Drop Front Secretary Desk by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish made mid-century modern drop front secretary desk in rich rosewood grain. Two wide drawers for storage, drop front door becomes a writing surface, inset desk storage and drawe...
Rosewood
$1,411
H 44.89 in W 33.47 in D 17.72 in
Midcentury Danish teak secretary, vanity /Make up table By Arne Wahl Iversen
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Midcentury Danish vintage teak secretary, vanity /Make up table By Arne Wahl Iversen, 1960s Usable as: desk / office / secretary / closet / dresser / Make up Table Dimensions: 45 ...
Teak
$1,399
H 44.89 in W 33.47 in D 17.72 in
Danish vintage teak secretary, vanity /Make up table By Arne Wahl Iversen, 1960
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Midcentury Danish vintage teak secretary, vanity /Make up table By Arne Wahl Iversen, 1960s Usable as: desk / office / secretary / closet / dresser / Make up Table Dimensions: 45 ...
Teak
$4,058
H 43.31 in W 32.49 in D 18.12 in
Mid-Century Modern scandinavian secretary in rosewood by Arne Wahl Iversen.
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern scandinavian secretary in rosewood by Arne Wahl Iversen. Small lamp in central part.
Rosewood
$3,650
H 43.25 in W 37.5 in D 17.75 in
Danish Modern Model 68 Secretary Desk in Teak by Arne Wahl Iversen Vinde, 1960's
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a freshly restored Model 68 secretary desk designed in the 1960s by the influential Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik.
Wood, Teak, Paint
Unavailable
H 42 in W 33.5 in D 17.25 in
Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Secretary Desk by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful and sought after scandinavian modern secretary desk designed by Arne Wahl Iversen and manufactured by Vinde Mobelfabrik in Denmark in the 1960s.
Teak
Unavailable
H 42.52 in W 37.41 in D 16.93 in
Rio Rosewood Drop Front Secretary Desk by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Mobelfabri
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Appeltern, Gelderland
Model 68 drop front secretary desk by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Mobelfabrik, 1960s.
Rosewood
Danish Rosewood Writing Desk by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Arne Wahl Iversen, Finn Juhl
Located in London, GB
An elegant 1960s rosewood secretary by Arne Wahl Iversen. This versatile secretary can be used either standing or seated, the angled top providing a lectern function.
Rosewood
Unavailable
H 47 in W 31.25 in D 19 in
Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Secretary Desk "Model 62" by Arne Wahl Iv
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is an exquisite scandinavian modern secretary desk "Model 62" in teak designed by Arne Wahl Iversen and manufactured by Vinde Mobelkfabrik in Denmark in the 1960's.
Teak
Arne Wahl Iversen Secretary
By Arne Wahl Iversen, Vinde Møbelfabrik
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Wahl iversen secretary in rosewood. With drawers and writing plate.
Rosewood
Arne Wahl Iversen Secretary Desk Vanity in Teak, Denmark, 1960s
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in San Diego, CA
This splendid secretary desk, designed by the influential Arne Wahl Iversen, is the quintessential example of Danish Modern design.
Teak
Sold
H 33.08 in W 37.41 in L 33.08 in
Mid-Century Modern Teak Danish Scandinavian Arne Wahl Iversen Secretary Desk
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Berlin, DE
This beautiful teak secretary desk was designed by Arne Wahl Iversen and made in Denmark by Vinde Møbelfabrik.
Teak
Teak Secretary Desk by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Danish modern cabinet designed by Arne Wahl Iversen in the 1960s. A key opens the desk top, which flips down to reveal mini drawers, letter organizers and a built-in light....
Teak
Danish Teak Secretary Desk by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in San Jose, CA
Danish Modern secretary desk designed by Arne Wahl Iversen in teak.
Teak
Sold
H 43.31 in W 33.47 in D 17.33 in
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Secretary in Teak by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian secretary in teak by Arne Wahl Iversen. Small lamp in central part.
