$3,336
H 68.9 in W 40.95 in D 16.34 in
1960s Italian Designer Drinks Cabinet, Inlaid and Decorated with Etchings
Located in Baambrugge, NL
Beautiful Italian bar cabinet made in the 1960s from beechwood fineered with mahogany. Inlaid with
Beech, Cherry
$3,735
H 43.31 in W 37.41 in D 20.87 in
Rosewood Drinks Cabinet / Cocktail Bar 1960s–1970s Vintage Mid-Century
Located in London, GB
Beautiful vintage mid 20th century drinks cabinet in a stunning rosewood veneer with striking
Mirror, Rosewood
$3,113
H 44.69 in W 50.99 in D 16.93 in
Rare Ercol Tall Sideboard / Drinks Cabinet, English, by Lucian Ercolani, 1960s
By Lucian Ercolani
Located in Richmond, Surrey
Rare Ercol tall sideboard / drinks cabinet, English, By Lucian Ercolani, 1960s. Description
Teak
Midcentury Rattan Bamboo Drinks Bar Cart / Dry Bar, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Midcentury drinks corner bar cart or bottle stand in rattan and bamboo, Spain, 1960s The perfect
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
$1,889
H 27.17 in W 27.56 in D 17.33 in
1960s Danish Teak Arrebo Møbler Folding Drinks Cart Bar Trolley Andreas Hansen
By Arrebo Mobler, Andreas Hansen
Located in London, England
1960s Vintage Danish Teak folding dry bar drinks trolley by Andreas Hansen for Arrebo Møbler which
Brass
Midcentury Teak Drinks Cabinet from Younger, 1960s
Located in South Shields, Tyne and Wear
Midcentury design - Midcentury drinks cabinet / dry bar / sideboard - Manufactured in the UK by
Teak
Unavailable
H 40.16 in W 38.19 in D 18.51 in
1960s ’Tola’ Drinks Cabinet / Sideboard by E Gomme for G Plan
By G Plan Furniture, Ebenezer Gomme
Located in London, GB
Mid-Century G plan Tola chest of drawers / sideboard / drinks cabinet in good sturdy condition
Brass
Unavailable
H 26.78 in W 43.31 in D 19.3 in
1960s Danish Teak Corner Bar Drinks Cabinet with rotating Shelf
Located in Zurich, CH
No 1960s home was complete without it’s own bar for those cocktail evenings or unexpected guests so
Brass
Unavailable
H 25.99 in W 18.12 in D 29.53 in
Cesare Lacca Style Brass Bar Cart Drinks Serving Trolley, Italy 1960’s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful and very practical 2 tiered bar cart, drinks serving trolly or dry bar on 4 smoothly
Brass
Mini Cabinet
Located in Llandudno, Conwy
A 1960s teak and rosewood drinks cabinet. Comprises of a cocktail cabinet, drop down the table
Rosewood
Mid Century Modern Vintage Danish Teak Corner Bar Cocktail Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a wonderful Danish designed 1960’s drinks cabinet or cocktail bar which will sit stylishly
Wood, Teak
1960’s Vintage Mahogany Drinks Cabinet
Located in London, GB
A smart and useful drinks cabinet from the 1960s, made from mahogany. This is very well made, it
Mahogany
1960's Vintage Drinks Cabinet by Torbjorn Afdal
By Bruksbo
Located in London, GB
An amazing vintage wooden drinks cabinet by the Norwegian designer Torbjorn Afdal. It was made in
Wood
1960's Swedish Vintage Drinks Cabinet / Coffee Table
Located in London, GB
A stunning and very rare vintage drinks cabinet, which could easily be used as a coffee table. This
Wood
1960's Danish Teak Drinks Cabinet / Bar by Dyrlund
By Dyrlund
Located in London, GB
A stylish and very practical vintage Danish drinks cabinet / dry bar. This was made by Dyrlund, it
