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Poul Cadovius teak bookcase, 1960's
Poul Cadovius teak bookcase, 1960's

Poul Cadovius teak bookcase, 1960's

By Poul Cadovius

Located in LYON, FR

System. A classic Danish wall unit. The shelves and cabinets can then be inserted at the desired height

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Teak

Metal Room Divider by Salvatore Messina
Metal Room Divider by Salvatore Messina

Metal Room Divider by Salvatore Messina

By Salvatore Messina

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Salvatore Messina, room divider or wall unit, aluminum, Italy, 1960s Salvatore Messina (1916–1982

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Wooden Carved Wall Hanging Shelving Unit
Vintage Wooden Carved Wall Hanging Shelving Unit

Vintage Wooden Carved Wall Hanging Shelving Unit

Located in Chicago, IL

Vintage Wooden Carved Wall Hanging Shelving Unit The Vintage Wooden Carved Wall Hanging Shelving

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown American Colonial Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Wood

1970's Modern Silver Chrome Finish Metal 6 Shelf Etagere Wall Cabinet
1970's Modern Silver Chrome Finish Metal 6 Shelf Etagere Wall Cabinet

1970's Modern Silver Chrome Finish Metal 6 Shelf Etagere Wall Cabinet

Located in Opa Locka, FL

1970's Modern Silver Metal Etagere/ 6 Shelf Wall Storage Unit. This is a very pretty modern piece!

Category

1970s Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Chrome

"Treillage" Wall Shelving in Solid Brass by Charles Hollis Jones, USA 1970's
"Treillage" Wall Shelving in Solid Brass by Charles Hollis Jones, USA 1970's

"Treillage" Wall Shelving in Solid Brass by Charles Hollis Jones, USA 1970's

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Los Angeles, CA

objects, this wall shelving unit is both functional and visually captivating. Measurements: 36.50 inches

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Brass

24 x Sleek Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights in Chromed Steel – Germany, 1970s
24 x Sleek Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights in Chromed Steel – Germany, 1970s

24 x Sleek Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights in Chromed Steel – Germany, 1970s

Located in Almelo, NL

. With 24 units available, these wall lights offer an exceptional opportunity for large-scale interior

Category

Late 20th Century German Brutalist Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Large Wall Lamp With Textured Diffuser and Teak Frame by Kontakt-Werkstätten
Large Wall Lamp With Textured Diffuser and Teak Frame by Kontakt-Werkstätten

Large Wall Lamp With Textured Diffuser and Teak Frame by Kontakt-Werkstätten

Located in Mortsel, BE

this extraordinary Large Wall Lamp, we have additional units available. Please contact us via email to

Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Plexiglass, Teak

Mid-Century Rosewood Bed Frame by Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Denmark, 1960s
Mid-Century Rosewood Bed Frame by Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Denmark, 1960s

Mid-Century Rosewood Bed Frame by Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Denmark, 1960s

By Arne Hovmand-Olsen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

with rosewood veneer throughout. The integrated headboard wall unit incorporates an open bookshelf

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Faux Leather, Rosewood, Plywood

Rolex "Units Per Hour" Dealer Wall Clock.
Rolex "Units Per Hour" Dealer Wall Clock.

Rolex "Units Per Hour" Dealer Wall Clock.

By Rolex

Located in Buchanan, MI

This dealer clock is tested, and looks to be working. The clock face reads, "Rolex", and has a dial covered in rhinestones. There are some scratches along the border, but overall, th...

Category

20th Century American Classical Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Stainless Steel

1950s Italian Teak and Black-Lacquered Room Divider with Diamond-Patterned Doors
1950s Italian Teak and Black-Lacquered Room Divider with Diamond-Patterned Doors

1950s Italian Teak and Black-Lacquered Room Divider with Diamond-Patterned Doors

By Gio Ponti, Osvaldo Borsani, Gianfranco Frattini

Located in Dronten, NL

function beautifully as a room divider, wall unit, or open bookshelf, adding both architectural structure

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Brass

Tramp Art Shell Embedded Wall Shelf Unit
Tramp Art Shell Embedded Wall Shelf Unit

Tramp Art Shell Embedded Wall Shelf Unit

Located in San Diego, CA

A very nice vintage "Tramp Art" wall shelf made of wood with imbedded sea shells, circa 1940s. The

Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Shell, Wood

Danish Modern Oak Floating Sideboard by Poul Cadovius for Cado 1960s.
Danish Modern Oak Floating Sideboard by Poul Cadovius for Cado 1960s.

