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Step Back Dresser

Antique American Empire Crotch Mahogany Chest Drawers Step Back Dresser Paw Feet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Crotch Mahogany Chest Drawers Step Back Dresser with Paw Feet. Item
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Empire Dressers

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Victorian Crotch Walnut Step Back Dresser Glovebox Drawers Chest 42"
Located in Dayton, OH
A beautiful antique American Victorian era stepback dresser, circa 1870s. Made from poplar and
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-19th Century Large Empire Dresser with Mirror & Marble Top
Located in Port Jervis, NY
mirror with tall columns, Carrara marble, step back dresser boxes and glass knobs. The best scroll feet
Category

Antique 1850s American American Empire Dressers

Materials

Brass

Vintage Saks Fifth Avenue Silver Plated Regency Lion Head Lidded Ice Bucket
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Crotch Mahogany Chest Drawers Step Back Dresser with Paw Feet. Item
Category

Mid-20th Century Regency Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

18thc. oak dresser base
Located in Salisbury, GB
with the moulded edge. The sides and the original back are panelled. This Antique dresser base gives
Category

Antique 1780s English Georgian Dressers

Materials

Oak

18thc. oak dresser base
18thc. oak dresser base
H 34.5 in W 55 in D 20.5 in
19th Century English Dresser Base
Located in High Point, NC
storage. The center is stepped back for added design interest. The case is supported on hand turned feet.
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Dressers

Materials

Pine

19th Century English Dresser Base
19th Century English Dresser Base
H 35.63 in W 68.38 in D 20.38 in
Vintage Baroque Solid Walnut Dresser with Inlaid Designs, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1960s. This is a majestic Baroque style dresser which is made in solid walnut. It
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Baroque Revival Dressers

Materials

Bronze

Postmodern Pink and Cream Lacquer Laminate With Gold Accent Dresser
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Step back into the Postmodern era with the Pink & Cream Gold-Accent Dresser. This dresser combines
Category

20th Century American Post-Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Modern Scandinavian Rosewood Lowboy Dresser by Westnofa, c1960s
By Westnofa Furniture
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Step into a world of timeless elegance with this exquisite Mid Century 8-Drawer Lowboy Dresser by
Category

Vintage 1960s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Rosewood

Mid Century Modern Scandinavian Rosewood Lowboy Dresser by Westnofa, c1960s
By Westnofa Furniture
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Step into a world of timeless elegance with this exquisite Mid Century 8-Drawer Lowboy Dresser by
Category

Vintage 1960s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Rosewood

19th Century English Pine Welsh Step Back Cupboard Dresser
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming 19th century country English welsh step back cupboard or dresser with plate rack. Crafted
Category

Antique 19th Century English Country Cupboards

Materials

Pine

1970s Vintage Walnut Buffet: Timeless Craftsmanship & Elegant Design
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step into a realm where classic beauty converges with functionality with our circa 1970s buffet, a
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Baroque Dressers

Materials

Brass

19th Century English Pine Dresser
Located in Sheffield, MA
style, waterfall dresser Antique Step-Back Pine Hutch. American, United Kingdom, Scandinavian
Category

Antique 19th Century English Country Cupboards

Materials

Pine

19th Century English Pine Dresser
19th Century English Pine Dresser
H 73.25 in W 53.5 in D 14 in
Restored 1950s George III Mahogany Chest of Drawers Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step back in time with our exquisite pair of George III chest of drawers, originating from the
Category

Vintage 1950s European George III Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

19th-Century American Classical Mahogany Tall Chest of Drawers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step back in time with our exquisite 19th-century tall chest of drawers, which has been skillfully
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English American Classical Commodes and Chests...