Teak, Formica
Vintage Oak Drinks Cabinet, 1960s
Located in South Shields, GB
A beautiful oak drinks cabinet, circa 1960s. Featuring two lockable cupboards and a drawer to the
Oak
Teak Drinks Cabinet, 1960s
Located in South Shields, GB
A teak drinks cabinet, circa 1960s Featuring two drawers, two cupboards and a pull down drinks
Teak
1960s Vintage Danish Drinks Cabinet
Located in London, GB
A stylish and top quality drinks cabinet made in Denmark, it dates from the 1960s. It’s a nice
Wood
1960s Vintage Mahogany Drinks Cabinet
Located in London, GB
A smart and useful drinks cabinet from the 1960s, made from mahogany. This is very well made, it
Mahogany
1960's Danish Teak Drinks Cabinet / Bar by Reno Wahl Iversen
By Reno Wahl Iversen, Dyrlund
Located in London, GB
Iversen, it was made in Denmark by Dyrlund around the 1960’s. The design is very clever, it stands
Teak
1960s Vintage Drinks Cabinet by McIntosh
By A.H. McIntosh Furniture
Located in London, GB
A superb and very impressive vintage drinks cabinet, made by McIntosh and dating from the 1960s
Wood
Inlaid 1960s Red Lacquer and Ebonized Drinks Cabinet
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Exceptional quality 1960s red lacquer and ebonized drinks cabinet with mirrored interior and
Mother-of-Pearl, Glass, Mirror, Lacquer
Rosewood Retro Drinks Cabinet by McIntosh Vintage, 1960s
By A.H. McIntosh Furniture
Located in London, GB
A magnificent rosewood drinks cabinet, this was made by McIntosh in the 1960s. It has amazing grain
Rosewood
Teak Drinks Cabinet from Younger, 1960s
By G Plan Furniture
Located in South Shields, GB
- Midcentury drinks cabinet / dry bar / sideboard. - Manufactured in the UK by Younger - Made
Teak
1960s Vintage Drinks Cabinet by Robert Heritage
By Robert Heritage
Located in London, GB
A beautifully designed and top quality vintage drinks cabinet, this was designed by Robert Heritage
Wood
1960s Danish Drinks Cabinet by Leif Arling
By Leif Alring
Located in London, GB
A stunning and extremely rare Danish vintage drinks cabinet, this dates from the 1960s, it was
Wood
1960s Danish Vintage Teak Fredericia Drinks Cabinet
Located in London, GB
A stunning and extremely well made 1960s vintage cabinet in teak, this was made in Denmark, this
Teak, Sycamore
1960s Danish Vintage Teak Fredericia Drinks Cabinet
Located in London, GB
A stunning and extremely well made 1960s vintage cabinet in teak, this was made in Denmark, this
Sycamore, Teak
1960’s Teak Vintage Drinks Bar
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage teak drinks bar, this was made in England and date from the 1960’s. It is of
Teak
1960s Mid Century Modern English Teak Drinks Cabinet by Nathan
By Nathan Furniture
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1960s mid century modern drinks cabinet by Nathan, England. Teak. "Nathan Quality" label intact
Teak
1960s Vintage Rosewood Drinks Cabinet by Robert Heritage
By Robert Heritage
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage drinks cabinet, designed by Robert Heritage for Archie Shine. This is part of
Rosewood
Sold
H 55.52 in W 36.62 in D 17.33 in
1960's Scandinavian Dry / Bar Drinking Cabinet in Teak and Oak by Westbergs
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful and high quality dry bar / drinking cabinet in teak on a oak stand attributed to
