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Drop Front Bookcase Desk, Wall Unit, Teak Veneer, Danish Mid Century Modern
Drop Front Bookcase Desk, Wall Unit, Teak Veneer, Danish Mid Century Modern

Drop Front Bookcase Desk, Wall Unit, Teak Veneer, Danish Mid Century Modern

Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

A distinctive wall unit in the mid-century modern tradition, crafted from teak veneer and

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Teak

Large Oversized Mid Century Modern Shelving Wall Unit Etagere Cerused Oak
Large Oversized Mid Century Modern Shelving Wall Unit Etagere Cerused Oak

Large Oversized Mid Century Modern Shelving Wall Unit Etagere Cerused Oak

By Pace Collection, Milo Baughman

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Large Oversized Mid Century Modern Shelving Wall Unit Etagere Cerused Oak

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Oak

Italian Mid-Century Modern Wood, Brass & Painted Metal Wall Unit Bookshelf
Italian Mid-Century Modern Wood, Brass & Painted Metal Wall Unit Bookshelf

Italian Mid-Century Modern Wood, Brass & Painted Metal Wall Unit Bookshelf

Located in Varese, Lombardia

condition: the wall unit has been restored but shows slight signs of wear due to age and use as displayed in

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage Geometric Gold-plated Shelving Unit by Belgo Chrom, 1970s
Vintage Geometric Gold-plated Shelving Unit by Belgo Chrom, 1970s

Vintage Geometric Gold-plated Shelving Unit by Belgo Chrom, 1970s

By Belgo Chrome

Located in Antwerp, Antwerp

Gold plated geometric etagère by Belgo Chrom, produced in the 1970’s. This console is also often attributed to Romeo Rega. It features beautiful unique geometric shelves with thick c...

Category

1970s Belgian Hollywood Regency Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

Pilastro Mid-Century Dutch Enameled Metal Wall Shelving Unit w/ Desk & Light
Pilastro Mid-Century Dutch Enameled Metal Wall Shelving Unit w/ Desk & Light

Pilastro Mid-Century Dutch Enameled Metal Wall Shelving Unit w/ Desk & Light

By Tjerk Reijenga, Pilastro

Located in Los Angeles, CA

adjustable modular configuration. Imported directly from the Netherlands, this two-section unit showcases the

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Industrial Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Italian Free Standing Teak Shelving Unit, 1950's
Mid Century Italian Free Standing Teak Shelving Unit, 1950's

Mid Century Italian Free Standing Teak Shelving Unit, 1950's

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice free standing shelve system, fabricated in Italy in the 50's. Wooden (teak veneer) shelves with a black painted metal system. It is very easy to disassemble. We work wit...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

1970s Romeo Rega Manner Octagonal Brass Lacquered Glass Display Unit Zevi
1970s Romeo Rega Manner Octagonal Brass Lacquered Glass Display Unit Zevi

1970s Romeo Rega Manner Octagonal Brass Lacquered Glass Display Unit Zevi

By Romeo Rega

Located in London, GB

A 1970s Italian display unit in the manner of Romeo Rega or Renato Zevi, in a unique and large

Category

1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal, Gold Plate

Pair of Kim Moltzer Brushed Steel Brass Green Lucite Shelving Units
Pair of Kim Moltzer Brushed Steel Brass Green Lucite Shelving Units

Pair of Kim Moltzer Brushed Steel Brass Green Lucite Shelving Units

By Kim Moltzer

Located in Paris, IDF

Simple lines point to this beautiful pair of shelving vitrines units mid-century roots. Designed by

Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pair Of Globe Wernicke London Oak Bookcases Circa 1900 Of 5 Units
Pair Of Globe Wernicke London Oak Bookcases Circa 1900 Of 5 Units

Pair Of Globe Wernicke London Oak Bookcases Circa 1900 Of 5 Units

Located in Brussels, Brussels

Elegant pair of Globe Wernicke London oak bookcases from the late 19th century-early 20th century -England a fine pair of bookcases composed of 5 elements. We can find large deep ele...

