration

Monumental 18th Century Baroque Italian Walnut Armoire with Later Decoration

Located in South Salem, NY

This monumental carved walnut armoire combines 18th-century Italian Baroque craftsmanship with some later Renaissance Revival elements, likely enhanced in the 19th century. Flanked...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Italian Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Walnut

Mario Bellini Modular Sofa by C&B 1970
Mario Bellini Modular Sofa by C&B 1970

Mario Bellini Modular Sofa by C&B 1970

$26,517

H 25.6 in W 141.74 in D 61.03 in

Mario Bellini Modular Sofa by C&B 1970

By Mario Bellini

Located in Cascina, Pisa

The Camaleonda sofa is one of the most iconic creations by Mario Bellini, designed in 1970 for the company B&B Italia. This sofa exemplifies how design can be functional, modular, an...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

19th Century Painted French Dresser
19th Century Painted French Dresser

19th Century Painted French Dresser

$3,630

H 54.53 in W 51.97 in D 17.72 in

19th Century Painted French Dresser

Located in Cirencester, GB

We have added the off white painted pattern detail to this lovely authentic antique 19th century French cupboard. A very versatile piece it really could be used in many ways and in a...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Rustic Cupboards

Materials

Pine

Italian Architectural Wall Unit in Walnut
Italian Architectural Wall Unit in Walnut

Italian Architectural Wall Unit in Walnut

$18,400

H 106.3 in W 118.12 in D 25.4 in

Italian Architectural Wall Unit in Walnut

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Wall unit or wardrobe, walnut, Italy, 1970s This striking wall unit from the 1970s reflects a bold modernist approach with an architectural appearance. Crafted from rich walnut, the...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Walnut

Early 19th Century Italian Knock Down Armoire
Early 19th Century Italian Knock Down Armoire

Early 19th Century Italian Knock Down Armoire

$4,455

H 82.68 in W 58.67 in D 22.05 in

Early 19th Century Italian Knock Down Armoire

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Early 19th Century Italian provincial armoire with deep panelled doors. Original hinges, lock and key. Knocks down into base, cornice, sides, back panels, shelf and drawer. A vibrant...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Italian Rustic Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Pine, Paint

20th Century Art Nouveau Majolica Vase by Gerbing & Stephan, AT ca. 1910
20th Century Art Nouveau Majolica Vase by Gerbing & Stephan, AT ca. 1910

20th Century Art Nouveau Majolica Vase by Gerbing & Stephan, AT ca. 1910

By Gerbing & Stephan

Located in Lichtenberg, AT

Remarkable, rare Art Nouveau majolica vase by the world famous manufactory of Gerbing & Stephan from the early period in Austria around 1910. The beautiful shaped grey blue color...

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Antique Painted Pine Dresser, Lancashire, Early 19Th Century
Antique Painted Pine Dresser, Lancashire, Early 19Th Century

Antique Painted Pine Dresser, Lancashire, Early 19Th Century

Located in Bristol, GB

Antique English Sideboard/Buffet/Dresser, c. 1830s A hugely decorative dresser with a shaped back in its original crusty paint which has become thick in texture to great effect. Co...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Rustic Dressers

Materials

Elm, Sycamore, Pine, Paint

Murano Rezzonico Chandelier 10 Arms, Clear-multicolor glass  Multiforme
Murano Rezzonico Chandelier 10 Arms, Clear-multicolor glass  Multiforme

Murano Rezzonico Chandelier 10 Arms, Clear-multicolor glass Multiforme

$9,044Sale Price / item|20% Off

H 39.38 in Dm 47.25 in

Murano Rezzonico Chandelier 10 Arms, Clear-multicolor glass Multiforme

By Multiforme

Located in Trebaseleghe, IT

Rezzonico chandelier 10 arms, crystal Murano glass, with gold, grey-green color particulars in vitreous paste by Multiforme. This artistic glass chandelier is an elegant and delicate...

Category

2010s Italian Other Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Blown Glass

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Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets 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.

Questions About German Shrunk
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A German Schrank is a type of case good that features double doors. Normally, the chests come apart, so that they can be easily moved. As a result, young women typically used them to store items they would need for married life. You'll find a variety of German furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A German shrunk refers to a decorative piece of furniture that combines a clothing wardrobe with cabinets. Some German shrunks can be separated to create multiple storage units. However, it is common for German shrunks to remain one large piece of furniture. Browse a selection of German shrunks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    German shrunks are generally crafted with a high-quality wood, such as oak or teak. Known for their resistant nature, German shrunks are highly coveted furniture pieces ideal for storing and displaying your favorite items. Find a selection of German shrunks on 1stDibs.

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