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Pierre Jeanneret Storage Unit
Pierre Jeanneret Storage Unit

Pierre Jeanneret Storage Unit

By Pierre Jeanneret

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pierre Jeanneret Storage Unit

Category

1960s Indian Used Storage Units

Materials

Teak

Small 1950's ash storage units
Small 1950's ash storage units

Small 1950's ash storage units

Located in Milano, IT

Pair of small ash storage units with perforated and lacquered wooden sliding doors, brass tracks and knobs, and internal shelves.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Ash

Storage unit by Pierre Cardin
Storage unit by Pierre Cardin

Storage unit by Pierre Cardin

By Pierre Cardin, Francesco Bocola

Located in Bruxelles, BE

Pierre Cardin and Francesco Bocola . One of a kind storage unit made by Fransesco Bocola and Pierre Cardin . 4 doors and 4 drawers.

Category

1980s French Post-Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Eames Storage Unit by Herman Miller
Eames Storage Unit by Herman Miller

Eames Storage Unit by Herman Miller

By Charles Eames, Herman Miller

Located in Dallas, TX

The innovative Eames Storage Unit (1950) was designed to be configured to fit a specific space or need, and uses an ingenious and inventive system of construction as simple and as op...

Category

2010s Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Steel

Luciano Frigerio, Large and Unique Storage Unit
Luciano Frigerio, Large and Unique Storage Unit

Luciano Frigerio, Large and Unique Storage Unit

By Luciano Frigerio

Located in Milano, IT

Luciano Frigerio (1928-1999) Large and unique storage unit with three-door front made of solid brass with shaped brass frame.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

Art Deco storage unit in flamed maple
Art Deco storage unit in flamed maple

Art Deco storage unit in flamed maple

By Axel Einar Hjorth

Located in Milano, IT

COD-2686 Storage unit in the style of Axel Einar Hjort, in flamed maple with Art Deco inlays on the front.

Category

20th Century Swedish Art Deco Used Storage Units

Materials

Maple

Salon Storage Unit in Briarwood, 1940s
Salon Storage Unit in Briarwood, 1940s

Salon Storage Unit in Briarwood, 1940s

Located in Montelabbate, PU

Elegant Cabinet or Storage Unit in Select Walnut Burl This refined piece features a sturdy base supporting a four-door structure, highlighted at the center by exquisite gilded bronze...

Category

1940s Italian Art Deco Used Storage Units

Materials

Glass, Walnut, Burl

Pair of Ico Parisi storage unit
Pair of Ico Parisi storage unit

Pair of Ico Parisi storage unit

By Ico Parisi

Located in Brussels, BE

Pair of Ico Parisi storage unit

Category

1960s Italian Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

Storage unit with front in grinded wood
Storage unit with front in grinded wood

Storage unit with front in grinded wood

By Italian school XX ct.

Located in Milano, IT

COD-2463 Storage unit with front in grinded wood and two drop-down shelves with interiors in blond maple and a ground glass top.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

1940's Light oak storage unit with slatted doors
1940's Light oak storage unit with slatted doors

1940's Light oak storage unit with slatted doors

By Casa e Giardino

Located in Milano, IT

COD-2857 Light oak storage unit with slatted doors and a decorative wave motif.

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Walnut

Storage Units Produced by Stil i Stål in Denmark
Storage Units Produced by Stil i Stål in Denmark

Storage Units Produced by Stil i Stål in Denmark

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Set of 3 storage units. Produced by Stil i Stål in Denmark.

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Steel

Paul McCobb Storage Unit Custom Matte Blackened Finish
Paul McCobb Storage Unit Custom Matte Blackened Finish

Paul McCobb Storage Unit Custom Matte Blackened Finish

By Paul McCobb

Located in Chicago, IL

Paul McCobb Storage Unit for Calvin Furniture features a custom matte blackened finish over walnut.

Category

1960s American Used Storage Units

Materials

Walnut

Art Deco Solid Oak Storage Unit from France, 1930s
Art Deco Solid Oak Storage Unit from France, 1930s

Art Deco Solid Oak Storage Unit from France, 1930s

By Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier, Rene Gabriel

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

A rare minimalist storage unit in solid oak, France, 1930s. A pure, architectural composition of six compartments with a warm patina and subtle signs of age.