Oak, Teak
Sold
H 45.28 in W 51.19 in D 14.97 in
Midcentury Danish Rosewood Highboard / Sideboard / Drinks Cabinet, 1960s
Located in Richmond, Surrey
Midcentury Danish rosewood highboard / sideboard / drinks cabinet, circa 1960s Top half consists
Rosewood
Sold
H 28.75 in W 35.44 in D 18.51 in
1960s Mid CenturyDanish Rosewood & Brushed Chrome Pulldown Drinks Cabinet
Located in London, England
1960s Danish rosewood and brushed chrome drinks cabinet. The pulldown front of the cabinet features
Chrome
Danish Teak Corner Bar Carousel Drinks Cabinet, circa 1960s
By Torbjørn Afdal
Located in Peabody, MA
Teak corner cabinet with revolving bookcase, revealing storage for five liquor bottles and stemware
Mirror, Teak
1960s Danish Teak Captains Bar / Drinks Cabinet by Dyrlund
By Drylund
Located in London, GB
A stunning and very rare captains bar / cabinet in teak, this was made in Denmark by Dyrlund, it
Teak
Mid Century Teak Narrow Drinks Cabinet from Austinsuite, 1960s
By Austinsuite
Located in South Shields, GB
A mid century teak narrow drinks cabinet from Austinsuite, circa 1960s The low profile cupboard
Teak
1960s Vintage Teak Bar / Drinks Cabinet by Turnidge
By Turnidge Furniture
Located in London, GB
A fabulous and very well made vintage teak drinks bar, dating from the 1960s. This was made in
Teak
Teak Sideboard or Drinks Cabinet from G-Plan, 1960s
By G Plan Furniture
Located in South Shields, GB
- Mid century drinks cabinet / dry bar / sideboard. - Manufactured in the UK by G Plan. - Made
Teak
1960s Danish Teak Captains Bar or Drinks Cabinet by Dyrlund
By Drylund
Located in London, GB
A stunning and very rare captains bar or cabinet in teak, this was made in Denmark by Dyrlund, it
Teak
1960s Vintage Danish Drinks Cabinet or Bar by Dyrlund
By Dyrlund
Located in London, GB
A superb and rare vintage drinks cabinet or serving bar, this was made in Denmark by Dyrlund, it
Wood
Sold
H 48.04 in W 31.89 in D 16.15 in
1960s Teak Drinks Cocktail Cabinet Richard Hornby for Fyne Ladye Furniture UK
By Richard Hornby, Fyne Ladye
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
A very attractive African teak freestanding drinks cabinet designed by Richard Hornby in the mid-to
Laminate, Teak
1960s Danish Bar / Drinks Cabinet by Erik Buch for Dyrlund
By Erik Buch
Located in London, GB
A stunning and rare vintage folding drinks bar, this was designed by Erik Buch and made in Denmark
Wood
Sold
H 38.59 in W 33.47 in D 19.69 in
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wood Brass Glass top Dry Bar Drinks Cabinet
By Ico & Luisa Parisi, Gio Ponti, Paolo Buffa, Guglielmo Ulrich, Vittorio Dassi
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful and very elegantly shaped Italian Mid-Century Modern dry bar cabinet, with two front
Brass
Sold
H 29.14 in W 30.71 in L 29.14 in
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wood Brass and Glass Top Dry Bar Drinks Cabinet
By Ico & Luisa Parisi, Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti, Guglielmo Ulrich, Vittorio Dassi
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful and very elegantly shaped Italian Mid-Century Modern dry bar cabinet, with highlighted
Brass
Sold
H 50.4 in W 44.1 in D 17.92 in
Tom Robertson Teak Cocktail Bar, Dry Bar, Drinks Cabinet by McIntosh, 1960s.