Category

Late 19th Century British Edwardian Used Storage Units

Materials

Oak

Metal Wall Mounted Shelving Unit by NVF, the Netherlands 1960's
Metal Wall Mounted Shelving Unit by NVF, the Netherlands 1960's

Metal Wall Mounted Shelving Unit by NVF, the Netherlands 1960's

Located in Steenwijk, NL

This stunning metal shelving unit was made by the Dutch manufacturer NVF in the 1960's. It is made

Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Mid century danish modern sideboard credenza with bookcase shelf unit by Lovig
Mid century danish modern sideboard credenza with bookcase shelf unit by Lovig

Mid century danish modern sideboard credenza with bookcase shelf unit by Lovig

By Lovig Dansk, Peter Løvig Nielsen

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful mid century Danish modern credenza with shelf unit designed by Peter Løvig Nielsen for

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

1960’s Mid-Century Modern room divider / wall unit by Schrieber
1960’s Mid-Century Modern room divider / wall unit by Schrieber

1960’s Mid-Century Modern room divider / wall unit by Schrieber

Located in London, GB

other famous names. This room divider shelf unit is typical of the Schreiber look, Danish style

Category

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

Materials

Formica, Beech

Galerie L'Orme Modular Room Divider or Wall Unit in Solid Elm
Galerie L'Orme Modular Room Divider or Wall Unit in Solid Elm

Galerie L'Orme Modular Room Divider or Wall Unit in Solid Elm

Located in Waalwijk, NL

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

Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Elm

Large Colonial Two Drawer Compartment Double Bookcase Shelf Wall Unit Lights
Large Colonial Two Drawer Compartment Double Bookcase Shelf Wall Unit Lights

Large Colonial Two Drawer Compartment Double Bookcase Shelf Wall Unit Lights

By Baker Furniture Company, Henredon

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Large Colonial two drawer compartment double bookcase shelf wall unit lights burl wood.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Walnut, Burl

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pair of Glass & Chrome Shelving Units Etagere
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pair of Glass & Chrome Shelving Units Etagere

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Pair of Glass & Chrome Shelving Units Etagere

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

For your consideration is this pair of vintage chrome and glass etagere shelving units. Dimensions

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Italian Free Standing Teak Shelving Unit, 1950's
Mid Century Italian Free Standing Teak Shelving Unit, 1950's

Mid Century Italian Free Standing Teak Shelving Unit, 1950's

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice free standing shelve system, fabricated in Italy in the 50's. 4 wooden (teak veneer) shelves with a black painted metal system. It is very easy to disassemble.

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Shelve Unit by Johan Viladrich, Collectible Design, 2020, Rotterdam
Contemporary Shelve Unit by Johan Viladrich, Collectible Design, 2020, Rotterdam

Contemporary Shelve Unit by Johan Viladrich, Collectible Design, 2020, Rotterdam

By Johan Viladrich

Located in Antwerp, BE

Collectible design; Contemporary; Johan Viladrich; Functional Art; Polyethylene; Sabine Marcelis; Everyday Gallery; French design; Art; Bookcase; Office furniture; Store furniture; 2...

Category

2010s French Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Plastic

Mid Century Italian Free Standing Teak Shelving Unit, 1950's
Mid Century Italian Free Standing Teak Shelving Unit, 1950's

Mid Century Italian Free Standing Teak Shelving Unit, 1950's

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very nice free standing shelve system, fabricated in Italy in the 50's. 5 wooden (teak veneer) shelves with a black painted metal system. It is very easy to disassemble.

