Skip to main content

Used Storage Units

to
380
3,357
3,014
6,054
4,303
1,799
1,097
1,079
735
253
231
151
143
138
137
71
70
45
44
33
30
29
26
24
19
16
12
12
9
7
4
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
484
219
118
117
106
Sort By
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

Art Deco round bar unit - Italy 1930
Art Deco round bar unit - Italy 1930

Art Deco round bar unit - Italy 1930

Located in Girona, Girona

Art Deco round bar unit resting on a cross-shaped base with 4 large black lacquered wood and brass

Category

1930s Italian Art Deco Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal, Nickel

Collectible Open Etagere Shelving Unit Late 1940s Northwest Chair Company
Collectible Open Etagere Shelving Unit Late 1940s Northwest Chair Company

Collectible Open Etagere Shelving Unit Late 1940s Northwest Chair Company

By Northwest Chair Co.

Located in Lomita, CA

proportioned mid-century shelving unit by the Northwest Chair Company of Tacoma, Washington. It is crafted in

Category

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

Materials

Abalone, Birch, Maple

Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit in Maple and Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit in Maple and Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit in Maple and Walnut

Located in Waalwijk, NL

definitely adds to the charm of this Italian wall unit. For example, the slender base, the brass detailing

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

Danish Modern Modular 4 Bay Wall Unit by Lyby Mobler, c. 1960
Danish Modern Modular 4 Bay Wall Unit by Lyby Mobler, c. 1960

Danish Modern Modular 4 Bay Wall Unit by Lyby Mobler, c. 1960

By Lyby Mobler

Located in Deland, FL

storage space with interior shelves as well. This unit has finished backs to serve well as a room divider

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Modular 2 Bay Wall Unit by Lyby Mobler, C. 1960s
Danish Modern Modular 2 Bay Wall Unit by Lyby Mobler, C. 1960s

Danish Modern Modular 2 Bay Wall Unit by Lyby Mobler, C. 1960s

By Lyby Mobler

Located in Deland, FL

storage space with interior shelves as well. This unit has finished backs to serve well as a room divider

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Teak

Italian Mid Century Wall unit Bookcase with Cabinet Bar, 1960s
Italian Mid Century Wall unit Bookcase with Cabinet Bar, 1960s

Italian Mid Century Wall unit Bookcase with Cabinet Bar, 1960s

Located in Traversetolo, IT

Stylish wall unit bookcase in a pleasant walnut wood with warm tones, great executive quality and

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass, Iron

Large "Peter" Shelving Unit by Niels Gammelgaard for Ikea, 1980s
Large "Peter" Shelving Unit by Niels Gammelgaard for Ikea, 1980s

Large "Peter" Shelving Unit by Niels Gammelgaard for Ikea, 1980s

By Niels Gammelgaard, IKEA

Located in Lyon, FR

Large freestanding chrome-plated metal shelving unit, “Peter” model, designed by Niels Gammelgaard

Category

1980s Swedish Post-Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

BoConcept Como System Lacquered Charcoal Gray Contemporary Shelving Unit
BoConcept Como System Lacquered Charcoal Gray Contemporary Shelving Unit

BoConcept Como System Lacquered Charcoal Gray Contemporary Shelving Unit

By BoConcept

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

A BoConcept Como System shelving unit. The Como shelving system is designed by Morton Georgsen for

Category

Late 20th Century Danish Used Storage Units

Materials

Lacquer

Mid-Century Modern Modular Shelf Unit, Olli Mannermaa, Finland 1950s
Mid-Century Modern Modular Shelf Unit, Olli Mannermaa, Finland 1950s

Mid-Century Modern Modular Shelf Unit, Olli Mannermaa, Finland 1950s

By Olli Mannermaa

Located in Helsinki, FI

, Finland, in the 1950s. The unit combines three slender black lacquered metal uprights with 10 warm wooden

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

American of Martinsville Dania 3 Piece Louvered Walnut Desk Modular Unit
American of Martinsville Dania 3 Piece Louvered Walnut Desk Modular Unit

American of Martinsville Dania 3 Piece Louvered Walnut Desk Modular Unit

By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun

Located in Pemberton, NJ

drawers of the modular pieces-very stylish. This set measures 47" T x 72"L x 18.5"D. The desk unit by

