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17th Century Carved Oak Court Cupboard, Cottage Livery Cupboard
17th Century Carved Oak Court Cupboard, Cottage Livery Cupboard

17th Century Carved Oak Court Cupboard, Cottage Livery Cupboard

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

17th Century Carved Oak Court Cupboard, Cottage Livery Cupboard This is an old and charming piece of carved oak furniture, the top section has a single cupboard enclosed by 1 carv...

Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Gothic Cupboards

Materials

Oak

20th Century English Edwardian Hand Painted Satinwood Side Cabinet
20th Century English Edwardian Hand Painted Satinwood Side Cabinet

20th Century English Edwardian Hand Painted Satinwood Side Cabinet

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

For sale is a good quality Edwardian satinwood hand painted demi lune side cabinet, having a single cupboard opening to a shelves interior standing on small tapering feet, the cabine...

Category

Early 20th Century English Georgian Cupboards

Materials

Satinwood

Green Single Door Cupboard
Green Single Door Cupboard

Green Single Door Cupboard

Located in Nantucket, MA

Green single door cupboard with decorative beading. Interior old repaint.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Canadian Cupboards

Materials

Wood

Country French Provincial Style Cherry Cupboard, Single Door
Country French Provincial Style Cherry Cupboard, Single Door

Country French Provincial Style Cherry Cupboard, Single Door

Located in Toronto, CA

There is a single drawer above the door and another behind the door.

Category

20th Century French French Provincial Cupboards

Materials

Cherry

A Stunning Edwardian Chippendale Style Corner Cabinet
A Stunning Edwardian Chippendale Style Corner Cabinet

A Stunning Edwardian Chippendale Style Corner Cabinet

Located in Dublin, IE

The canted sides are decorated beautifully with blind fretwork featuring geometric shapes, hand carved in low relief, raised above a deep serpentine apron features a single cupboard ...

Category

Early 20th Century English Chippendale Corner Cupboards

Materials

Brass

20th Century Italian Arte Povera Pine Credenza - Single Antique Tuscan Cupboard
20th Century Italian Arte Povera Pine Credenza - Single Antique Tuscan Cupboard

20th Century Italian Arte Povera Pine Credenza - Single Antique Tuscan Cupboard

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An early 19th Century, single antique Italian credenza in the Arte Povera technique, made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition.

Category

20th Century Italian Cupboards

Materials

Metal

Small Cupboard
Small Cupboard

Small Cupboard

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Compact yet functional, it features a single drawer above a cupboard, offering a stylish storage solution.

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Cupboards

Materials

Wood

18th century Scandinavian pine baroque cupboard
18th century Scandinavian pine baroque cupboard

18th century Scandinavian pine baroque cupboard

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Shaped cornice below and double door cupboard containing various fixed shelves.  Shaped bottom section with a single door cupboard containing a single shelf.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Baroque Revival Cupboards

Materials

Pine

18th Century Original Painted Tyrolean Cupboard
18th Century Original Painted Tyrolean Cupboard

18th Century Original Painted Tyrolean Cupboard

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Late 18th Century rare and exceptional example of a painted Tyrolean cupboard. The single door painted with a scene depicting St George's battle with the dragon framed with profuse s...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Italian Cupboards

Materials

Pine, Paint

Charles II oak mural livery cupboard
Charles II oak mural livery cupboard

Charles II oak mural livery cupboard

$4,650Sale Price|20% Off

Charles II oak mural livery cupboard

Located in Cheshire, GB

Charles II joined and boarded oak mural ventilated livery cupboard, the single door with two rows of eight baluster-turned spindles within carved molded rails, enclosing a shelved in...

Category

Antique 17th Century British Cupboards

Materials

Oak

Early 19th century Scandinavian carved pine cupboard
Early 19th century Scandinavian carved pine cupboard

Early 19th century Scandinavian carved pine cupboard

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Made from heavy pitch and painted in original green/grey colour scheme.  Top large single door cupboard open's to reveal 4 pine shelves which are semi adjustable for heights, below w...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Rustic Cupboards

Materials

Pine, Paint

Early 19th century Swedish hand painted cupboard
Early 19th century Swedish hand painted cupboard

Early 19th century Swedish hand painted cupboard

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Lower section with deep canted corners allows access to a single shelf behind the single door cupboard which opens on the same key. 