Materials

Metal, Brass

19th Century Sheraton Style Country Pine Breakfront
Located in Sheffield, MA
dresser, classic cottage style, farmhouse style, waterfall dresser Antique Step-Back Pine Hutch. American
Category

Antique 19th Century English George III Cupboards

Materials

Pine

French Turn of the Century Hand Carved Tramp Art Mirror with Protruding Corners
Located in Atlanta, GA
protruding corners. Step back in time and embrace the rustic charm of this exquisite French Turn of the
Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Wall Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Restored 1960s Mid-Century Modern Wood Chest with Wrought Iron Handles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step back into the iconic 1960s with our meticulously restored Mid-Century Modern wood chest of
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal, Iron

Vintage Paul McCobb Credenza: A Masterpiece of Mid-Century Modern Elegance
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step into the realm of mid-century modern elegance with our vintage Paul McCobb credenza from the
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Marble, Brass

E W Godwin, Collinson & Lock, an Anglo Japanese Mahogany and Satinwood Cabinet
By Collinson & Lock, Edward William Godwin
Located in London, GB
half stepped shelf, with vertical staggered uprights to the back above and below the shelf. The lower
Category

Antique 1870s English Anglo-Japanese Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

19th Century Tennessee American Classical Jackson Press
Located in Forney, TX
. Featuring a projecting or stepped top drawer, hand-cut dovetail joinery throughout, band inlaid drawer
Category

Antique 19th Century American American Classical Commodes and Chests of ...

Materials

Cherry, Poplar, Pine

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Federal Mahogany Chest
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very nice Federal Mahogany chest 1820-30. This is a really pretty chest with beautiful carved and turned columns on tall turned legs. There is a very nice book matched figured Maho...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Federal Mahogany Chest
Federal Mahogany Chest
H 52.5 in W 45.5 in D 20.5 in
Midcentury James Mont Style Asian Style Greek Key Ice Bucket Urn
By James Mont
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Midcentury modern era Asian style ice bucket in the manner of James Mont. This highly detailed metal piece features a faux bronze verdigrises’ finish and intricate geometric engravin...
Category

Vintage 1960s Taiwanese Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Metal

Vintage Mahogany Dresser
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Deco style chest of drawers in rich mahogany with eight wide drawers and three gentleman's drawers on top. Deep grain wood veneer with leather wrapped handles. The drawers interior d...
Category

20th Century Art Deco Dressers

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Mahogany Dresser
Vintage Mahogany Dresser
H 40.5 in W 60.25 in D 20.5 in
Vintage Ice Bucket, model " ANANAS "
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
" Vintage Ice Bucket, model " ANANAS " " Chromed metal ice bucket, vintage, 20th century, Italy. h: 27cm, l: 14cm, p: 14cm
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Barware

Materials

Metal

Vintage Ice Bucket, model " ANANAS "
Vintage Ice Bucket, model " ANANAS "
H 10.63 in W 5.52 in D 5.52 in
English Regency Mahogany Bowfront Chest of Four Graduated Drawers
Located in Wells, ME
English Regency period mahogany bowfront chest of four graduated drawers. This handsome small chest retains its original mahogany knobs with mother of pearl inlaid centers, french fe...
Category

Antique 1810s English Regency Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Antique American Empire Flame Mahogany Step Back Chest of Drawers
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique American Empire Flame Mahogany Step Back Chest of Drawers This Antique Empire style cabinet has ample storage and display space. This piece would be great for a bedroom to s...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century American American Empire Commodes and Chests ...

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Antique 19th Century Georgian Burl and Walnut Petite 4 Drawer Chest
Located in Charleston, SC
A fantastic burled top and drawer fronts. Hand planed drawers, original hardware, and a unique column decorative feature on the front. This piece makes an excellent entryway piece...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Chippendale Dressers

Materials

Brass

English Early 20th Century Shop Display Box
Located in London, GB
This is a beautifully made shop display box, with a curved glass opening front and mirror. It has 3 glass shelves and the front can be opened from the back or front. Made by S....
Category

Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Apothecary Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Wood

English Early 20th Century Shop Display Box
English Early 20th Century Shop Display Box
H 19.3 in W 18.9 in D 15.36 in
Antique Carved Walnut - Mahogany Dresser with 5 Drawers
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Antique carved walnut - mahogany dresser: 51 inches tall, 38 inches wide and about 19 inches deep. The dresser has 5 drawers, all with the original hardware. The dresser is construc...
Category

Antique 19th Century Dressers

Materials

Wood

Rare Late 19th Century Flame Walnut Highboy Dresser English Empire Antique
Located in Hawthorne, CA
Rare book-matched black walnut highboy dresser circa 1890s. Professionally refinished with 100% natural non-toxic matte/satin oil finish. Four large drawers with an additional two sm...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Empire Dressers

