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Early 20th Century Rustic Solid Wood Wall Shelve Unit
Early 20th Century Rustic Solid Wood Wall Shelve Unit

Early 20th Century Rustic Solid Wood Wall Shelve Unit

Located in Barcelona, ES

Early 20th century Spanish wall shelve unit. Made by unknown manufacturer, circa 1930. In

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Modular Teak Wall Units by Finn Juhl for France & Son
Modular Teak Wall Units by Finn Juhl for France & Son

Modular Teak Wall Units by Finn Juhl for France & Son

By Finn Juhl, France & Søn

Located in Denton, TX

Two Finn Juhl's Danish Modern modular wall unit from the Cresco series for France & Son. Finn

Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Aluminum

Wall unit E22 by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1950s
Wall unit E22 by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1950s

Wall unit E22 by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1950s

By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno

Located in bruxelles, BE

Modular wall unit made of wood and metal with 8 shelves and 1 cabinet with 2 sliding doors

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Paul Evans Cityscape Wall Unit in Chrome & Glass
Paul Evans Cityscape Wall Unit in Chrome & Glass

Paul Evans Cityscape Wall Unit in Chrome & Glass

By Paul Evans

Located in Greensboro, NC

An exceptional “Cityscape” wall unit by Paul Evans. Four wall mounted supports with attached desk

Category

1970s American Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Chrome

18th Century Spanish Colonial Vargueno Set on a 19th Century Mission Chest
18th Century Spanish Colonial Vargueno Set on a 19th Century Mission Chest

18th Century Spanish Colonial Vargueno Set on a 19th Century Mission Chest

Located in Hudson, NY

correspondence while on the move. These items worked as a filing system, safe and self-contained storage unit

Category

Mid-18th Century Mexican Baroque Used Storage Units

Materials

Walnut

Rare 1960s Poul Cadovius Two Shelves Wall Unit
Rare 1960s Poul Cadovius Two Shelves Wall Unit

Rare 1960s Poul Cadovius Two Shelves Wall Unit

By Poul Cadovius

Located in Copenhagen, DK

Rare handmade solitary teak wall unit with two shelves designed by acclaimed Danish designer Poul

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Teak

Bar and Wall Unit in Solid Pine
Bar and Wall Unit in Solid Pine

Bar and Wall Unit in Solid Pine

Located in Waalwijk, NL

your space. Both the bar and the wall unit are equipped with plenty of space to storage bottles and

Category

1970s European Post-Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Pine

George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit, 1950
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit, 1950

George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit, 1950

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Chicago, IL

George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit, 1950’s. Unit is Walnut and made in Zeeland

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern German Wall Unit, Wood, 1970s
Mid-Century Modern German Wall Unit, Wood, 1970s

Mid-Century Modern German Wall Unit, Wood, 1970s

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern German wall unit, wood, 1970s.

Category

1970s German Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit, Wood, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit, Wood, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit, Wood, 1960s

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern Italian wall unit, wood, 1960s.

Category

1960s Italian Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

Faux Large Parchment Tall Étagère Shelving Unit
Faux Large Parchment Tall Étagère Shelving Unit

Faux Large Parchment Tall Étagère Shelving Unit

By Karl Springer

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Mid-Century Modern lacquered faux goat skin étagère.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Goatskin

Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit, Walnut, Italy, 1950s
Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit, Walnut, Italy, 1950s

Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit, Walnut, Italy, 1950s

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern wall unit, walnut, Italy, 1950s.

Category

1950s Italian Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

Galerie L'Orme Modular Wall Unit in Solid Elm
Galerie L'Orme Modular Wall Unit in Solid Elm

Galerie L'Orme Modular Wall Unit in Solid Elm

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Galerie l'Orme, modular wall unit or room divider, solid elm, France, 1970s. Modular wall unit or

Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Elm

Vintage Three Tier Intricate Inlay Corner Shelving Unit
Vintage Three Tier Intricate Inlay Corner Shelving Unit

Vintage Three Tier Intricate Inlay Corner Shelving Unit

Located in Seattle, WA

This Shelving unit Features a Bright White Floral Motif. Possibly She’ll Inlay , Possibly From

Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Italian Black Lacquer and Brass Wall Unit
Midcentury Italian Black Lacquer and Brass Wall Unit

Midcentury Italian Black Lacquer and Brass Wall Unit

Located in Troy, MI

Italian display unit in black lacquered wood with glass shelves and brass accents, circa 1970s

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Postmodern White Illuminated Wall Unit Dry Bar Display Case
Vintage Postmodern White Illuminated Wall Unit Dry Bar Display Case

Vintage Postmodern White Illuminated Wall Unit Dry Bar Display Case

Located in Lutz, FL

1980’s Post Mod White Lacquered Wall Unit Dry Bar Display Cabinet. An incredible wall unit/dry bar