By Tom Robertson
Located in Dublin 8, IE
There are many names used to describe these types of bar cabinet - cocktail bar, dry bar, drinks
Teak
1960s Teak Vintage Drinks Bar
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage teak drinks bar, this was made in England and date from the 1960’s. It is of
Teak
Paul Evans Cityscape Large Drinks Bar, 1960s
By Paul Evans
Located in Downingtown, PA
Large Paul Evans Cityscape Dry Drinks Bar, Paul Evans Studio for Directional, 1970s. The bar has
Metal
1960s Swedish Drinks Cabinet or Coffee Table
Located in London, GB
A stunning and very rare vintage drinks cabinet, which could easily be used as a coffee table. This
Glass, Wood
1960s Swedish Drinks Cabinet or Coffee Table
Located in London, GB
A stunning and very rare vintage drinks cabinet, which could easily be used as a coffee table. This
Glass, Wood
1960s Rosewood Rare Foldout Drinks Bar & Cabinet By Dyrlund
By Dyrlund
Located in London, GB
A rare vintage Danish, 1960’s Rosewood foldout drinks bar & cabinet by maker Dyrlund. An example of
Rosewood
Teak Sideboard or Highboard from G-Plan, 1960s
By G Plan Furniture
Located in South Shields, GB
A highboard or drinks cabinet by G Plan for the Brasilia range - Circa 1960s Featuring a pull
Teak
1960's Vintage Drinks Cabinet by Robert Heritage for Archie Shine
By Archie Shine, Robert Heritage
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage drinks cabinet, designed by Robert Heritage for Archie Shine. This is part of
Wood
1960s Danish Drinks Cabinet
Located in London, GB
A beautifully stylish and extremely well made Danish cabinet, with painted bi-folding doors. This
Wood
Sold
H 64.18 in W 34.65 in D 17.13 in
Aldo Tura Goatskin Lacquered, Glazed Drink Cabinet, Italy, 1960s
By Aldo Tura
Located in Den Haag, NL
Aldo Tura goatskin lacquered glazed drink cabinet, Italy, 1960s. Inside the cabinet there are 3
Goatskin, Glass, Mirror
1960s Danish Teak Captains Bar / Drinks Cabinet by Dyrlund
By Drylund
Located in London, GB
dates from the 1960’s. The quality is amazing, and the condition is superb throughout; we have had this
Teak
Sold
H 55.52 in W 36.62 in D 17.33 in
1960's Scandinavian Dry / Bar Drinking Cabinet in Teak on Oak Legs by Westbergs
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful and high quality dry bar / drinking cabinet in teak on a oak stand attributed to
Oak, Teak
1960s Vintage Drinks Cabinet by Robert Heritage for Archie Shine
By Robert Heritage
Located in London, GB
A large, impressive and extremely beautiful drinks cabinet, this was designed by Robert Heritage
Wood
1960s Vintage Walnut Drinks Cabinet by Robert Heritage for Archie Shine
By Robert Heritage
Located in London, GB
A very rare and extremely well made drinks cabinet in walnut, this was designed by Robert Heritage
Walnut
Sold
H 26.38 in W 29.53 in D 16.54 in
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wood and Brass Dry Bar Drinks Cabinet
By Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti, Ico & Luisa Parisi, Vittorio Dassi, Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful and very elegantly shaped Italian Mid-Century Modern dry bar cabinet, with the brass
Brass
Sold
H 29.14 in W 29.53 in D 13.78 in
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Walnut Burl Wood Brass Dry Bar Drinks Cabinet
By Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti, Ico & Luisa Parisi, Vittorio Dassi, Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful and very elegantly shaped Italian Mid-Century Modern dry bar cabinet, with highlighted
Brass
Sold
H 15.75 in W 39.38 in D 11.03 in
Danish Rosewood Drink Cabinet/Bookshelf From Viby Møbelfabrik, 1960's.
By Viby Møbelfabrik
Located in Nyborg, DK
Rosewood drinks cabinet/bookshelf manufactured in Denmark in the 1960's by Viby Møbelfabrik
Rosewood
Rosso Wall Mirror
By Specchi Veneziani
Located in Milan, IT
Crafted in the finest Murano tradition, this exquisite Venetian mirror is a true work of art. Assembled with crystal and gold elements, and adorned with red glass flowers, each piece...
Glass
$1,650 / item
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Textile
$280 / item
H 35.43 in W 21.25 in D 17.71 in
Garden Or Dinning Armchairs in Black Wrought Iron. Indoor & Outdoor. Price/Piece
Located in Miami, FL
Garden armchairs in black wrought iron Handmade. Dining armchairs PRICE PER ITEM.