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Baker Furniture Chippendale Carved Mahogany Serpentine Dresser Chests, Pair
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Georgian or Chippendale style serpentine front dressers or chests of drawers By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston Collection" USA, Late 20th Century ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

1970s Carole Stupell Faceted Swivel Top Lucite Ice Bucket, Octagonal
By Carole Stupell
Located in Miami, FL
1970s Carole Stupell Faceted Swivel Top Lucite Ice Bucket, Octagonal This elegant Mid-Century Modern octagonal ice bucket was created by the designer Carol Stupell, circa 1970. It f...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Lucite

Large 19thC English Pine Waterfall Dresser
Located in Staffordshire, GB
circa 1870 Large 19thC English Pine Waterfall Dresser sku 1692 Base W168 x D46 x H92 cm Top W174 x D25 x H146 cm Together W174 x D46 x H238 cm Weight 85 Kg
Category

Antique 19th Century Dressers

Materials

Pine

Large 19thC English Pine Waterfall Dresser
Large 19thC English Pine Waterfall Dresser
H 93.71 in W 68.51 in D 18.12 in
Monumental ebonized Glazed Mahogany & Pine Haberdashery Cabinet
Located in Staffordshire, GB
circa 1900 Monumental ebonized glazed mahogany & pine haberdashery cabinet with 9 glazed sliding doors We can also customise existing pieces to suit your scheme/requirements. We ha...
Category

20th Century Dressers

Materials

Mahogany, Pine

Rare Large Early 18th Century Antique Quality Oak Dresser Base
Located in Suffolk, GB
Rare large early 18th century antique quality oak dresser base having a low up stand with two drawers, wonderful quality oak top above three cockbeeded drawers with original brass ha...
Category

Antique 18th Century English Dressers

Materials

Oak

Early American 18th Century Chippendale Tiger Maple Tall Chest of Drawers
Located in Louisville, KY
Stunning historic pieces like this don't come along every day! This c. 1780's Tiger Maple Chippendale tall dresser with 6 drawers with brass drawer pulls was designed and built in th...
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Antique Late 18th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Dr...

Materials

Brass

Recent Sales

Antique English Welsh Dresser, Original Painted Finish, from Bath circa 1850
Located in Houston, TX
” button below and see them first! A painted open back antique English Welsh dresser circa 1850. This
Category

Antique 1850s British George III Sideboards

Materials

Pine

Landscape 6
By Roy Lichtenstein
Located in Marseille, FR
. In the spring of that year, Lichtenstein went back to OSU to complete his BFA and in the fall he was
Category

1960s Pop Art Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Landscape 6
Landscape 6
H 33 in W 41 in D 1 in
Antique Victorian Carved Walnut Step Back Dresser Glovebox Drawers Chest
Located in Dayton, OH
Circa 1880s Victorian dresser. Made from walnut with two glovebox drawers over four larger lower
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Antique 19th Century Victorian Walnut Step Back Dresser Glovebox Drawers Chest
Located in Dayton, OH
drawers featuring raised burlwood veneer and knocker pulls. The dresser has hinged gloveboxes along the
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Antique 19th Century Victorian Walnut Step Back Dresser Glovebox Drawers Chest
Located in Dayton, OH
an elegant step back design featuring two glove box or handkerchief drawers and a backsplash. Drawers
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Antique Victorian Carved Walnut Step Back Dresser Chest w Glovebox Drawers
Located in Dayton, OH
Circa 1880s Victorian dresser. Made from walnut with two glovebox drawers over three larger lower
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

step back open top cupboard
Located in Sheffield, MA
This French kitchen stepped back dresser has a open top with two shelves . the shelves have a plate
Category

Antique 19th Century French Cupboards

step back open top cupboard
step back open top cupboard
H 75.25 in W 50.5 in D 21.5 in
1993 Ethan Allen American Impressions Cherry Chest of Drawers Dresser 24-5401
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Ethan Allen American Impressions country cherry step back dresser featuring seven drawers
Category

1990s Country Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cherry

Art Deco Dresser
Located in Calgary, Alberta
Traditional French Art Deco step back kitchen dresser with 8 cupboards, 2 pull out drawers, one
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Dressers

