Italian Midcentury Book Shelf / Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian midcentury book shelf with the dry bar - or desk when open. On the bottom brass boots
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Brass
Italian Midcentury Book Shelf / Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian midcentury book shelf with the dry bar - or desk when open. On the bottom brass boots
Brass
Sculptural Mid Century Wood Book End - Book Shelf
Located in Leicester, GB
A beautiful Mid Century Modern teak wood bookend - freestanding book shelf. Handmade and dating to
Teak
$1,753Sale Price|20% Off
H 32 in W 66 in D 15.5 in
Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Wood Book Shelf Display Cabinet
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Wood Book Shelf Display Cabinet Adjustable Shelf Dimensions. 66
Walnut
$300Sale Price|20% Off
H 27.5 in W 20.5 in D 12.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Atomic Iron Wire Book Shelf or Rack
Located in San Diego, CA
Simple Mid-Century Modern atomic iron wire book shelf or rack, circa 1970s. The piece has three
Iron
$260Sale Price|20% Off
H 5.25 in W 14 in D 9.5 in
Vintage Mid-Century Atomic Wire Mesh Black Table Top Book Shelf
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredibly clean and modernist lines define this unique table top book shelf. This simple piece
Metal
$2,395
H 36.5 in W 30 in D 13.5 in
Mid Century Modern Cabinet or Book Shelf Sliding Doors and Brass Toned Hardware
Located in Seattle, WA
A mid century modern cabinet featuring a clean-lined Scandinavian-inspired design. The piece is
Other
$995
H 72 in W 24 in D 16 in
Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Free Standing Book Shelf With 4 Drawers
Located in Seattle, WA
Teak book shelf with dresser in style of Borge Mogensen with removable Top. The bottom portion is
Teak
19th c. Pine Book or Bucket Shelf
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th c. pine book/bucket shelf with curved backsplash. In old red over green paint with two
Pine, Paint
Claude Vassal French 50s Book shelf Cabinet
By Claude Vassal
Located in Westport, CT
Claude Vassal Rare and Unusual 1950's Tall Multiple Colored Glass panel Cabinet Book shelf Unit 77
Glass, Wood
Louise Nevelson Style Wall Sculpture Book Shelf
By Louise Nevelson
Located in Atlanta, GA
mounted shelf has space to store books or display items, and has a lighted area that emits a soft glow.
Metal
$6,700 / set
H 45 in W 31 in D 20 in
19th Century Italian Pair of Painted Walnut Library Steps - Antique Book Shelfs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique pair of 19th Century Italian library stairs with wide steps in the Baroque style and
Walnut
1970's Unique Book Stand Shelf by ULUV, Czechoslovakia
By ULUV Krásná jizba
Located in Praha, CZ
Beautiful wooden book stand shelf made in former Czechoslovakia in the 1970's by ULUV.
Wood
rare carl auböck coat hanger or double book shelf
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Munich, DE
one of many iconic designs by carl auböck. can be used as coat hanger or as double bookshelf by removing the hooks.
Metal, Brass
1960s Oak Book Stand Shelf / Rack by ULUV, Czechoslovakia
By ULUV Krásná jizba
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - Sturdy and stable - Made of solid Oak wood
Oak
De Coene Display Cabinet or Book Shelf, Belgium, 1970s
By De Coene Frères
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage early 1970s bookshelf or display cabinet by De Coene, Belgium. This three door cabinet is made of solid wood with clear glass. The doors have magnetic closures. Moveable shel...
Wood
$2,495
H 54.5 in W 26 in D 9 in
Antique Wood Etagere Book Shelf or Bookcase Bobbin Wooden Turned Details
Located in Seattle, WA
Shelf 2 - 7H Shelf 3 - 9H Shelf 4 - 10H
Walnut
Expandable Hand carved Teak Wood Book Shelf Bookends from India 1950s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Expandable Book shelf hand carved teak wood book Bookends from India, circa 1950s. Book holder from
Teak
$2,900
H 67 in W 56 in D 22 in
Vintage European Primitive Hand Carved Book Shelf With Mortise and Tenon Joints
Located in Lutz, FL
Vintage Primitive style hand carved wooden display shelf or bookcase. Origin unknown but likely
Wood
A Good Oak Open Bookcase This is a good quality Oak open book shelf
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Good Oak Open Bookcase This is a good quality Oak open book shelf The Bookcase is in very good
Oak
$6,191
H 11.03 in W 19.69 in D 11.03 in
Shelf 'Book crib' model T-709 Designed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
gallery-like interior, adding a quiet but distinctive note of mid-century Swedish design. For collectors
Birch
Carl Auböck Mid-Century Book Shelf Signed, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Carl Auböck Mid-Century Book Shelf Signed, Austria, 1950s.
