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Side Table / Bureau Produced by Glas & Trä Hovmantorp
Side Table / Bureau Produced by Glas & Trä Hovmantorp

Side Table / Bureau Produced by Glas & Trä Hovmantorp

By AB Glas & Trä

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Rare side table / bureau by unknown designer. Produced by Glas & Trä Hovmantorp in Sweden.

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Gustavian Two-Part Bureau, Handcrafted Pinewood, Neoclassical, 1790
Gustavian Two-Part Bureau, Handcrafted Pinewood, Neoclassical, 1790

Gustavian Two-Part Bureau, Handcrafted Pinewood, Neoclassical, 1790

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A light-grey, white antique Sweden Gustavian two part bureau with a writing flap made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires

Materials

Metal, Brass

Bureau in Rosewood and Brass by Tage Lindgren, 1954
Bureau in Rosewood and Brass by Tage Lindgren, 1954

Bureau in Rosewood and Brass by Tage Lindgren, 1954

By Tage Lindgren

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Bureau in Rosewood and Brass by Tage Lindgren, 1954 Additional Information: Material: Rosewood and brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H): ...

Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Rare Freestanding Bureau in Brass and Leather by Ove Feuk, 1960s
Rare Freestanding Bureau in Brass and Leather by Ove Feuk, 1960s

Rare Freestanding Bureau in Brass and Leather by Ove Feuk, 1960s

By Nordiska Kompaniet

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

This rare freestanding bureau, designed by Ove Feuk and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden during the 1960s, is a refined example of Scandinavian modernism that balances materi...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Bureau in Mahogany and White Artificial Leather by Halvdan Pettersson, 1950's
Bureau in Mahogany and White Artificial Leather by Halvdan Pettersson, 1950's

Bureau in Mahogany and White Artificial Leather by Halvdan Pettersson, 1950's

By Halvdan Pettersson

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Bureau in Mahogany, Brass and White Artificial Leather by Halvdan Pettersson, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Mahogany, brass and white artificial leather Style: Mid centur...

Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets

Materials

Brass

19th Century Scandinavian Birch Empire Bureau Secretary with Bookcase, c. 1820
19th Century Scandinavian Birch Empire Bureau Secretary with Bookcase, c. 1820

19th Century Scandinavian Birch Empire Bureau Secretary with Bookcase, c. 1820

Located in INTERLAKEN, NY

A very fine Scandinavian Empire/Biedermeier secretary in beautiful birch wood with mahogany interior, Denmark, circa 1820. The highly sculptural form makes this piece an outstanding ...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Empire Secretaires

Materials

Birch

Mid Century 1960s Scandi Roll Top Bureau / Desk in Teak by Egon Ostergaard
Mid Century 1960s Scandi Roll Top Bureau / Desk in Teak by Egon Ostergaard

Mid Century 1960s Scandi Roll Top Bureau / Desk in Teak by Egon Ostergaard

By Egon Ostergaard, SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors

Located in Markington, GB

sought after unusual Secretary in teak with locking roll-top door, a selection of small drawers and storage compartments as well as a hidden pull-out black worktop. Also features thr...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Antique Swedish Gustavian Secretary Desk, Pinewood, Circa 1840-1860
Antique Swedish Gustavian Secretary Desk, Pinewood, Circa 1840-1860

Antique Swedish Gustavian Secretary Desk, Pinewood, Circa 1840-1860

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian one part bureau, secretary made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires

Materials

Metal

Swedish Bureau in Two Parts, circa 1790
Swedish Bureau in Two Parts, circa 1790

Swedish Bureau in Two Parts, circa 1790

Located in Antwerp, BE

Swedish bureau in two parts, circa 1790. With original locks and keys.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Swedish Gustavian Bureau, circa 1760
Swedish Gustavian Bureau, circa 1760

Swedish Gustavian Bureau, circa 1760

Located in Charlotte, NC

Swedish Gustavian beautifully shaped block front desk. Light blue paint has had some touch up. The interior drawers are original in color. Ormolu pulls add decoration to this distinc...

Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Mid 18th Century Scraped Swedish Baroque Bureau
Mid 18th Century Scraped Swedish Baroque Bureau

Mid 18th Century Scraped Swedish Baroque Bureau

Located in Aabenraa, DK

Mid 18th century scraped Swedish Baroque bureau Sweden circa 1760 Measures: H: 103cm.

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Swedish Baroque Cabinets

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Period Secretaire Bureau
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Period Secretaire Bureau

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Period Secretaire Bureau

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

An exceptional, richly carved 18th century Gustavian period two-part secretaire bureau with original locks and key. Swedish, circa 1790.

Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Biedermeier Burled Birch Bureau Cylindre Desk, Sweden
Biedermeier Burled Birch Bureau Cylindre Desk, Sweden

Biedermeier Burled Birch Bureau Cylindre Desk, Sweden

Located in Hollywood, FL

The upper section with three doors, above a roll top writing surface and three drawers below.

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Secretaires

Materials

Ebony

An Industrial Swedish Steel Polished Cylinder Bureau c1930
An Industrial Swedish Steel Polished Cylinder Bureau c1930

An Industrial Swedish Steel Polished Cylinder Bureau c1930

Located in London, GB

An Industrial Swedish steel polished cylinder bureau c1930 with original castors and lifting handles

Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Desks

Materials

Steel

Swedish Secretaire Barrel Roll Top Bureau Bookcase Biedermeier Mahogany
Swedish Secretaire Barrel Roll Top Bureau Bookcase Biedermeier Mahogany

Swedish Secretaire Barrel Roll Top Bureau Bookcase Biedermeier Mahogany

Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, GB

A rare and impressive large 19th century Swedish flamed mahogany secretaire in the Biedermeier manner. The upper section with a three concave and convex shaped doors enclosed shelvi...

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

1800s Walnut-Veneered Bureau
1800s Walnut-Veneered Bureau

1800s Walnut-Veneered Bureau

Located in Memphis, TN

Late 19th century bureau veneered in walnut. Turned and carved decor details and original brass hardware. Five drawers. Some scratches and marks. H 44" W 33.5" D 17"

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Elegance of Pine chair
Elegance of Pine chair

Elegance of Pine chair

Unavailable|$1,000 / item

Elegance of Pine chair

By Jangir Maddadi Design Bureau

Located in Kalmar, SE

Description: Discover the epitome of understated luxury with our 'Elegance in Pine.' This exquisite piece seamlessly marries the timeless charm of pine wood with the essence of tranq...

Category

2010s Swedish Modern Chairs

Materials

Pine

Union Bench Bamboo Edition Limited Edition of 1 Only!
Union Bench Bamboo Edition Limited Edition of 1 Only!

Union Bench Bamboo Edition Limited Edition of 1 Only!

By Jangir Maddadi Design Bureau

Located in Kalmar, SE

The Union Bench Bamboo edition is the only Union Bench produced with a bamboo seat. It was originally designed for an exhibition in Paris but was never exhibited due to the selection...

Category

2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Bamboo, Fiberglass, Rubber

Droid Lamp White and Black Edition: Limited Release of 50 Units
Droid Lamp White and Black Edition: Limited Release of 50 Units

Droid Lamp White and Black Edition: Limited Release of 50 Units

By Jangir Maddadi Design Bureau

Located in Kalmar, SE

"Droid Lamp White and Black Edition: Limited Release of 50 Units" "My mission when I designed the Droid Lamp was to create a sculpture that could take center stage in any space and ...

