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Chinese Antique Side Cabinet
Chinese Antique Side Cabinet

Chinese Antique Side Cabinet

Located in New York, NY

This is a great cabinet for small places, nightstand, end table for sofa.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Elm

Small Glass-Front Breakfront
Small Glass-Front Breakfront

Small Glass-Front Breakfront

Located in Charlottesville, VA

Small breakfront with glass-front upper doors featuring geometric mullions, above a central cupboard and flanking banks of drawers. The close-up images show tapered door edges that a...

Category

Early 19th Century English Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Glass, Wood

Swedish Rococo Cabinet, circa 1760
Swedish Rococo Cabinet, circa 1760

Swedish Rococo Cabinet, circa 1760

Located in Huntington, NY

Lower cabinet includes two small drawers over two large drawers.

Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Rococo Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Brass, Iron

A pair of small Napoleon III kingwood display cabinets on stands
A pair of small Napoleon III kingwood display cabinets on stands

A pair of small Napoleon III kingwood display cabinets on stands

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

A pair of small Napoleon III kingwood display cabinets on stands, each of rectangular form with a single glazed cupboard set on a base with two disguised frieze drawers flanking a la...

Category

1870s Napoleon III Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Kingwood

Small Cupboard
Small Cupboard

Small Cupboard

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This quaint Edwardian tulip wood cupboard, crowned with a faux marble top, presents a classic charm. Compact yet functional, it features a single drawer above a cupboard, offering a ...

Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Wood

Regency Mahogany Side Cabinet Chiffonier 1810
Regency Mahogany Side Cabinet Chiffonier 1810

Regency Mahogany Side Cabinet Chiffonier 1810

Located in Potters Bar, GB

Elegant English Regency side cabinet or small chiffonier in richly figured mahogany The upper section with a raised gallery back supported by turned uprights, offering a practical di...

Category

1810s Regency Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Mahogany

Rustic Pine Cabinet, France, 19th Century
Rustic Pine Cabinet, France, 19th Century

Rustic Pine Cabinet, France, 19th Century

Located in Antwerp, BE

The painted surface, softened and worn over time, reveals a nuanced patina with layered tones that attest to prolonged use and age. Raised on small feet, the cabinet maintains a comp...

Category

19th Century French Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Pine

Small Satsuma Butterfly Vase by Kinzan, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan
Small Satsuma Butterfly Vase by Kinzan, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan

Small Satsuma Butterfly Vase by Kinzan, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan

Located in Austin, TX

A delicate geometric band painted in gilt around the foot of the vase. Works as a small cabinet vase or even a bud vase.

Category

Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Stoneware

Small antique bookcase
Small antique bookcase

Small antique bookcase

Located in BEEKBERGEN, NL

Beautiful small 2-door bookcase/display case in walnut. Completely in original condition. The shelves are also finished in burl walnut on the front, and the entire interior is uphols...

Category

1890s English Late Victorian Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Walnut

Early Meiji Keyaki Sendai Isho-Dansu Chest with Iron Hardware and Storage
Early Meiji Keyaki Sendai Isho-Dansu Chest with Iron Hardware and Storage

Early Meiji Keyaki Sendai Isho-Dansu Chest with Iron Hardware and Storage

Located in Yonkers, NY

Use the spacious drawers to store everything from blankets and clothing to board games or table linens. The smaller cabinet adds charm while offering space for delicate items like bo...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Iron

Pair of Chinese Decorated Lacquered Cabinets
Pair of Chinese Decorated Lacquered Cabinets

Pair of Chinese Decorated Lacquered Cabinets

Located in Queens, NY

Pair of Asian Chinese (19th Century) decorated lacquered small 2 door cabinets with scenes and figures on rectangular stands with filigree corners and shelf (PRICED AS Pair).

Category

19th Century Chinese Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Lacquer

Petite Italian Lift-Top Cabinet, 19th C.
Petite Italian Lift-Top Cabinet, 19th C.

Petite Italian Lift-Top Cabinet, 19th C.

Located in Atlanta, GA

An Italian small sized raised cabinet, with lift top access, from the 19th century.

Category

19th Century Italian Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Wood, Paint

Lacquered and Gilt Cabinet, Germany, 18th Century
Lacquered and Gilt Cabinet, Germany, 18th Century

Lacquered and Gilt Cabinet, Germany, 18th Century

Located in Greding, DE

Small wooden cabinet, black lacquered and gilt, with a fall-front opening.