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

1920s Industrial Metal Shelving Unit by Strafor, Painted Finish
1920s Industrial Metal Shelving Unit by Strafor, Painted Finish

1920s Industrial Metal Shelving Unit by Strafor, Painted Finish

By Strafor

Located in Linkebeek, BE

20th Century Strafor painted Metal Shelving Unit Industrial painted metal - 1920s Measures

Category

Early 20th Century French Industrial Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Victorian Walnut Whatnot Bookcase Shelf Unit 1880 Etagere
Victorian Walnut Whatnot Bookcase Shelf Unit 1880 Etagere

Victorian Walnut Whatnot Bookcase Shelf Unit 1880 Etagere

Located in Potters Bar, GB

You are viewing an elegant Victorian whatnot in walnut Circa 1880 Material - Made from richly polished mahogany with a warm, deep patina Design - Three graduated tiers/shelves suppor...

Category

1880s Victorian Used Storage Units

Materials

Walnut

Pr. Wrought Iron and Glass Arch Top Shelf Units
Pr. Wrought Iron and Glass Arch Top Shelf Units

Pr. Wrought Iron and Glass Arch Top Shelf Units

By Paul McCobb, Arthur Umanoff

Located in New York, NY

Pair of architectural Mid Century wrought iron and glass dome top shelf units, design reminiscent

Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Omnia Wall Unit, Vintage Modular Shelf, Black Wood & Metal, 1970s
Omnia Wall Unit, Vintage Modular Shelf, Black Wood & Metal, 1970s

Omnia Wall Unit, Vintage Modular Shelf, Black Wood & Metal, 1970s

By Omnia

Located in Linkebeek, BE

Room divider shelf - Wall Unit 1970' Measures : 148x41cm H:209cm An iconic modular storage system

Category

20th Century German Space Age Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Ico Parisi Attributed, Teak Wall Display Unit with Multi-Colored Drawers
Ico Parisi Attributed, Teak Wall Display Unit with Multi-Colored Drawers

Ico Parisi Attributed, Teak Wall Display Unit with Multi-Colored Drawers

By Gio Ponti, Ico Parisi

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Custom Mid-Century Italian Teak and Maple Wall Display Unit Attributed to Ico Parisi In the style

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

Vintage 1980s Postmodern Lucite Lighted Freestanding Etagere Shelving Unit
Vintage 1980s Postmodern Lucite Lighted Freestanding Etagere Shelving Unit

Vintage 1980s Postmodern Lucite Lighted Freestanding Etagere Shelving Unit

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

A vintage postmodern lucite etagere. This is a lovely 1980s freestanding shelving unit with an all

Category

1980s Unknown Post-Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Lucite

Børge Mogensen for Federicia Stolefabrik Wall Unit in Oak
Børge Mogensen for Federicia Stolefabrik Wall Unit in Oak

Børge Mogensen for Federicia Stolefabrik Wall Unit in Oak

By Fredericia Stolefabrik

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik, wall unit, model 'BM 291', oak, Denmark, design 1956

Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Oak

Mainline by Hooker Mid Century Modern Room Divider Wall Unit
Mainline by Hooker Mid Century Modern Room Divider Wall Unit

Mainline by Hooker Mid Century Modern Room Divider Wall Unit

By Hooker Furniture

Located in Lutz, FL

piece of furniture, both a room divider and shelving unit. Finished on all sides, so easy to place

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Large vintage highboard/sideboard/wall unit from the 1960s/1970s
Large vintage highboard/sideboard/wall unit from the 1960s/1970s

Large vintage highboard/sideboard/wall unit from the 1960s/1970s

Located in Breda, NB

Large vintage highboard/sideboard/wall unit from the 1960s/1970s. This impressive vintage

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

Vintage 1960s Kurt Ostervig for K.P. Mobler Freestanding Danish Teak Wall Unit
Vintage 1960s Kurt Ostervig for K.P. Mobler Freestanding Danish Teak Wall Unit

Vintage 1960s Kurt Ostervig for K.P. Mobler Freestanding Danish Teak Wall Unit

By K.P. Møbler 1

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

storage space and two sliding drawers with blue felt lining. This freestanding wall unit is in very good

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Red Lizard Skin Arched three-Piece Wall Unit
Red Lizard Skin Arched three-Piece Wall Unit

Red Lizard Skin Arched three-Piece Wall Unit

Located in Palm Springs, CA

A pretty wall unit with four shelves each covered in a faux lizard pattern paper covering. The

Category

20th Century Unknown Used Storage Units

Vintage Mid Century Modern Etagere Wall Shelf Unit Free Standing
Vintage Mid Century Modern Etagere Wall Shelf Unit Free Standing