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

1980s Ikea Guide Shelving unit or Bookcase by Niels Gammelgaard
1980s Ikea Guide Shelving unit or Bookcase by Niels Gammelgaard

1980s Ikea Guide Shelving unit or Bookcase by Niels Gammelgaard

By IKEA, Niels Gammelgaard

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Iconic 1980s Ikea Guide Shelving unit or Bookcase by Niels Gammelgaard. 67w 12.5d 62.5h

Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Industrial Used Storage Units

Materials

Laminate

Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs Large 'Välipala' Wall Unit
Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs Large 'Välipala' Wall Unit

Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs Large 'Välipala' Wall Unit

By Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs, Mikko Nupponen

Located in Waalwijk, NL

, Finland, 1950s Designed by the Finnish designer Carl Gustaf Hiort, this wall unit is an architectural

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood, Teak

Impressive Metal Wall Unit Attributed to Mathieu Mategot, 1960s
Impressive Metal Wall Unit Attributed to Mathieu Mategot, 1960s

Impressive Metal Wall Unit Attributed to Mathieu Mategot, 1960s

By Mathieu Matégot

Located in Echt, NL

High quality metal wall unit attributed to Mathieu Mategot in very good condition. This wall unit

Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit by Saporiti, Italy, 1970s
Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit by Saporiti, Italy, 1970s

Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit by Saporiti, Italy, 1970s

By Saporiti

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit by Saporiti, Italy, 1970s.

Category

1970s Italian Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

1950’S Engineers Single Drawer Units – Twelve Drawers (1227.2)
1950’S Engineers Single Drawer Units – Twelve Drawers (1227.2)

1950’S Engineers Single Drawer Units – Twelve Drawers (1227.2)

Located in Hook, Hampshire

1950's Engineers Single Drawer Units - Twelve Drawers (1227.2). We recently cleared an engineering

Category

1950s English Used Storage Units

Materials

Pine

Mogens Koch Wall Unit in Elm for Rud. Rasmussen
Mogens Koch Wall Unit in Elm for Rud. Rasmussen

Mogens Koch Wall Unit in Elm for Rud. Rasmussen

By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch

Located in Copenhagen, DK

Mogens Koch elm wall unit consisting of six bookcases with removable shelfs. Executed by Rud

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Elm

1960s Poul Cadovius for Cado 3-Bay Rosewood Wall Unit
1960s Poul Cadovius for Cado 3-Bay Rosewood Wall Unit

1960s Poul Cadovius for Cado 3-Bay Rosewood Wall Unit

By Cado, Poul Cadovius

Located in Knebel, DK

1960s Poul Cadovius for Cado 3-bay rosewood wall unit manufactored by Cado We are selling this

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Rosewood

Pair of coffee tables- side tables, by Pierre Vandel, Paris, France, circa 1970
Pair of coffee tables- side tables, by Pierre Vandel, Paris, France, circa 1970

Pair of coffee tables- side tables, by Pierre Vandel, Paris, France, circa 1970

By Pierre Vandel

Located in Paris, FR

tables, chairs, storage units, and other items produced in the 1970s and 1980s. The French interior

Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

Handsome Large Black Iron Shelving Unit-Early 20th Century
Handsome Large Black Iron Shelving Unit-Early 20th Century

Handsome Large Black Iron Shelving Unit-Early 20th Century

Located in Copenhagen K, DK

Large and handsome iron shelving unit, ingeniously made out of two early 20th century French iron

Category

Early 20th Century French Used Storage Units

Materials

Iron

Mid-century Italian Bookcase Or Shelving Unit, 1960's
Mid-century Italian Bookcase Or Shelving Unit, 1960's

Mid-century Italian Bookcase Or Shelving Unit, 1960's

Located in Antwerp, Antwerp

A unique 1960’s bookcase or shelving unit. Italian designer manufacturing, consisting out of a

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

Georg Satink WK Mobel German Teak Wall Unit Credenza Cabinet Danish Modern
Georg Satink WK Mobel German Teak Wall Unit Credenza Cabinet Danish Modern

Georg Satink WK Mobel German Teak Wall Unit Credenza Cabinet Danish Modern

By WK Möbel

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Georg Satink WK Mobel German Teak Wall Unit Credenza Cabinet Mid Century Danish Modern