Category

18th Century German Chinoiserie Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Iron

Tall Victorian Oak Rolling Glass Display Cabinet
Tall Victorian Oak Rolling Glass Display Cabinet

Tall Victorian Oak Rolling Glass Display Cabinet

Located in Dekalb, IL

The cabinet rests on small porcelain casters and is constructed with a molded base platform and an open interior designed to showcase merchandise from multiple viewing angles.

Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Porcelain, Glass, Wood

Lacquered Chinese Locking Cabinet, c. 1850
Lacquered Chinese Locking Cabinet, c. 1850

Lacquered Chinese Locking Cabinet, c. 1850

Located in Chicago, IL

Crafted of elm with a dark lacquer finish, this small locking cabinet from the mid-19th century embodies the refined simplicity of Ming-dynasty furniture.

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Elm

Massive 168-Drawer Oak Parts Cabinet
Massive 168-Drawer Oak Parts Cabinet

Massive 168-Drawer Oak Parts Cabinet

Located in Dekalb, IL

A large and antique small parts storage cabinet. This cabinet was likely used in the 1920s onward as a way of storing tools, screws, and other objects in a workshop.

Category

1920s American Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Wood

Antique Chinese Style Teakwood Display Cabinet
Antique Chinese Style Teakwood Display Cabinet

Antique Chinese Style Teakwood Display Cabinet

Located in New Orleans, LA

Antique Mid 19th Century Chinese Style Teakwood Display Cabinet. Small storage shelves below main body of cabinet.

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Teak

French Henry II Castle Dresser Sideboard credenza Buffet - Renaissance - 19th
French Henry II Castle Dresser Sideboard credenza Buffet - Renaissance - 19th

French Henry II Castle Dresser Sideboard credenza Buffet - Renaissance - 19th

By Jacques Androuet Du Cerceau

Located in Beuzevillette, FR

The carpenter thinks of the piece of furniture as a whole, like a small building of classic architecture. The "DuCerceau" sideboard is composed at the top of a small cabinet framed ...

Category

19th Century French Renaissance Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Wood

French Faux Bamboo Bird's Eye Maple Cabinet
French Faux Bamboo Bird's Eye Maple Cabinet

French Faux Bamboo Bird's Eye Maple Cabinet

Located in Bradenton, FL

The proper left side retains two original hanging rods, likely for towels or small textiles. The cabinet stands on whimsical root-form feet, adding sculptural character.

Category

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Birdseye Maple

Antique Tibetan Elm Pegam Apothecary Bookcase Chest Altar Cabinet Bench Seat 43"
Antique Tibetan Elm Pegam Apothecary Bookcase Chest Altar Cabinet Bench Seat 43"

Antique Tibetan Elm Pegam Apothecary Bookcase Chest Altar Cabinet Bench Seat 43"

Located in Dayton, OH

The pegam is typically characterized as a small cabinet with a scalloped panel at the back and molded panels at the side.

Category

Early 20th Century Tibetan Tibetan Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Elm, Paint

19th-Century Hungarian Rustic Pine Cabinet Cupboard
19th-Century Hungarian Rustic Pine Cabinet Cupboard

19th-Century Hungarian Rustic Pine Cabinet Cupboard

Located in Round Top, TX

19th-century small rustic cabinet from Hungary crafted in pine.

Category

Mid-19th Century Hungarian Rustic Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Wrought Iron

17th Century Italian Tortoiseshell Table Cabinet
17th Century Italian Tortoiseshell Table Cabinet

17th Century Italian Tortoiseshell Table Cabinet

Located in Bradenton, FL

Faux painted architectural columns on either side of center door which opens to reveal an additional set of small drawers. A rare early cabinet. Probably Venetian.

Category

17th Century Italian Renaissance Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Tortoise Shell

Italian Wooden Storage Cabinet with Drawers
Italian Wooden Storage Cabinet with Drawers

Italian Wooden Storage Cabinet with Drawers

By Italian school XX ct.

Located in Milano, IT

Each drawer can be opened by a handle carved inside the wooden drawer. At the top of the cabinet we find an open compartment for storing larger items or creating a small bookcase.

