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Freestanding Bookcase Room Divider in Olive Wood
Freestanding Bookcase Room Divider in Olive Wood

Freestanding Bookcase Room Divider in Olive Wood

Located in London, GB

a open cabinet against the wall for books and decorative objects. It is a very stable storage unit

Category

Late 20th Century European Used Storage Units

Materials

Olive, Wood

Monumental Mid-Century Sideboard in Wood and Brass, Buffa Style, Italy 1950s
Monumental Mid-Century Sideboard in Wood and Brass, Buffa Style, Italy 1950s

Monumental Mid-Century Sideboard in Wood and Brass, Buffa Style, Italy 1950s

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Argelato, BO

architect Paolo Buffa, 1950s design. It is a storage unit capable of storing large quantities of objects

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

Danish bar buffet in Rosewood 1960.
Danish bar buffet in Rosewood 1960.

Danish bar buffet in Rosewood 1960.

Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR

Superb little Scandinavian storage unit that can be used as a bar. 2 sliding doors called “curtains

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Rosewood

Large Afghan chest, early 20th century work
Large Afghan chest, early 20th century work

Large Afghan chest, early 20th century work

Located in MONTESSON, FR

flap at the top. The wood is patinated and carved. This storage unit is in good condition.

Category

Early 1900s Afghan Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

Pink and white dresser by Jiri Jiroutek, model U-452 circa 1960s
Pink and white dresser by Jiri Jiroutek, model U-452 circa 1960s

Pink and white dresser by Jiri Jiroutek, model U-452 circa 1960s

By Jiri Jiroutek

Located in MONTESSON, FR

This vintage dresser has pink and white sliding doors. This wooden storage unit is designed by the

Category

1960s Slovak Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

Large sideboard in rush and wicker, 1980
Large sideboard in rush and wicker, 1980

Large sideboard in rush and wicker, 1980

Located in Roma, RM

Large sideboard in rush and wicker, 1980 Storage unit with doors, drawers and internal shelves

Category

1980s Italian Used Storage Units

Materials

Wicker, Rush, Wood

Osvaldo Borsani E22 Double Sided Freestanding Wall Unit for Tecno, Italy, 1950s
Osvaldo Borsani E22 Double Sided Freestanding Wall Unit for Tecno, Italy, 1950s

Osvaldo Borsani E22 Double Sided Freestanding Wall Unit for Tecno, Italy, 1950s

By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno

Located in Chiavari, Liguria

durability and a stylish look that is both modern and timeless. The single storage unit/bar cabinet (H 45 x W

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Early 20th Century Rustic A.H. Reid Creamery Cabinet
Early 20th Century Rustic A.H. Reid Creamery Cabinet

Early 20th Century Rustic A.H. Reid Creamery Cabinet

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

be a great storage unit today. Perfect as a sideboard, console table or just used for storage. You

Category

Early 20th Century American Rustic Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

ELEGANT VINTAGE YEW WOOD LOW DWARF BOOKCASE WiTH TWO STORAGE DRAWERS
ELEGANT VINTAGE YEW WOOD LOW DWARF BOOKCASE WiTH TWO STORAGE DRAWERS

ELEGANT VINTAGE YEW WOOD LOW DWARF BOOKCASE WiTH TWO STORAGE DRAWERS

Located in Pulborough, GB

bookcase, console, or decorative storage unit for a living room, study, or hallway. Please carefully

Category

20th Century British Used Storage Units

Materials

Yew

De Coene Brutalist Inspired Credenza, Art Deco, 1970s, Belgium, Oak and Stone
De Coene Brutalist Inspired Credenza, Art Deco, 1970s, Belgium, Oak and Stone

De Coene Brutalist Inspired Credenza, Art Deco, 1970s, Belgium, Oak and Stone

By De Coene Frères

Located in Antwerp, BE

Art Deco; Brutalist; Bar; Brutalism; De Coene; Credenza; Sideboard; Storage unit; Storage piece

Category

1970s Belgian Brutalist Used Storage Units

Materials

Stone

Wooden Sewing Box / Storage Table 60s
Wooden Sewing Box / Storage Table 60s

Wooden Sewing Box / Storage Table 60s

Located in Ljubljana, SI

wood with a hinged lid and a practical side handle. Perfect as a sewing box, storage unit, side table

