Scholars Shelves
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Scholar's Objects
Elm, Lacquer
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Shelves
Elm
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Shelves
Elm
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Shelves
Elm
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century Chinese Shelves
20th Century Chinese Shelves
Elm, Lacquer
Early 20th Century Shelves
Price displayed is for each shelf.
ONLY ONE AVAILABLE
Early 20th Century Shelves
Elm
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Shelves
Elm
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Bookcases
Elm
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Furniture
Elm
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Bookcases
Walnut
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Bookcases
Elm
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Furniture
Elm
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Furniture
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Shelves
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Bookcases
Elm
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Bookcases
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture
Bamboo, Hardwood
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture
Brass
Antique 1880s Chinese Ming Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
1810s Realist Prints and Multiples
Aquatint, Engraving
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Bookcases
Antique 19th Century Chinese Bookcases
Antique 19th Century Chinese Bookcases
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Bookcases
Bamboo
People Also Browsed
Early 20th Century Chinese Shelves
Lacquer
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Scholar's Objects
Hardwood, Burl
Scholars Shelves For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Scholars Shelves?
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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