Teak
Sold
H 42.52 in W 35.44 in D 18.12 in
Danish Secretary in Rosewood, Arne Wahl Iversen for Branderup Mobelfabrik 196O.
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian secretary. 3 large drawers on the lower part, a hinged door, which locks with a key, offers, when opened, a large work space. Inside 2 drawers and 3 small storage...
Rosewood
Sold
H 43.31 in W 37.41 in D 16.54 in
Model 68 drop front Secretary by Arne Wahl Iversen, 1960s Danish Rosewood
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Model 68 drop front secretary desk by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Mobelfabrik, 1960s.
Wood
Sold
H 43.31 in W 33.27 in D 17.33 in
Danish Secretary by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Mobelfabrik. 1960's Denmark.
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District
A stunning mcm rosewood Danish Secretary designed by Arne Wahl Iversen, Model 37 for Vinde Mobelfabrik and dating from the 1960s.
Rosewood
Sold
H 43 in W 33.5 in D 17.5 in
Danish Teak Secretary Desk Model 37 by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Deland, FL
As functional as it is aesthetically stunning this Danish drop-down front desk model 37 by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik is the epitome of functional art. Ideal for collect...
Teak
Sold
H 43.31 in W 33.47 in D 17.33 in
Mid-Century Modern scandinavian secretary in rosewood by Arne Wahl Iversen.
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern scandinavian secretary in rosewood by Arne Wahl Iversen. Small lamp in central part.
Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Danish Secretary in Teak by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Danish secretary in teak by Arne Wahl Iversen. Referenced by the Design Museum Danmark under number RP17808.
Teak
Sold
H 33.5 in W 37.5 in L 33.5 in
Arne Wahl Iversen Model 68 Mid Century Danish Teak Drop Front Secretary Bar Desk
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Arne Wahl Iversen Model 68 mid century Danish teak drop front secretary bar desk Desk measures: 37.5 wide x 17.5 deep x 33.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in wha...
Brass
Sold
H 33 in W 37.5 in D 17 in
Arne Wahl Iversen Danish Teak Secretary Writing Desk Leaf Vinde Mobelfabrik
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rarely Seen Arne Wahl Iversen design from Vinde Mobler of Denmark. Desk features four drawers and pull-out surface. Signed with stamped manufacturer's mark to reverse: [Made in Denm...
Teak
Sold
H 42.5 in W 37.5 in D 17 in
Arne Wahl Iversen Danish Modern Secretary Desk Model-68 for Vinde Møbelfabrik
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish design cabinet- secretary desk designed by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik.
Teak
Sold
H 42.52 in W 37.41 in D 16.54 in
Arne Wahl Iversen Danish Secretary Desk Model-68 for Vinde Møbelfabrik, 1960s
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in The Hague, NL
Danish design cabinet- secretary desk designed by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik.
Teak
Sold
H 33 in W 17 in D 37.5 in
Danish Modern Secretary Desk Vanity in Teak by Arne Wahl Iversen, Denmark, 1960s
By Vatne Møbler, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Deland, FL
Ideal for collectors limited on space but unwilling to compromise on style and functionality this splendid secretary desk, designed by the influential Arne Wahl Iversen, is the quint...
Teak
Sold
H 43.31 in W 33.47 in D 17.33 in
Secretary, Danish Teak desk model 37 by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Mobelfabrik
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Very pretty secretary, scriban, Scandinavian. 3 large drawers on the lower part (the top drawer locks with keys) a folding door which serves as a desk and locks with a key, it opens...
Brass
Mid-Century, Danish Teak Secretary Desk
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-century Danish teak secretary desk or vanity with organizer cubbies and shelf inside, a long drawer over a lower locking cabinet. In original condition with visible wear consiste...
Teak
Arne Wahl Iversen Danish Modern Teak Secretary Desk Model 70
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Practical and elegant teak secretary desk designed by Arne Wahl Iversen and made in Denmark by Vinde Mobelfabrik.