Danish Modern Oak Floating Sideboard by Poul Cadovius for Cado 1960s.

By Poul Cadovius, Cado

Located in Asaa, DK

Modern 2 bay wall unit model Cado with back panels. This is a original vintage floating cabinets designed

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Oak

Minimalistic Vintage Totally free-hanging teak 1960 Retro Desk, shelves cupboard
Minimalistic Vintage Totally free-hanging teak 1960 Retro Desk, shelves cupboard

Minimalistic Vintage Totally free-hanging teak 1960 Retro Desk, shelves cupboard

Located in Markington, GB

Sought-after free-hanging XXL wall unit / sideboard with integrated desk and shelving, circa mid

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Teak

Arthur Umanoff Iron Room Dividers w 140 Leather Wine Bottle Holders, 1950s
Arthur Umanoff Iron Room Dividers w 140 Leather Wine Bottle Holders, 1950s

Arthur Umanoff Iron Room Dividers w 140 Leather Wine Bottle Holders, 1950s

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Los Angeles, CA

, this magnificent room divider or wall unit is the ideal companion to any entertainment home or creative

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Iron

Italian Mid-Century Bookcase by Vittorio Dassi, Italy, 1950s
Italian Mid-Century Bookcase by Vittorio Dassi, Italy, 1950s

Italian Mid-Century Bookcase by Vittorio Dassi, Italy, 1950s

By Vittorio Dassi

Located in Buccinasco, MI

Refined Italian Mid-Century Modern wall unit attributed to Vittorio Dassi, dating to the 1950s

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Brass

Rare Poul Cadovius Royal system bookcase with extendable table, 1960s
Rare Poul Cadovius Royal system bookcase with extendable table, 1960s

Rare Poul Cadovius Royal system bookcase with extendable table, 1960s

By Poul Cadovius

Located in LYON, FR

Cadovius Royal System. A classic example of a Danish wall unit. Version with teak uprights and rare drop

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Teak

Minimalistic Vintage Totally free-hanging teak 1960 Retro Desk, shelves cupboard
Minimalistic Vintage Totally free-hanging teak 1960 Retro Desk, shelves cupboard

Minimalistic Vintage Totally free-hanging teak 1960 Retro Desk, shelves cupboard

Located in Markington, GB

Sought-after free-hanging XXL wall unit / sideboard with integrated desk and shelving, mid-century

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Teak

Exceptional Totally Free-Hanging XL modular Teak 1960 Retro Sideboard / Credenza
Exceptional Totally Free-Hanging XL modular Teak 1960 Retro Sideboard / Credenza

Exceptional Totally Free-Hanging XL modular Teak 1960 Retro Sideboard / Credenza

Located in Markington, GB

of these modular wall units, all in very good vintage condition. Each element can be arranged

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Teak

Exceptional Totally Free-Hanging XL Modular Teak 1960 Retro Sideboard / Credenza
Exceptional Totally Free-Hanging XL Modular Teak 1960 Retro Sideboard / Credenza

Exceptional Totally Free-Hanging XL Modular Teak 1960 Retro Sideboard / Credenza

Located in Markington, GB

with Perriand chairs). We were fortunate to acquire a large collection of these modular wall units

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Teak

MCM Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Calvin Credenza Sideboard Leather Brass Walnut
MCM Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Calvin Credenza Sideboard Leather Brass Walnut

MCM Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Calvin Credenza Sideboard Leather Brass Walnut

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Portland, OR

An original & iconic Mid-Century Modern credenza / wall unit model # C8506, designed by Paul Mc

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Brass

Vintage Mid Century Modern Etagere Wall Shelf Unit Free Standing
Vintage Mid Century Modern Etagere Wall Shelf Unit Free Standing