Category

1930s French Art Deco Used Storage Units

Materials

Oak

Alain Richard Storage Unit for T.F.M. France, 1974
Alain Richard Storage Unit for T.F.M. France, 1974

Alain Richard Storage Unit for T.F.M. France, 1974

By Alain Richard

Located in Skokie, IL

Alain Richard Storage Unit for T.F.M. France, 1974 Materials: rosewood, aluminum, laminate Dimensions: 27.5" h x 41.5" w x 19.5" d

Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Aluminum

Storage Unit or Library in American Walnut, circa 1900
Storage Unit or Library in American Walnut, circa 1900

Storage Unit or Library in American Walnut, circa 1900

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Storage unit or library in American walnut, circa 1900.

Category

Late 19th Century North American American Classical Used Storage Units

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Wooden Storage Unit "Archimede" by Hirozi Fukuoh for Gavina, 1962
Wooden Storage Unit "Archimede" by Hirozi Fukuoh for Gavina, 1962

Wooden Storage Unit "Archimede" by Hirozi Fukuoh for Gavina, 1962

By Dino Gavina

Located in Varese, Lombardia

Modular furniture "Archimede" designed by Hirozi Fukuoh and produced by Gavina in 1962. These are storage units in veneered paniforte with load-bearing structures in solid wood, maxi...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Iron

Corner Desk / Vanity / Storage Unit in the Manner of Frode Holm
Corner Desk / Vanity / Storage Unit in the Manner of Frode Holm

Corner Desk / Vanity / Storage Unit in the Manner of Frode Holm

By Frode Holm

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Rare corner desk / vanity / storage unit in the manner of Frode Holm. Produced in Denmark.

Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Rosewood

Charles & Ray Eames ESU 400 Storage Unit, 1994 USA
Charles & Ray Eames ESU 400 Storage Unit, 1994 USA

Charles & Ray Eames ESU 400 Storage Unit, 1994 USA

By Charles and Ray Eames

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Eames storage unit for Herman Miller made in 1994. Great colors and designs on plywood.

Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Steel

Kim Moltzer Storage Unit In Lacquered Wood, Brass, Smoked Glass 1970
Kim Moltzer Storage Unit In Lacquered Wood, Brass, Smoked Glass 1970

Kim Moltzer Storage Unit In Lacquered Wood, Brass, Smoked Glass 1970

By Kim Moltzer

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Kim MOLTZER storage unit circa 1970 lacquered wood and brass, opening with 2 doors and three drawers in lacquered wood, brass structure, boxes with smoked glass doors at the top, goo...

Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

1950s Single Fronted Original Haberdashery Storage Unit - Twenty Drawer
1950s Single Fronted Original Haberdashery Storage Unit - Twenty Drawer

1950s Single Fronted Original Haberdashery Storage Unit - Twenty Drawer

Located in Hook, Hampshire

1950s Single Fronted Original Haberdashery Storage Unit – Twenty Drawer 1950s Single Fronted Original Haberdashery Storage Unit – Twenty Drawer.

Category

1950s Scottish Used Storage Units

Materials

Oak

Square Kartell Componibili Storage Unit Model 4970 by Anna Castelli Ferrieri
Square Kartell Componibili Storage Unit Model 4970 by Anna Castelli Ferrieri

Square Kartell Componibili Storage Unit Model 4970 by Anna Castelli Ferrieri

By Kartell, Anna Castelli Ferrieri

Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT

Square modular storage unit designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell in Italy during the 1960s.

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Plastic

Four Door Pierre Jeanneret Cabinet / Storage Unit PJ-R-14-A
Four Door Pierre Jeanneret Cabinet / Storage Unit PJ-R-14-A

Four Door Pierre Jeanneret Cabinet / Storage Unit PJ-R-14-A

By Pierre Jeanneret

Located in Toronto, Ontario

A solid teak storage unit by Pierre Jeanneret for the Chandigarh Project, circa 1958.

Category

1950s Indian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Teak

Rotating Storage Unit in Wood and Brass for Bernini, Italy, 1960s
Rotating Storage Unit in Wood and Brass for Bernini, Italy, 1960s

Rotating Storage Unit in Wood and Brass for Bernini, Italy, 1960s

By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini

Located in Roma, IT

Rotating Storage Unit Manufactured by Bernini, Italy, circa 1960s Mahogany, brass, and glass.

Category

1960s Italian Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

Pine Storage Unit on Plinth
Pine Storage Unit on Plinth

Pine Storage Unit on Plinth

Located in London, GB

This Danish pine modular shelving unit offers a highly versatile and stylish storage solution.