Category

Early 1900s Italian Industrial Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Wood

Antique Northern Swedish Authentic Rococo Cabinet
Antique Northern Swedish Authentic Rococo Cabinet

Antique Northern Swedish Authentic Rococo Cabinet

Located in Kramfors, SE

This particular model of cabinet, with a taller upper cabinet and smaller lower cabinet with tall legs, is specific to Jämtland.

Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Rococo Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Pine

19th century music cabinet from the United Kingdom
19th century music cabinet from the United Kingdom

19th century music cabinet from the United Kingdom

Located in BEEKBERGEN, NL

19th-century mahogany chest of drawers / music cabinet in very good condition. The cabinet has 6 small drawers and 2 glass doors.

Category

1860s British Victorian Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Mahogany

Louis XVI Library Cabinet, 18th Century
Louis XVI Library Cabinet, 18th Century

Louis XVI Library Cabinet, 18th Century

Located in Brussels, Brussels

Superb and rare small Louis XVI mahogany library cabinet from the 18th century Very beautiful little piece which is decorated in the upper part with fake books which gives it a lo...

Category

18th Century French Louis XVI Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Mahogany

French Empire Mahogany Small Chest
French Empire Mahogany Small Chest

French Empire Mahogany Small Chest

Located in Queens, NY

French Empire style (late 19th Century) mahogany small chest with 4 drawers and bronze trim with a black marble top There are splits in the wood at the side of the piece.

Category

Late 19th Century French Empire Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Mahogany

Early 20th Century Ornate Painted Tin Spice Cabinet
Early 20th Century Ornate Painted Tin Spice Cabinet

Early 20th Century Ornate Painted Tin Spice Cabinet

Located in Dekalb, IL

Painted tin spice cabinet featuring eight small drawers arranged in a two-column grid, each fitted with rounded copper-toned fronts and simple black knob pulls.

Category

Early 20th Century American Primitive Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Small English Painted Bureau
Small English Painted Bureau

Small English Painted Bureau

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Small 18th Century English bureau with an antiqued painted blue finish and ncie fitted interior. 1780

Category

18th Century English Georgian Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Leather, Oak

Small Sideboard in the Bauhaus style
Small Sideboard in the Bauhaus style

Small Sideboard in the Bauhaus style

$6,535Sale Price|20% Off

Small Sideboard in the Bauhaus style

By Bauhaus

Located in Milano, IT

This cabinet is a remarkable example of Bauhaus-inspired design, showcasing a harmonious blend of wood, iron, and reflective glass shelves. Crafted during the iconic period of ration...

Category

1920s Italian Bauhaus Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Iron

Pair of Onyx Brass Night Stands
Pair of Onyx Brass Night Stands

Pair of Onyx Brass Night Stands

Located in København, København

One table comes with a lower shelf and one with a small cabinet with at door also in onyx. Both tables comes with a small decorated drawer and porcelain swivel castor wheels.

Category

Early 1900s French Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Onyx, Brass

Small Vienna secession sideboard
Small Vienna secession sideboard

Small Vienna secession sideboard

Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj

Small Vienna secession sideboard in excellent original condition with signs of use.

Category

Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Brass

Early Meiji Period Japanese Elm Shadona Cabinet
Early Meiji Period Japanese Elm Shadona Cabinet

Early Meiji Period Japanese Elm Shadona Cabinet

Located in Dekalb, IL

In addition to shelving, this cabinet includes a multitude of small drawers and cabinets from top to bottom. 36" W x 12" D x 64" H AF - C-9906 - 101524

Category

1870s Japanese Meiji Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Elm

Rustic Folk Art Cabinet, France, 19th Century
Rustic Folk Art Cabinet, France, 19th Century

Rustic Folk Art Cabinet, France, 19th Century

Located in Antwerp, BE

Constructed from sturdy wood, the cabinet features four small doors with traditional wooden latches.

Category

19th Century French Rustic Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Wood

Small Oak Glazed Bookcase/Cupboard with Gallery
Small Oak Glazed Bookcase/Cupboard with Gallery

Small Oak Glazed Bookcase/Cupboard with Gallery

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Small Oak Glazed Bookcase/Cupboard with Gallery This is a very useful piece, it set on bracket feet and has 2 glazed doors with a raised gallery around the top A Good piece which ...

