Lou Hodges Wall Unit
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Walnut
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Oak
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Oak
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Vintage 1970s American Organic Modern Shelves
Oak
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets
Oak
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets
Oak
Vintage 1970s American Modern Bookcases
Oak
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets
Wood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Walnut
Vintage 1970s American Shelves
Oak
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Oak
20th Century American Post-Modern Bookcases
Wood
Vintage 1970s American Shelves and Wall Cabinets
Walnut
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Walnut
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Dining Room Sets
Oak, Velvet
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Vintage 1960s French Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
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Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
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2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
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2010s American Flush Mount
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Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Dining Room Tables
Oak
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
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Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
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Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Metal
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
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Stained Glass, Wood
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Teak, Glass
Finding the Right Storage-case-pieces 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.