Specimen Drawers
Mid-20th Century British Cabinets
Steel
Early 20th Century British Cabinets
Wood
Antique 1880s British Late Victorian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut
Antique 1860s British Victorian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut
Antique 1780s English Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Hardwood, Satinwood
20th Century British Blanket Chests
Oak
Antique 1880s British Late Victorian Cabinets
Brass
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Marble, Metal
Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Desk Sets
Wood
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Walnut
Antique 18th Century Italian Baroque Apothecary Cabinets
Gesso, Wood, Pine, Paint
Recent Sales
20th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Early 20th Century British More Dining and Entertaining
Oak
Antique 19th Century European Cabinets
Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Milk Glass, Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Oak
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Boxwood, Mahogany
Antique Late 18th Century British Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
Antique 1880s British Late Victorian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Oak
Antique 19th Century British Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Antique 18th Century Italian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Kingwood, Satinwood
Early 20th Century English Regency Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Rosewood, Walnut
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Oak
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Decorative Boxes
Leather, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Marble, Brass
Antique 19th Century Apothecary Cabinets
Brass
Early 20th Century British Cabinets
Oak
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Cabinets
Oak
Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Cupboards
Mahogany
Vintage 1940s Italian Side Tables
Marble
Early 20th Century Belgian Collectibles and Curiosities
Oak, Glass
Vintage 1930s English Industrial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Pine
Antique Late 19th Century British Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Oak
Antique Mid-18th Century English George II Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Hardwood, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Oak
Antique 1890s British Shelves
Mahogany
Antique 1880s Chinese Victorian Furniture
Wood
Antique 19th Century English Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Pine
Antique Late 19th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Hardwood
Antique 19th Century Cabinets
Antique 19th Century Cabinets
Antique 19th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities
Vintage 1940s American Night Stands
Wood
Antique 19th Century English End Tables
Burl, Walnut
Antique 1890s American Cabinets
Glass, Mahogany
People Also Browsed
2010s American Modern Stools
Wood, Oak
Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Decorative Boxes
Wood, Mother-of-Pearl
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pier Mirrors and Console Mirrors
Mirror, Walnut, Burl
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Tableware
Brass
Vintage 1910s European Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables
Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Side Tables
Wood, Mahogany
20th Century Russian Neoclassical Natural Specimens
Stone, Malachite
Antique 18th Century Italian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Side Tables
Marble
Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Side Tables
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Italian Romantic Settees
Silver Leaf
Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Desks
Leather, Hardwood
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass, Bronze, Copper, Enamel, Stainless Steel
Early 20th Century English Industrial Cabinets
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Steel, Chrome
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Night Stands
Brass
Specimen Drawers For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Specimen Drawers?
Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets 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.
- What is a specimen cabinet?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A specimen cabinet refers to a particular style of cabinetry designed to hold scientific specimens. A specimen cabinet will have large and shallow drawers to better display and access the specimens. Shop a selection of cabinets, including specimen cabinets, on 1stDibs.
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