Category

1960s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Hardwood

Andre Sornay cabinet, 1960
Andre Sornay cabinet, 1960

Andre Sornay cabinet, 1960

By Andre Sornay

Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR

Storage unit by Andre Sornay in the sixties Rare model Beech structure and melamine panels 3 doors

Category

Mid-20th Century French Used Storage Units

Materials

Beech

Sideboard Pallucco Viva il toro - W il toro Paolo Pallucco & Mireille Rivier
Sideboard Pallucco Viva il toro - W il toro Paolo Pallucco & Mireille Rivier

Sideboard Pallucco Viva il toro - W il toro Paolo Pallucco & Mireille Rivier

By Paolo Pallucco & Mireille Rivier

Located in Alcamo, IT

We are offering for sale a rare example of the iconic "Viva il Toro" (W il Toro) storage unit

Category

1980s Italian Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

Large High Teak Sideboard with Floating Top 1950s, Made in Denmark
Large High Teak Sideboard with Floating Top 1950s, Made in Denmark

Large High Teak Sideboard with Floating Top 1950s, Made in Denmark

By Hans J. Wegner

Located in Antwerp, BE

short and 1 shelve below 2 wide drawers. Simple modern storage unit with natural patina for your

Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Teak

Antique Flap in Walnut, Desk with Chest, Used for Travel, 18th Century, Italy
Antique Flap in Walnut, Desk with Chest, Used for Travel, 18th Century, Italy

Antique Flap in Walnut, Desk with Chest, Used for Travel, 18th Century, Italy

Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)

. Ideal in an elegant office corner, or as a storage unit in a refined home. Measures: cm W 120 x H 127 x

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Used Storage Units

Materials

Walnut

Rosewood secretary or bar cabinet by Poul Hundevad, 1960s
Rosewood secretary or bar cabinet by Poul Hundevad, 1960s

Rosewood secretary or bar cabinet by Poul Hundevad, 1960s

By Poul Hundevad

Located in MONTESSON, FR

Denmark in the 1960s. This vintage storage unit is in two parts. The lower section opens through two doors

Category

1960s Danish Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Danish Modern Tall Narrow Cabinet with 5 drawers by Aksel Kjersgaard
Mid Century Danish Modern Tall Narrow Cabinet with 5 drawers by Aksel Kjersgaard

Mid Century Danish Modern Tall Narrow Cabinet with 5 drawers by Aksel Kjersgaard

By Aksel Kjersgaard

Located in Brooklyn, NY

storage unit contains 5 slide pull drawers below a 2-door cabinet that opens onto 3 shelves, a storage

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Birch

Italian Wardrobe Bookcase, Modular Wall Unit by Vittorio Dassi, Italy, 1960s
Italian Wardrobe Bookcase, Modular Wall Unit by Vittorio Dassi, Italy, 1960s

Italian Wardrobe Bookcase, Modular Wall Unit by Vittorio Dassi, Italy, 1960s

By Vittorio Dassi

Located in Traversetolo, IT

hanging space, allowing use both as a wardrobe and as a living area storage unit. Condition: very good

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Ash, Teak

Cabinet with flap, walnut desk, Italy
Cabinet with flap, walnut desk, Italy

Cabinet with flap, walnut desk, Italy

Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)

Antique cabinet with flap, walnut desk, upper storage unit with internal doors and drawers, turned

Category

19th Century Italian Used Storage Units

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Danish Modern Teak Blanket Storage Cabinet
Vintage Danish Modern Teak Blanket Storage Cabinet

Vintage Danish Modern Teak Blanket Storage Cabinet

Located in Baltimore, MD

extremely versatile storage unit and can double as a bench at the foot of a bed or even as a coffee table in

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Teak

Large Art Deco mahogany chest of drawers from the 1940s
Large Art Deco mahogany chest of drawers from the 1940s

Large Art Deco mahogany chest of drawers from the 1940s

Located in MONTESSON, FR

drawers, each fitted with two chrome-plated metal handles. The design of this storage unit is very sleek

Category

1940s French Art Deco Used Storage Units

Materials

Mahogany

Art deco cabinet, 1930, French
Art deco cabinet, 1930, French

Art deco cabinet, 1930, French

Located in Nice, FR

storage unit. It has shelves inside, it can be placed in an entrance, living room or bedroom with a lamp