Category

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

Materials

Teak

1940's Tall French Workshop Shelving Unit - Thirty Four Drawers
1940's Tall French Workshop Shelving Unit - Thirty Four Drawers

1940's Tall French Workshop Shelving Unit - Thirty Four Drawers

Located in Hook, Hampshire

1940’s Tall French Workshop Shelving Unit – Thirty Four Drawers. Sourced in France this is a

Category

1940s French Used Storage Units

Materials

Pine

Set of 3 Burl Wood Lighted Cabinets Wall Units Mid Century Modern MINT
Set of 3 Burl Wood Lighted Cabinets Wall Units Mid Century Modern MINT

Set of 3 Burl Wood Lighted Cabinets Wall Units Mid Century Modern MINT

By Century Furniture, Milo Baughman

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Set of 3 Burl Wood Lighted Cabinets Wall Units Mid Century Modern MINT

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Burl

Frederick Weinberg Iron White Enamel Shelves Etagere Wall Unit
Frederick Weinberg Iron White Enamel Shelves Etagere Wall Unit

Frederick Weinberg Iron White Enamel Shelves Etagere Wall Unit

By Frederic Weinberg

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Frederick Weinberg Iron White Enamel Shelves Etagere Wall Unit

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Enamel, Steel

Pair of Mid Century Modern Walnut Wall Units by Stanley
Pair of Mid Century Modern Walnut Wall Units by Stanley

Pair of Mid Century Modern Walnut Wall Units by Stanley

By Stanley Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A fantastic pair of modular wall units by Stanley featuring walnut veneer cabinets and drawer

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Poul Hundevad Rosewood - Drop Desk - Wall Unit Bookcase
Poul Hundevad Rosewood - Drop Desk - Wall Unit Bookcase

Poul Hundevad Rosewood - Drop Desk - Wall Unit Bookcase

By Poul Havgaard

Located in Newfoundland, PA

Stunning rose wood book case or desk. Sliding door on the bottom with file draw and shelving. Two pieces. Top is shelves with a locked drop down desk on the right. Measures: Top is 5...

Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

Four Piece Wall Unit by Christian Hvidt for Soborg
Four Piece Wall Unit by Christian Hvidt for Soborg

Four Piece Wall Unit by Christian Hvidt for Soborg

By Christian Hvidt

Located in Dallas, TX

A four piece teak wall unit with brass hardware. Bookshelves with adjustable shelving. Designed by

Category

1950s Used Storage Units

Materials

Teak

Vittorio Introini for Proposals Wall Unit in Steel and Glass
Vittorio Introini for Proposals Wall Unit in Steel and Glass

Vittorio Introini for Proposals Wall Unit in Steel and Glass

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Vittorio Introini for Proposals wall unit or library, glass, steel, brass, Italy, 1970s This

Category

1970s Italian Post-Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Steel

Wall Unit Bookcase by Knoll International designed by Fred Ruf, 1950s
Wall Unit Bookcase by Knoll International designed by Fred Ruf, 1950s

Wall Unit Bookcase by Knoll International designed by Fred Ruf, 1950s

By Fred Ruf, Knoll

Located in Rosendahl, DE

Wall Unit by Knoll International designed by Fred Ruf, 1950s A rare wall-mounted shelving unit

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Walnut

Large Feal Italian Wall Unit in Anodized Aluminum and Mahogany
Large Feal Italian Wall Unit in Anodized Aluminum and Mahogany

Large Feal Italian Wall Unit in Anodized Aluminum and Mahogany

By Feal

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Feal (Fonderie Elettriche Alluminio e Lega), model ‘S2’ wall unit, mahogany, anodized aluminum

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Aluminum

Mogens Koch Set of Eight Units for Rud Rasmussen
Mogens Koch Set of Eight Units for Rud Rasmussen

Mogens Koch Set of Eight Units for Rud Rasmussen

By Mogens Koch, Rud Rasmussen

Located in Copenhagen, DK

Mogens Koch set of eight units in pine. Executed by Rud Rasmussen. Reverse with paper labels

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Pine

Umbo Modular Shelving Unit by Kay LeRoy Ruggles for Directional
Umbo Modular Shelving Unit by Kay LeRoy Ruggles for Directional

Umbo Modular Shelving Unit by Kay LeRoy Ruggles for Directional

By Directional, Kay Leroy Ruggles

Located in Chicago, IL

c. 1970s. USA. Modular shelving unit with gorgeous sun fading.