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Dresser
Art Deco Dresser
H 71 in W 65 in D 20.5 in
Irish Pine Chicken Coop Dresser
Located in Baltimore, MD
shallow counter for preparation. The two step-backed cages have slatted fronts, the centre slat on each
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Irish Country Dressers

Materials

Pine

Irish Pine Chicken Coop Dresser
Irish Pine Chicken Coop Dresser
H 84 in W 52 in D 17.5 in
English Pine Dresser Base, circa 1850
Located in High Point, NC
drawers over four raised paneled doors, with a step back configuration in the center. Raised on lovely
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Dressers

Materials

Pine

English Pine Dresser Base, circa 1850
English Pine Dresser Base, circa 1850
H 31.25 in W 67.75 in D 18.13 in
Fine Robsjohn-Gibbings Walnut Dresser for Widdicomb
Located in Miami, FL
edges, drawer pulls and stepped center divider which becomes a center support in the back. Keen
Category

Vintage 1950s American Dressers

George III Potboard Oak Dresser c. 1790
Located in Heathfield, GB
from front to back. Height from the potboard to the lowest edge of the dresser is 16 inches. Drawers
Category

Antique 18th Century George III Dressers

Materials

Oak

George III Potboard Oak Dresser c. 1790
George III Potboard Oak Dresser c. 1790
H 78.5 in W 70.5 in D 17.75 in
Mid Century Mahogany Tallboy Dresser, Brass Handles, c1950s
By Harmony House
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Step back in time and infuse your home with a piece of history through this exquisite vintage mid
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Tall Walnut X Dresser Chest by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Cincinnati, OH
step back top reveal two small drawers and the bottom section having three larger drawers with off set
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Antique Georgian George III Oak Welsh South Wales Dresser with Plate Rack, 1780
Located in Portland, OR
rack back having a stepped cornice and shaped gallery below, flanked by ribbed pilasters and three
Category

Antique Late 18th Century English George III Dressers

Materials

Oak

American of Martinsville Custom Walnut X-Front Tall Chest
By American of Martinsville
Located in Chicago, IL
. Top two drawers slightly stepped back.
Category

Vintage 1950s American Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Custom Painted Step Back 2 Piece Hutch
Located in Sheffield, MA
Painted hutch with classical styling, glazed top and buffet,sideboard, dresser base, deux corps
Category

Vintage 1950s American Vitrines

Custom Painted Step Back 2 Piece Hutch
Custom Painted Step Back 2 Piece Hutch
H 74.25 in W 61.5 in D 20 in
Peter Hunt Hand-Painted Step-Back Cupboard, Cabinet, Cape Cod, 1944
By Peter Hunt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Peter Hunt hand-painted step-back cupboard, cabinet, Cape Cod, 1944; With overall paint decoration
Category

Vintage 1940s American Cupboards

Materials

Wood

19th Century Pine Welsh Dresser
Located in Mckinney, TX
Found in Wales, circa 1850, this antique Welsh step-back cupboard is crafted from solid English
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Welsh High Victorian Cupboards

Materials

Pine

19th Century Pine Welsh Dresser
19th Century Pine Welsh Dresser
H 83 in W 57 in D 20 in
Irish Dresser in Original Paint
Located in Sheffield, MA
This may be the best step back cupboard we have ever had. Lovely in its original red paint, it
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Irish Cupboards

Materials

Pine

Irish Dresser in Original Paint
Irish Dresser in Original Paint
H 85 in W 61 in D 17.5 in
Irish Dresser in orginal red paint
Located in Sheffield, MA
this may be the best step back cupboard we have ever had. Lovely in its original red paint, it
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Irish Cupboards

Materials

Pine

Irish Dresser in orginal red paint
Irish Dresser in orginal red paint
H 85 in W 61 in D 17.5 in
Irish Dresser in Original Red Paint
Located in Sheffield, MA
This may be the best step back cupboard we have ever had! Lovely in its original red paint, it
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Irish Cupboards

Materials

Pine

Irish Dresser in Original Red Paint
Irish Dresser in Original Red Paint
H 85 in W 61 in D 17.5 in
Mid Century Modern Walnut Dresser by Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Step back in time with this stunning Mid Century Modern Walnut Dresser by renowned Brown Saltman
Category

Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Antique English Pine Country Farmhouse Cupboard China Hutch Welsh Style Dresser
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique English step back cupboard or china hutch featuring upper shelves with plate grooves and
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Rustic Cupboards

Materials

Pine

Brioni Beige Houndstooth Pattern Parlamento Blazer 2XL
By Brioni
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Step out in style from now on with this smart Parlamento blazer from Brioni. An adaptable dresser
Category

2010s French Blazers

Brioni Beige Houndstooth Pattern Parlamento Blazer 2XL
By Brioni
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Step out in style from now on with this smart Parlamento blazer from Brioni. An adaptable dresser
Category

2010s French Blazers

French Marble-Top Chest of Bleached Mahogany Wood with Gold Colored Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
step out at each back corner. The front side posts and legs are fluted, with the legs gently tapering
Category

20th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble, Metal

Antique Victorian Carved Pine Step Back Dresser & Mirror Glovebox Drawers Chest
Located in Dayton, OH
A late Victorian stepback dresser and mirror, circa 1900s. Made from pine with carved foliate
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Dressers

Materials

Mirror, Pine

Antique Victorian Carved Walnut Step Back Dresser Chest Marble Glovebox Drawers
Located in Dayton, OH
circa 1880s Victorian dresser. Made from walnut with two glovebox drawers flanking a marble insert
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Dressers

Materials

Marble

Florence Knoll Styled Walnut Mid Century Dresser
By Florence Knoll
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A dark flamed walnut six-drawer dresser with graduated step styled drawer fronts sitting on conical
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

1960s Mahogany Dressers Pair - Mid-Century Modern with Chrome Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step back into the elegant world of the 1960s with our beautifully restored Pair of Mid-Century
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Steel

American Mid-Century Modern Credenza
By American of Martinsville
Located in New York, NY
Credenza - Sideboard that can also be used as a Dresser by American of Martinsville. Very nice piece in
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Turn of the Century 1900s French Tramp Art Hand Carved Mirror with Raised Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
motifs and brown patina. Step back in time and embrace the rustic charm of this exquisite French Tramp
Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Wall Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Wood

English Welch Pine Step=back Dresser
Located in Hudson, NY
Natural destressed Pine Welch Dresser -[Cupboard]
Category

Antique 19th Century English Cupboards

Materials

Pine

English Welch Pine Step=back Dresser
English Welch Pine Step=back Dresser
H 62 in W 49 in D 17.5 in
Mahogany Empire Dresser
Located in Katonah, NY
Mahogany empire stepped back dresser with 4 lower drawers and 2 upper.
Category

Early 20th Century American Empire Dressers

Materials

Brass

Mahogany Empire  Dresser
Mahogany Empire  Dresser
H 43 in W 43 in D 20 in
An Empire Style Faded Mahogany Dresser By Grosfeld House
Located in Riverdale, NY
the stepped rectangular moulded cornice fitted with a lamp above a an open shelf backed by a mirror
Category

Vintage 1940s American Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Antique English George III Oak Server Dresser Base, circa 1780
Located in Houston, TX
and see them first! The handsome simplicity of this George III period antique English oak dresser
Category

Antique 1780s English George III Serving Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique French Dresser Buffet Solid Oak 19th Century Victorian Carved
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
gallery, flanked by turned columns and a triple panelled back, the lower sections enclosed by a pair of
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Buffets

Materials

Oak

Antique French Dresser Buffet Solid Oak 19th Century Victorian Carved 1
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
by turned columns and a triple panelled back, the lower sections enclosed by a pair of rectangular
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Buffets

Materials

Oak

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Step Back Dresser For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal step back dresser for your home. Each step back dresser for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, mahogany and pine. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer step back dresser, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Each step back dresser bearing Victorian, Art Deco or Georgian hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made step back dresser over the years, but those crafted by Collinson & Lock and Heal's are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Step Back Dresser?

Prices for a step back dresser start at $505 and top out at $42,983 with the average selling for $4,699.

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.

Questions About Step Back Dresser
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A step back cupboard is called a step back cupboard because the top half of the cupboard is set back from the bottom half, making it look like it stepped back. Browse 1stDibs to discover an array of stately step back cupboards from top sellers.

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