Category

2010s Swedish Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Steel

1960s Teak Bureau Attributed to David Rosén
1960s Teak Bureau Attributed to David Rosén

1960s Teak Bureau Attributed to David Rosén

By David Rosén

Located in Alvesta, SE

Nice chest of drawers or small bureau. Wheels in back, lift the front and the bureau is movable. Brass handles.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Exclusive Droid Lamp Chrome Edition - Limited to Only Two Units
Exclusive Droid Lamp Chrome Edition - Limited to Only Two Units

Exclusive Droid Lamp Chrome Edition - Limited to Only Two Units

By Jangir Maddadi Design Bureau

Located in Kalmar, SE

Droid Lamp Chrome Edition: Limited Release of 2 Exclusive Units" "My mission when I designed the Droid Lamp was to create a sculpture that could take center stage in any space and o...

Category

2010s Swedish Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Swarm Lamp x 3
Swarm Lamp x 3

Swarm Lamp x 3

Unavailable|$900 / set

Swarm Lamp x 3

By Jangir Maddadi Design Bureau

Located in Kalmar, SE

SWARM LAMP - a poetic embodiment of design, whether as a chandelier or in the form of three swarms. This exquisite lamp elevates any space it graces, radiating charm and elegance. P...

Category

2010s Swedish Organic Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Oak

Compound B pouf in exclusive rubber coated edition
Compound B pouf in exclusive rubber coated edition

Compound B pouf in exclusive rubber coated edition

By Jangir Maddadi Design Bureau

Located in Kalmar, SE

Introducing the Compound B Collection: Where Versatility Meets Comfort Unveiling the Compound B Collection—a stunning fusion of form, function, and surprise. Each piece within this ...

Category

2010s Swedish Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Foam, Rubber, Plywood

Remarkable Folk Art Paint Decorated Writing Desk/ Bureau
Remarkable Folk Art Paint Decorated Writing Desk/ Bureau

Remarkable Folk Art Paint Decorated Writing Desk/ Bureau

Located in London, GB

Of Delightful Shallow Proportions and Rare Integrity. Retaining the Original Stylised “Wild Grain” Painted and Stylised Floral Decoration. The fall front retains traces of the origin...

Category

Antique 1820s Swedish Folk Art Desks

Materials

Pine

A Fine Neoclassic Mahogany and Brass Bureau Plat
A Fine Neoclassic Mahogany and Brass Bureau Plat

A Fine Neoclassic Mahogany and Brass Bureau Plat

Located in New York, NY

Having a row of 3 drawers on each side. One drawer having an inscription from the eboniste.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Swedish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Grey Painted Gustavian Bureau with Three Drawers, Carved Legs & Brass Hardware
Grey Painted Gustavian Bureau with Three Drawers, Carved Legs & Brass Hardware

Grey Painted Gustavian Bureau with Three Drawers, Carved Legs & Brass Hardware

Located in Memphis, TN

1900s grey painted Gustavian bureau with three drawers, carved legs & original brass hardware. Chest of drawers painted a calm Scandinavian creamy grey with authentic patina that onl...

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Neb Bureau Contemporary Desk with Flip Door Front in Brass by Per Soderberg
Neb Bureau Contemporary Desk with Flip Door Front in Brass by Per Soderberg

Neb Bureau Contemporary Desk with Flip Door Front in Brass by Per Soderberg

By Per Soderberg

Located in Stockholm, SE

Inspired by a Classic Scandinavian secrétaire, this contemporary desk / bureau by Swedish architect and designer Per Soderberg provides a striking element for a range of interior set...

Category

2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Swedish Bureau
Swedish Bureau

Swedish Bureau

Sold|$5,420

Swedish Bureau

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

19th century Swedish bureau with original painted interior.

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Secretaires

Swedish Bureau Bookcase
Swedish Bureau Bookcase

Swedish Bureau Bookcase

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Tall 19th century painted Swedish bureau bookcase with mirrored panels, 1880 Dimensions: 38 inches (97 cms) wide 19 inches (48 cms) deep 93 inches (236 cms) high.   

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Desks

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Bureau
19th Century Swedish Bureau

19th Century Swedish Bureau

Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire

19th Century Swedish bureau. With a fall front desk, opening to nine drawers this makes the perfect writing or computer space.