Category

1930s European Art Deco Used Storage Units

Materials

Palisander

Denmark 1960’s Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk Attributed to Arne Vodder
Denmark 1960’s Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk Attributed to Arne Vodder

Denmark 1960’s Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk Attributed to Arne Vodder

By Arne Vodder

Located in North Hollywood, CA

has no label or sign. This desk has enough space for storage, it has two drawers and a storage unit on

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Teak

Mastercraft 16 Piece Wall Unit
Mastercraft 16 Piece Wall Unit

Mastercraft 16 Piece Wall Unit

By William Doezema, Mastercraft

Located in Hanover, MA

Very rare cabinet storage unit for living or bedroom by William Doezema for Mastercraft Originals

Category

1950s American Hollywood Regency Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

Italian mid-century modern iron and glass bedside table, 1940s
Italian mid-century modern iron and glass bedside table, 1940s

Italian mid-century modern iron and glass bedside table, 1940s

Located in MIlano, IT

plastic feet. Can be used as a chest of drawers or storage unit, typically used in medical lab. 1940s

Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Iron

Rare Desk Set by BBPR for Olivetti Synthesis, circa 1960
Rare Desk Set by BBPR for Olivetti Synthesis, circa 1960

Rare Desk Set by BBPR for Olivetti Synthesis, circa 1960

By Studio BBPR, Olivetti

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Rare desk set by BBPR for Olivetti Synthesis, including a desk, a storage unit, an office chair, a

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Post-Modern Credenza by Renato Toso and Robertà Pamio, Italy, 1920s
Post-Modern Credenza by Renato Toso and Robertà Pamio, Italy, 1920s

Post-Modern Credenza by Renato Toso and Robertà Pamio, Italy, 1920s

By Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso

Located in Antwerp, BE

. This storage unit includes four doors that open up to drawers and shelves, offering plenty of space to

Category

1970s Italian Post-Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

Vintage White Wood Cabinet
Vintage White Wood Cabinet

Vintage White Wood Cabinet

Located in Los Angeles, CA

small storage unit. The softly distressed surface and simple construction reflect mid-century functional

Category

1960s Used Storage Units

Materials

Pine, Reclaimed Wood

Joe Colombo cabinet mobile Combi center 1960s.
Joe Colombo cabinet mobile Combi center 1960s.

Joe Colombo cabinet mobile Combi center 1960s.

By Joe Colombo, Bernini

Located in bari, IT

Storage unit from the Combi Center series, stackable element system with wooden frame, aluminium

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Aluminum

Italian Teak, Black Metal and Brass Midcentury Bookshelves Roomdivider
Italian Teak, Black Metal and Brass Midcentury Bookshelves Roomdivider

Italian Teak, Black Metal and Brass Midcentury Bookshelves Roomdivider

By Franco Albini and Franca Helg, Poggi

Located in Varese, Lombardia

shown in the photo. The conditions of the shelves and storage units are quite good. All the parts have

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass, Metal

Southern Nurseries bigger chest of drawers, 1970s
Southern Nurseries bigger chest of drawers, 1970s

Southern Nurseries bigger chest of drawers, 1970s

By Vivai del Sud

Located in Buzzò, Emilia-Romagna

storage unit but an art piece, which brings a taste of the 70s aesthetic into your home. The item is

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker

Maison Regain Chest of Drawers in Solid Elm
Maison Regain Chest of Drawers in Solid Elm

Maison Regain Chest of Drawers in Solid Elm

By Maison Regain

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Maison Regain, chest of drawers, solid elm, France, 1970s Stunning French storage unit executed in

Category

1970s French Post-Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Elm

1960s Bookcase Shelves "Parade" by Kajsa & Nils Nisse Strinning , Denmark
1960s Bookcase Shelves "Parade" by Kajsa & Nils Nisse Strinning , Denmark

1960s Bookcase Shelves "Parade" by Kajsa & Nils Nisse Strinning , Denmark

By Nils Nisse Strinning, Kajsa Strinning 1, String Design AB

Located in Silvolde, Gelderland

divider or wall-mounted storage unit Crafted from warm teak wood, showcasing beautiful natural grain

Category

1960s Danish Used Storage Units

Materials

Teak

Vintage Italian Wood & Brass Mid-Century Modern Free-Standing Bookcase
Vintage Italian Wood & Brass Mid-Century Modern Free-Standing Bookcase

Vintage Italian Wood & Brass Mid-Century Modern Free-Standing Bookcase

By Dassi Lissone

Located in Varese, Lombardia

adjustable feet. Each storage unit is equipped with an internal shelf.

