Skip to main content

Used Storage Units

to
380
3,356
3,014
6,053
4,302
1,798
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 Teak Wall Unit by Ico Parisi, Italy 1960s
Mid-Century Teak Wall Unit by Ico Parisi, Italy 1960s

Mid-Century Teak Wall Unit by Ico Parisi, Italy 1960s

By Ico Parisi

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-century teak wall unit by Ico Parisi - Italy 1960s.

Category

1960s Italian Used Storage Units

Materials

Teak

Baker Furniture French Library Cabinet Lighted Secretary Desk Stacking Unit
Baker Furniture French Library Cabinet Lighted Secretary Desk Stacking Unit

Baker Furniture French Library Cabinet Lighted Secretary Desk Stacking Unit

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in West Chester, PA

Baker Furniture from the 18th century French Stacking Units Collection as shown in the Baker

Category

1960s American French Provincial Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

Large Mid-Century Modern Asymmetrical Rattan Etagere or Shelving Wall Unit
Large Mid-Century Modern Asymmetrical Rattan Etagere or Shelving Wall Unit

Large Mid-Century Modern Asymmetrical Rattan Etagere or Shelving Wall Unit

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A 1970's retro classic etagere. Extra wide & chunky design. It consists of rattan wrapped wood framing with one glass shelves. Overall in very good condition.

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Rattan, Glass, Wood

A Pair of French Art Deco Outfitter’s Shop Display Shelf Units
A Pair of French Art Deco Outfitter’s Shop Display Shelf Units

A Pair of French Art Deco Outfitter’s Shop Display Shelf Units

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

A Pair of French Art Deco Outfitter’s Shop Display Shelf Units These are 2 very impressive

Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Used Storage Units

Materials

Steel

1960s Wide Version Teak Shelves for Kai Kristiansen Wall Unit Feldballe Møbler
1960s Wide Version Teak Shelves for Kai Kristiansen Wall Unit Feldballe Møbler

1960s Wide Version Teak Shelves for Kai Kristiansen Wall Unit Feldballe Møbler

By Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen

Located in Knebel, DK

1960s teak shelves for Kai Kristiansen ´wall unit by Feldballe Møbler Extra teak shelves for Kai

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Teak

1960s Narrow Version Teak Shelves for Kai Kristiansen Wall Unit Feldballe Møbler
1960s Narrow Version Teak Shelves for Kai Kristiansen Wall Unit Feldballe Møbler

1960s Narrow Version Teak Shelves for Kai Kristiansen Wall Unit Feldballe Møbler

By Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen

Located in Knebel, DK

Narrow version of 1960s teak shelves for Kai Kristiansen ´wall unit by Feldballe Møbler Additional

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Teak

Italian Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Shelf Unit with Brass Edges
Italian Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Shelf Unit with Brass Edges

Italian Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Shelf Unit with Brass Edges

Located in Troy, MI

Found in Italy, this circa 1960s small standing shelf unit is made of mahogany and features two

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Raffia Cloth Finished Rounded Angles Étagère Display Unit Glass Shelves
Raffia Cloth Finished Rounded Angles Étagère Display Unit Glass Shelves

Raffia Cloth Finished Rounded Angles Étagère Display Unit Glass Shelves

By Enrique Garcel, Harrison Van Horn

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Raffia cloth wrapped Mid-Century Modern display wall unit étagère shelves.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Raffia

Post-Modern Metal Shelving Unit by Orezero, Italian Design, 1980s
Post-Modern Metal Shelving Unit by Orezero, Italian Design, 1980s

Post-Modern Metal Shelving Unit by Orezero, Italian Design, 1980s

By Bieffeplast

Located in Antwerp, BE

Memphis, industrial, post-modern shelving unit, by Orezero, Italy, 1980s Orezero is a palindrome.  

