Modern Tansu
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Iron
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Metal
2010s Asian Japonisme Cabinets
Wood, Elm
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Brass
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Wood
Vintage 1940s Japanese Organic Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood, Cedar
Antique 19th Century Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Iron
Mid-20th Century Japanese Organic Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood, Ash, Hardwood
Antique 1880s Japanese Meiji Furniture
Iron
Early 20th Century Japanese Organic Modern Cabinets
Iron
20th Century Central American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Oak
Vintage 1960s American Cabinets
Oak
Vintage 1970s American Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cabinets
Iron
Antique 19th Century Furniture
Antique 19th Century Japanese Modern Sideboards
Wood
Mid-20th Century Korean Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Sets
Brass
Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Iron
Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cabinets
Iron
Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of D...
Pewter
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Metal
20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes
Mahogany, Rosewood, Walnut
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sideboards
Cedar, Pine
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Iron
Vintage 1970s American Chinoiserie Night Stands
Brass
Mid-20th Century Korean Chinoiserie Night Stands
Metal
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Metal
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Wood
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Metal
Vintage 1950s Sideboards
Walnut
Early 20th Century Japanese Modern Dressers
Vintage 1960s American Dressers
Metal
Modern Tansu For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Modern Tansu?
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.
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