Serpentine Bookcase
Antique 1890s English Sheraton Bookcases
Mahogany, Satinwood
20th Century British Bookcases
Hardwood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Bookcases
Brass
Antique 1880s French Louis XV Bookcases
Brass
Antique 19th Century English George III Bookcases
Hardwood
Antique 1840s Scottish Georgian Bookcases
Hardwood
Antique 18th Century Danish Rococo Bookcases
Oak
Vintage 1920s Bookcases
Other
Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Bookcases
Wire
Early 20th Century Northern Irish George III Bookcases
Tulipwood, Harewood, Satinwood
Antique 1880s English Art Nouveau Bookcases
Hardwood
Antique 1740s German Rococo Desks
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Plastic
Early 20th Century English Bookcases
Mahogany
Antique Late 18th Century Vietnamese Victorian Bookcases
Antique 19th Century Italian Secretaires
Wood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Baroque Secretaires
Olive
Antique 19th Century British Bookcases
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary English Chippendale Bookcases
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century British Bookcases
Rosewood
Early 20th Century British Bookcases
Mahogany
Vintage 1960s American Bookcases
Wood
Vintage 1940s Argentine Bookcases
Marble
Antique Early 1900s English Queen Anne Bookcases
Walnut
Early 20th Century English Bookcases
Oak
Vintage 1920s Bookcases
Wood
Early 20th Century British Bookcases
Oak
Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Bookcases
Other
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XV Bookcases
Antique 19th Century European Neoclassical Bookcases
Wood, Paint
Vintage 1940s Chippendale Secretaires
Glass, Walnut
Vintage 1940s Chippendale Secretaires
Glass, Walnut
Antique 18th Century and Earlier German Cabinets
Walnut
Antique Early 1900s English Chippendale Secretaires
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Primitive Models and Miniatures
Hardwood, Paint
Antique 19th Century Victorian Desks and Writing Tables
Oak
Early 20th Century French Bookcases
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Bookcases
Brass
Early 20th Century Scottish Bookcases
Wood, Mahogany
20th Century Italian George III Secretaires
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Plastic
Vintage 1930s English Georgian Bookcases
Mahogany
Early 20th Century English Bookcases
Boxwood, Mahogany
Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Bookcases
Antique Mid-19th Century English Bookcases
Oak
Antique 1850s English Bookcases
Antique 19th Century Bookcases
Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Bookcases
Antique 18th Century and Earlier British Secretaires
Mahogany
Serpentine Bookcase For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Serpentine Bookcase?
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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