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Plastic

Vladimir Kagan Burl Wood Wall Unit Cabinet Sideboard
Vladimir Kagan Burl Wood Wall Unit Cabinet Sideboard

Vladimir Kagan Burl Wood Wall Unit Cabinet Sideboard

By Vladimir Kagan, Milo Baughman

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Very nice Mid-Century Modern burl wood liquor cabinet bar, display cabinet or sideboard by V. Kagan. Measures: 8' Tall.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Mid-Century Wicker and Glass Shelving Unit, France, 1960
Mid-Century Wicker and Glass Shelving Unit, France, 1960

Mid-Century Wicker and Glass Shelving Unit, France, 1960

Located in Madrid, ES

French Bohemian Wicker shelf unit from the late mid-century. It consists of a metal frame and

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Broyhill Brasilia Model 6140-72/73 Room Divider Base & Deck Walnut Wall Unit
Broyhill Brasilia Model 6140-72/73 Room Divider Base & Deck Walnut Wall Unit

Broyhill Brasilia Model 6140-72/73 Room Divider Base & Deck Walnut Wall Unit

By Broyhill Brasilia

Located in Philadelphia, PA

, these units were made in the 1960s in Lenoir, North Carolina. The bottom unit, a low cabinet, features a

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Walnut

Antique Ningbo Elm and Cypress Wood Cabinet from China, 19th Century
Antique Ningbo Elm and Cypress Wood Cabinet from China, 19th Century

Antique Ningbo Elm and Cypress Wood Cabinet from China, 19th Century

Located in Yonkers, NY

, this Ningbo Chinese 19th Century elm and cypress wood cabinet would be an elegant storage unit in most

Category

19th Century Chinese Used Storage Units

Materials

Elm, Cypress

Pair of brushed steel Ultra Minimalist Custom Modular Shelving Units
Pair of brushed steel Ultra Minimalist Custom Modular Shelving Units

Pair of brushed steel Ultra Minimalist Custom Modular Shelving Units

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A pair of ultra-minimalist modular steel shelving units, (two pairs available) designed and

Category

2010s American Brutalist Used Storage Units

Materials

Steel

Expertly Restored - Janet Schwietzer "Obra" Wall Unit for Pace Collection
Expertly Restored - Janet Schwietzer "Obra" Wall Unit for Pace Collection

Expertly Restored - Janet Schwietzer "Obra" Wall Unit for Pace Collection

By Pace Collection, Janet Schweitzer

Located in Los Angeles, CA

________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Aluminum

Henredon French Country Provincial Walnut Fruitwood 3 Pc Wall Unit Bookcase
Henredon French Country Provincial Walnut Fruitwood 3 Pc Wall Unit Bookcase

Henredon French Country Provincial Walnut Fruitwood 3 Pc Wall Unit Bookcase

By Henredon

Located in Philadelphia, PA

. Vintage Henredon French Country Provincial/Neoclassical Walnut Fruitwood 3 Pc Cabinet Wall Unit Bookcase

Category

Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Used Storage Units

Materials

Walnut

Theodore Alexander 3-Tier Etagere Walnut and Cane Shelving Unit
Theodore Alexander 3-Tier Etagere Walnut and Cane Shelving Unit

Theodore Alexander 3-Tier Etagere Walnut and Cane Shelving Unit

By Theodore Alexander

Located in Toledo, OH

Large 3-tier walnut etagere open shelving unit by Theodore Alexander. The piece features cane

Category

Mid-20th Century Used Storage Units

Materials

Cane, Glass, Walnut

Ca. 1930 Large Industrial Metal Shelving Unit with 12 Adjustable Shelves
Ca. 1930 Large Industrial Metal Shelving Unit with 12 Adjustable Shelves

Ca. 1930 Large Industrial Metal Shelving Unit with 12 Adjustable Shelves

Located in Markington, GB

ideal for a variety of storage and display needs. Designed with practical use in mind, the unit can be