Wrought Iron
$2,500 / item
H 17.72 in Dm 14.97 in
Soda Blown Murano Glass High Coffee Table in Petrol by Yiannis Ghikas
By Yiannis Ghikas, Miniforms
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Soda was born upside-down, with a puff of air. It weighs 20 kilos, and it is blown, drawn out and shaped by three master glassmakers. The result is a single volume of glass with thre...
Blown Glass
Panoplie Petite Iron Tripod Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Petite iron tripod lamp with slender legs and tapered feet. New wiring and new oyster linen shade. Multiple available, sold individually. Takes one E12 base bulb, up to 25 W or highe...
Iron
$286Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 4.14 in W 2.56 in D 4.14 in
Set of 6 Handmade Unique Goto Murano Drinking Glasses
By Roberto Beltrami
Located in Murano, VE
The Murano Glass Goto collection brings a piece of authentic Italian art to your dining table. Hand-blown with artistic expertise, these glasses are inspired by the traditional Venet...
Murano Glass
$1,275 / item
H 15 in W 13.5 in D 6 in
JENNY Large Wall Light or Sconce in Enamel & Brass by Blueprint Lighting
By Mathieu Matégot, Blueprint Lighting, Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
Introducing Jenny, the latest vintage-inspired fixture from Blueprint Lighting. Named for multi-hyphenate Jenny Mollen; NYT best-selling author, actress, design enthusiast, mom of ...
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
$6,950 / item
H 47.25 in Dm 21.66 in
Florian Schulz Double Onos 55-Pendant Lamp with Side Counter Weights
By Florian Schulz
Located in Berlin, DE
Really beautiful Florian Schulz double Onos 55-pendant lamp with one E27 / model for each lamp 100 Watt bulbs. Also available in US wired.
Brass
Large Bamboo Pair of Table Lamps with Brass Bases
Located in New York, NY
large bamboo pair of table lamps with brass bases. Beautiful and chic table lamps. Lovely brass bases and bamboo tops held by brass top.
Brass
Pink Marble Pedestal Cone Side Table
By Kiwano Concept
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introduce monumental elegance and a grounded detail to your interior with the stunning pink marble CONE side table. The sculptural geometric shape of this contemporary design piece ...
Marble
$2,689
H 30.12 in W 45.28 in D 16.15 in
Stunning Vintage circa 1930s Sideboard Drinks Pop Up Bar Table on Wheels
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this Art Deco circa 1930s sideboard size drinks table with pop up bar and most of the original glassware A good looking well made and decorativ...
Glass, Hardwood
$2,825 / item
H 7 in Dm 18 in
Leather Pendant Light in Camel, Capa, Talabartero Collection Saddle Lamp
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
The lamps in this collection are inspired by Colombia’s equestrian heritage, layered with a jewel-toned color palette that takes inspiration from the works of Colombian artist Fernan...
Brass
Crackle Textured Handmade Ceramic Mushroom Lamp, Blue
By Ethan Streicher, Streicher Goods
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Every mushroom lamp is hand-made and hand-painted by Ethan Streicher, the founder and designer behind the Streicher Goods brand in Brooklyn, NY. The lamp's silhouette is simple and c...
Brass
$2,800
H 43.31 in W 59.45 in D 16.93 in
Mid-Century Cabinet / Sideboard in Teak & Oak, Danish Cabinetmaker, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Lovely rare cabinet in teak & oak. Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker in 1960s. Highlighted details and plenty of shelves featured in this beautiful cabinet. A fine vintage object that...
Oak, Teak
$1,966
H 27.96 in W 28.75 in D 14.57 in
1950s Midcentury Regency Italian Wood, Brass and Mirror Dry Bar Cabinet Cart
By Vittorio Dassi, Guglielmo Ulrich, Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti, Ico & Luisa Parisi
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern dry bar cabinet cart characterized by its original Asian themed painted front wood pull-out tilt door with interior part in mirror gl...
Brass
$13,745 / item
H 49.22 in Dm 70.87 in
Brass and Parchment Paper Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Impressive chandelier made of white enameled brass arms holding six beautiful parchment paper shades, which can be adjusted thanks to the handle of each socket. Signed by the arti...
Brass
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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.