North Korean Chest
Antique 19th Century Korean Other Furniture
Metal
Antique Mid-19th Century Korean Other Furniture
Metal
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Metal
Antique 19th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Iron
Antique 19th Century Blanket Chests
Antique 19th Century South Korean Cabinets
Elm
Early 20th Century Korean Blanket Chests
Antique 19th Century Korean Trunks and Luggage
Brass
Antique 19th Century Blanket Chests
Metal
Antique 19th Century Blanket Chests
Iron
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Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Ceramic, Walnut
Antique Late 18th Century Chinese Qing Ceramics
Porcelain
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture
Gold
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Boxes
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Furniture
Wood
Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Lacquer
Gold Leaf
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Stools
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Lacquer
Bronze
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Cabinets
Brass, Gold Leaf
Antique Early 19th Century Korean Scholar's Objects
Brass
Antique 18th Century English Chinoiserie Cabinets
Wood
Antique Late 17th Century Chinese Qing Ceramics
Ceramic
Antique 19th Century Furniture
Wood
Antique 1890s Japanese Anglo-Japanese Decorative Bowls
Metal
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Benches
Pine, Lacquer
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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