Maitland Smith Secretary Desk
Early 2000s American Modern Desks
Leather, Wood
20th Century Hollywood Regency Secretaires
Malachite, Brass
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century Desks and Writing Tables
Burl
Vintage 1980s Philippine Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Early 2000s Philippine Desks and Writing Tables
Walnut
Late 20th Century American Queen Anne Secretaires
Wood
Vintage 1980s Chinoiserie Secretaires
Wood, Lacquer
Late 20th Century Desks
Wood
Vintage 1980s Asian Chinoiserie Secretaires
Hardwood
Late 20th Century Regency Secretaires
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Giltwood
Early 2000s American Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Desks
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Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Lacquer
Metal
Vintage 1970s American Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Faux Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Japanese Taisho Sculptures and Carvings
Bronze
Antique 1750s French Architectural Elements
Oak
Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Beds and Bed Frames
Upholstery, Mahogany
Late 20th Century Modern Cabinets
Wood
Vintage 1960s Italian Hollywood Regency Dry Bars
Brass
Antique Early 1800s Italian Other Beds and Bed Frames
Wrought Iron
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Floor Lamps
Crystal, Ormolu
Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Antique 19th Century American Beds and Bed Frames
Silk, Wood
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Bookcases
Smoked Glass, Wood
Antique Mid-17th Century German Renaissance Cabinets
Marble
Antique 19th Century American Beds and Bed Frames
Silk, Mahogany, Oak, Walnut
Antique 19th Century English Early Victorian Sofas
Leather
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.