$10,395 / set
H 95 in W 129.5 in D 18 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Omni Wall Unit - 4 Bay
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller mid-century walnut omni wall unit - 4 bay This wall unit
Metal
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit, 1950
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit, 1950’s. Unit is Walnut and made in Zeeland
Walnut
$3,500Sale Price|36% Off
H 74 in W 65 in D 16.5 in
Modern Peter Protzman for Herman Miller Zebra Wood and Chrome Tubular Wall Unit
By Herman Miller
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-Century Modern Peter Protzman for Herman Miller zebra wood and chrome wall /shelf unit. Part of
Chrome
$2,950
H 36 in W 48 in D 24 in
George Nelson ‘Action’ Roll-Top Desk Wall Unit by Herman Miller, circa 1970s
By Herman Miller
Located in Kensington, MD
Organizational Survival in a Work-at-Home World — George Nelson ‘Action’ Roll-Top Desk Wall Unit
Metal
$22,000
H 100.4 in W 231.5 in D 19.3 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Modular Wall Unit in Walnut & Aluminum
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson for Herman Miller, modular wall unit model 'CSS', walnut, aluminium, glass, United
Aluminum
$26,619
H 250 in W 344 in D 40 in
Rare Free Standing Modular George Nelson Wall Unit Bookcase, Herman Miller Inter
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Rare midcentury Free standing Modular George Nelson Wall Unit Bookcase, Herman Miller International
Wood
Shelving Unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1959
Located in Sagaponack, NY
shelving installed by first sale client in the 1970s. Introduced by Herman Miller in 1959, CSS was a
Wood
Peter Protzmann Zebra Wood Wall Unit for Herman Miller
By Peter Protzmann
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Peter Protzmann designed wall unit from the "Tubular Collection" (circa 1970-1971) for Herman
Zebra Wood
Peter Protzman for Herman Miller Wall Unit or Bookcase, circa 1970
By Herman Miller, Peter Protzmann
Located in South Bend, IN
A very rare Mid-Century Modern wall unit or bookcase designed by Peter Protzman for Herman Miller
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Lighted George Nelson CSS Herman Miller Wall Unit
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a rare vintage comprehensive storage system wall unit, originally designed by George
Metal
Modern Wall Desk By George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
MODERN AND FUNCTIONAL DESK WALL UNIT BY GEORGE NELSON, PRODUCED BY HERMAN MILLER. WALL UNIT HAS
Chrome, Metal
George Nelson CSS Wall Unit for Herman Miller, 1959
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Munster, NRW
) off-white modular wall unit or room divider designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller 1957 edited
Sold
H 78.5 in W 80 in D 18.5 in
Vintage CSS Wall Mounted Shelving Unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Troy, MI
Vintage George Nelson CSS Wall Mounted Shelving Unit 1960s CSS wall unit designed by George Nelson
Aluminum
CSS Wall Unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
CSS Wall Unit by George Nelson For Herman Miller.
Aluminum
CSS Wall Unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A three-bay CSS wall unit designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This example has four
Steel
CSS Wall Unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A four-bay CSS wall unit designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This example has five
Aluminum, Steel
Wall Unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in bruxelles, BE
Modular wall unit, composed of 3 boxes, 4 aluminum uprights and 12 planks. Wear due to time and
Metal, Aluminum
Three-Bay CSS Wall Unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A three-bay CSS wall unit designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This example has four 96
Steel
1970s CSS Modular Wall Unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Paris, FR
CSS white lacquered wood and stainless steel modular wall unit designed by George Nelson in 1957
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 96 in W 98 in D 18 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller 4 Bay OMNI System Wall Shelving Unit Cabinets
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A George Nelson for Herman Miller Omni system 4 bay wall unit. This massive, magnificent wall unit
Metal
Sold
H 90 in W 79 in D 19 in
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Herman Miller Style CSS Wall Unit, 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a fantastic, compact shelving system, with nine shelves, three drawers and two cabinets, attributed to George Nelson CSS system. In excellent condition. The...