Vintage Mid Century Modern Etagere Wall Shelf Unit Free Standing

Located in Saddle River, NJ

Add functional style to your home with this vintage mid-century modern etagere wall shelf unit

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

Teak & Oak Unit Chest & Mirror
Teak & Oak Unit Chest & Mirror

Teak & Oak Unit Chest & Mirror

Located in London, GB

A highly unusual piece of Scandinavian furniture. To be used as an entrance unit or bedroom dress

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Mirror, Teak, Oak

Danish Modern Teak & Glass Cado Wall Unit Display Cabinet
Danish Modern Teak & Glass Cado Wall Unit Display Cabinet

Danish Modern Teak & Glass Cado Wall Unit Display Cabinet

By Poul Cadovius, Cado

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful teak wall display cabinet designed by Poul Cadiovious for the Cado wall system , this one has its own poles fo easy hanging on the wall and removable glass doors for easy s...

Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Glass, Teak

Pierre Chapo Wall Unit Model 'B17A' in Solid Elm
Pierre Chapo Wall Unit Model 'B17A' in Solid Elm

Pierre Chapo Wall Unit Model 'B17A' in Solid Elm

By Pierre Chapo

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Pierre Chapo, wall unit 'bibliothèque' model 'B17A', elm, France, 1975-1976 This is a wall-mounted

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Elm

Restored Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Cabinet Wall Unit by FM in Excellent Condition
Restored Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Cabinet Wall Unit by FM in Excellent Condition

Restored Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Cabinet Wall Unit by FM in Excellent Condition

By Kai Kristiansen, Feldballes Møbelfabrik

Located in Knebel, DK

1960s Kai Kristiansen cabinet wall unit in teak by Feldballe Mobelfabrik Teak cabinet for Kai

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Teak

Galerie L'Orme Modular Wall Unit in Solid Elm
Galerie L'Orme Modular Wall Unit in Solid Elm

Galerie L'Orme Modular Wall Unit in Solid Elm

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Galerie l'Orme, modular wall unit, solid elm, glass, France, 1970s. French modular wall unit

Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Glass, Elm

Wall Unit ‘Module’ by Kho Liang Ie for Fristho
Wall Unit ‘Module’ by Kho Liang Ie for Fristho

Wall Unit ‘Module’ by Kho Liang Ie for Fristho

By Fristho, Kho Liang Ie

Located in Beerse, VAN

wall unit is made of beech and dark grey painted wood and consists of shelves, a storage compartment

Category

1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Beech

Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit by Raffaella Crespi, Italy, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit by Raffaella Crespi, Italy, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit by Raffaella Crespi, Italy, 1960s

By Raffaella Crespi

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit by Raffaella Crespi, Italy, 1960s

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

1970s mid century shelf unit / room divider by Schreiber
1970s mid century shelf unit / room divider by Schreiber

1970s mid century shelf unit / room divider by Schreiber

By Schreiber

Located in London, GB

Founded in 1957 by Chaim Schreiber, Schreiber furniture is an interesting British success story. The Company was one of the biggest names in furniture in the 70s, rivalling G Plan ...

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Beech

1950s Johnson Carper Curved Walnut Desk Dresser Shelving Unit
1950s Johnson Carper Curved Walnut Desk Dresser Shelving Unit

1950s Johnson Carper Curved Walnut Desk Dresser Shelving Unit

By Johnson Carper, Kipp Stewart, Stewart MacDougall, Paul McCobb

Located in Bensalem, PA

This is a six piece set.Please look at pictures and videofor overall condition detail, and some measurements solid brass pulls. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

Pilastro Multi-Colored Enameled Metal Two Section Wall Unit
Pilastro Multi-Colored Enameled Metal Two Section Wall Unit

Pilastro Multi-Colored Enameled Metal Two Section Wall Unit

By Pilastro, Tjerk Reijenga

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dutch Mid-Century, Pilastro manufactured wall unit with a red and blue cabinet, four shelves in

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Pair of Italian Gold Gilt Étagères Shelving Units
Pair of Italian Gold Gilt Étagères Shelving Units

Pair of Italian Gold Gilt Étagères Shelving Units

By LaBarge

Located in W Allenhurst, NJ

Pair of vintage Italian gold gilt smoked glass shelves étagères with pineapple finials. Smoked glass shelving and a cane shelf. Classic styling with a pop. Curbside to NYC/Philly $600

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Atlas Walnut Wall-Mounted Shelving Unit with 16 Modern Shelves
Atlas Walnut Wall-Mounted Shelving Unit with 16 Modern Shelves

Atlas Walnut Wall-Mounted Shelving Unit with 16 Modern Shelves

By Atlas

Located in Astoria, NY

Atlas Walnut Wall-Mounted Shelving Unit, with 16 short shelves above two door cabinet and three

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Used Storage Units

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Italian Wall Unit in Walnut with Blue Accents
Mid-Century Italian Wall Unit in Walnut with Blue Accents