Teak
Sold
H 42.52 in W 37.41 in D 16.93 in
Danish Modern Rosewood Secretary Desk by Arne Wahl Iversen, 1960s
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish modern rosewood secretary desk by Arne Wahl Iversen 1960s Beautiful rosewood secretaire model No. 68 designed by Danish architect Arne Wahl Iversen and manufactured by Vind...
Rosewood
Sold
H 42.52 in W 37.41 in D 16.54 in
Arne Wahl Iversen Danish Secretary Desk Model-68 for Vinde Møbelfabrik, 1960s
By Arne Wahl Iversen, Vinde Møbelfabrik
Located in The Hague, NL
Danish design cabinet- secretary desk designed by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik.
Teak
Sold
H 33 in W 39.75 in D 27.5 in
Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Mobler Model 65 Secretary Desk with Vanity Mirror
By Arne Wahl Iversen, Vinde Møbelfabrik
Located in Southampton, NJ
A rare and beautiful teak example from the Arne Wahl Iversen model 65 series having a flip up vanity mirror, turquoise accessory tray, red felt padded sliding jewelry storage cases a...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Secretary Desk
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Add functional and stylish storage to your workspace with this fantastic vintage Danish teak wood secretary desk. The drop down door opens up to reveal an ample desktop with built in...
Wood, Hardwood, Teak
Sold
H 33 in W 38 in D 17 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Pull Out Secretary Desk Chest of Drawers Dresser
By Arne Wahl Iversen, Dux of Sweden
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid-Century Modern teak pull out secretary desk chest of drawers dresser.
Teak
A Rosewood Secretary by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Janvry, Essonne
A rosewood secretary with an upper part including two drawers, shelves , a brass lighting & three drawers under the top.
Rosewood
Danish Modern Secretary Desk by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in San Francisco, CA
This is a vintage Mid-Century teak secretary by Arne Wahl Iversen. The drop down desk top is 29.5"L x 15.75"deep.
Teak
Arne Wahl Iversen Rosewood Secretary Bureau Desk, Danish, 1960s
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in London, GB
Designed by Arne Wahl Iversen, Denmark, circa 1960 is this secretary desk in well figured Brazilian rosewood.
Rosewood
1960s Secretary Desk by Arne Wahl Iversen, Vinde Møbelfabrik
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Munster, NRW
Beautifully designed desk by Arne Wahl Iversen executed with well crafted details. The desk is in very good condition with one small burn to the tabletop.
Large Rosewood Secretary Desk by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Long Beach, CA
A fantastic large-scale secretary desk designed by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Mobelfabrik of Denmark.
Sold
H 43 in W 33.5 in D 17.5 in
Vintage Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Secretary Desk by Arne Walh Iversen
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful Scandinavian Modern teak secretary desk designed by Arne Walh Iversen and manufactured by Vinde Mobelfabrik in Denmark in the 1960s.
Teak
Danish secretary in light rosewood by Arne Wahl Iversen 1960's
By Brouer Mobel, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Danish secretary desk in light rosewood designed by Arne Wahl Iversen for Brouers Møbelfabrik dating from the 1960's Model stamped on the back "Made in Denmark" It is made up of 3 ...
Brass
Sold
H 42.92 in W 33.47 in L 42.92 in
Danish Rosewood Secretary by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik, 1960s
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Appeltern, Gelderland
Beautiful Danish modern rosewood cabinet designed by Arne Wahl Iversen in the 1960s. A key opens the desk top, which flips down to reveal mini drawers, letter organizers and a built-...
Rosewood
Sold
H 33.08 in W 37.41 in D 16.54 in
Midcentury Danish Secretary in Teak by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Beveren, BE
Midcentury secretary desk designed by Arne Wahl Iversen and manufactured by Vinde Møbelfabrik in Denmark in the 1960s.
