Secretaire Bookcase Pierced
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Secretaires
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Antique Late 18th Century Irish Georgian Bookcases
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century English Edwardian Bookcases
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Directoire Secretaires
Marble, Brass
Antique Late 18th Century British George III Secretaires
Brass
Antique 1750s Irish Georgian Secretaires
Mercury Glass, Mahogany
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Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
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Antique 18th Century French Louis XVI Secretaires
Bronze
Antique Late 18th Century Irish Georgian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique Mid-18th Century English George III Bookcases
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century English George III Secretaires
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Secretaires
Walnut
Antique Late 18th Century English George III Bookcases
Antique 1820s English Bookcases
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century British Early Victorian Bookcases
Mahogany
Antique 18th Century English George III Bookcases
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Antique 18th Century British George II Secretaires
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Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Secretaires
Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique 19th Century American Beds and Bed Frames
Silk, Mahogany, Oak, Walnut
Antique 18th Century English George III Bookcases
Brass
Antique 1770s English George III Bookcases
Mahogany
20th Century English Chippendale Bookcases
Glass, Hardwood
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Antique Late 19th Century British Gothic Revival Bookcases
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Secretaires
Mahogany
Antique 1760s English Chippendale Secretaires
Mahogany
Antique 1810s English George III Secretaires
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Bookcases
Leather, Glass, Hardwood, Satinwood
Antique 1790s American American Colonial Secretaires
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary English George II Secretaires
Wood
Antique 1860s Desks
Other
Antique 1880s English Victorian Bookcases
Wood
Early 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Glass, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Secretaires
Brass
Vintage 1910s English George III Bookcases
Brass
Antique 1780s Swedish Louis XVI Secretaires
Pine
Antique 18th Century Swedish Louis XVI Secretaires
Antique Early 1800s English George III Secretaires
Mahogany
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Secretaires
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Bookcases
Mahogany
Antique 18th Century and Earlier British Georgian Bookcases
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Bookcases
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century British Regency Secretaires
Rosewood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Georgian Secretaires
Antique Mid-18th Century English George III Secretaires
Kingwood, Mahogany
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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