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

“Abracadabra” Shelving Unit by De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Zerodisegnio 1990
“Abracadabra” Shelving Unit by De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Zerodisegnio 1990

“Abracadabra” Shelving Unit by De Pas, D’Urbino & Lomazzi for Zerodisegnio 1990

By Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi

Located in Almelo, NL

An iconic large-scale postmodern shelving unit from the “Abracadabra” series, designed by De Pas

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Wood Wall Shelve Unit, Spanish Design, Circa 1960
Mid-Century Modern Wood Wall Shelve Unit, Spanish Design, Circa 1960

Mid-Century Modern Wood Wall Shelve Unit, Spanish Design, Circa 1960

Located in Barcelona, ES

Mid 20th century Spanish wall shelve unit. Made by unknown manufacturer from France, circa 1960

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Calligaris Wall Unit. Glass Shelves, Aluminum Frame, Wood Drawer. Signed.
Calligaris Wall Unit. Glass Shelves, Aluminum Frame, Wood Drawer. Signed.

Calligaris Wall Unit. Glass Shelves, Aluminum Frame, Wood Drawer. Signed.

By Calligaris

Located in Kansas City, MO

Single Bay wall shelving unit by Calligaris, Italy, 1970s. Each piece of glass is signed

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Aluminum

Fra Dolcino Shelving Unit by Mireille Rivier & Paolo Pallucco, Italy, 1984
Fra Dolcino Shelving Unit by Mireille Rivier & Paolo Pallucco, Italy, 1984

Fra Dolcino Shelving Unit by Mireille Rivier & Paolo Pallucco, Italy, 1984

By Paolo Pallucco & Mireille Rivier

Located in Antwerp, BE

Designed in 1984 by Mireille Rivier and Paolo Pallucco, the Fra Dolcino bibliotheek reflects a precise and architectural approach to postmodern design. Its structure is composed of a...

Category

1980s Italian Used Storage Units

Materials

Aluminum

3 Bay Burl Walnut Smoked Glass Doors Cabinets Adjustable Shelves Wall Unit Mint
3 Bay Burl Walnut Smoked Glass Doors Cabinets Adjustable Shelves Wall Unit Mint

3 Bay Burl Walnut Smoked Glass Doors Cabinets Adjustable Shelves Wall Unit Mint

By Pace Collection, Milo Baughman

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Burl walnut smoked glass doors cabinets adjustable shelves 3 bay wall unit credenza mint.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Smoked Glass, Burl

Pair of Burl Walnut Wall Unit Pieces w/ Interior Lights
Pair of Burl Walnut Wall Unit Pieces w/ Interior Lights

Pair of Burl Walnut Wall Unit Pieces w/ Interior Lights

By Pace Collection, John Widdicomb

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Nice two part Mid-Century Modern wall unit display or curio cabinets.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Chrome

Danish Modern Rosewood Corner Unit With Fluted Glass
Danish Modern Rosewood Corner Unit With Fluted Glass

Danish Modern Rosewood Corner Unit With Fluted Glass

Located in Berkeley, CA

Origin: Denmark Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1960s Materials: Rosewood, Glass Measurements: 33.75" wide x 20" deep x 54.25" tall

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Rosewood

Arne Hovmand Olsen Tambour Corner Unit in Teak
Arne Hovmand Olsen Tambour Corner Unit in Teak

Arne Hovmand Olsen Tambour Corner Unit in Teak

By Skovmand and Andersen, Arne Hovmand-Olsen

Located in Berkeley, CA

Origin: Denmark Designer: Arne Hovmand Olsen Manufacturer: Skovmand & Andersen Era: 1950s Materials: Teak Measurements: 37" wide x 21.75" deep x 61" tall

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Large Mid Century Modern Bamboo Shelf Etagere Bookcase Wall Unit MINT
Large Mid Century Modern Bamboo Shelf Etagere Bookcase Wall Unit MINT

Large Mid Century Modern Bamboo Shelf Etagere Bookcase Wall Unit MINT

By Ficks Reed, McGuire

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Large Mid Century Modern Bamboo Shelf Etagere Bookcase Wall Unit MINT

