Large Flat Document Storage
Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Desks
Aluminum
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Renaissance Blanket Chests
Gesso, Wood
People Also Browsed
20th Century Louis XIV Bookcases
Brass
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Wall-mounted Sculptures
Stone
2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Composition
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets
Oak
Early 20th Century French Gothic Blanket Chests
Oak
Vintage 1950s Indian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Faux Leather, Teak
Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Decorative Art
Other
Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Beds and Bed Frames
Bamboo
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
Vintage 1950s French Desks and Writing Tables
Steel
Mid-20th Century Indian Desks and Writing Tables
Leather, Wood
2010s American Decorative Art
Limestone
Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Aluminum
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
20th Century Chinese Qing Furniture
Pine
Antique 19th Century Austrian Other Desks
Wood, Satinwood, Walnut
Antique 19th Century British Georgian Secretaires
Mahogany, Oak, Pine
Antique Late 19th Century English Gothic Revival Cabinets
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Secretaires
Mahogany
Antique Early 18th Century English Blanket Chests
Brass
1950s Coats
Antique Mid-19th Century Indian Dutch Colonial Furniture
Brass
Finding the Right storage-case-pieces for You
Of all the antique and vintage case pieces and storage cabinets 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 storage 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. Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard made of colored glass and metals, 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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