Category

Early 1900s Arts and Crafts Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Oak

Petite Louis XVI Cabinet, Ebonized Mahogany, French, 1910s
Petite Louis XVI Cabinet, Ebonized Mahogany, French, 1910s

Petite Louis XVI Cabinet, Ebonized Mahogany, French, 1910s

Located in Austin, TX

The doors are also trimmed with brass and have small brass pulls. The cabinet features floral brass décor on the bottom, and brass décor of draped fabric reminiscent of draped Roman ...

Category

1910s French Louis XVI Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

Early 20th Century Industrial Parts Cabinet in Green
Early 20th Century Industrial Parts Cabinet in Green

Early 20th Century Industrial Parts Cabinet in Green

Located in Dekalb, IL

This is a turn-of-the-century American small-drawer cabinet, built for systematic storage rather than domestic display.

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Wood

Edwardian inlaid Small Revolving Bookcase
Edwardian inlaid Small Revolving Bookcase

Edwardian inlaid Small Revolving Bookcase

Located in Dereham, GB

Edwardian inlaid mahogany Small table top Revolving Bookcase Square top with circular fan centre inlay, Slatted Mahogany Sides Two large openings each side Holds 12 paper back size ...

Category

Early 1900s British Sheraton Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Mahogany

Small Swedish Two Door Buffet
Small Swedish Two Door Buffet

Small Swedish Two Door Buffet

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Small 19th Century Swedish two door buffet with reeded details to the doors. 1890

Category

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Pine

Small English Housekeepers Cupboard
Small English Housekeepers Cupboard

Small English Housekeepers Cupboard

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Unusually small 4 door English painted pine housekeepers cupboard. 1810. Reference: 7839 Dimensions 56.5 inches (144 cms) Wide 14.5 inches (37 cms) Deep 86.5 inches (220 cms...

Category

19th Century English George III Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Pine

French Empire 19th Century Walnut Bookcase-Cabinet
French Empire 19th Century Walnut Bookcase-Cabinet

French Empire 19th Century Walnut Bookcase-Cabinet

Located in Troy, NY

Small French Empire bookcase/cabinet with framed glazed sides, featuring a molded wooden elongated X on the inside, one wire-mesh-inset door, the corners embellished by sculpted colu...

Category

19th Century French Empire Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Brass

Small Hanging Cupboard, 18th Century
Small Hanging Cupboard, 18th Century

Small Hanging Cupboard, 18th Century

Located in Greding, DE

A rustic softwood hanging cupboard with a dark finish. The piece features a curved, arched top and fluted side panels. The central door with its arched panel opens to a functional in...

Category

18th Century Baroque Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Softwood

Antiques Small Spanish Trunk
Antiques Small Spanish Trunk

Antiques Small Spanish Trunk

$1,120Sale Price|65% Off

Antiques Small Spanish Trunk

Located in grand Lancy, CH

Antiques small Spanish trunk.

Category

Early 18th Century Spanish Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Metal

Pair of English Regency Mahogany Mirrored Cabinets with Inlay
Pair of English Regency Mahogany Mirrored Cabinets with Inlay

Pair of English Regency Mahogany Mirrored Cabinets with Inlay

Located in Atlanta, GA

The mirrored doors open to reveal fitted interiors with shelving, offering practical storage within an elegant form. The cabinets stand on turned and carved front feet, with clean r...

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

c. 1880 Chinese Red Lacquer Cabinet with Hidden Compartment
c. 1880 Chinese Red Lacquer Cabinet with Hidden Compartment

c. 1880 Chinese Red Lacquer Cabinet with Hidden Compartment

Located in Dekalb, IL

Small-scale cabinet in traditional Chinese form, finished in a timeworn red lacquer with hand-painted decorative scenes now softened and partially worn through use.

Category

Late 19th Century American Qing Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

George III Mahogany Cabinet, Eighteenth Century, Double Tambour Doors
George III Mahogany Cabinet, Eighteenth Century, Double Tambour Doors

George III Mahogany Cabinet, Eighteenth Century, Double Tambour Doors

Located in London, GB

A wonderful George III Period Mahogany Cabinet of Small Proportions and Outstanding Colour.

