Narrow Tall Etagere
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vitrines
Cut Steel, Wrought Iron
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Metal
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Regency Shelves
Brass
Vintage 1920s French Provincial Cabinets
Wire
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Aluminum
Antique Late 19th Century French Shelves
Wood
Recent Sales
Vintage 1950s American Shelves
Iron
Early 20th Century Victorian Bookcases
Bamboo
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Metal
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Chrome
Vintage 1980s American Campaign Bookcases
Iron
Early 20th Century French Shelves
Oak
Early 20th Century French Bookcases
Oak
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Hat Racks and Stands
Glass, Rattan
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Brass, Chrome
Vintage 1960s American Shelves
Chrome
20th Century Bookcases
Metal
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Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Porcelain
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Vanities
Glass, Birdseye Maple, Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
Travertine
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Fabric, Wood
20th Century Chinese Paintings and Screens
Wood
2010s Australian Scandinavian Modern Children's Furniture
Sheepskin
21st Century and Contemporary French Wall Lights and Sconces
Aluminum
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Brass
Antique Mid-18th Century Baroque Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror, Giltwood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery
Vintage 1970s Dutch Club Chairs
Leather
2010s Italian Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Dressers
Birdseye Maple, Walnut
Antique 18th Century Italian Rococo Sofas
Walnut
Mid-20th Century British Art Deco Beds and Bed Frames
Iron
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A tall narrow dresser is also likely called a chest of drawers. Standard chests of drawers are tall and narrow. So, what makes a chest of drawers different from a common dresser? Dressers are short, and chests of drawers are overall taller pieces of furniture that typically do not have room on the top for a mirror as most dressers do. Find dressers and chests of drawers on 1stDibs.
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