Teak
Sold
H 42.52 in W 37.41 in D 16.54 in
Danish Secretary in Rosewood by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik, 1960s
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Beveren, BE
Midcentury secretary desk designed by Arne Wahl Iversen and manufactured by Vinde Møbelfabrik in Denmark in the 1960s.
Palisander, Rosewood
Sold
H 43.71 in W 34.65 in D 16.93 in
Danish Teak Secretary by Arne Wahl Iversen for Falster Møbelfabrik 1960's
By Falster Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Danish teak secretary designed by Arne Wahl Iversen for Falster Møbelfabrik dating from the 1960's Manufacturer's label in the 1st drawer.
Mirror, Teak
Mid Century Rosewood Secretary Desk by Arne Wahl
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 1960s Danish Secretary This Arne Wahl secretary is in excellent condition. Wider than most secretaries, and nice sized drawers make this perfect for a bedroom, guest room, ...
Rosewood
Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Secretary Desk by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern teak secretary. With drawers and pull out desk. Designed by Arne Wahl Iversen.
Teak
Sold
H 50.5 in W 35.5 in D 16.75 in
Vintage Danish Mid Century Teak Secretary Desk Attributed to Arne Wahl Iversen
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful scandinavian modern secretary desk in teak wood reminiscent of Arne Wahl Iversen's design and manufactured in Denmark in the 1960's.
Teak
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool This White Oak Chile Counter Stool is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The stool is chunky and modern...
Wood, Oak
$1,650 / item
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Textile
Chic 'Méandre' Gilt Bronze Side Chair by Design Frères
By Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Undulating 'Méandre' gilt bronze finish side chair by Design Frères. Gilt bronze finish over steel frame. Natural linen upholstered cushion with contrasting piping. Chic and unders...
Steel
$5,005 / item
H 56.11 in W 25.6 in D 19.1 in
Arcate sideboard, in Canaletto walnut by Accardibuccheri Medulum for Medulum
By Mauro Accardi & Silvia Buccheri
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Il settimanale Arcate fa parte di una collezione esclusiva che include comodini e comò, ideata dal rinomato studio milanese Accardi Buccheri per il brand MEDULUM. La scocca, realizza...
Walnut
Antique Roll Top Desk Mahogany Bureau, 1880
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Classy French Empire roll top desk in mahogany Plenty of storage with all the cubby holes and drawers Writing surface revealed by opening up the roll top section Circa 1880 on thi...
Mahogany
Pata de Elefante Large Floor Lamp, Sculptural Parota Wood Base
By Isabel Moncada
Located in San Antonio, TX
Pata de Elefante Large Floor Lamp — Atomic Collection by Isabel Moncada Floor-standing and fully commanding, the Pata de Elefante Large brings the iconic ""Elephant's Foot"" silhoue...
Fiberglass, Linen, Textile, Wood
$2,500
H 38 in W 35.5 in D 18.5 in
Mid-Century Danish Modern Roll Top Desk, Dresser or Cabinet in Teak
By Finn Juhl, Arne Vodder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine looking roll top Scandinavian desk made in the 1970s. It features beautiful teak wood and plenty of storage space. In the style of: Finn Juhl or Arne Vodder.
Teak
Danish Teak Secretary Desk with Hidden Vanity Mirror
Located in Oakland, CA
Danish teak secretary desk crafted of teak with book-matched grain across the drawers. The secretary features a pull-out writing surface over three drawers. A pair of sliding glass c...
Glass, Teak
$8,587 / set
H 24.01 in Dm 13.78 in
Pair of Constant Night Stands in Poplar Burl wood by Master for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Envisioned by designer Yaniv Chen, the Constant nightstand exudes an air of refined luxury, celebrating the inherent splendor of Poplar burl wood. Meticulously crafted with impeccabl...
Burl, Poplar
$16,703 / item
H 53.15 in W 125.99 in D 59.06 in
Oval Brass and Parchment Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Beautiful chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires, this other version of the spider chandelier has longer arms on the sides giving the oval shape. The metal arms paint...