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Pilastro Two Section Metal Wall Shelving Unit with Cabinet and Five Shelves
Pilastro Two Section Metal Wall Shelving Unit with Cabinet and Five Shelves

Pilastro Two Section Metal Wall Shelving Unit with Cabinet and Five Shelves

By Pilastro, Coen de Vries

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dutch Mid-Century, Pilastro enameled metal shelving unit with cabinet. This unit features a gray

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Original Pilastro Two Section Wall Unit w/ Desk with Drawer, Green Light
Original Pilastro Two Section Wall Unit w/ Desk with Drawer, Green Light

Original Pilastro Two Section Wall Unit w/ Desk with Drawer, Green Light

By Tjerk Reijenga, Pilastro

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dutch Mid-Century, Pilastro enameled metal wall unit in very original condition with desk, cabinet

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century "Combex" Three Section Dark Stained Pine Shelving Unit by Pastoe
Mid-Century "Combex" Three Section Dark Stained Pine Shelving Unit by Pastoe

Mid-Century "Combex" Three Section Dark Stained Pine Shelving Unit by Pastoe

By Pastoe

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mid-Century "Combex" series, three section, wenge color stained, pine shelving unit by the highly

Category

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

Materials

Smoked Glass, Pine

Danish Modern Mid century Rosewood Tall Large Wall Floor Bookcase shelf unit
Danish Modern Mid century Rosewood Tall Large Wall Floor Bookcase shelf unit

Danish Modern Mid century Rosewood Tall Large Wall Floor Bookcase shelf unit

By Poul Hundevad

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful simple Danish modern mid century rosewood large Tall wall floor bookcase on tapered legs. Has adjustable shelves. Amazing rosewood grain! In great vintage condition, circa ...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Rosewood

Large vintage highboard sideboard / wall unit made of teak from the 1960s
Large vintage highboard sideboard / wall unit made of teak from the 1960s

Large vintage highboard sideboard / wall unit made of teak from the 1960s

Located in Breda, NB

its sleek lines and warm tones, this piece adds a timeless charm to any interior. The generous storage

Category

1960s European Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Teak

Dutch Mid-Century Pilastro Two Section Wall Unit with Desk and Cabinet
Dutch Mid-Century Pilastro Two Section Wall Unit with Desk and Cabinet

Dutch Mid-Century Pilastro Two Section Wall Unit with Desk and Cabinet

By Pilastro, Tjerk Reijenga

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Charming Dutch Mid-Century, Pilastro enameled metal wall unit with desk and upper cabinet. This

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Pair of Scandinavian modern birch blonde tall 6 shelf bookcases wall unit
Pair of Scandinavian modern birch blonde tall 6 shelf bookcases wall unit

Pair of Scandinavian modern birch blonde tall 6 shelf bookcases wall unit

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Pair of Mid century Scandinavian Modern blonde birch wood shelf wall unit or open bookcases. Very

Category

1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Birch

Tension Pole Free Standing Emerald Gold Aluminum Omni Wall Unit by George Nelson
Tension Pole Free Standing Emerald Gold Aluminum Omni Wall Unit by George Nelson

Tension Pole Free Standing Emerald Gold Aluminum Omni Wall Unit by George Nelson

By Omnibus Design, George Nelson

Located in Chattanooga, TN

mid-century innovation. The shelving unit is supported by slender, spring-loaded tension poles

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Aluminum, Metal

Wall Unit in the style of Gio Ponti, Studio PFR, Italy, 1950s
Wall Unit in the style of Gio Ponti, Studio PFR, Italy, 1950s

Wall Unit in the style of Gio Ponti, Studio PFR, Italy, 1950s

By Gio Ponti

Located in Brussels, BE

Wall Unit in the style of Gio Ponti, Studio PFR, Italy, 1950s

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Oak Freestanding Wall Unit Shelving/Bookcase by Lou Hodges, c1970s
Mid Century Oak Freestanding Wall Unit Shelving/Bookcase by Lou Hodges, c1970s

Mid Century Oak Freestanding Wall Unit Shelving/Bookcase by Lou Hodges, c1970s

By Lou Hodges

Located in Chino Hills, CA

. Measuring an impressive 32"W x 18"D x 78"H, this unit provides ample storage and display space without

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Oak

Pilastro 2 Section Wall Mount Shelving Unit with Drop Down Desk and Light
Pilastro 2 Section Wall Mount Shelving Unit with Drop Down Desk and Light