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Cane, Rattan

Sculptural Wall Unit in Travertine and Glass, Brutalist Style, 1970s
Sculptural Wall Unit in Travertine and Glass, Brutalist Style, 1970s

Sculptural Wall Unit in Travertine and Glass, Brutalist Style, 1970s

Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio

A striking architectural wall unit defined by contrast and balance. Solid travertine elements form

Category

20th Century Italian Brutalist Used Storage Units

Materials

Travertine, Iron

Radar classic modular shelf unit designed by Heinrich Gerhard for Adeco
Radar classic modular shelf unit designed by Heinrich Gerhard for Adeco

Radar classic modular shelf unit designed by Heinrich Gerhard for Adeco

Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg

Very large Radar Classic modular shelving unit designed by Swiss designer Heinrich Gerhard in 1996

Category

1990s Swiss Minimalist Used Storage Units

Materials

Aluminum

Glass and Polished Stainless Steel Shelf Unit Style of Pace
Glass and Polished Stainless Steel Shelf Unit Style of Pace

Glass and Polished Stainless Steel Shelf Unit Style of Pace

By Pace Furniture Company

Located in Ferndale, MI

Glass and polished stainless steel shelf unit possibly pace. Five 3/8 thick glass shelves plus top

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Stainless Steel

Stunning Art Nouveau Brass and Glass Staggered Shelving Unit-French
Stunning Art Nouveau Brass and Glass Staggered Shelving Unit-French

Stunning Art Nouveau Brass and Glass Staggered Shelving Unit-French

Located in Copenhagen K, DK

rosettes that are mounted in the cross joints of the stand itself. The stunning shelving unit was

Category

Early 1900s French Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

Large wall unit by Hans Wegner for Ry møbler, Denmark 1970s
Large wall unit by Hans Wegner for Ry møbler, Denmark 1970s

Large wall unit by Hans Wegner for Ry møbler, Denmark 1970s

By Ry Møbler, Hans J. Wegner

Located in ECHT, NL

Large modular wall unit. Designed by legendary designer Hans Wegner and made by Ry møbler. The unit

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Oak

'Angelo Necessario' Wall Unit by Paolo Pallucco and Mireille Rivier, Italy, 1989
'Angelo Necessario' Wall Unit by Paolo Pallucco and Mireille Rivier, Italy, 1989

'Angelo Necessario' Wall Unit by Paolo Pallucco and Mireille Rivier, Italy, 1989

By Paolo Pallucco & Mireille Rivier

Located in Antwerp, BE

unit represents a significant moment within late 20th-century Italian design. The work was presented as

Category

1980s Italian Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Shabby White Curved Corner Unit Shelves Fir Tuscany
Shabby White Curved Corner Unit Shelves Fir Tuscany

Shabby White Curved Corner Unit Shelves Fir Tuscany

Located in Buggiano, IT

Curved corner unit with 4 doors, rarity, Tuscany, shabby white color, in fir, with two internal

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Country Used Storage Units

Materials

Fir

Vittorio Dassi Monumental Desk Wall Unit for Mobili Cantù, Italy, 1950
Vittorio Dassi Monumental Desk Wall Unit for Mobili Cantù, Italy, 1950

Vittorio Dassi Monumental Desk Wall Unit for Mobili Cantù, Italy, 1950

By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Vittorio Dassi

Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland

Monumental and very rare desk wall unit by Vittorio Dassi for Mobili Cantù – Italy, circa 1950

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

Two-Drawer Shelves by Marcel Gascoin, Arhec, 1947
Two-Drawer Shelves by Marcel Gascoin, Arhec, 1947

Two-Drawer Shelves by Marcel Gascoin, Arhec, 1947

By Marcel Gascoin

Located in Saint Ouen, France

des Arts Ménagers and created a line of storage units with a particular design, which the war was to

Category

1950s French Used Storage Units

Materials

Oak

Boho Style Design Bamboo Shelving Vitrine Unit Set, Italy 1960's
Boho Style Design Bamboo Shelving Vitrine Unit Set, Italy 1960's