Vintage Mid Century Modern Etagere Wall Shelf Unit Free Standing

Located in Saddle River, NJ

Add functional style to your home with this vintage mid-century modern etagere wall shelf unit

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Wood

California Modern Cerused Oak Modular Bookcase Room Divider by Lou Hodges, 1970s
California Modern Cerused Oak Modular Bookcase Room Divider by Lou Hodges, 1970s

California Modern Cerused Oak Modular Bookcase Room Divider by Lou Hodges, 1970s

By Lou Hodges

Located in Los Angeles, CA

sections, one large and one small section or as one extremely large wall unit (as shown in the photos). The

Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Oak

Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs 'Välipala' Grand Library
Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs 'Välipala' Grand Library

Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs 'Välipala' Grand Library

By Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs, Mikko Nupponen

Located in Waalwijk, NL

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

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Wood, Teak

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Mirror Skyscraper Sideboard by Ello Furniture
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Mirror Skyscraper Sideboard by Ello Furniture

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Mirror Skyscraper Sideboard by Ello Furniture

By Ello Furniture

Located in New York, NY

described an Ello modular wall unit as "a rare combination of function plus spectacular glamour." Ello also

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Mirror

Wall Storage Unit from Belles Challes Lauzieres Residences Arc 1800
Wall Storage Unit from Belles Challes Lauzieres Residences Arc 1800

Wall Storage Unit from Belles Challes Lauzieres Residences Arc 1800

By Charlotte Perriand

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo

Wall storage unit by Charlotte Perriand. It was used at Lauzieres Residences as part of the "Les

Category

Late 20th Century French Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Pine

Mid-Century Pilastro Enameled Metal Wall Shelving Unit with Desk & Light
Mid-Century Pilastro Enameled Metal Wall Shelving Unit with Desk & Light

Mid-Century Pilastro Enameled Metal Wall Shelving Unit with Desk & Light

By Tjerk Reijenga, Pilastro

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Wall-mounted shelving system by Pilastro brings functional Dutch design to life with enameled metal

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Industrial Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Metal

Kai Kristiansen Danish Modern Rosewood Sideboard Table for Askel Kjersgaard #393
Kai Kristiansen Danish Modern Rosewood Sideboard Table for Askel Kjersgaard #393

Kai Kristiansen Danish Modern Rosewood Sideboard Table for Askel Kjersgaard #393

By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard, Illums Bolighus

Located in Chesterfield, NJ

designer produced popular, pioneering pieces including the FM Wall Unit, Model 42 Chair, and Model 31 Chair

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Rosewood

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 Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Wood

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

Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Metal

Ico Parisi Attributed, Teak Wall Display Unit with Multi-Colored Drawers
Ico Parisi Attributed, Teak Wall Display Unit with Multi-Colored Drawers

Ico Parisi Attributed, Teak Wall Display Unit with Multi-Colored Drawers

By Gio Ponti, Ico Parisi

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Custom Mid-Century Italian Teak and Maple Wall Display Unit Attributed to Ico Parisi In the style

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Brass

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 Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Metal

Scandinavian Mod Rosewood Cabinets Rud Thygesen & Johnny Sorensen for HG a Pair
Scandinavian Mod Rosewood Cabinets Rud Thygesen & Johnny Sorensen for HG a Pair

Scandinavian Mod Rosewood Cabinets Rud Thygesen & Johnny Sorensen for HG a Pair

By Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, Hansen & Guldborg Møbler

Located in Topeka, KS

, a pair. They also have a hanging mechanism on the back of each cabinet for hanging on a wall unit

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Metal

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

Wall-mounted shelving system by Pilastro represents functional Dutch Mid-Century design with its

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Industrial Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Metal

Tomado Style Industrial Multi-Colored 2 Section Wall Mount Shelving Unit
Tomado Style Industrial Multi-Colored 2 Section Wall Mount Shelving Unit

Tomado Style Industrial Multi-Colored 2 Section Wall Mount Shelving Unit

By Tomado

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dutch Mid-Century, Tomado style, industrial two section wall mounted shelving with yellow, red and

Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Metal

Gianfranco Frattini for Cantieri Carugati Large Library in Walnut
Gianfranco Frattini for Cantieri Carugati Large Library in Walnut

Gianfranco Frattini for Cantieri Carugati Large Library in Walnut

By Gianfranco Frattini, Cantieri Carugati

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Gianfranco Frattini for Cantiere Carugati, bookcase / wall unit, Italian walnut, metal, Italy, 1958

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Metal

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

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Rosewood

Charles Hollis Jones "Treillage" Wall Shelving Unit in Nickel and Lucite
Charles Hollis Jones "Treillage" Wall Shelving Unit in Nickel and Lucite

Charles Hollis Jones "Treillage" Wall Shelving Unit in Nickel and Lucite

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful wall shelving unit designed in 1965 by Charles Hollis Jones as a compliment to the

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Nickel

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 Pilastro, Coen de Vries

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 Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Metal

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 Omnia, Hilker

Located in Gaggenau, DE

Ash - The individual units can have multiple configuration options The frame is fixed to the wall

Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Ash

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

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

By Omnia, Hilker

Located in Gaggenau, DE

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

Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

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 Coen de Vries, Pilastro

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 Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Chrome & Glass Étagère / Display Bookcase, Illuminated Cabinet
Mid-Century Chrome & Glass Étagère / Display Bookcase, Illuminated Cabinet

Mid-Century Chrome & Glass Étagère / Display Bookcase, Illuminated Cabinet

Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

freestanding wall unit that functions as display shelving, bookcase, or compact bar. The tall, open frame and

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Chrome

Danish walnut Corner Wall-Mounted Shelving Unit, by Royal for  Poul Cadovius
Danish walnut Corner Wall-Mounted Shelving Unit, by Royal for  Poul Cadovius

Danish walnut Corner Wall-Mounted Shelving Unit, by Royal for Poul Cadovius

By Royal System, Poul Cadovius

Located in Gaggenau, DE

Midcentury Danish walnut Corner Wall-Mounted Shelving Unit, by Royal for Poul Cadovius, 1960s

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Metal

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 Coen de Vries, Pilastro

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 Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Metal

Derk Jan de Vries for Maisa di Seveso, Natural Green Modular Cabinet-Bookcase.
Derk Jan de Vries for Maisa di Seveso, Natural Green Modular Cabinet-Bookcase.

Derk Jan de Vries for Maisa di Seveso, Natural Green Modular Cabinet-Bookcase.

By Maisa

Located in Almelo, NL

, this wall unit comprises an array of compartments with distinctive design and functionality. The

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Glass, Ash

Wood and metal slatted wall bookcase with shelves and storage unit, 1960
Wood and metal slatted wall bookcase with shelves and storage unit, 1960

Wood and metal slatted wall bookcase with shelves and storage unit, 1960

By Mid Century Antiques

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Bookcase with wooden slatted structure with shelves and storage module, 1960. In good condition, with patina consistent with age and use. Origin: Italy

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Metal

Hollywood Regency Solid Brass Acryl Glass Corner wall board Unit, Italy 1970s
Hollywood Regency Solid Brass Acryl Glass Corner wall board Unit, Italy 1970s

Hollywood Regency Solid Brass Acryl Glass Corner wall board Unit, Italy 1970s

By Mathieu Matégot, Stilnovo, Max Sauze

Located in Kirchlengern, DE

Hollywood Regency Corner wall board Origin: Italy Age: 1970s This original

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wall Unit

Materials

Metal, Brass

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Vintage Wall Unit For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic vintage wall unit available at 1stDibs. A vintage wall unit — often made from wood, hardwood and teak — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the vintage wall unit you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Each vintage wall unit bearing Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern or Hollywood Regency hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made vintage wall unit over the years, but those crafted by Nils Nisse Strinning, String Design AB and Kai Kristiansen are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Vintage Wall Unit?

A vintage wall unit can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $1,998, while the lowest priced sells for $207 and the highest can go for as much as $22,900.

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.

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