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

Bookcase with Sliding Doors
Bookcase with Sliding Doors

Bookcase with Sliding Doors

Located in Brescia, IT

storage unit with sliding doors, the upper part is an adjustable-height shelving system. Simple appearance

Category

1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Teak

Derk Jan De Vries for Maisa Italian Midcentury Ash Bookcase 1970s
Derk Jan De Vries for Maisa Italian Midcentury Ash Bookcase 1970s

Derk Jan De Vries for Maisa Italian Midcentury Ash Bookcase 1970s

By Maisa

Located in Reggio Emilia, IT

elements, two of which are open storage units and one drawer unit, stackable at will designed by Derk Jan

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Ash

Art Deco De Coene Voltaire Bibliothèque, France, 1920s
Art Deco De Coene Voltaire Bibliothèque, France, 1920s

Art Deco De Coene Voltaire Bibliothèque, France, 1920s

By De Coene Frères

Located in Antwerp, BE

-Jacques Ruhlmann and Eileen Gray, this storage unit exudes a truly monumental presence.

Category

1920s French Art Deco Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

Brazilian Modern Modular Shelving Units by Ernesto Hauner, Brazil, 1960s
Brazilian Modern Modular Shelving Units by Ernesto Hauner, Brazil, 1960s

Brazilian Modern Modular Shelving Units by Ernesto Hauner, Brazil, 1960s

By Ernesto Hauner

Located in New York, NY

element—equally suited as a display system, storage unit, or subtle room divider. Its expressive rosewood

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian 60's Style Solid Wood Sideboard Danish Bar Commode
Scandinavian 60's Style Solid Wood Sideboard Danish Bar Commode

Scandinavian 60's Style Solid Wood Sideboard Danish Bar Commode

Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

small desk is composed of a folding top with a leather under hand and various clever storage units also

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

1960s Teak "Parade" Bookcase / Shelves By Kajsa & Nils Nisse Strinning , Denmark
1960s Teak "Parade" Bookcase / Shelves By Kajsa & Nils Nisse Strinning , Denmark

1960s Teak "Parade" Bookcase / Shelves By Kajsa & Nils Nisse Strinning , Denmark

By Nils Nisse Strinning, String Design AB, Kajsa Strinning 1

Located in Silvolde, Gelderland

wall-mounted storage unit Crafted from warm teak wood, showcasing beautiful natural grain Features

Category

1960s Danish Used Storage Units

Materials

Glass, Teak

1960s Pair of Teak  Cabinets / Room Dividers by Kajsa & Nils "Nisse" Strinning
1960s Pair of Teak  Cabinets / Room Dividers by Kajsa & Nils "Nisse" Strinning

1960s Pair of Teak Cabinets / Room Dividers by Kajsa & Nils "Nisse" Strinning

By String Design AB, Kajsa Strinning 1, Nils Nisse Strinning

Located in Silvolde, Gelderland

wall-mounted storage unit Crafted from warm teak wood, showcasing beautiful natural grain Features

Category

1960s Danish Used Storage Units

Materials

Glass, Teak

1960s Teak Sectional Cabinet / Room Divider by Kajsa & Nils "Nisse" Strinning
1960s Teak Sectional Cabinet / Room Divider by Kajsa & Nils "Nisse" Strinning

1960s Teak Sectional Cabinet / Room Divider by Kajsa & Nils "Nisse" Strinning

By String Design AB, Nils Nisse Strinning, Kajsa Strinning 1

Located in Silvolde, Gelderland

wall-mounted storage unit Crafted from warm teak wood, showcasing beautiful natural grain Features

Category

1960s Danish Used Storage Units

Materials

Glass, Teak

19th Century Chinese Lacquered Chest on Stand
19th Century Chinese Lacquered Chest on Stand