Brass
Unavailable
H 34.26 in W 41.34 in D 5.91 in
Ilmari Lappalainen, 'Leo' Book Shelf / Wall Shelf for Asko, 1950s
By Ilmari Lappalainen
Located in Los Gatos, CA
Ilmari Lappalainen, a mid-20th century 'Leo' Book shelf/wall shelf for Asko. Stained and
Birch
Four-Tier Italian Wooden Book Stand/Shelf
Located in Pasadena, CA
Description Four-tier Italian wooden book stand/shelf with chrome legs.
Chrome
Carl Auböck Inspired Floating Book Shelf, Austria 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
Carl Auböck Inspired Floating Book Shelf, Austria 1950s.
Brass
Parisi four shelf book case made in Italy 1955
By Ico Parisi
Located in New York, NY
Stylish bookcase designed by Ico and Luisa Parisi made in Italy by De Baggis in 1955, carved walnut with adjustable shelves, nice size, beautifully made, great quality.
Walnut
Unavailable
H 122.05 in W 164.57 in D 13.78 in
Italian Room Divider Book-Shelf by Paolo Tilche Made in Italy, 1960s, Teak
By Paolo Tilche
Located in Munster, DE
Large mid-century bookcase by Paolo Tilche from the 1960s. The shelf is made of teak and is
Teak
Unavailable
H 42 in W 37.5 in D 15 in
Vintage Art Metal Inc Steel Three Shelf Book Case with Bright Red Interior
By Art Metal Co.
Located in Fort mill, SC
A 1960's Brushed steel bookcase with an interior painted in heavy automotive grade red paint. Made by Art Metal inc of Jamestown NY in a neutral or industrial color scheme the piece ...
Steel
Guillerme et Chambron Oak Mid-Century Book Shelf
By Guillerme et Chambron
Located in London, GB
A singular oak mid-century shelving book case. France, c1960s. Folding down door allows
Oak
Sold
H 46.5 in W 48 in D 13.5 in
Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Wood Freestanding Book Shelf with Legs
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Solid Wood Adjustable Bookshelf. This sturdy shelf is an excellent
Walnut
Restored Five-Tier Pole Rattan and Mahogany Book Shelf, Mid-Century
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Five-tier pole rattan shelf with mahogany shelving and side panels, circa 1940. The large 4' tall
Rattan, Mahogany
Sold
H 70.5 in W 30 in D 12.5 in
Mid-Century Regency Style Carved Mahogany Faux Bamboo Etagere / Shelf / Book
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a regency style carved fruitwood faux bamboo shelf / etagere / bookcase. The shelves are
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Book Shelf End Tables by Glenn of California
By Glenn of California, Stanley Young
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Early modern end tables with books shelves designed by Stanley Young for Glenn of California in the late 1940s -see the original advert from Arts and Architecture Magazine 1947. Sold...
Birch
Sold
H 70 in W 60 in D 16 in
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Solid Walnut Book Case Shelf with Writing Desk
Located in Seattle, WA
(Available by online purchase only) Vintage Mid-Century Modern solid walnut book case shelf with
Wood
Mahogany Wall Hanging Book Shelf
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Mahogany wall hanging book shelf. This charming little shelf unit, has 3 shelves The shelf is
Mahogany
Vintage Danish Book Shelf Case
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Vintage well kept shelf system, book case, for storing your books beautifully. The shelf depth
Wood
Kurt Ostervig Book Shelf/Cabinet
By Kurt Østervig
Located in San Francisco, CA
Free standing high quality construction teak book shelf or cabinet designed by Kurt Ostervig. Very
Teak
Sold
H 26.5 in W 35 in D 17.75 in
Mid Century Danish Book Matched Burl Walnut Console Game Table with Lower Shelf
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This beautiful book matched burl walnut Danish console table from the mid-twentieth century
Leather, Walnut, Burl
Book Shelf by Kurt Østervig
By KP Mobler
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Shelf in oak and teak with storage cabinet and brass hangers. Maker KP Møbler.
