Highboy Secretary
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Oak, Glass
1990s Chinese Modern Secretaires
Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Walnut, Burl
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Metal
20th Century Federal Secretaires
Leather, Wood, Birdseye Maple
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Faux Bamboo, Rattan, Wood
Early 20th Century American Chippendale Dressers
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Wood, Oak
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Wood, Oak
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Walnut
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Secretaires
Burl
Vintage 1940s American Chippendale Dressers
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary English Secretaires
Mahogany
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21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Rosewood
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Desks
Wood
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Desks
Glass, Teak
Antique 19th Century British Secretaires
Mahogany
Antique 1810s English Georgian Secretaires
Wood
Vintage 1950s French Secretaires
Elm
Antique 19th Century Danish Victorian Cabinets
Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Metal
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Wood
2010s Renaissance Secretaires
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Secretaires
Marble, Bronze
Antique 19th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Birch
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.
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