19th Century Chinese Lacquered Chest on Stand

Located in Sheffield, MA

table and storage unit or use as blanket chest or bench at the foot of a bed. Stand dimensions: 33.75

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

Teak and Brass Midcentury Free Standing Bookshelf Attributed to ISA
Teak and Brass Midcentury Free Standing Bookshelf Attributed to ISA

Teak and Brass Midcentury Free Standing Bookshelf Attributed to ISA

By ISA Bergamo

Located in Varese, Lombardia

Bookshelf made from teak wood in the 1950s.It is equipped with storage unit and shelfs. Overall

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

Sergio Rodrigues Bookcase Model Adolpho, Brazilian Mid-Century, 1960
Sergio Rodrigues Bookcase Model Adolpho, Brazilian Mid-Century, 1960

Sergio Rodrigues Bookcase Model Adolpho, Brazilian Mid-Century, 1960

By Sergio Rodrigues

Located in L’ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE, FR

and timeless touch. More than just a storage unit, this versatile piece can be placed at the center of

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Jacaranda

Mahogany sideboard with inlaid ashlars, 1950s
Mahogany sideboard with inlaid ashlars, 1950s

Mahogany sideboard with inlaid ashlars, 1950s

Located in Montelabbate, PU

Living area mahogany sideboard/storage unit of excellent cabinetry, 1950s. The front has eight

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Mahogany

Midcentury sideboard designed by Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy 1950
Midcentury sideboard designed by Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy 1950

Midcentury sideboard designed by Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy 1950

By Poggi, Franco Albini

Located in Piacenza, Italy

manufacturer Poggi. Crafted in fine wood, this mid-century modern storage unit reflects Albini’s distinctive

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

Jarl Heger for Jason Møbler Cabinet in Teak
Jarl Heger for Jason Møbler Cabinet in Teak

Jarl Heger for Jason Møbler Cabinet in Teak

By Jarl Heger, Jason Møbler

Located in Waalwijk, NL

in Denmark in 1959, the storage unit reflects the innovative spirit and craftsmanship of the Mid

Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Brass

Brazilian Modern Modular Shelving Unit by Ernesto Hauner, Brazil, 1960s
Brazilian Modern Modular Shelving Unit by Ernesto Hauner, Brazil, 1960s

Brazilian Modern Modular Shelving Unit by Ernesto Hauner, Brazil, 1960s

By Ernesto Hauner

Located in New York, NY

element—equally suited as a display system, storage unit, or subtle room divider. A manufacturer’s seal

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Antique Industrial Storage Locker, France ca. 1910
Antique Industrial Storage Locker, France ca. 1910

Antique Industrial Storage Locker, France ca. 1910

Located in Meulebeke, BE

beautifully with clean lines and modern materials. Whether used as a functional storage unit, a sculptural

Category

1910s French Industrial Used Storage Units

Materials

Metal

Large Danish chest of drawers, week-table, 7 drawers in teak, Henning Jørgensen
Large Danish chest of drawers, week-table, 7 drawers in teak, Henning Jørgensen

Large Danish chest of drawers, week-table, 7 drawers in teak, Henning Jørgensen

By Fredericia, Henning Jørgensen

Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR

Superb Scandinavian chest of drawers/storage unit. Seven large drawers, the top one locks (key

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Teak

Fantastic Gothic Spanish Revival style Credenza Mid-century
Fantastic Gothic Spanish Revival style Credenza Mid-century

Fantastic Gothic Spanish Revival style Credenza Mid-century

Located in Pemberton, NJ

, serving as both a functional storage unit and a statement piece. This piece measures 33.5"t x 81.5"l x 18

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Used Storage Units

Materials

Wood

Brazilian Modern Modular Shelving Unit n Hardwood, Ernesto Hauner, Brazil, 1960s
Brazilian Modern Modular Shelving Unit n Hardwood, Ernesto Hauner, Brazil, 1960s

Brazilian Modern Modular Shelving Unit n Hardwood, Ernesto Hauner, Brazil, 1960s

By Ernesto Hauner

Located in New York, NY

element—equally suited as a display system, storage unit, or subtle room divider. A manufacturer’s seal

Category

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

Materials

Brass

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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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