Category

Mid-20th Century Used Storage Units

Materials

Pine

British 1920s Metal Industrial Pigeon Hole Storage Unit CD Storage
British 1920s Metal Industrial Pigeon Hole Storage Unit CD Storage

British 1920s Metal Industrial Pigeon Hole Storage Unit CD Storage

Located in Llanbrynmair, GB

An early 20th century industrial pigeon hole storage unit, good size with 48 pigeon holes. The piece is made using steel rods and bolts and is an early example of industrial furnitur...

Category

Early 20th Century English Industrial Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Center storage unit by G. Malacrida and P. Resmini, modular bookshelf, 1970s
Center storage unit by G. Malacrida and P. Resmini, modular bookshelf, 1970s

Center storage unit by G. Malacrida and P. Resmini, modular bookshelf, 1970s

By Malacrida and Co.

Located in Milano, IT

Modular Double-Sided Storage Unit – G. Malacrida & P. Resmini, 1970s This rare modular storage unit, designed by Milanese architects G.

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

1950's Single Fronted Original Haberdashery Storage Unit, Sturrock & Son
1950's Single Fronted Original Haberdashery Storage Unit, Sturrock & Son

1950's Single Fronted Original Haberdashery Storage Unit, Sturrock & Son

Located in Hook, Hampshire

1950’s single fronted original haberdashery storage unit – Sturrock & Son 1950’s single fronted original haberdashery storage unit – Sturrock & Son.

Category

1950s Scottish Used Storage Units

Materials

Oak

Pair of Vintage Profilsystem Collection Storage Units by Elmar Flötotto
Pair of Vintage Profilsystem Collection Storage Units by Elmar Flötotto

Pair of Vintage Profilsystem Collection Storage Units by Elmar Flötotto

Located in Lisboa, PT

This pair of Storage Units from the Profilsystem Collection, was designed by Elmar Flötotto for Flötotto, in Germany, during the 1980's.

Category

1980s German Used Storage Units

Materials

Formica, Beech

Vintage Profilsystem Collection Storage Unit by Elmar Flötotto for Flötotto
Vintage Profilsystem Collection Storage Unit by Elmar Flötotto for Flötotto

Vintage Profilsystem Collection Storage Unit by Elmar Flötotto for Flötotto

Located in Lisboa, PT

This Storage Unit from the Profilsystem Collection, was designed by Elmar Flötotto for Flötotto, in Germany, during the 1980's.

Category

1980s German Used Storage Units

Materials

Formica, Beech

Pine Storage Unit with Drawers
Pine Storage Unit with Drawers

Pine Storage Unit with Drawers

Located in London, GB

This Danish pine modular shelving unit offers a highly versatile and stylish storage solution.

Category

Mid-20th Century Used Storage Units

Materials

Pine

Wall Storage Unit from Belles Challes Lauzieres Residences Arc 1800
Wall Storage Unit from Belles Challes Lauzieres Residences Arc 1800

Wall Storage Unit from Belles Challes Lauzieres Residences Arc 1800

By Charlotte Perriand

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo

Wall storage unit by Charlotte Perriand. It was used at Lauzieres Residences as part of the "Les Arcs" project.

Category

Late 20th Century French Used Storage Units

Materials

Pine

1950’s Glass Fronted Original Haberdashery Storage Unit – Twenty Drawer
1950’s Glass Fronted Original Haberdashery Storage Unit – Twenty Drawer

1950’s Glass Fronted Original Haberdashery Storage Unit – Twenty Drawer

Located in Hook, Hampshire

1950’s Glass Fronted Original Haberdashery Storage Unit – Twenty Drawer. Sourced in Scotland from the original tailors shop, this unit is very well made principally of oak with oak...

Category

1950s Scottish Used Storage Units

Materials

Glass, Oak

Mid-Century A.R. Cordemeyer Industrial Storage Unit, Gray Enameled Metal
Mid-Century A.R. Cordemeyer Industrial Storage Unit, Gray Enameled Metal

Mid-Century A.R. Cordemeyer Industrial Storage Unit, Gray Enameled Metal

By A.R. Cordemeijer, Gispen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Cordemeyer designed this three-section industrial storage unit for Gispen during the 1950s-60s, representing the pinnacle of Dutch functionalist design.

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Pair of Vintage Profilsystem Collection Glass Storage Units by Elmar Flötotto
Pair of Vintage Profilsystem Collection Glass Storage Units by Elmar Flötotto

Pair of Vintage Profilsystem Collection Glass Storage Units by Elmar Flötotto

Located in Lisboa, PT

This pair of Glass Storage Units from the Profilsystem Collection, was designed by Elmar Flötotto for Flötotto, in Germany, during the 1980's.