Pilastro 2 Section Wall Mount Shelving Unit with Drop Down Desk and Light

By Pilastro, Coen de Vries

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dutch Mid-Century Pilastro enameled metal wall shelving unit. This unit features a metal drop down

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Vintage wood and Metal Multistrux Iron Modular Shelving Unit or Library Shelves
Vintage wood and Metal Multistrux Iron Modular Shelving Unit or Library Shelves

Vintage wood and Metal Multistrux Iron Modular Shelving Unit or Library Shelves

By Multistrux

Located in Markington, GB

Vintage Modular Multistrux Shelving System, Spain, 1960s–1970s Set of 4 metal ladders and 6 shelves from the Multistrux modular shelving system, commercialized in Spain during the 1...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Wardrobe Wall Unit, Wood & Rosewood, Italy, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Wardrobe Wall Unit, Wood & Rosewood, Italy, 1960s

Mid-Century Modern Wardrobe Wall Unit, Wood & Rosewood, Italy, 1960s

Located in Berlin, DE

Mid-Century Modern wardrobe or wall unit, crafted in the 1960s. This striking piece features a bold

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

Hollywood Regency Wall Unit or roomdivider from Carlton Hotel Copehage 1950
Hollywood Regency Wall Unit or roomdivider from Carlton Hotel Copehage 1950

Hollywood Regency Wall Unit or roomdivider from Carlton Hotel Copehage 1950

Located in Oirlo, LI

Hollywood Regency wall unit or room divider Denmark 1950s. This is a very special wall unit

Category

1950s Danish Hollywood Regency Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal, Gold Leaf

Mid-Century Tomado Shelving Unit by Jan van der Togt, Blue & Yellow Metal
Mid-Century Tomado Shelving Unit by Jan van der Togt, Blue & Yellow Metal

Mid-Century Tomado Shelving Unit by Jan van der Togt, Blue & Yellow Metal

By Jan Van Der Togt, Tomado

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Shelving unit designed by Jan van der Togt for Tomado features blue and yellow enameled metal

Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Elegant 1940s Italian Walnut & Marble Nightstand  Antique Bedside Table
Elegant 1940s Italian Walnut & Marble Nightstand  Antique Bedside Table

Elegant 1940s Italian Walnut & Marble Nightstand Antique Bedside Table

Located in Manzano, IT

storage. An open cubby offers an ideal space for books or decorative items, while a lower cabinet, adorned

Category

1940s Italian Used Storage Units

Materials

Marble, Brass

Wood, Rattan and Lacquered Metal Shelves Unit. French work by Raymond Glemeau
Wood, Rattan and Lacquered Metal Shelves Unit. French work by Raymond Glemeau

Wood, Rattan and Lacquered Metal Shelves Unit. French work by Raymond Glemeau

By Raymond Glemeau

Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France

This very nice shelves unit is made of wood, rattan and lacquered metal. This is a French work

Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Poul Cadovius 'Abstracta' Metal, Teak, Glass Modular Display Unit, Denmark 1960
Poul Cadovius 'Abstracta' Metal, Teak, Glass Modular Display Unit, Denmark 1960

Poul Cadovius 'Abstracta' Metal, Teak, Glass Modular Display Unit, Denmark 1960

By Poul Cadovius, Royal System

Located in bergen op zoom, NL

bolts – the System Abstracta This unit is an early production model from the 1960's and features teak

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Crossing Bookcase by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, 1970s
Crossing Bookcase by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, 1970s

Crossing Bookcase by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, 1970s

By Giovanni Offredi, Saporiti

Located in Conversano, IT

represents one of the most striking structural experiments of the era. More than a simple storage unit

Category

1970s Italian Used Storage Units

Materials

Smoked Glass, Birdseye Maple

Mid Century Gio Ponti Model 2140 Display Cabinet / Wall Unit for Singer & Sons
Mid Century Gio Ponti Model 2140 Display Cabinet / Wall Unit for Singer & Sons