Boho Style Design Bamboo Shelving Vitrine Unit Set, Italy 1960's

Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN

Vintage Boho Style Design Bamboo Shelving Unit Set of 2. Made in Italy, 1960's / 70's period. All

Category

1960s Italian Bohemian Used Storage Units

Materials

Bamboo, Smoked Glass

Dutch Mid-Century Pilastro Multi-Colored Enameled Metal Wall Unit w/ Light
Dutch Mid-Century Pilastro Multi-Colored Enameled Metal Wall Unit w/ Light

Dutch Mid-Century Pilastro Multi-Colored Enameled Metal Wall Unit w/ Light

By Pilastro, Tjerk Reijenga

Located in Los Angeles, CA

industrial design. This enameled metal unit features five adjustable shelves, a white perforated basket, and

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Industrial Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Michel Ducaroy Modular Wall Unit in Black Lacquered Wood and Steel
Michel Ducaroy Modular Wall Unit in Black Lacquered Wood and Steel

Michel Ducaroy Modular Wall Unit in Black Lacquered Wood and Steel

By Michel Ducaroy

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Michael Ducaroy, free-standing wall unit, chrome-plated steel, lacquered wood, France, 1970s Sleek

Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Steel

Staples Ladderax Shelving Unit, Teak Mid-Century like Danish 50s String Shelves
Staples Ladderax Shelving Unit, Teak Mid-Century like Danish 50s String Shelves

Staples Ladderax Shelving Unit, Teak Mid-Century like Danish 50s String Shelves

By Robert Heal, Ladderax

Located in London, GB

(each with recessed metal supports), three metal 'ladder' uprights. Unit: W 184.5 cm, D 35.5 cm, H

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Tomado Industrial Wall Mount Shelving Unit with Red and Yellow Shelves
Tomado Industrial Wall Mount Shelving Unit with Red and Yellow Shelves

Tomado Industrial Wall Mount Shelving Unit with Red and Yellow Shelves

By Tomado

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dutch Mid-Century single section industrial style wall mounted shelving by the iconic TOMADO company. Features Yellow and red enameled metal shelves on black wire risers with some vi...

Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

1960s RY Wall Unit by Hans J. Wegner for Ry Mobler in teak
1960s RY Wall Unit by Hans J. Wegner for Ry Mobler in teak

1960s RY Wall Unit by Hans J. Wegner for Ry Mobler in teak

By Hans J. Wegner

Located in Victoria, BC

This RY wall unit was designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by Ry Mobler in Denmark during the

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Teak

Vintage Italian Three-Section Wall Unit with Hand Painted Art
Vintage Italian Three-Section Wall Unit with Hand Painted Art

Vintage Italian Three-Section Wall Unit with Hand Painted Art

Located in North Miami, FL

Signed Cesena - decorative painting of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love. Storage cabinet to right side

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

1970s Pagoda Four Tier Brass Faux Bamboo Shelving Unit Display, Belgian
1970s Pagoda Four Tier Brass Faux Bamboo Shelving Unit Display, Belgian

1970s Pagoda Four Tier Brass Faux Bamboo Shelving Unit Display, Belgian

Located in London, GB

This elegant Belgian tall pagoda four-tier shelving unit features a sophisticated faux bamboo brass

Category

1970s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 'Artona' Wall Unit with Vitrine in Walnut
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 'Artona' Wall Unit with Vitrine in Walnut

Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto 'Artona' Wall Unit with Vitrine in Walnut

By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa

Located in Waalwijk, NL

covered with solid doors in burlwood, and the central unit offering open shelves and a vitrine. The

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

Laminate and Lucite Modular Wall Unit/Etagere/Dry Bar, Milo Baughman Style
Laminate and Lucite Modular Wall Unit/Etagere/Dry Bar, Milo Baughman Style

Laminate and Lucite Modular Wall Unit/Etagere/Dry Bar, Milo Baughman Style

By Milo Baughman

Located in Dallas, TX

This is a great looking wall unit in the style of Milo Baughman. The sides are thick Lucite and the