Mid-Century Italian Wall Unit in Walnut with Blue Accents

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Wall unit or library, walnut, fabric, wood, Italy, 1950s A striking wall unit crafted in Italy

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Walnut

Cityscape wall unit with display shelf Paul Evans
Cityscape wall unit with display shelf Paul Evans

Cityscape wall unit with display shelf Paul Evans

By Paul Evans

Located in Atlanta, GA

A custom made large wall unit by Paul Evans Studio for Directional. It consists of four portals

Category

1970s American Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

Unique XXL Primitive Shelving Unit In 18th C. Portuguese Chestnut
Unique XXL Primitive Shelving Unit In 18th C. Portuguese Chestnut

Unique XXL Primitive Shelving Unit In 18th C. Portuguese Chestnut

Located in London, GB

A unique XXL shelving unit designed and built in house using rare 18th C. Portuguese chestnut

Category

18th Century Portuguese Used Storage Units

Materials

Chestnut

Vintage Chinese Mother of Pearl Hardwood China Cabinet Curio Display Wall Unit
Vintage Chinese Mother of Pearl Hardwood China Cabinet Curio Display Wall Unit

Vintage Chinese Mother of Pearl Hardwood China Cabinet Curio Display Wall Unit

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Chinese Mother of Pearl Hardwood China Cabinet Curio Display Wall Unit. Item features a

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Used Storage Units

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Glass, Hardwood

Modular Wall Unit Shelf by Galerie l’Orme, France, 1970s
Modular Wall Unit Shelf by Galerie l’Orme, France, 1970s

Modular Wall Unit Shelf by Galerie l’Orme, France, 1970s

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo

A French modular wall unit produced by Galerie l’Orme, executed in solid elm. The design is

Category

1970s French Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

Baughman Style Brushed Steel & Smoked Glass Etagere Shelving Unit
Baughman Style Brushed Steel & Smoked Glass Etagere Shelving Unit

Baughman Style Brushed Steel & Smoked Glass Etagere Shelving Unit

By Milo Baughman

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

. Polished chrome framing brings this unit together in a functional, yet beautiful storage piece. In good

Category

Late 20th Century Used Storage Units

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Shelving Unit by Pierre Vandel, Lacquered Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Shelving Unit by Pierre Vandel, Lacquered Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Shelving Unit by Pierre Vandel, Lacquered Aluminum

By Pierre Vandel

Located in Miami, FL

A simple, stylish shelving unit perfect for displaying a collection or useful storage. Taking

Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Aluminum

Danish Walnut Stand Alone Wall Unit / Room Divider / Bookshelf
Danish Walnut Stand Alone Wall Unit / Room Divider / Bookshelf

Danish Walnut Stand Alone Wall Unit / Room Divider / Bookshelf

By HG Furniture

Located in Kensington, MD

Danish Walnut Stand Alone Wall Unit / Room Divider / Bookshelf Additional information: Material

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Typist Chair Synthesis 45 Designed by Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti, Italy, 1970s
Typist Chair Synthesis 45 Designed by Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti, Italy, 1970s

Typist Chair Synthesis 45 Designed by Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti, Italy, 1970s

By Olivetti, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Milano, IT

cabinets, storage units, and an extensive range of accessories. Characterized by functional design and a

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Pilastro Mid-Century Industrial Metal Shelving Unit w/ Desk & Light
Pilastro Mid-Century Industrial Metal Shelving Unit w/ Desk & Light

Pilastro Mid-Century Industrial Metal Shelving Unit w/ Desk & Light

By Pilastro, Tjerk Reijenga

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dutch Mid-Century, Pilastro enameled metal wall mounted shelving unit. This unit features a gray

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Industrial Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Mid century Pilastro wall unit / rack , 1960’s
Mid century Pilastro wall unit / rack , 1960’s

Mid century Pilastro wall unit / rack , 1960’s

By Pilastro

Located in Delft, NL

Dimensions: 63,5 W, 47cmH,21,5cmD Condition: Good Color: Black , Yellow Material: Metal

Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Mid century danish modern rosewood credenza with bookcase shelf unit
Mid century danish modern rosewood credenza with bookcase shelf unit

Mid century danish modern rosewood credenza with bookcase shelf unit

Located in Brooklyn, NY

with (4) drawers the other side has adjustable shelves. The top tall wall unit bookcase has shelves

Category

1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Rosewood

California Design Group Freestanding Modular Wall Unit by Lou Hodges
California Design Group Freestanding Modular Wall Unit by Lou Hodges

California Design Group Freestanding Modular Wall Unit by Lou Hodges

By Lou Hodges

Located in Oceanside, US

A sculptural freestanding wall unit by California designer Lou Hodges, crafted entirely in solid

Category

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

Materials

Oak

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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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