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Mid-Century Rosewood Executive Desk with Metal Details, Scandinavian Modern, 60s
Located in Göteborg, SE
metal hardware. The front offers three drawers and a locking cabinet, while the back includes open
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
H 28.35 in W 51.19 in D 27.96 in
Louis XVI Style Buffet In Plum Pudding Mahogany w/ Marble Top
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
gracefully curved open shelving with mirrored back panels, adding depth and light. Gilded bronze ormolu
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Buffets
Materials
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Media Cabinet in Painted Plywood by Jan Cornelius Rietveld, 1956
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
exemplifies modernist design principles. With its sleek, minimalist aesthetic, functional shelving, and open
Category
20th Century Cabinets
Materials
Plywood
1920s French Wood Patinated Bar
Located in High Point, NC
appearance that adds depth and authenticity. The front displays elegant paneling, while the back reveals open
Category
Early 20th Century French Dry Bars
Materials
Wood
Art Deco Birds Eye Maple Occasional Table
Located in London, GB
. The back has open shelving space, this has a lovely raised circular top that stands on a column. This
Category
Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Side Tables
Materials
Birdseye Maple
Executive Desk with Floating Top in Teak Near Mint Condition, Denmark 1960s
By Gunni Omann, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
the base. The base has three drawers on either side of the chair opening and open shelving on the back
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
H 28.5 in W 59.75 in D 31.5 in
Very Large, Vintage Dresser, Victorian Taste, Ash, Kitchen Cabinet, 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
polished finish
Open, panel backed shelving to the central third of the cabinet
Flanked by glazed
Category
20th Century English Victorian Cabinets
Materials
Ash
H 98.43 in W 145.48 in D 26.97 in
Solar Sailer Candy Bar, USA
By Djivan Schapira
Located in New York, NY
propulsion while the large resin disk slides across the open, mirror backed shelving, further telegraphing
Category
2010s Cabinets
Materials
Bronze
Teak Model 75 Desk by Gunni Omann for Omann Jun Møbelfabrik, 1960s
By Gunni Omann, Omann Jun Møbelfabrik
Located in Houston, TX
drawers on either side of the chair opening and open shelving on the back. This desk is simply stunning
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Danish Modern Kidney Shaped Desk
Located in Minneapolis, MN
drawers, a lockable compartment, open back shelving, and a Lazy Susan bar with eggshell blue accent.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Laminate, Oak, Teak
Walnut 1950s Buffet
Located in Pasadena, CA
3 sliding doors that open to shelving. Back is finished with perforated plywood and cut outs for
Category
Vintage 1950s American Buffets
Materials
Walnut
Double Drop-Leaf Desk by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
floating contrasting compartments (with open shelving on the back) suspended within a lacquered metal frame
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Steel
Vintage German Mid-Century Cabinet German Shrunk
Located in Pasadena, TX
bar cabinet with lots of storage. Open glass shelving with mirrored back. Two door cabinet opens to
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Materials
Glass, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Dry Bar with Black Vinyl Accents
Located in Freehold, NJ
counter edge with black vinyl accents on the bar front, tapered legs, open shelving in the back and a
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
Materials
Chrome
Danish Rosewood Bookcase Kneehole Desk in Manner of Gunni Omann for Omann Jun
By Gunni Omann, Omann Jun Møbelfabrik
Located in Peabody, MA
open shelving so that desk can be floated in a room if desired.
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
H 29.5 in W 61 in D 29.5 in
Polish Mid-Century Matching Credenzas, Set of Three
Located in Pasadena, CA
separately depending on your needs. Each cabinet has two doors that open to shelving. In the back is a
Category
Vintage 1960s Polish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Materials
Brass
Danish Teak Executive Desk by Falster, circa 1960s
By Falster Møbelfabrik
Located in Peabody, MA
/privacy screen. Finished back with open shelving so that desk can be floated in a room if desired.