Category

1980s German Used Storage Units

Materials

Formica, Beech

Italian / Dutch Design Derk Jan De Vries, Samara Storage Unit – 1970s
Italian / Dutch Design Derk Jan De Vries, Samara Storage Unit – 1970s

Italian / Dutch Design Derk Jan De Vries, Samara Storage Unit – 1970s

By Maisa

Located in Renens, CH

The Samara storage unit was designed by Dutch-born Derk Jan de Vries, who relocated to Italy in the 1960s.

Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Glass, Ash

Usm Haller Storage Unit White, Grey and Stainless Steel Designed by Fritz Haller
Usm Haller Storage Unit White, Grey and Stainless Steel Designed by Fritz Haller

Usm Haller Storage Unit White, Grey and Stainless Steel Designed by Fritz Haller

By Usm Haller

Located in Doornspijk, NL

This storage unit has four open compartments. The two lower ones are closed at the back, the two upper ones are open.

Category

1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Storage Unit realized by Angelo Mangiarotti for LEMA in 1960s
Vintage Storage Unit realized by Angelo Mangiarotti for LEMA in 1960s

Vintage Storage Unit realized by Angelo Mangiarotti for LEMA in 1960s

By Angelo Mangiarotti

Located in Roma, IT

Realized in rosewood and metal, this elegant storage unit, despite its age, is in near perfect condition.

Category

1960s Italian Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Vintage Storage Unit realized by Angelo Mangiarotti for LEMA in 1960s
Vintage Storage Unit realized by Angelo Mangiarotti for LEMA in 1960s

Vintage Storage Unit realized by Angelo Mangiarotti for LEMA in 1960s

By Angelo Mangiarotti

Located in Roma, IT

Realized in rosewood and metal, this beautiful and elegant storage unit despite its age is in near perfect condition.

Category

1960s Italian Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Space Age Modular Three-Tier Storage Unit by Marc Held for Prisunic, 1970's
Space Age Modular Three-Tier Storage Unit by Marc Held for Prisunic, 1970's

Space Age Modular Three-Tier Storage Unit by Marc Held for Prisunic, 1970's

By Marc Held

Located in Beirut, LB

A rare and highly collectible three-tier modular storage unit designed by the renowned French architect and designer Marc Held for the iconic Prisunic department store circa 1970.

Category

Late 20th Century French Space Age Used Storage Units

Materials

Plastic

Marc Newson 'Kiss the Future' Storage Unit in Black Molded Polypropylene
Marc Newson 'Kiss the Future' Storage Unit in Black Molded Polypropylene

Marc Newson 'Kiss the Future' Storage Unit in Black Molded Polypropylene

By Marc Newson

Located in Waalwijk, NL

&L.T. brand (Wild & Lethal Trash), which could be experienced through his multiple shops located across Europe. This whimsical storage unit was part of the Kiss the Future collection...

Category

1990s Belgian Post-Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Plastic

Vintage Industrial Storage Unit: French Metal and Wood, 20th Century
Vintage Industrial Storage Unit: French Metal and Wood, 20th Century

Vintage Industrial Storage Unit: French Metal and Wood, 20th Century

Located in High Point, NC

Robust and versatile, this vintage Industrial storage unit combines a pragmatic design with a warm patina.

Category

20th Century French Industrial Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Arched Art Deco side table with storage unit and black marble top, France 1920s
Arched Art Deco side table with storage unit and black marble top, France 1920s

Arched Art Deco side table with storage unit and black marble top, France 1920s

Located in Meulebeke, BE

Underneath an open space and a door decorated with a stylized floral artwork revealing a storage unit. The whole stands on elegant black legs.

Category

1920s French Art Deco Used Storage Units

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

Pair of Modular Storage Units by Rodolfo Bonetto for Artemide, Italy 1970s
Pair of Modular Storage Units by Rodolfo Bonetto for Artemide, Italy 1970s

Pair of Modular Storage Units by Rodolfo Bonetto for Artemide, Italy 1970s

By Rodolfo Bonetto, Artemide

Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT

Designed in the early 1970s by Rodolfo Bonetto for Artemide Milano, the "Incubo Quadro" modular storage units are a brilliant fusion of conceptual design and functional utility.

Category

1970s Italian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Plastic

Distressed Stock Rack - Vintage Storage Unit Rack
Distressed Stock Rack - Vintage Storage Unit Rack

Distressed Stock Rack - Vintage Storage Unit Rack

Located in Oakville, CT

Original, vintage Industrial, American, stock rack with storage pegs on front and back with original distressed paint.