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Poul Cadovius for Cado/Royal System 3-Bay Wall Unit in Brazilian Rosewood
Poul Cadovius for Cado/Royal System 3-Bay Wall Unit in Brazilian Rosewood

Poul Cadovius for Cado/Royal System 3-Bay Wall Unit in Brazilian Rosewood

By Royal System, Poul Cadovius

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Designed in the late 1960s by Poul Cadovius, this 2nd generation wall unit was produced by Cado

Category

1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Glass, Rosewood

Frederick Weinberg Iron and Glass Shelf Unit with Lamp
Frederick Weinberg Iron and Glass Shelf Unit with Lamp

Frederick Weinberg Iron and Glass Shelf Unit with Lamp

By Frederic Weinberg

Located in Ferndale, MI

Frederick Weinberg iron and glass shelf unit with lamp.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Steel, Wrought Iron

French Midcentury Brass and Glass Angular Formed Shelving Unit
French Midcentury Brass and Glass Angular Formed Shelving Unit

French Midcentury Brass and Glass Angular Formed Shelving Unit

Located in Copenhagen K, DK

elongated glass shelves, divided into 3 triangular high sections with two lower units, one on each side and

Category

Mid-20th Century French Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

Mogens Koch Wall Unit of Mahogany for Rud Rasmussen
Mogens Koch Wall Unit of Mahogany for Rud Rasmussen

Mogens Koch Wall Unit of Mahogany for Rud Rasmussen

By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch

Located in Copenhagen, DK

Mogens Koch wall unit of mahogany. Two bookcases with removable inlays. Executed by Rud Rasmussen

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Mahogany

Stool 60 with finger joint seat by Alvar Aalto for Artek (1950s)
Stool 60 with finger joint seat by Alvar Aalto for Artek (1950s)

Stool 60 with finger joint seat by Alvar Aalto for Artek (1950s)

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Centreville, VA

, a table, storage unit, or display surface. Born of modernist ideals and Finnish innovation, its

Category

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

Materials

Bentwood

Mid Century Danish HG Teak Wood Modular Wall Unit Shelving & Bookcase
Mid Century Danish HG Teak Wood Modular Wall Unit Shelving & Bookcase

Mid Century Danish HG Teak Wood Modular Wall Unit Shelving & Bookcase

By Hansen & Guldborg Møbler

Located in Detroit, MI

HG wall unit set is comprised of the following components: 1 Storage Cabinet with Sliding Tambour

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Mogens Koch Wall Unit in Elm for Rud. Rasmussen
Mogens Koch Wall Unit in Elm for Rud. Rasmussen

Mogens Koch Wall Unit in Elm for Rud. Rasmussen

By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch

Located in Copenhagen, DK

Mogens Koch Elm wall unit consisting of three cabinets with three matching plinths and three

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Elm

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Used Storage Units", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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.

Read More

37 Cheerful Home Bars, Where Everybody (Literally) Knows Your Name

Simple or sophisticated, equipped with console, cart or custom cabinetry, these stylish bar areas deserve a toast.

The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home

Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.

What Exactly Is a Secretary Desk, and What Is It Used For?

The furniture equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, it's the multifunctional piece you didn't know you needed.

This Shelving System with Oxidized Brass Tubes Is Retro and Futuristic at Once

Italian studio DimoreMilano mustered great ingenuity when crafting these sculptural shelves, which are built without any screws.

Ask an Interior Designer: Work-from-Home Edition

Leaping into a design project, whether it's refreshing the bedroom or redoing the whole house, can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know more than a few interior designers. You asked questions on Instagram, and now they're answering.

Collected and Eclectic, ‘Wunderkammern’ Are Back in a Big Way

Introduced nearly 500 years ago, curiosity cabinets are finding new fans among today's collectors and designers.

Meet the Incredible Woman Transforming Fallen Trees into Sleek Furniture

In the hands of New York Heartwoods cofounder Megan Offner, unwanted local trees become works of design art.

These New York Architects Love a Complicated Project

From Brooklyn townhouses to Maine campgrounds, Trattie Davies and Jonathan Toews relish a challenge, like transforming a former warehouse space into the new 1stdibs Gallery.