Mid Century Gio Ponti Model 2140 Display Cabinet / Wall Unit for Singer & Sons

By Gio Ponti

Located in Las Vegas, NV

objects, books, ceramics, or barware—while the lower cabinet provides concealed storage with a mix of

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Walnut

1953 ESU 240-N Shelving Unit by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller w/ Walnut
1953 ESU 240-N Shelving Unit by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller w/ Walnut

1953 ESU 240-N Shelving Unit by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller w/ Walnut

By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is an original 1953 ESU 240-N Shelving Unit designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman

Category

1950s American Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Enamel, Steel, Chrome

Rare Kurt Olsen Wall Unit / Tall Walnut Sideboard With Tambour Doors
Rare Kurt Olsen Wall Unit / Tall Walnut Sideboard With Tambour Doors

Rare Kurt Olsen Wall Unit / Tall Walnut Sideboard With Tambour Doors

By Kurt Olsen, A. Andersen and Bohm

Located in Berkeley, CA

Origin: Denmark Designer: Kurt Olsen Manufacturer: Andersen & Bohm Era: 1951 Materials: Walnut Measurements: 84.75" wide x 19.25" deep x 76.75" tall

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Pilastro Two Section Wall Unit w/ Cabinet & Magazine Holder, White, Gray, Ochre
Pilastro Two Section Wall Unit w/ Cabinet & Magazine Holder, White, Gray, Ochre

Pilastro Two Section Wall Unit w/ Cabinet & Magazine Holder, White, Gray, Ochre

By Pilastro, Tjerk Reijenga

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dutch Mid-Century, Pilastro manufactured wall unit with white, gray and ochre enameled metal

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Pilastro Two Section Wall Shelving Unit with Cabinet and Light
Mid-Century Pilastro Two Section Wall Shelving Unit with Cabinet and Light

Mid-Century Pilastro Two Section Wall Shelving Unit with Cabinet and Light

By Coen de Vries, Pilastro

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mid-Century Pilastro Two-Section Wall Shelving Unit with Cabinet and Light Attributed to Tjerk

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Poul Cadovius "CADO" 3-bay Rosewood Modular Shelf System Wall Unit Denmark 1960
Poul Cadovius "CADO" 3-bay Rosewood Modular Shelf System Wall Unit Denmark 1960

Poul Cadovius "CADO" 3-bay Rosewood Modular Shelf System Wall Unit Denmark 1960

By Cado, Poul Cadovius

Located in Buffalo, NY

Stunning "CADO" 3-bay Rosewood Modular Shelf System Wall Unit designed by Poul Cadovius ,made in

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Rosewood

Cees Braakman for Pastoe CT69 Made-To-Measure Unit with Drop-Down Bar or Desk
Cees Braakman for Pastoe CT69 Made-To-Measure Unit with Drop-Down Bar or Desk

Cees Braakman for Pastoe CT69 Made-To-Measure Unit with Drop-Down Bar or Desk

By Cees Braakman, Pastoe

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful Mid-Century made to measure ‘CT69’ storage cabinet by Cees Braakman for Pastoe

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Mid century Ash wall shelving unit by Hilker for Omnia, Germany, 1960s
Mid century Ash wall shelving unit by Hilker for Omnia, Germany, 1960s

Mid century Ash wall shelving unit by Hilker for Omnia, Germany, 1960s

By Hilker, Omnia

Located in Gaggenau, DE

Mid century Ash shelving unit by Hilker for Omnia, Germany 1960s Designed by Hilker - Made from

Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Ash

Rustic small green wooden wall unit with 2 shelves, France ca. 1880
Rustic small green wooden wall unit with 2 shelves, France ca. 1880

Rustic small green wooden wall unit with 2 shelves, France ca. 1880

Located in Meulebeke, BE

France / 1880 / small green wall unit / wood / rustic / mid-century / vintage / French provincial

Category

1880s French Rustic Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

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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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