Sold
H 90 in W 76.75 in D 13.75 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller 3 Bay Omni System Mid Century Shelving Wall Unit
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
An Omni system wall unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller. A gorgeous mid century modern wall
Wood
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Desk and Wall Unit Combo
By George Nelson
Located in St. Louis, MO
George Nelson for Herman Miller comprehensive storage system or CSS desk and wall unit combination
Aluminum
Wall Unit by George Nelson for Mobilier International, 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wood and metal wall unit by Georges Nelson. It comprises 3 uprights, 9 shelves, 1 box with a
Metal
Sold
H 72 in W 90 in D 17 in
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Mounted Shelving Wall Unit Cado / Nelson Style
By Herman Miller, Poul Cadovius, George Nelson
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a fantastic hanging three bay wall shelving unit, in the style of George
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Paldao Secretary
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Gilbert Rohde Paldao Secretary for Herman Miller. Two Part Wall Unit can be used with or without
Paldao
George Nelson for Herman Miller Wall Unit Mid-Century Modern
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Toledo, OH
George Nelson for Herman Miller Omni wall unit 98" wide. George Nelson designed, Omni Systems wall
Walnut
George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Css' Wall Unit
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson for Herman Miller, 'CSS' wall unit, brushed steel, glass and wood, United States
Steel
George Nelson CSS Wall Unit for Herman Miller, 1959
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Munster, NRW
) off white modular wall unit or room divider designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller 1957 edited
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Walnut Wall Unit
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson for Herman Miller, 'Comprehensive Storage System (CSS)' wall unit, steel and aluminum
Steel
Eames Storage Unit 4x2 Wall Unit, with Herman Miller COA
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Culver City, CA
The functional beauty of Eames storage and wall units can be customized to fit your life. Dubbed
Steel
Five Bay George Nelson CSS Wall Unit for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Culver City, CA
An incredible piece of Mid-Century Modern design-- this five bay walnut George Nelson wall unit was
Steel
CSS Herman Miller Mid-Century Wall Unit by George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Antonio, TX
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern wall unit designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller provides a
Walnut
Midcentury George Nelson CSS Unit for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Miller. A three bay wall unit including the scarce dovetailed drawers. Also including 9 x 12'' shelves
Aluminum
Sold
H 96 in W 97 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Herman Miller Wall Shelving Omni Unit, 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a wonderful wooden Omni wall unit, by George Nelson for Herman Miller
Wood
CSS Wall Unit with Vanity Mirror by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare CSS wall unit with residential modules, designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman
Aluminum
Sold
H 111.42 in W 99.61 in D 20.87 in
CSS Modular Wall Unit, George Nelson for Herman Miller & Mobilier International
By Herman Miller, Mobilier International, George Nelson
Located in Paris, FR
CSS white lacquered wood and stainless steel modular wall unit designed by George Nelson for Herman
Stainless Steel
George Nelson Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit
By George Nelson
Located in Phoenix, AZ
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS wall-mounted unit, circa early 1960s. This example has six
George Nelson CSS Wall Unit for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful Comprehensive Storage System designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This six pole
Walnut
CSS Shelf by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1965
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Munster, NRW
CSS Shelf by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1965 Vintage modular wall unit crafted in white
Aluminum
George Nelson Herman Miller Three Bay CSS Shelf Wall Unit
By George Nelson
Located in Ferndale, MI
George Nelson for Herman Miller. Measures: 97” wide x 94" tall, plus four extensions. Shelves: 12
Vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller Omni Single Bay Wall Unit
By George Nelson
Located in Toledo, OH
Vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller Omni single bay wall unit. Anodized support, white cabinets
Walnut
George Nelson Five Bay CSS Wall Unit
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Mateo, CA
Large and exceptional CSS wall unit by George Nelson. This system has ten shelves, one magazine
Aluminum, Steel
Sold
H 94 in W 97 in D 18.5 in
Handsome 3 Bay George Nelson Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit Mid-Century Modern
By George Nelson
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS 3 bay wall unit. This wonderful set consists of 2 flip
Metal
Wall Unit by George Nelson for Mobilier International, 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wall unit composed of 5 boxes, 2 glass boards, 4 aluminum posts adjustable in height: Min: 258cm
Metal, Aluminum
Sold
H 100 in W 64 in D 14.5 in
George Nelson CSS Book Shelf Wall Unit with Desk Herman Miller Circa 1955
By George Nelson
Located in Emeryville, CA
Herman Miller introduced George Nelson’s Comprehensive Storage System (CSS) in 1959 and produced it
Aluminum, Steel
Sold
H 98 in W 105 in D 17.25 in
Omni Style Wall Unit Room Divider in Teak After George Nelson, Usa, circa 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Deland, FL
Wall Unit for Herman Miller. The systems, modular design that can be configured to your taste. The wall
Aluminum
George Nelson Wall Unit
By George Nelson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson for Herman Miller, 'Comprehensive Storage System (CSS)' wall unit, steel and aluminum
Aluminum, Steel
Peter Protzman Herman Miller Wall Unit
By Herman Miller, Peter Protzmann
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare unlimited edition Peter Protzman wall unit from the "Tubular Collection" (circa 1970-1971) for
Chrome
George Nelson for Herman Miller "Action Office" Wall Unit
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Salt Lake City, UT
George Nelson for Herman Miller "Action Office" wall unit. Great for your office setup
George Nelson OMNI Walnut Wall Unit, ca. 1960
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
wall unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Original shelving with 3 shelves, one magazine rack and
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit
By George Nelson
Located in Turners Falls, MA
George Nelson for Herman Miller four-bay CSS wall unit. Unit consists of three-drawer cabinet
Walnut
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit
Located in Hudson, NY
This is a super handsome walnut wall unit designed by George Nelson. It consists of 13 shelves, 1
Metal
George Nelson Herman Miller Omni CSS Wall Unit Desk
By George Nelson
Located in St. Louis, MO
Very nice George Nelson for Herman Miller 2 Bay CSS.