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Trio Of Hekman Tall Campaign Cabinets In Patchwork Burl
By Hekman Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
feature open glass shelving with mirrored backs and a two door lower cabinet with single shelf. The center
Category
Vintage 1970s American Cabinets
Trio of Hekman Tall Campaign Cabinets in Patchwork Burl
By Hekman Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
feature open glass shelving with mirrored backs and a two door lower cabinet with single shelf. The centre
Category
20th Century American Cabinets
Materials
Burl, Glass, Mirror, Wood
Gunni Omann Free Floating Desk in Teak Model 75 for Omann Jun, Denmark, 1960s
By Omann Jun Møbelfabrik, Gunni Omann
Located in Bridgeport, CT
base. The base has three drawers on either side of the chair opening and open shelving on the back with
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
H 28.5 in W 59.75 in D 31.5 in
Large Antique Painted Wooden Counter or Bar from France, circa 1880
Located in Dallas, TX
, open-back construction with shelving and two drawers. A small slot along the top may been used as a
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Dry Bars
Materials
Wood
Vintage Free Standing Drinks Bar
Located in London, GB
with textured glass panels on the side. The front has a single formica door and open shelving, the back
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Materials
Brass
19th Century Pine Welsh Dresser
Located in Mckinney, TX
comprises a cabinet with drawers at the bottom and is topped by open, narrow shelving above. Dating back to
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Welsh High Victorian Cupboards
Materials
Pine
Belle Époque Desert Cupboard in Mahogany with Carved Birds of Paradise
Located in Miami, FL
period. This elaborate dumbwaiter offers a mirrored back with open shelving, closed storage and display
Category
Early 20th Century American Belle Époque Buffets
Materials
Brass
Very Large Antique Dresser Victorian, Pine, Kitchen Cabinet Bookcase, circa 1850
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
polished finish
Open, panel backed fixed shelving to the upper cabinet
Over a suite of six, field panel
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Dressers
Materials
Pine
H 108.27 in W 159.85 in L 108.27 in
1950s Japanese vintage large solid wood open shelf unit, wabi sabi japandi
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
New finds from Kimono & clothes store in Ibaraki pref., Japan.
This vintage open back square
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Organic Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood, Hardwood
H 38.59 in W 63.86 in D 11.62 in
Antique Blue Paint Decorated Cupboard
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Paint decorated cupboard in two parts. Top with planked back and open shelving. Lower cabinet with
Category
Early 20th Century American Primitive Cupboards
Materials
Pine
Danish Teak Executive Desk, circa 1960s
By Arne Vodder
Located in Peabody, MA
. Finished back with open shelving so that desk can be floated in a room if desired. Marked "Made in Denmark".
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Renaissance Revival Carved Mahogany and Walnut Parquetry Presentation Podium
Located in Big Flats, NY
, back is open with shelving, circa 1900.
Measures: 36" H x 49.5" W x 26" D.
Category
Early 20th Century Renaissance Revival Pedestals
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
H 36 in W 49.5 in D 26 in
Danish Teak Bookcase Kneehole Desk by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Peabody, MA
side. Suspended teak top, and finished back with open shelving so that desk can be floated in a room if
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks
Materials
Teak
Gunni Omann Executive Desk Model 77 in Rosewood for Omann Jun, Denmark, 1960s
By Omann Jun Møbelfabrik, Gunni Omann
Located in Bridgeport, CT
the chair opening and open shelving on the back with one large bar cabinet with a drop down door and
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
H 29 in W 62 in D 31.5 in
Kai Kristiansen Danish Teak Bookcase Kneehole Desk, Circa 1950s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Peabody, MA
open shelving bookcase sections so that desk can be floated in a room if desired. This early version
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Teak
Attributed to Maison Jansen Flame Mahogany Demilune Server Sideboard
By Maison Jansen
Located in Manhasset, NY
. The top with a pieced bronze gallery. The centre flanked by open shelved vitrine mirrored back
Category
Mid-20th Century French Georgian Sideboards
Materials
Wood
Primitive Open Step-back Cupboard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rustic early American step-back cupboard with open shelving. Hand made and painted in the United
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American American Colonial Cupboards
Materials
Wood
Glazed Shop Counter
Located in Llandudno, Conwy
A mahogany shop counter.