Teak
Tomado Double Standing Book Shelf
By Tomado
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Industrial Style Enameled Metal Shelving Unit - Black Steel frame with 5 multi-colored Shelves. New screws
Metal
Tomado Standing Industrial Book Shelf
By Tomado, Jan Van Der Togt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multicolored enameled metal shelves with black wire stands. Shelves are movable. Grey, green and black shelves. The shelves measure 7.5" deep. Metal in original condition with visibl...
Steel
Tomado Single Standing Industrial Book Shelf
By Jan Van Der Togt, Tomado
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Industrial Tomado book shelf with grey, red and black metal enameled shelves on black enameled wire
Metal
Tomado Single Standing Industrial Book Shelf
By Jan Van Der Togt, Tomado
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Industrial Tomado book shelf with red, yellow and black metal enameled shelves on black enameled
Metal
Tomado Single Standing Industrial Book Shelf
By Jan Van Der Togt, Tomado
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multicolored orange, blue, grey enameled metal shelves with black wire stands. Shelves are moveable. Other color combinations available, listed separately. Can ship flat.
Metal
Tomado Single Standing Industrial Book Shelf
By Jan Van Der Togt, Tomado
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multicolored black, yellow, white enameled metal shelves with black wire stands. Shelves are moveable.
Metal
Teak Tomado Three Section Standing Book Shelf
By Jan Van Der Togt, Tomado
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Midcentury Tomado three section standing book shelf with black enameled wire frame and
Metal
Important book shelf by Christophe Gevers, 1971
By Christophe Gevers
Located in Sittard, LI
This rare book shelf is designed by famous Belgian architect and designer Christophe Gevers
Chrome
Tomado Multicolored Enameled Metal Standing Book Shelf
By Jan Van Der Togt, Tomado
Located in Los Angeles, CA
this enameled metal standing book shelf with multicolored shelves. Enameled metal shelves and frame
Metal
Tomado Multicolored Enameled Metal Standing Book Shelf
By Jan Van Der Togt, Tomado
Located in Los Angeles, CA
this enameled metal standing book shelf with multicolored shelves. Enameled metal shelves and frame
Metal
Solid Brass Mastercraft Three Tier Glass Book Shelf
By Mastercraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid brass three shelf unit - a stunning and very efficient three-shelf solid brass console that
Brass
Book Shelf by Tove & Edvard Kindt Larsen
By Gustav Bertelsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Shelf in mahogany on base with shelf tracks and 11 shelves. Design, 1937. Maker Gustav Bertelsen.
Mahogany
1970s French Book Shelf by Guy Lefèvre
By Guy Lefevre
Located in Buchanan, NY
Very rare Guy Lefèvre book shelf made of lacquered wood and brushed steel. Also available and
Steel
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Book Shelf
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson thin edge bookshelf for Herman Miller. Rare model bookshelf from this series in very good original condition with expected age appropriate wear.
Rosewood
Pilastro White Perforated Wall Mount Metal Book Shelf
By Pilastro, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century, Mathieu Mategot inspired, white perforated industrial wall mount shelf with
Metal
Sold
H 78.75 in W 35.04 in D 10.24 in
1970s Danish Wall Mounted Floating Wooden Shelf & Metal Shelving Unit Book Shelf
Located in London, England
metal shelf supports are fixed to the wall at the top. The height adjustable shelves are fixed onto the
Metal, Steel
Circle-shaped book shelf/room divider in tropical wood
Located in Oostende, BE
Circle-shaped book shelf in tropical wood. Can be used as room divider or simply to display books
Wood
Solid Oak Modernist Stick and Plank Book Shelf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique Solid Plank and Stick Book Shelf that is Totally Collapsible. Crazy Construction, no screws
Vintage red metal wall unit book shelf , 1970s
Located in Delft, NL
Vintage red metal wall unit book shelf , 1970s
Metal
1960s Oak Book Shelf Holder by ULUV, Czechoslovakia
By ULUV Krásná jizba
Located in Praha, CZ
- item has been carefully refurbished.
Wood, Oak
Paul Frankl Desk Redux, Inset Book Shelf on Desk Front
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern desk by Paul Frankl. New almond lacquer on desk body in Frankl's signature
Wood
De Puydt Brutalist Oak Book Shelf with Lower Cabinet
By De Puydt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Brutalist oak shelving unit has shelving above and a lower cabinet. The door handle also is the latch. In original condition with wear that is consistent with its age and use. ...