Aluminum
George Nelson 2 Section Wall Mount CSS Wall Unit for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Long Beach, CA
George Nelson 2 Section Wall Mount CSS Wall Unit for Herman Miller. Completely modular unit
Aluminum
George Nelson CSS Wall Unit
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS (Comprehensive Storage System) wall unit, one of the most
Aluminum
Rare George Nelson CSS Wall Unit in rosewood by Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Maastricht, NL
Extremely rare custom ordered George Nelson CSS free hanging wall unit in rosewood with glass
Metal
Sold
H 96 in W 97 in D 19.5 in
Original CSS 'Comprehensive Storage System' by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Here for your consideration is an original 1950s design by George Nelson for Herman Miller. USA
Aluminum
Sold
H 98 in W 98 in D 87 in
Exceptional George Nelson CSS Wall Unit with Desk and Credenza by Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Long Beach, CA
Exceptional George Nelson 3 section CSS Wall Unit with Desk and Credenza by Herman Miller. A
Metal
George Nelson CSS (Comprehensive Storage System) Wall Unit
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Consisting of three "Bays", this unit can be configured in just about any arrangement as all the
Aluminum
George Nelson CSS Comprehensive Storage System
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS wall unit, one of the most advanced storage systems of it's day
Aluminum
Herman Miller Action Office Desk and Wall Unit
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
unit. Designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. USA, circa 1960s. Wood, metal and fabric
CSS Wall Unit with Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Belmont, MA
This CSS was installed in the original owner's home in the early 1960's and was never moved, so it is in near-mint condition. Component list upon request.
Walnut
George Nelson CSS Wall Unit, Herman Miller, 1957
By George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
restored. Herman Miller, 1957 production.
Aluminum
$14,000Sale Price|60% Off
H 79.5 in W 84 in D 108.5 in
Vintage 1949 Mid-Century Modern Custom L-Shaped Office Desk by George Nelson
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Lafayette, IN
This remarkable piece is a one-off desk/wardrobe/bar/bookcase/storage cabinet custom-designed by George Nelson in 1949 to match his Basic Cabinet Series (BCS) for Herman Miller. The ...
Aluminum
$6,775Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 86.62 in W 23.63 in D 13.78 in
De Coene Norm Office 770 Modular Wall Unit , 1969, Belgium Design
By De Coene Frères
Located in Antwerp, BE
Impressed facade of a Modular wall unit in oak designed by the Coene Manufacture, Belgium ,1969 "Norm office 770" is an universal modular system construction harmonizing perfect orga...
Oak
Space Age Yellow Chapter One Desk by Broyhill Premier, 1970's
By Broyhill
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Space Age Yellow Chapter One desk by Broyhill Premier, 1970's. In good vintage condition.
Metal
Midcentury Amber Bubble Glass Pendant, Germany, 1960s
By Helena Tynell and Heinrich Gantenbrink, Glashütte Limburg
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This Space Age pendant light was manufactured and designed during the 1960s in Germany. It is made of amber bubble glass and has got a brass cylinder. The lamp comes without canopy. ...
