German Stollentruhe
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Dutch Gothic Blanket Chests
Wrought Iron
Antique 17th Century German Baroque Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Oak
Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Gothic Blanket Chests
Wrought Iron
Antique 16th Century German Gothic Blanket Chests
Oak
Antique 16th Century German Medieval Blanket Chests
Iron
Antique 16th Century German Gothic Blanket Chests
Wrought Iron
Antique 16th Century German Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Iron
Recent Sales
Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Gothic Blanket Chests
Wrought Iron
Antique 16th Century German Gothic Trunks and Luggage
Iron
Antique 16th Century German Renaissance Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Iron
Antique 18th Century and Earlier German Gothic Blanket Chests
Iron
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Antique 15th Century and Earlier English Renaissance Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Vintage 1940s Gothic Blanket Chests
Oak
2010s American Modern Table Lamps
Brass, Silver Leaf, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Marble, Carrara Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Cement
21st Century and Contemporary American Beds and Bed Frames
Hardwood
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Arms, Armor and Weapons
Wrought Iron
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Grandfather Clocks and Longca...
Malachite, Ormolu
Antique Mid-19th Century Gothic Revival Religious Items
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century Portuguese Baroque Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Iron
Vintage 1960s German Rococo Dinner Plates
Gold
Antique 16th Century German Renaissance Religious Items
Gold, Silver, Copper
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Glass, Wood
Antique 19th Century Irish Armchairs
Upholstery, Yew
Antique 18th Century Italian Baroque Cabinets
Wood
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.