Shelving Room Divider Chinese
2010s Chinese Bookcases
Bronze
Early 20th Century Chinese Shelves
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Rattan, Formica, Plywood
Early 2000s Bookcases
Stainless Steel
Early 2000s Bookcases
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Glass, Burl
Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XIV Buffets
Wire
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Velvet, Wood
2010s North American Modern Bookcases
Wood
Vintage 1960s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Musical Instruments
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sideboards
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Marble, Metal
2010s Indonesian Art Deco Western European Rugs
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Center Tables
Wood, Birdseye Maple
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Formica
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Cane, Teak
Mid-20th Century British Art Deco Side Tables
Oak
2010s Greek Night Stands
Wood
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Steel
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Brass
2010s American Modern Side Chairs
Aluminum
Antique 19th Century Furniture
Wood
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Brass
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Bookcases
Wood
Vintage 1970s American International Style Bookcases
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Brass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Walnut
Early 2000s Chinese Modern Bookcases
Faux Bamboo
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Travertine, Brass
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Chinese room dividers are also called pingfengs. The term pingfeng in traditional Chinese literally means “wind blocker” or “wind wall.” Some people also refer to these room dividers as folding screens because they consist of hinged panels that allow them to fold up when not in use. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of folding screens from some of the world's top dealers.
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