Brass
$1,275 / item
H 16.52 in W 13.63 in D 5.29 in
Jenny Glass Large Wall Sconce in Enamel, Glass & Brass, Blueprint Lighting
By Mathieu Matégot, Blueprint Lighting, Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Jenny Glass, the latest vintage-inspired fixture from Blueprint Lighting. You asked for it! A new iteration of our best-selling Jenny sconce featuring a blown glass g...
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
A 1930s Art Deco Hand-Carved Oak French Box
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is a 1930s French Art Deco hand-carved oak box, showcasing a unique blend of craftsmanship and geometric flair characteristic of the Art Deco period. Solid oak wood, noted for i...
Oak
$2,500 / item
H 29 in Dm 19 in
Organic Modern Small Table Lamp Natural Wood Handmade Ivory Fluted Shade
By Isabel Moncada
Located in San Antonio, TX
PATA DE ELEFANTE SMALL table lamp was designed for the Atomic collection by Mexican artist Isabel Moncada. Named Pata de Elefante –Elephant's Foot– for the prominent shape at its ba...
Wood, Fabric, Linen, Fiberglass
$4,839
H 27.96 in W 45.28 in D 41.34 in
Roche Bobois Hans Hopfer Vintage Informel Cognac Aniline Leather Lounge Chair
By Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Roche Bobois armchair Lounge Chair Model Informel in cognac brandy soft aniline leather. Design by Hans Hopfer in the late 70ties. Original leather. Vintage condition. The seatin...
Leather, Upholstery, Foam
$861Sale Price|20% Off
H 15 in W 18 in
Provencal Hilltop Village in Landscape Mid 20th Century French Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Provencal Landscape French School, mid 20th century oil on board, unframed board: 15 x 18 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: very good and sound condition
Oil
$9,033 / set
H 120.87 in W 79.53 in D 12.8 in
Large 1950s Italian Mid Century Teak Maple Freestanding Shelving System 18 Piece
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
Recently imported from Italy, this is a good example of post war Italian Avant Garde design. Measuring an impressive 3-metres from floor to ceiling – a common height in Italian apart...
Brass
$3,120Sale Price / item|35% Off
H 30.71 in W 39.38 in D 28.75 in
The Laziness Armchair in Brazilian Solid Wood with a rocking footstool
By Amilcar Oliveira
Located in São Paulo, SP
Laziness is a laid-back and spacious rocking armchair, crafted for sitting/lying down and unwinding. The low seat height from the ground draws inspiration from Japanese rocking chair...
Velvet, Hardwood, Wood, Foam
$10,800 / set
H 27 in W 26 in D 27 in
Pair of Milo Baughman Scoop Chairs in Ivory Bouclé with Iron Legs c. 1950s
By Milo Baughman
Located in Saint Louis, MO
This pair of Milo Baughman 1950s scoop chairs hit all the marks with gorgeous Mid Century Modern sculptural profiles, a very comfortable ergonomic design with wide seats, and new sof...
Iron
Federico Munari, Lounge Chairs, Walnut, Fabric, Italy, 1950s
By Federico Munari
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brown beige velvet fabric and walnut lounge chairs, designed by Federico Munari and produced by ISA Bergamo, Italy, 1950s. 14” seat height
Fabric, Walnut
$3,250
H 15.75 in W 81.5 in D 74.5 in
Ate Van Apeldoorn King Size Pine Platform Bed Frame, 1960s Design
By Houtwerk Hattem
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome Ate Van Apeldoorn European King size platform pine bed frame with matching wood legs. Support slats needed if foregoing box springs and are not included. Suitable for custom...
Pine
$13,551Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.75 in W 82.68 in D 36.62 in
Important Mid Century Executive Desk by Ico Parisi for MIM 1958
By Ico Parisi
Located in Rome, IT
This large Terni executive desk was designed by Ico Parisi in 1958 for MIM (Mobili Italiani Moderni) Rome, Italy, with a rectangular tabletop, The desk contains a three drawer block ...
Wood
$298 / item
H 7.49 in W 7.88 in D 3.15 in
1970s German Hustadt Leuchten Glazed Ceramic Brown Fat Lava Wall Sconce or Light
Located in London, England
1970s vintage, retro, space-age, German Hustadt Leuchten 'Fat Lava' ceramic brown glazed glossy wall sconce with a 3-dimensional design. A single E14 screw in bulb sits in the centr...
Metal, Chrome
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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.