Metal, Brass
Sykkylven Brode Blindheim Rosewood Slant Front Desk, Norway 1960s
By Brode Blindheim
Located in Hamburg, PA
A stunning and very beautiful Rosewood Desk for Brode Blindheim by Sykky Iven circa 1960s. This amazing slant front desk is structured on a refined stretcher base. The cabinet has wo...
Rosewood
Harvey Probber Style Chaise Lounge, Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Harvey Probber
Located in Raleigh, NC
A stunning mid century modern chaise lounge newly upholstered in Kravet velvet. A piece most likely by Harvey Probber, although we have been unable to confirm. The frame is in very...
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
$3,055Sale Price|20% Off
H 47.25 in W 39.38 in D 31.11 in
Børge Mogensen for Søborg Secretary Desk 1960s
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Handewitt, DE
Secretary desk / cabinet, designed in 1950s by Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbelfabrik Denmark. Made in fine walnut early 1960s. Front with three drawers and a writing flap. Behind the...
Wood
$762Sale Price|20% Off
H 39.97 in W 36.03 in D 11.03 in
Mid-Century Modern Mad Men Bureau Secretaire Cabinet by Beaver and Tapley
By Robert Heritage
Located in Leicester, GB
Please contact us with your country and postcode for the cheapest shipping options. US shipping for this piece £450 which includes a custom-made crate. This is a beautiful compact ...
Teak
Mawu Chair in Printed by Laura Gonzalez
By laura gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
Made in France with hand-turned, flared oak legs in golden satin finish. Upholstered backrest and seat in textured jacquard velvet fabric (LG.FB-31).
Fabric, Oak, Cotton, Linen
$5,395 / item
H 42.01 in W 25.99 in D 1.19 in
Mid century style Ceiling Suspended Mirror with Bronze Patina Frame, Vintage N.4
By Alguacil & Perkoff Ltd.
Located in London, London
Mid-century style Vintage N.4 ceiling suspended mirror with a high quality pure brass full frame with a bronze patina finish. This piece is part of our original and fully customisabl...
Brass, Bronze
Danish furniture designer Arne Wahl Iversen created a range of sculptural storage cabinets, secretary desks, armchairs and dressers in teak, rosewood and other durable woods that reflect the pared-back elegance and prioritization of function that are so often attributes of the finest examples of vintage Scandinavian modern furniture.
Born in Nyborg, Iversen learned the craft of furniture making from his father, who operated a modest furniture business near the family home. Iversen apprenticed as a cabinetmaker and later enrolled in the Odense Technical School to study furniture design. In 1949, Iversen attend the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, in Copenhagen. It was there he studied under legendary furniture designer Kaare Klint. Widely recognized as the father of modern Danish furniture, Klint helped found the furniture design school at the academy and mentored such esteemed cabinetmakers and furniture designers as Børge Mogensen, Hans Wegner and Ole Wanscher. Iversen was in good hands.
Upon finishing school, Iversen opened his own furniture shop in Nyborg. Soon after, his work immediately impressed Swedish furniture maker and IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad.
At the time, the popularity of modern Danish furniture was gaining steam around the world — it was in the postwar era that American tastemakers sold the citizenry on the appeal of Scandinavian design and its emphasis on the principles of traditional craftsmanship. Copenhagen native Finn Juhl had shown his work in the United States in 1950 and created a Danish modern line for Michigan’s Baker Furniture in 1951 (the company produced his award-winning Chieftain chair for a short time). Kamprad was eager for Iversen to create modern Danish furniture for IKEA, but their collaboration didn't last very long. Iversen decided to work independently on his own designs.
Initially, Iversen's furniture was mainly sold in Denmark, but by the end of the 1960s, he had expanded his sales to the rest of Europe and in America. Though he designed for many manufacturers, he created his most popular works for Komfort and Vinde Møbelfabrik. Iversen continued to design furniture until he retired in the mid-1980s.
Find vintage Arne Wahl Iversen chairs, cabinets, console tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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.