Category

1770s British George III Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century French Bamboo Wall Hanging Cabinet, Antique, 25x13 Inches
19th Century French Bamboo Wall Hanging Cabinet, Antique, 25x13 Inches

19th Century French Bamboo Wall Hanging Cabinet, Antique, 25x13 Inches

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Primarily used as spice cupboards, apothecary storage, or small hanging medicine cabinets. A rare find in good original condition.

Category

19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Bamboo

Biedermeier Style Small Italian Sideboard
Biedermeier Style Small Italian Sideboard

Biedermeier Style Small Italian Sideboard

Located in Prato, Tuscany

Exceptional and valuable small Italian Biedermeier style sideboard in Sapele wood with birch inlays; the massive upper top is rectangular and follows the profile of the cabinet; belo...

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Biedermeier Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Sapele Wood

Small 18th Century Lorraine Dresser
Small 18th Century Lorraine Dresser

Small 18th Century Lorraine Dresser

Located in Charmes, FR

pretty little two-door dresser in light oak, 18th century from the Lorraine region, iron hardware, has two keys in very good condition

Category

Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Wood

Small Spanish Baroque 17th Century Walnut Armario
Small Spanish Baroque 17th Century Walnut Armario

Small Spanish Baroque 17th Century Walnut Armario

Located in Troy, NY

Small two-door wardrobe with an interesting conceptual look. The geometrically paneled and molded doors with an iron bolted lock opening to an interior featuring a top shelf above a ...

Category

17th Century Spanish Baroque Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Wood

Miniature Baroque Cabinet, Southern Germany, Mid-18th Century
Miniature Baroque Cabinet, Southern Germany, Mid-18th Century

Miniature Baroque Cabinet, Southern Germany, Mid-18th Century

Located in Greding, DE

Small baroque cabinet with multiple curved top and frame and volute decorations on the corners.

Category

Mid-18th Century Baroque Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Wood

Alpine Cheese Drying Cabinet or Tommière, France, 19th Century
Alpine Cheese Drying Cabinet or Tommière, France, 19th Century

Alpine Cheese Drying Cabinet or Tommière, France, 19th Century

Located in Antwerp, BE

In the high valleys of Haute Romanche, Briançonnais, and Queyras, cheese was often dried on straw-covered shelves or inside small wooden cabinets called tommières. These cabinets, so...

Category

19th Century French Rustic Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Wood

19th Century, French Center Cabinet with Marble Top
19th Century, French Center Cabinet with Marble Top

19th Century, French Center Cabinet with Marble Top

Located in IT

The four legs, with an inverted pyramid trunk, end with golden bronze ferrules resting on small wheels. The cabinet is finished on all four sides; this content to be able to expose...

Category

Early 19th Century Directoire Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Early 19th Century Swedish Blue Painted 18 Drawer Cabinet
Early 19th Century Swedish Blue Painted 18 Drawer Cabinet

Early 19th Century Swedish Blue Painted 18 Drawer Cabinet

Located in Round Top, TX

Beautifully crafted Swedish pine cabinet from the early 1800's with unique upper enclosed section holding 18 drawers and 1 small interior cabinet.

Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Baroque Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Wrought Iron

Small Painted Potboard Dresser Base
Small Painted Potboard Dresser Base

Small Painted Potboard Dresser Base

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Small 19th C English two drawer painted potboard dresser base with a scrubbed pine top. 1880. Reference: 8440 Dimensions 45 inches (114 cms) Wide 25 inches (64 cms) Deep 31.5 inche...

Category

19th Century English Victorian Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Pine

19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Ebonized and Faux Marble Cabinet
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Ebonized and Faux Marble Cabinet

19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Ebonized and Faux Marble Cabinet

Located in Bradenton, FL

All parts sit atop a round base on small bun-like feet. Cabinet can be used as a side table or as a nightstand.

Category

Early 19th Century Small Antique Cabinet

Materials

Walnut

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Small Antique Cabinet For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the small antique cabinet you’re looking for at 1stDibs. A small antique cabinet — often made from wood, mahogany and metal — can elevate any home. Your living room may not be complete without a small antique cabinet — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. A small antique cabinet, designed in the Georgian, Victorian or Louis XVI style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. A well-made small antique cabinet has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Gustave Serrurier-Bovy, Abbess Office Furniture Ltd and Belform are consistently popular.

How Much is a Small Antique Cabinet?

A small antique cabinet can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $3,105, while the lowest priced sells for $133 and the highest can go for as much as $102,083.

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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