Narrow Tall Etagere
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Chrome
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Shelves
Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Shelves
Steel, Chrome
Early 20th Century American Regency Bookcases
Mahogany
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Wrought Iron
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Aluminum
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Vases
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Cabinets
Pine
20th Century American American Classical Bookcases
Hardwood
Vintage 1940s Italian Modern Bookcases
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Iron
Antique 1860s English Victorian Bookcases
Rosewood
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Shelves
Brass
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Teak
Antique Late 19th Century French Gothic Revival Benches
Oak
20th Century Bookcases
Pine
Vintage 1940s French Neoclassical Side Tables
Brass
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Glass, Teak
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Beech, Maple, Olive, Walnut, Burl
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Bookcases
Walnut
Vintage 1980s Sheraton Bookcases
Walnut
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Birch
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Patio and Garden Furniture
Wrought Iron
Antique Late 19th Century American Aesthetic Movement Cabinets
Mahogany
Late 20th Century Philippine Cabinets
Rattan
Vintage 1950s American Shelves
Iron
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
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 American Regency Bookcases
Mahogany
Early 20th Century French Shelves
Oak
Early 20th Century French Bookcases
Oak
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Iron
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Hat Racks and Stands
Glass, Rattan
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Wood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Brass
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Marble, Stainless Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Brass, Chrome
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Metal
Vintage 1970s Bohemian Shelves
Brass
Vintage 1960s American Shelves
Chrome
20th Century British Regency Shelves
Wood
20th Century Bookcases
Metal
Finding the Right Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets for You
Of all the antique and vintage case pieces and storage cabinets 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 storage 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. Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard made of colored glass and metals, 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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