Japanese Shodana
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture
Gold
Antique 19th Century French Japonisme Cabinets
Ivory, Softwood
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Furniture
Hardwood, Lacquer
Recent Sales
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Japonisme Cabinets
Ivory, Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood, Lacquer
Antique 19th Century Japanese Furniture
Wood
Antique 19th Century Japanese Furniture
Antique 19th Century Japanese Lacquer
Ormolu
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer
Antique 19th Century Japanese Cabinets
Antique 1880s Victorian Furniture
Antique Early 1900s Cabinets
Antique 1890s Meiji Cabinets
Early 20th Century Japanese Cabinets
Lacquer
Antique 19th Century Japanese Cabinets
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture
Padouk
Early 20th Century Cabinets
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Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture
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Metal
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Wood, Birch
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Iron
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Grandfather Clocks and Longca...
Malachite, Ormolu
Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork
Brass, Enamel
Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer
Antique 1870s Japanese Meiji Cabinets
Elm
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Other Decorative Boxes
Lacquer
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Cabinets
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Japonisme Lacquer
Lacquer
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Coat Racks and Stands
Brass, Bronze
Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Side Tables
Elm, Cedar, Pine
Finding the Right Cabinets for You
Although traditionally used in the bedroom to store garments that would not be hung in a closet, an antique or vintage cabinet can easily find a purpose in rooms throughout your entire house.
The world's first storage cabinets, reportedly constructed in Renaissance-era Europe, were demonstrative of excellence in carpentry and the work of master carvers. These robust bureaus or sophisticated chests of drawers were typically built from common woods, such as oak or walnut. Although they were fairly uniform in structure and lacked the bright colors of modern-day furniture, case pieces and storage cabinets that date from the 18th century and earlier were often found in the homes of nobility.
Their intricate carvings and various embellishments — adornments made from ivory, ornate lacquer work and, later, glass shelvings — reflect the elegance with which these decorative furnishings were associated. Given its valuable purpose and the beauty of the early furnishings' designs, the storage cabinet is an investment that will never go out of style.
The practical design that defines the earliest storage cabinets has inspired the creation of household must-haves, like minimalist drink trolleys and marble wood bookcases. From hiding outdoor gear in the mudroom to decluttering your kitchen with a tall kitchen pantry cabinet, these versatile furnishings have now become available in enough sizes, styles and colors to accommodate any space. After all, these aren't your run-of-the-mill filing cabinets.
A sophisticated storage cabinet — wood storage cabinets with doors and shelves, for example — can serve as a room divider when necessary, while the right vintage wall unit or floor-to-ceiling cabinetry solutions can seamlessly become part of any space without disrupting the energy of the room. And although you may hide items away in its drawers, bookworms might prefer a storage cabinet with open shelving for displaying favorite books or other media.
One-of-a-kind solutions for the modern consumer abound, but enthusiasts of understated, classical beauty may turn to Baroque-style storage cabinets. Elsewhere, admirers of mid-century modernism looking to make a statement with their case pieces will warm to the dark woods and clean lines of vintage storage cabinets by Paul McCobb, Florence Knoll or Edward Wormley.
Sometimes the best renovation is a reorganization. If you're ready to organize and elevate your space, a luxury storage cabinet is the addition you need.
Find a variety of vintage and antique storage cabinets on 1stDibs, including unique Art Deco storage cabinets, chinoiserie cabinets and more.
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