Oak
Sold
H 42.52 in W 48.04 in D 13 in
Antique Open Bookcase, Scottish, Oak, Adjustable Book Shelf Cabinet, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique open bookcase. A Scottish, oak adjustable book shelf cabinet, dating to the
Oak
Sold
H 50.4 in W 70.08 in D 11.82 in
Antique Bookcase English, Oak, Victorian Book Shelf, Ecclesiastical, circa 1850
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique bookcase, an English oak, Victorian book shelf with ecclesiastical overtones
Oak
Sold
H 55 in W 43 in D 18.25 in
American Midcentury Display Cabinet Book Case Shelf Oak Walnut Unsigned
Located in Forest Grove, PA
dovetailed drawers and brass feet. The height of the top shelf opening is 12". The height of the middle shelf
Brass
Sold
H 75.2 in W 35.44 in D 14.57 in
Velvet vintage Book shelf, teak and velvet, Modular Structure, italy 1950s
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Velvet vintage Book shelf, teak and velvet, Modular Structure, italy 1950s. A 1960s vintage modular
Velvet, Teak
Sold
H 33.25 in W 76.5 in D 11.5 in
Tomado Industrial Three Section Standing Book Shelf by Jan Van Der Togt
By Jan Van Der Togt, Tomado
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Tomado three section multi-color industrial book shelf with black enameled wire risers
Metal, Sheet Metal
Sold
H 79.93 in W 39.38 in D 15.75 in
Italian Postmodern Design Book Shelf “Ran” by Carlo Forcolini for Alias, 1980s
By Alias, Carlo Forcolini
Located in Renens, CH
A 1980s book shelf designed by Carlo Forcolini for Alias, inspired by temple doors in Japan and
Metal
Sold
H 54.34 in W 34.65 in D 11.82 in
Vintage Model 545 Book Shelf by Wilhelm Lutjens for Den Boer Gouda
By Lutjens De Boer
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century wall shelve in birch designed by Wilhelm Lutjens for Den Boer Gouda. Good condition
Birch
Sold
H 10.63 in W 17.92 in D 8.27 in
Carl Auböck II Modernist Geometric 1950s Carved Walnut and Cast Brass Book Shelf
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in London, GB
A sculptural shelf designed and made by Carl Auböck II, Vienna, circa 1950. The piece is made up of
Brass
Luther Conover Walnut & Iron Bookshelf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-century walnut & Iron book shelf by Luthur Conover.
Iron
Sold
H 29.75 in W 40.25 in D 13.25 in
Milo Baughman for Murray Furniture Mid Century Book Shelf Console Table
By Milo Baughman, Murray Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Murray Furniture mid century book shelf console table This shelf is 40.25 wide x
Metal
Sold
H 32 in W 66 in D 15.5 in
Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Book Shelf Display Cabinet Adjustable Shelf
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Walnut Wood Book Shelf Display Cabinet Adjustable Shelf Dimensions. 66
Walnut
Mid Century Studio Crafted Walnut Tabletop Book Stand Shelf 1970s
By Sam Maloof
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and functional studio crafted tabletop book stand. Made of solid walnut. There is a
Walnut
Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Wood Book Shelf Display Cabinet
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Wood Book Shelf Display Cabinet Adjustable Shelf
Teak
Small Modernist Book Shelf
Located in Hanover, MA
Small walnut open book shelf clearly executed by a fan of Gio Ponti and his designs for the
Walnut
Sold
H 68 in W 36 in D 11.5 in
Vintage Mid Century Modern Book Shelf with Record Storage Cabinet . UK Import.
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Book Shelf with Record Storage Cabinet Finished Back UK Import
Wood
Sold
H 18.25 in W 25.5 in D 14 in
French 1950s Raoul Guys attrd. Iron Wicker Magazine Rack Book Shelf Mid-Century
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Magazine shelf, armchair side table. Heavy and well-made. Wonderful design, showing age. Raoul
Iron
Tomado Standing Industrial Book Shelf
By Tomado, Jan Van Der Togt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multicolored enameled metal shelves with black wire stands. Shelves are movable. Orange, black and red shelves. Shelves in original condition with visible signs of wear consistent wi...
Steel
On Hold|$3,750
H 19 in W 95.38 in D 19.13 in
Wim Wilson Floating Credenza for Castelijn – 1964, Model D242
By Wim Wilson, Castelijn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined example of Dutch Mid-Century design, this floating credenza, Model D242, was thoughtfully designed by Wim Wilson for Castelijn in 1964. This elegant piece embodies the era'...
Aluminum
Coffee Table by Mario Marenco for Mobilgirgi, Italy 1970s
By Mario Marenco
Located in Roma, IT
Coffee Table by Mario Marenco for Mobilgirgi, Italy 1970s. Cm 32,00 x 87,00 x 87,00. Walnut Wood. Good conditions!