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Laminate, Lucite

Wall Unit by Franco Campo and Carlo Graffi for Home Torino, 1950s
Wall Unit by Franco Campo and Carlo Graffi for Home Torino, 1950s

Wall Unit by Franco Campo and Carlo Graffi for Home Torino, 1950s

By Franco Campo & Carlo Graffi

Located in Brussels, BE

Wall Unit by Franco Campo and Carlo Graffi for Home Torino, 1950s

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century 1970s teak G Plan long sideboard / TV stand / Media unit
Mid-Century 1970s teak G Plan long sideboard / TV stand / Media unit

Mid-Century 1970s teak G Plan long sideboard / TV stand / Media unit

By G Plan Furniture

Located in London, GB

unit. The top drawer is fitted with the original red felt-lined cutlery tray, complete with segmented

Category

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

Materials

Teak

Carl-Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs White Välipala Modular Shelf Unit, HMN 1960s
Carl-Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs White Välipala Modular Shelf Unit, HMN 1960s

Carl-Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs White Välipala Modular Shelf Unit, HMN 1960s

By Mikko Nupponen, Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs

Located in Helsinki, FI

assembled high and sculptural, or kept low and restrained. The possibilities are nearly endless. The unit

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Birch, Teak

Mid century Paul McCobb Calvin Credenza Brass Black Lacquer with top unit
Mid century Paul McCobb Calvin Credenza Brass Black Lacquer with top unit

Mid century Paul McCobb Calvin Credenza Brass Black Lacquer with top unit

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

. Has top unit with Glass doors and lower small storage areas. The lower Credenza has 2 sets of ffolding

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Modern Modular Teak Wall Unit by Louis van Teeffelen for Webe
Modern Modular Teak Wall Unit by Louis van Teeffelen for Webe

Modern Modular Teak Wall Unit by Louis van Teeffelen for Webe

By Louis Van Teeffelen

Located in Antwerp, BE

Modern modular teak wall unit designed by Louis van Teeffelen for Webe, circa 1960. Black lacquered

Category

1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Teak

O. B. Solie for Ello Three Column Glass & Mirror Shelving Unit
O. B. Solie for Ello Three Column Glass & Mirror Shelving Unit

O. B. Solie for Ello Three Column Glass & Mirror Shelving Unit

By Ello Furniture, O.B. Solie

Located in Hanover, MA

Designed by O.B. Solie and officially known as the Pillars Wall Unit #P/145 by Ello Furniture

Category

1970s American Hollywood Regency Used Storage Units

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Wall Unit, Book Shelve designed by Alfred Hendrickx for Belform, Belgium 1960s
Wall Unit, Book Shelve designed by Alfred Hendrickx for Belform, Belgium 1960s

Wall Unit, Book Shelve designed by Alfred Hendrickx for Belform, Belgium 1960s

By Belform, Alfred Hendrickx

Located in Antwerp, BE

Beautiful wall unit, shelves designed by Alfred Hendrickx, Belgium Architect in a perfect condition

Category

1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Set of Rare Multi-Color Curved Shelving Units by Frederick Weinberg
Set of Rare Multi-Color Curved Shelving Units by Frederick Weinberg

Set of Rare Multi-Color Curved Shelving Units by Frederick Weinberg

By Frederic Weinberg

Located in Kensington, MD

Set of Rare Multi-Color Curved Shelving Units by Frederick Weinberg Additional information

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Luigi Saccardo 'Topline' Wall Unit in Vibrant Green and Black Color
Luigi Saccardo 'Topline' Wall Unit in Vibrant Green and Black Color

Luigi Saccardo 'Topline' Wall Unit in Vibrant Green and Black Color

By Luigi Saccardo

Located in Waalwijk, NL

exemplified, the unit features a sixteen square case, of which each individual compartment is 40 cm / 15.75 in

Category

1970s Italian Post-Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

  • 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.