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Secretaires

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Bureau
19th Century Swedish Bureau

19th Century Swedish Bureau

Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex

Early 19th century Swedish Bureau, incredible shape and lines throughout.

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Cupboards

Materials

Wood

Early 19th Century Swedish Bureau Cabinet
Early 19th Century Swedish Bureau Cabinet

Early 19th Century Swedish Bureau Cabinet

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Early 19th century Swedish bureau cabinet in early paint (refreshed).

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Cabinets

18th Century Swedish Bureau Bookcase
18th Century Swedish Bureau Bookcase

18th Century Swedish Bureau Bookcase

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Stunning 18th C Swedish bureau bookcase with good carved detail. 1780.

Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Bookcases

Materials

Pine

Swedish Bureau Scraped to Original Paint
Swedish Bureau Scraped to Original Paint

Swedish Bureau Scraped to Original Paint

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

An early 19th century Swedish bureau, scraped to original paint, c.1810, with a wonderfully charming interior.

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Secretaires

18th Century Swedish Bureau
18th Century Swedish Bureau

18th Century Swedish Bureau

Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire

Elegant 18th Century Swedish bureau. The exterior and interior of this lovely piece are painted entirely white, with its original brass hardware.

Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

19th Century Painted Swedish Bureau
19th Century Painted Swedish Bureau

19th Century Painted Swedish Bureau

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

19th century painted Swedish bureau desk, circa 1860. Single drawer above 3 large drawers with working locks and key.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Bureau with Blue Patina
19th Century Swedish Bureau with Blue Patina

19th Century Swedish Bureau with Blue Patina

Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire

This decorative 19th century Swedish bureau is finished with a beautiful blue patina, and features a top cabinet with panelled two doors and a carved pediment cornice, which open to ...

Category

Antique 1860s Swedish Cabinets

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Bureau with Curved Decorative Detailing
18th Century Swedish Bureau with Curved Decorative Detailing

18th Century Swedish Bureau with Curved Decorative Detailing

Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire

Rare Swedish bureau with exceptional carved decorative detailing to the outer and inner drawers.

Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Desks

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Bureau Cabinet
18th Century Swedish Bureau Cabinet

18th Century Swedish Bureau Cabinet

Located in Kramfors, SE

Elegant Swedish bureau cabinet most likely made around Stockholm during the transition period between baroque and rococo.

Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Rococo Cabinets

Materials

Pine

Swedish Bureau Bookcase
Swedish Bureau Bookcase

Swedish Bureau Bookcase

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Good 19th century Swedish painted bureau bookcase, 1820   Dimensions: 45 inches (114 cms) wide 19.5 inches (50 cms) deep 80.5 inches (204 cms) high.

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks

Materials

Oak, Pine

18th Century Swedish Bureau
18th Century Swedish Bureau

18th Century Swedish Bureau

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Late 18th century Gustavian bureau.

Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Desks

Exceptional Swedish Bureau Cabinet
Exceptional Swedish Bureau Cabinet

Exceptional Swedish Bureau Cabinet

Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire

An exceptional Swedish cabinet with a pair of doors featuring diamond decorative detailing, central drop down door with small desk, and three further drawers for more storage. This p...

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Cabinets

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Bureau Secretary in Original Black Paint
19th Century Swedish Bureau Secretary in Original Black Paint

19th Century Swedish Bureau Secretary in Original Black Paint

Located in Atlanta, GA

A striking Swedish bureau secretary retaining its original black painted finish — a rich, saturated surface that has deepened with age to reveal the quiet character of nearly two cen...

Category

Antique 19th Century Gustavian Secretaires

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Bureau
19th Century Swedish Bureau

19th Century Swedish Bureau

Located in Charleston, SC

Charming small Swedish Gustavian ladies Bureau with marble top and drop-down desk surface with banks of small drawers and compartment on two standard drawers with long slender tapere...

