Knoll File
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Marble
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Marble, Steel
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Apothecary Cabinets
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Steel
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Walnut
Recent Sales
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Steel
2010s American Modern Cabinets
Metal
Vintage 1950s American Cabinets
Walnut
Vintage 1970s American Sideboards
Teak
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Marble, Steel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Steel
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Marble
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Marble
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Chrome
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Leather, Walnut
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Walnut
Vintage 1960s American Desks
Walnut
20th Century American Sideboards
Steel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Marble, Chrome
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Walnut
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Scandinavian Modern Cabinets
Burl
2010s Italian Renaissance Wall Mirrors
Glass
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Metal
2010s Italian Other Chandeliers and Pendants
Blown Glass
2010s American Modern Wall Mirrors
Mirror, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sideboards
Brass
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Birch, Teak
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Rosewood
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Steel
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Teak
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Fabric, Wood
2010s American Modern Cabinets
Brass
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Buffets
Oak
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Wood, Walnut
Knoll File For Sale on 1stDibs
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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.