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Cupboards

Materials

Pine, Paint

17th century carved oak Welsh court cupboard
17th century carved oak Welsh court cupboard

17th century carved oak Welsh court cupboard

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

17th century Welsh carved oak court cupboard circa 1680. Comprising of 2 parts. Top section with a central bank of drawers flanked either side by a single door cupboard.

Category

Antique Late 17th Century Welsh George I Cupboards

Materials

Oak

Early 19th century hand painted Swedish folk art cupboard
Early 19th century hand painted Swedish folk art cupboard

Early 19th century hand painted Swedish folk art cupboard

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Moving down to the shaped serving surface with original mouldings.  Single door cupboard below, containing 1 fixed shelf for plenty of storage. 

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Cupboards

Materials

Pine, Paint

Early 19th C Original Painted English Country House Georgian Narrow Cupboard
Early 19th C Original Painted English Country House Georgian Narrow Cupboard

Early 19th C Original Painted English Country House Georgian Narrow Cupboard

Located in Lowestoft, GB

A fabulous early 19th Century narrow cupboard, with a single arched plank door above four deep drawers, decorative pelmet and flat fronted plinth.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Cupboards

Materials

Pine

19th Century Italian Painted Single Door Cabinet
19th Century Italian Painted Single Door Cabinet

19th Century Italian Painted Single Door Cabinet

Located in Forney, TX

Having a shaped top with projecting corners, over conforming case fitted with a single large cupboard door, affixed with patinated bronze fittings, opening to spacious shelved interi...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Baroque Cupboards

Materials

Wood, Pine, Giltwood

Antique 18th century oak and walnut Dutch Renaissance honey color  oak cupboard
Antique 18th century oak and walnut Dutch Renaissance honey color  oak cupboard

Antique 18th century oak and walnut Dutch Renaissance honey color oak cupboard

Located in Casteren, NL

On the interior, there is a half shelf in the upper cupboard and a single shelf on the lower cupboard. hardware is original This cabinet has been carefully cleaned at our workshop an...

Category

Antique Early 18th Century Dutch Renaissance Cupboards

Materials

Steel

19th C. Early American Pine Single Door Storage Cabinet
19th C. Early American Pine Single Door Storage Cabinet

19th C. Early American Pine Single Door Storage Cabinet

Located in Germantown, MD

19th Century Early American Pine Single Door Storage Cabinet. Measures 25" in width, 19.5" in depth and 49.5" in height. Top shelf is 11" in height, middle is 14" in height and botto...

Category

Antique 19th Century American American Colonial Cupboards

Materials

Pine

Rustic Softwood Buffet, Late 18th Century, France, Single-Door Cabinet
Rustic Softwood Buffet, Late 18th Century, France, Single-Door Cabinet

Rustic Softwood Buffet, Late 18th Century, France, Single-Door Cabinet

Located in Antwerp, BE

18th-century rustic softwood single-door cabinet, a remarkable demonstration of masterful craftsmanship, embodying the rich heritage and timeless beauty of its era. Crafted from the ...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Rustic Cupboards

Materials

Wood

Rustic Single Door Folk Art Cabinet, France, Late 18th Century
Rustic Single Door Folk Art Cabinet, France, Late 18th Century

Rustic Single Door Folk Art Cabinet, France, Late 18th Century

Located in Antwerp, BE

18th-century rustic softwood single-door cabinet, a remarkable demonstration of masterful craftsmanship, embodying the rich heritage and timeless beauty of its era. Crafted from the ...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Rustic Cupboards

Materials

Wood

Antique English "Anglo-Japan" Victorian Hand Painted Bamboo Cupboard/ Étagère
Antique English "Anglo-Japan" Victorian Hand Painted Bamboo Cupboard/ Étagère

Antique English "Anglo-Japan" Victorian Hand Painted Bamboo Cupboard/ Étagère

Located in CHARLESTON, SC

Fine quality antique English "Anglo-Japan" Victorian hand painted lacquer and bamboo single door cupboard/ étagère with embossed panel sides; "tortoise shell" shaded bamboo; fabulous...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Corner Cupboards

Materials

Bamboo, Lacquer

Italian Neoclassical Style Walnut Side Cabinet
Italian Neoclassical Style Walnut Side Cabinet

Italian Neoclassical Style Walnut Side Cabinet

Located in Bradenton, FL

An Italian Neoclassical style ebonized marble top and marquetry inlaid walnut side cupboard, circa late 19th century, fitted with a mahogany lined frieze drawer and single cupboard b...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Sideboards

Materials

Marble

18th Century Georgian III Mahogany Secretaire Breakfront Bookcase
18th Century Georgian III Mahogany Secretaire Breakfront Bookcase

18th Century Georgian III Mahogany Secretaire Breakfront Bookcase

Located in Dublin 8, IE

18th Century George III mahogany secretaire breakfront bookcase, with four astragal glazed doors below dentil frieze and broken pediment with two long drawers above two central cupbo...

