Maddox Secretary Desk
Vintage 1970s American French Provincial Desks
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Desks
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Queen Anne Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Vintage 1930s American Hepplewhite Secretaires
Glass, Mahogany
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century American Hepplewhite Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Vintage 1940s Chippendale Secretaires
Glass, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Queen Anne Secretaires
Glass, Cherry
Vintage 1970s American Chinoiserie Console Tables
Mahogany, Lacquer, Paint
Mid-20th Century American Hepplewhite Desks and Writing Tables
Wood, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Chippendale Bookcases
Glass, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Secretaires
Brass
Vintage 1960s American Sheraton Cabinets
Mahogany
People Also Browsed
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Early 20th Century Italian Rococo Bird Cages
Metal
Antique Mid-18th Century Danish Baroque Secretaires
Brass
Antique 1790s English Georgian Secretaires
Leather, Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century Rustic Cabinets
Oak, Paint
Antique 18th Century British George III Desks
Leather, Mahogany
Antique 1880s American Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Early 20th Century William and Mary Console Tables
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century English Bookcases
Mahogany
Vintage 1950s French Louis XVI Cabinets
Marble, Brass
Early 20th Century Hepplewhite Sideboards
Brass
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Lanterns
Metal
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century French Renaissance Cabinets
Walnut
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.