Category

Antique 19th Century Gustavian Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

Original Painted Swedish Bureau Bookcase
Original Painted Swedish Bureau Bookcase

Original Painted Swedish Bureau Bookcase

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Good 19th C original painted Swedish pine bureau bookcase. 1850.   Dimensions 40.5 inches (103 cms) wide 17 inches (43 cms) deep 75.5 inches (192 cms) high.

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Cupboards

Materials

Pine

19th Century Painted Swedish Bureau
19th Century Painted Swedish Bureau

19th Century Painted Swedish Bureau

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Early 19th century Swedish painted bureau. Top cabinet has two paneled doors below a carved arched cornice.

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Cupboards

Materials

Pine

Early 19th Century Swedish Bureau
Early 19th Century Swedish Bureau

Early 19th Century Swedish Bureau

Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire

Swedish early 19th century Swedish secretaire with two parts - the top half opens with two doors decorated with oval reeded fronts.

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Bureau Bookcase
18th Century Swedish Bureau Bookcase

18th Century Swedish Bureau Bookcase

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Nice 18th C Swedish painted bureau bookcase. 1780. Height to desk is 72cm.

Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Bookcases

Materials

Oak

19th Century Swedish Bureau Bookcase
19th Century Swedish Bureau Bookcase

19th Century Swedish Bureau Bookcase

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Early 19th century Swedish painted bureau bookcase with original locks and keys, 1820.

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks

Materials

Pine

Early 19th Century Swedish Bureau
Early 19th Century Swedish Bureau

Early 19th Century Swedish Bureau

Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire

Early 19th Century fall front bureau. This lovely bureau is in a sturdy condition with very few signs of wear. The fall front opens to reveal a variety of drawers that consists of...

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Swedish Serpentine Bureau
Swedish Serpentine Bureau

Swedish Serpentine Bureau

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Late 19th century, Swedish original painted Swedish Bureau, 1890 Reference: 5303 Dimensions 43.5 inches (110 cms) wide 22 inches (56 cms) deep 41 inches (104 cms) high.

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Late 18th Century Swedish Painted Bureau
Late 18th Century Swedish Painted Bureau

Late 18th Century Swedish Painted Bureau

Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire

This late 18th century Swedish bureau features a fall front desk which opens to nine inner drawers, underneath are four split drawers and a further two larger drawers.

Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Mid-19th Century Swedish Clock Bureau
Mid-19th Century Swedish Clock Bureau

Mid-19th Century Swedish Clock Bureau

Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex

Remarkable Swedish bureau clock. Extraordinary patination original interior paint.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish More Clocks

Materials

Wood

Small Swedish 18th Century Bureau Bookcase
Small Swedish 18th Century Bureau Bookcase

Small Swedish 18th Century Bureau Bookcase

Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire

Small Swedish bureau bookcase of good small proportions.

Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Period Bureau Cabinet
Gustavian Period Bureau Cabinet

Gustavian Period Bureau Cabinet

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Stunning early 19th century Swedish bureau cabinet in gorgeous early painted decoration.

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Cabinets

Materials

Pine

Antique Swedish Biedermeier Secretary Bureau Birch Chest of Drawers
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Secretary Bureau Birch Chest of Drawers

Antique Swedish Biedermeier Secretary Bureau Birch Chest of Drawers

Located in Round Top, TX

Please enlarge photos to appreciate the craftsmanship in this classic Swedish bureau. It has been restored and is ready to be placed and admired.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Birch

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Swedish Bureau For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic Swedish bureau available at 1stDibs. Each Swedish bureau for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, softwood and pine. Find 97 options for an antique or vintage Swedish bureau now, or shop our selection of 2 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Your living room may not be complete without a Swedish bureau — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Each Swedish bureau bearing Scandinavian Modern, Baroque or Mid-Century Modern hallmarks is very popular. A well-made Swedish bureau has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Axel Larsson, Ib Kofod-Larsen and Axel Einar Hjorth are consistently popular.

How Much is a Swedish Bureau?

A Swedish bureau can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $4,955, while the lowest priced sells for $906 and the highest can go for as much as $19,500.

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.

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