Category

Antique 1790s Irish George III Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

Antique English Victorian Mahogany Bedside Cupboard Pot Cupboard Lamp Table
Antique English Victorian Mahogany Bedside Cupboard Pot Cupboard Lamp Table

Antique English Victorian Mahogany Bedside Cupboard Pot Cupboard Lamp Table

Located in Suffolk, GB

The square top sits above turned supports with an open shelf and a single cupboard below, raised on neat turned feet.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Side Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Beautiful Victorian Brown Hardwood Two Tier Whatnot Cupboard on Castors
Beautiful Victorian Brown Hardwood Two Tier Whatnot Cupboard on Castors

Beautiful Victorian Brown Hardwood Two Tier Whatnot Cupboard on Castors

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

The lower part opens to reveal a single cupboard that can be used for storage. The item shows a nice patina.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sideboards

Materials

Hardwood

Pair of Rare Heals Bed Side Cabinets
Pair of Rare Heals Bed Side Cabinets

Pair of Rare Heals Bed Side Cabinets

Located in Los Angeles, CA

These pieces feature open bookshelves atop and a single cupboard below, retaining their superb condition with the original finish.

Category

Vintage 1920s English Cabinets

Materials

Oak

1930s French Modernist Oak Bookcase
1930s French Modernist Oak Bookcase

1930s French Modernist Oak Bookcase

Located in London, GB

Featuring four open shelves and single cupboard compartment, sitting on a recessed blackened plinth base.

Category

Early 20th Century French Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Late Renaissance 16th Century Italian Credenza
Late Renaissance 16th Century Italian Credenza

Late Renaissance 16th Century Italian Credenza

Located in Middleburg, VA

Made of Circassian Walnut with a rich patination and glowing depth of color. A single drawer over a single cupboard door above boldly carved mouldings and "Lions Paw" feet.

Category

Antique 16th Century Italian Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Mahogany Revolving Bookcase by Maples
Mahogany Revolving Bookcase by Maples

Mahogany Revolving Bookcase by Maples

Located in Swadlincote, GB

Excellent quality mahogany revolving bookcase by Maples, inlaid with satinwood and boxwood, three drawers to one side and single cupboard to the other, in very good order throughout....

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Art Deco Modernist Walnut Telephone Table, English, C1930
Art Deco Modernist Walnut Telephone Table, English, C1930

Art Deco Modernist Walnut Telephone Table, English, C1930

Located in Devon, England

Definitely has a bit of a Bauhaus vibe but we believe this piece to be English in origin. Single cupboard with original catalin bakelite handle to store phone books etc and some tier...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Side Tables

Materials

Bakelite, Walnut

Single Mahogany Bedside Cupboard
Single Mahogany Bedside Cupboard

Single Mahogany Bedside Cupboard

Located in London, England

Single door mahogany bedside cupboard on receded legs.

Category

Antique 1830s Tables

Materials

Mahogany

A Very Fine Pair of Inlaid Burr Walnut 1930's Bedside Cabinets
A Very Fine Pair of Inlaid Burr Walnut 1930's Bedside Cabinets

A Very Fine Pair of Inlaid Burr Walnut 1930's Bedside Cabinets

Located in Dublin, IE

Raised over a single shelf and a single cupboard door featuring another decorative brass escutcheon and key above a serpentine frieze, terminating on elegant stylised onion foot with...

Category

Vintage 1930s English Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Mid century Scandinavian inlaid teak sideboard
Mid century Scandinavian inlaid teak sideboard

Mid century Scandinavian inlaid teak sideboard

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Rectangular top with rounded front corners and moulded edge, below which are a double door and single door cupboard. Double door opens to reveal and unpolished interior of 2 adjustab...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Teak

A Stunning Pair of 19th Century Walnut Marble Top Bedside Cabinets
A Stunning Pair of 19th Century Walnut Marble Top Bedside Cabinets

A Stunning Pair of 19th Century Walnut Marble Top Bedside Cabinets

Located in Dublin, IE

The striking moulded Rossa Levante marble top of square form is raised over single drawer above single cupboard door flanked with beautifully carved shell, applied flowerhead paterae...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Cabinets