Walnut
Antique Petite Mexican Butaque in the Style of Clara Porset
By Clara Porset
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this Antique Petite Mexican Butaque in the style of Clara Porset, circa 1960.
Wood
$6,275 / set
H 24.01 in Dm 13.78 in
Pair of Constant Night Stands in Iroko Wood by Master Studio for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Neatly proportioned with exceptional detailing, the constant nightstand is your perfect bedside partner. In our furniture making, the IDEA is to create special pieces that you can bu...
Hardwood
Organic Modern Floor Lamp Natural Wood Handmade Ivory Fluted Shade
By Isabel Moncada
Located in San Antonio, TX
PATA DE ELEFANTE (LARGE) floor lamp was designed for the Atomic collection by Mexican artist Isabel Moncada. Named Pata de Elefante –Elephant‘s Foot– for the prominent shape at its ...
Textile, Wood, Linen, Fiberglass
$34,000
H 26.5 in W 92.75 in D 32 in
Warren Platner Walnut and Leather Floating Case Sofa for Lehigh Leopold, c. 1970
By Warren Platner, Lehigh Leopold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptionally rare and highly sought-after collectors piece (with celebrity provenance) is a Warren Platner Executive Leather Case Sofa designed for Lehigh Leopold in circa 1970...
Chrome
$33,000
H 102.76 in W 130.71 in D 13 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Large Architectural Library in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Library wall-unit, walnut, Italy, 1960s Rooted in Italy’s mid-century design tradition, this substantial bookcase highlights the makers architectural sensibility and refined taste f...
Walnut
$1,712Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 25.6 in W 59 in D 13.8 in
"Perf" Sideboard in Varnished Steel by Moroso for Diesel
By Moroso, Diesel Creative Team 1
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Perf" is a credenza, designed by Diesel Creative Team and manufactured by Moroso, in varnished steel black mat, with doors in varnished steel available in these colors: copper, blac...
Steel
Mid-Century Teak Sofa Bed with Storage Headboard, 1960s Design
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A versatile and functional example of Mid-Century design, this teak sofa bed offers both comfortable seating and convenient storage. Complete with a matching, detached headboard feat...
Teak, Upholstery
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 18 in W 78 in D 14 in
Mid century Jack Cartwright for Founders Long wall mounted Bar desk credenza
By Jack Cartwright, Founders Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Jack Cartwright for Founders Long wall mounted Bar desk credenza. Left side has 2 cabinet doors and the right side has a fold down bar or desk with white laminate surface...
Faux Leather, Walnut, Lacquer
$14,000Sale Price|60% Off
H 79.5 in W 84 in D 108.5 in
Vintage 1949 Mid-Century Modern Custom L-Shaped Office Desk by George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Lafayette, IN
This remarkable piece is a one-off desk/wardrobe/bar/bookcase/storage cabinet custom-designed by George Nelson in 1949 to match his Basic Cabinet Series (BCS) for Herman Miller. The ...
Aluminum
Art Deco Burlwood Wardrobe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco burlwood armoire cabinet. The doors retain their original door latches, handles and working lock and key. Made in UK circa 1930s.
Burl
$4,384Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 42 in W 76 in D 12 in
Casey Lurie Studio Modern Low "Primo" Shelving System in Walnut with Brass
By Casey Lurie
Located in Chicago, IL
“Shelving can be the most mundane thing you own, or it can be the beautiful bones of a room as pleasing to see as anything it displays. Casey Lurie’s Primo system would be the latter...
Brass, Stainless Steel, Metal
$4,895 / item
H 24.5 in W 72 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Style Tambour-Door Credenza by Danish Modern LA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing our first-ever modern credenza designed and crafted by Danish Modern L.A.'s artisans' house in Los Angeles, CA. Our skillfully crafted credenza showcases a solid American...
Walnut
Pair of Small Brass and Tobacco Glass Globe Table Lamps
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Pair of small table lamps, made of a brass cylinder foot topped with an opened top glass globe tinted in a tobacco colour. Ideal for a bedside use thanks to their small size and dimm...
Brass
"Marchand" Scalloped Walnut Dresser by Christiane Lemieux
Located in New York, NY
The Marchand 6-drawer dresser showcases elegantly scalloped edge detailing and textural drawer fronts, making it a distinctive piece in any bedroom. It sits on minimal turned legs, b...
Oak
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.