Pencil Reed Hutch
1990s Philippine Post-Modern Bookcases
Stone
Vintage 1980s Indonesian Credenzas
Bamboo
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Chrome
Antique 19th Century English Bookcases
Mahogany
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Brass, Chrome
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Metal
Antique 19th Century Danish Shelves
Paint
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Glass, Walnut, Burl
Early 20th Century Chinese Shelves
Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Chrome
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Vitrines
Aluminum
Antique 19th Century English Shelves
Bamboo, Lacquer, Paint, Mirror
20th Century Biedermeier Shelves
Wood, Pine
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Teak
Antique 19th Century French Directoire Cupboards
Bronze
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Bamboo
Finding the Right storage-case-pieces 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.
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