Materials

Marble

Antique Italian Neo-classical Marbleized Wood Pedestal Cabinet Stand Pair
Antique Italian Neo-classical Marbleized Wood Pedestal Cabinet Stand Pair

Antique Italian Neo-classical Marbleized Wood Pedestal Cabinet Stand Pair

Located in Forney, TX

Born in Italy in the 19th century, high-quality solid wooden construction, exceptionally executed verde green marbleized finish, having a tall square column case with single cupboard...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Pedestals

Materials

Wood, Paint

Pair of French Mid-19th C. Napoleon III Sevres-Mounted Ebonized Parlor Cabinets
Pair of French Mid-19th C. Napoleon III Sevres-Mounted Ebonized Parlor Cabinets

Pair of French Mid-19th C. Napoleon III Sevres-Mounted Ebonized Parlor Cabinets

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Each case is fitted with a single cupboard door framed by pilaster uprights applied with classical torch and foliate mounts.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Cabinets

Materials

Porcelain, Wood

Vintage Retro Designer Sideboard with Louvered Doors, Drawers & Metal Handles
Vintage Retro Designer Sideboard with Louvered Doors, Drawers & Metal Handles

Vintage Retro Designer Sideboard with Louvered Doors, Drawers & Metal Handles

Located in Markington, GB

Storage is further enhanced with a single cupboard door on the left and two cupboard doors on the right, all finished with distinctive louvered panel detailing that adds texture, dep...

Category

20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Teak

Mahogany Waterfall Bookcase
Mahogany Waterfall Bookcase

Mahogany Waterfall Bookcase

Located in Cheshire, GB

The lower section is enclosed by a single cupboard door, opening to reveal useful storage within.

Category

Early 20th Century British Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Antique 19th Century Quality Dutch Marquetry Corner Cabinet
Antique 19th Century Quality Dutch Marquetry Corner Cabinet

Antique 19th Century Quality Dutch Marquetry Corner Cabinet

Located in Suffolk, GB

The upper section displays a glazed door with an arched pediment, enclosing glass shelves and a deep red velvet interior—ideal for presenting fine glassware or collectibles. Below, a...

Category

Antique 19th Century European Cabinets

Materials

Satinwood

Mid-Century vintage woven rattan two‑tier bedside cabinet
Mid-Century vintage woven rattan two‑tier bedside cabinet

Mid-Century vintage woven rattan two‑tier bedside cabinet

Located in London, GB

The front features a single cupboard door with a small painted wooden knob, opening to a shelved interior.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Rattan

Single 19th Century French Provincial Cupboard Door
Single 19th Century French Provincial Cupboard Door

Single 19th Century French Provincial Cupboard Door

Located in Mckinney, TX

A single reclaimed provincial cupboard door with carved details.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Doors and Gates

Materials

Walnut

Small Walnut drop leaf cupboard / single Drawer 1930s
Small Walnut drop leaf cupboard / single Drawer 1930s

Small Walnut drop leaf cupboard / single Drawer 1930s

Located in Dereham, GB

Small Walnut drop leaf cupboard 1930s Burr walnut top & Drawer fronts single drawer at top, Cupboard beneath with 3 faux drawer fronts.

Category

Vintage 1930s British Queen Anne Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Antique American Ransom & Randolph # 65 Carved Oak Dental Cabinet Toledo OH 1900
Antique American Ransom & Randolph # 65 Carved Oak Dental Cabinet Toledo OH 1900

Antique American Ransom & Randolph # 65 Carved Oak Dental Cabinet Toledo OH 1900

Located in Portland, OR

Below, the cabinet is fitted with serpentine shaped drawers to the front, a lift up mirror to the top right hand-side enclosing a stepped storage area and more drawers below with a s...

Category

Antique 1890s American American Craftsman Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mirror, Oak

Victorian Mahogany Three Door Bookcase, 19th Century
Victorian Mahogany Three Door Bookcase, 19th Century

Victorian Mahogany Three Door Bookcase, 19th Century

Located in GB

The cupboard base mirrors the top, a double cupboard with a shelf and a single cupboard to the right with two adjustable shelves.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

A rare small Regency Mahogany secretaire bookcase by Gillows of Lancaster c 1830
A rare small Regency Mahogany secretaire bookcase by Gillows of Lancaster c 1830

A rare small Regency Mahogany secretaire bookcase by Gillows of Lancaster c 1830

Located in Central England, GB

The bookcase stands on a plinth base with a single cupboard above fitted for large books. It has a mahogany framed door with carved detailing and a brass grill with a yellow pleated ...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Regency Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Single Glass Door Solid Cherry Tall Bookcase Cupboard Bottom Compartment MINT!
Single Glass Door Solid Cherry Tall Bookcase Cupboard Bottom Compartment MINT!