Category

20th Century American Primitive Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Teak Desk with Storage Units
Teak Desk with Storage Units

Teak Desk with Storage Units

Located in London, GB

This mid-century teak desk exemplifies classic Scandinavian design, offering a harmonious blend of elegance, functionality, and craftsmanship. Its clean lines and refined proportions...

Category

Mid-20th Century Used Storage Units

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Modern storage unit by Amma, Italy.
Mid Century Modern storage unit by Amma, Italy.

Mid Century Modern storage unit by Amma, Italy.

By Amma

Located in London, GB

Large modulable shelving unit in palisander with white lacquered uprights by Amma, Italy 1962. There is a box to the right hand side which opens upwards and a section below comprisin...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Hardwood

Post Modern Black Wood Modular Shelving Storage Unit
Post Modern Black Wood Modular Shelving Storage Unit

Post Modern Black Wood Modular Shelving Storage Unit

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

A large black shelving unit. This versatile shelving unit is a great addition to any room. Its very dark black coloring makes it usable in a great variety of spaces and styles. It co...

Category

Late 20th Century Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

Componibili Modular Storage Unit in White with Floor Stand by Kartell
Componibili Modular Storage Unit in White with Floor Stand by Kartell

Componibili Modular Storage Unit in White with Floor Stand by Kartell

By Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Kartell

Located in Paris, FR

Designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell, the Componibili modular storage unit is an iconic example of Italian modern design.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Plastic

Pine Storage Unit 75 x 75 x 40 cm
Pine Storage Unit 75 x 75 x 40 cm

Pine Storage Unit 75 x 75 x 40 cm

Located in London, GB

This set of Danish pine modular shelving units offers a highly versatile and stylish storage solution.

Category

Mid-20th Century Used Storage Units

Materials

Pine

Pine Storage Unit 70 x 70 x 33 cm
Pine Storage Unit 70 x 70 x 33 cm

Pine Storage Unit 70 x 70 x 33 cm

Located in London, GB

This set of Danish pine modular shelving units offers a highly versatile and stylish storage solution.

Category

Mid-20th Century Used Storage Units

Materials

Pine

Modernist Frosted Glass & Aluminum Storage Unit by interlübke, Germany
Modernist Frosted Glass & Aluminum Storage Unit by interlübke, Germany

Modernist Frosted Glass & Aluminum Storage Unit by interlübke, Germany

By Interlübke

Located in North Palm Beach, FL

This sleek and modern storage piece by interlübke, a renowned German furniture manufacturer, features a minimalist design in frosted glass and aluminum, accented by unique silicone p...

Category

Late 20th Century German Minimalist Used Storage Units

Materials

Aluminum

Solid Oak Storage Unit – Country Style, Late 19th Century
Solid Oak Storage Unit – Country Style, Late 19th Century

Solid Oak Storage Unit – Country Style, Late 19th Century

Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-LA-PLACE, FR

This charming side cabinet in solid oak captures the rustic elegance of the French country style from the late 19th century. Discovered in a traditional home nestled in the rolling h...

Category

1890s French Campaign Used Storage Units

Materials

Oak

1930s Bauhaus Multifunctional Daybed, Robert Slezák, Tubular Steel, Storage Unit
1930s Bauhaus Multifunctional Daybed, Robert Slezák, Tubular Steel, Storage Unit

1930s Bauhaus Multifunctional Daybed, Robert Slezák, Tubular Steel, Storage Unit

By Robert Slezák

Located in Berlin, DE

Upholstered elements soften the industrial structure and provide comfort while remaining visually restrained. The integrated storage unit, executed in lacquered wood panels in a rest...

Category

1930s Czech Bauhaus Used Storage Units

Materials

Steel, Chrome

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Used Storage Units For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of used storage units available for sale. Each of these unique used storage units was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and hardwood. Used storage units have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Used storage units made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Scandinavian Modern — are very popular at 1stDibs. Many used storage units are appealing in their simplicity, but Poul Cadovius, Cado and George Nelson produced popular used storage units that are worth a look.

How Much are Used Storage Units?

Prices for used storage units start at $1 and top out at $85,000 with the average selling for $3,208.

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.

Questions About Used Storage Units
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023
    To store handbags in a storage unit, first choose the right type of storage facility. Look for one that has climate controls in place to protect your bags from extreme temperatures and moisture. Generally, it's best to store bags upright in their original dustbags. To help them hold their shape, stuff them with acid-free tissue paper or white cotton towels before putting them in storage. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of handbags.

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