Twelve drawers to the back with open shelving, the front has four
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Cabinets
Wooden Ticket Booth / Podium
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Podium open back with shelving spaces / grooves and drawer. On wheels, able to be easily
Category
20th Century American Shelves
Materials
Wood
Modular James Mont Style Asian Modern Credenza Cabinet
Located in St. Louis, MO
Three piece mahogany credenza with two compartments and base. Doors open to reveal shelving
Category
20th Century American Credenzas
Materials
Wood
Paldao Breakfront no. 4105 by Gilbert Rohde
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Hudson, NY
shelving backed with cork, two glass separating panels and drop lid desk and small drawers in acacia burl
Category
Vintage 1940s Cabinets
Gradual Seating System by Cini Boeri for Gavina
By Cini Boeri, Gavina
Located in Hudson, NY
. Open fiberglass shelving on back. Reupholstered in tan leather. Made by Gavina; retains label. small
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Sofas
Green Tile Store Counter
Located in Aurora, OR
hints of detail to this lovely piece. The open back has space for shelving and would make a beautiful
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American Late Victorian Sideboards
Materials
Ceramic, Oak
Cabinet / Counter of Quarter Sawn Oak; Industrial Wheels with White Milk Paint
Located in Madison, WI
milk paint. Sturdy, solid and mobile. Once held rare books. With its open back and interior shelving
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Cabinets
Materials
Iron
H 32 in W 62 in D 22 in
Rosewood Model 75 Desk by Gunni Omann for Omann Jun, Scandinavian Modern
By Gunni Omann, Omann Jun Møbelfabrik
Located in Houston, TX
three drawers on either side of the seat as well as open shelving in the back and a drop down cabinet
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Victorian Solid Walnut Display Cabinet/Etagere
Located in Vancouver, BC
shelving. Beautifully carved back in wonderful condition.
************** Important Customs
Category
English Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Early 19th century English Regency waterfall bookcase cabinet in mahogany
Located in Uppingham, Rutland
the piece.
The back of the open shelving is lined with a dark green crushed velvet, certainly has
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany
H 72.84 in W 36.62 in D 11.82 in
Solid Jacaranda Bookshelf Wall Unit Room Divider
Located in New York, NY
shelving finished back and the utmost in stylish classical design. Perfect as a room divider thanks to the
Category
Vintage 1950s Brazilian Bookcases
Materials
Jacaranda
19th Century Distressed Shop Cabinet with Open Shelving Found in France
Located in Houston, TX
beautifully distressed finish on three sides with open shelving at the back. Sourced in France, this solid oak
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Cabinets
Materials
Oak
H 31.5 in W 55.5 in D 25.5 in
Oak Desk by Gunni Omann for Omann Jun Møbelfabrik
By Gunni Omann, Omann Jun Møbelfabrik
Located in Houston, TX
and the top two drawers on either side lock. There is also open shelving on the back side with a drop
Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
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Open Back Shelving For Sale on 1stDibs
Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more in our collection of open back shelving on 1stDibs. A piece of open back shelving — often made from wood, metal and hardwood — can elevate any home. Find 361 options for an antique or vintage item from our selection of open back shelving now, or shop our selection of 23 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the choice in our collection of open back shelving you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. An object in our assortment of open back shelving is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in mid-century modern, Scandinavian Modern and Art Deco styles are sought with frequency. A well-made option in this array of open back shelving has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Poul Cadovius, Cado and Gunni Omann are consistently popular.
How Much is a Open Back Shelving?
Prices for a piece of open back shelving can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $350 and can go as high as $148,500, while the average can fetch as much as $4,500.
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.
Questions About Open Back Shelving
- What are open-back heels called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024What open-back heels are called depends on the design of the back. A high-heeled shoe with a completely open back is a mule. On the other hand, heels with a strap in the back to keep the shoes in place are slingbacks. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of heels from some of the world's top boutiques.
- What are open-back shoes called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024What an open-back shoe is called depends on its style. If the shoe has a closed toe and a completely open back, it's a mule, while an open heel with a strap to hold it in place is a slingback. A sandal with an open back is usually referred to as a slide. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of shoes.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022It’s highly recommended that if you need to open the back of your Rolex watch, you take it to a Rolex dealer. A trained professional will use special tools to access the back. Attempting to open your watch by yourself — rather than visiting a professional — may cause damage to your luxury timepiece. If you want to open it anyway, it is said that you can open the watch with the use of a rubber ball that measures about three inches across. Press the ball hard into the back of the case, and twist it in a counter-clockwise direction. Find a collection of vintage and modern Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To open a Waltham pocket watch, seek the help of an experienced watch repairer. Opening a pocket watch on your own could end up damaging the timepiece. A professional has the tools necessary to perform the task safely. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Waltham pocket watches.
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