Single Glass Door Solid Cherry Tall Bookcase Cupboard Bottom Compartment MINT!

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Single Glass Door Solid Cherry Tall Bookcase Cupboard Vitrine Display Case Bottom Compartment MINT!

Category

20th Century American Biedermeier Bookcases

Materials

Cherry

Fine Antique French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Nightstand Table
Fine Antique French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Nightstand Table

Fine Antique French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Nightstand Table

Located in Forney, TX

Exquisitely hand-crafted in France in the late 19th century, exceptionally executed in refined luxurious Louis XVI taste, having a rouge marble top framed by stepped molded edge, sol...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Night Stands

Materials

Marble, Metal, Brass

Painted Cupboard
Painted Cupboard

Painted Cupboard

Located in London, England

Single door cupboard in original paint finish from Alsace region of France.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Country Cabinets

Materials

Pine

Antique French Art Nouveau Louis Majorelle Mahogany Buffet / Server Cabinet
Antique French Art Nouveau Louis Majorelle Mahogany Buffet / Server Cabinet

Antique French Art Nouveau Louis Majorelle Mahogany Buffet / Server Cabinet

By Louis Majorelle

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Beneath, two finely proportioned drawers offer convenient storage, and a single cupboard door opens to reveal fitted sliding shelves, making the piece highly practical in addition to...

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Buffets

Materials

Brass

Vintage Hardwood Mid-Century Modern Side Table Cupboard Single Door and Drawer
Vintage Hardwood Mid-Century Modern Side Table Cupboard Single Door and Drawer

Vintage Hardwood Mid-Century Modern Side Table Cupboard Single Door and Drawer

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage mahogany side end lamp wine table A nice piece, very utilitarian, ideally suited for a lamp and a glass of wine We have c...

Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Fine Edwardian Satinwood Bedside Cupboard
Fine Edwardian Satinwood Bedside Cupboard

Fine Edwardian Satinwood Bedside Cupboard

Located in Dereham, GB

Fine Edwardian Satinwood Bedside Cupboard, 3 Quarter mould tray top, with : Satinwood & inset plate glass top, Pull-out Slide Beneath, Single open Cupboard Door, with: 4 cast Brass ...

Category

20th Century British Edwardian Night Stands

Materials

Satinwood

A Very Fine Early 19th Century William IV Davenport after 'Strahan' of Dublin
A Very Fine Early 19th Century William IV Davenport after 'Strahan' of Dublin

A Very Fine Early 19th Century William IV Davenport after 'Strahan' of Dublin

Located in Dublin, IE

To one side is fitted a single cupboard drawer with a brass key and escutcheon, which opens to reveal a storage section with four graduated drawers all fitted with well cast brass sw...

Category

Antique 19th Century Irish William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Pair of Victorian Mahogany Cylindrical Pot Cupboards with Marble Tops
Pair of Victorian Mahogany Cylindrical Pot Cupboards with Marble Tops

Pair of Victorian Mahogany Cylindrical Pot Cupboards with Marble Tops

Located in Worcester, GB

Of elegant barrel form, each cupboard features a single door opening to an interior with fixed shelf.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Hand Painted Victorian Distressed Green Dresser Bookcase or Kitchen Cupboard
Hand Painted Victorian Distressed Green Dresser Bookcase or Kitchen Cupboard

Hand Painted Victorian Distressed Green Dresser Bookcase or Kitchen Cupboard

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this very well made hand painted distressed Victorian kitchen cupboard with bookcase top, cupboard base and single cutlery drawer A beautiful ex...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Dressers

Materials

Oak

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Single Cupboard For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic single cupboard available at 1stDibs. A single cupboard — often made from wood, softwood and pine — can elevate any home. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer single cupboard, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. When you’re browsing for the right single cupboard, those designed in Georgian, Arts and Crafts and Louis XV styles are of considerable interest. Heal's each produced at least one beautiful single cupboard that is worth considering.

How Much is a Single Cupboard?

Prices for a single cupboard start at $375 and top out at $19,000 with the average selling for $2,450.

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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