Paul McCobb Stereo Record Cabinet H. Sacks & Sons
By Paul McCobb
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very hard to find Paul McCobb designed walnut stereo record cabinet sitting on stainless steel
Stainless Steel
$3,900 / item
H 30.5 in W 20 in D 64 in
"Douglas" Stereo Cabinet / Credenza, Dark Walnut, Mid-Century Modern Styling
By Pete Deeble
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Douglas Stereo Cabinet has been meticulously designed to be the perfect home for stereo
Walnut
$6,500
H 48.75 in W 52.25 in D 23.25 in
1960s Jens Risom Design Stereo Entertainment Cabinet Unit in Walnut
By Jens Risom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. The unit stands on four tapered legs, and has rich walnut veneered sides. There is plenty of room for
Steel
$7,000 / item
H 26.5 in W 72 in D 17 in
Mid-Century Modern Inspired "Victoria" Credenza, Boho Stereo Cabinet in Walnut
By Pete Deeble
Located in Long Beach, CA
rectangles that provide both interest and ventilation for the heat generated by your stereo. The size and
Walnut
$3,480 / item
H 30 in W 20 in D 61.75 in
"Douglas" Turned Leg Stereo HiFi Cabinet / Credenza - Mid-Century Modern WALNUT
By Pete Deeble
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Turned Leg Douglas Stereo Cabinet is functionally the same as the original Douglas cabinet but
Walnut
$380Sale Price|20% Off
H 6 in W 18 in D 7.5 in
1980s Klh Fm Top Stereo Clock Radio Walnut Case Mod. Tr-82
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on this cool KLH FM tabletop stereo, circa the 1980s made in Japan, beautiful walnut
Plastic, Walnut
$1,450 / set
H 31.5 in W 19.5 in D 19 in
Stunning Stylized Mid-Century Modern Electro Voice Stereo Speakers in Walnut
By Kipp Stewart, Electro Voice, Allied Maker
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning stylized Mid-Century Modern electro voice 3-way loud speakers in oiled walnut with
Metal, Aluminum
$3,480 / item
H 26 in W 15 in D 60 in
Classic Modern Hi-Fi Stereo Cabinet / Credenza Walnut Mid-Century Modern Buffet
By Pete Deeble
Located in Long Beach, CA
). It's featured here in beautiful walnut, but could also be built from cherry, maple, birch, or some
Walnut
The Lawrence Tambour Door Stereo Credenza
By Pete Deeble
Located in Long Beach, CA
This credenza is a tambour door stereo console inspired by Mid Century Modern Design, a love of
Walnut
Magnificent 2 Piece Credenza Bar Stereo Cabinet
Located in Pemberton, NJ
As functional as it is visually stunning this extraordinary stereo cabinet/bar is the epitome of
Metal
Richard Thompson Stereo Cabinet or Bar by Glenn of California
By Richard Thompson, Glenn of California
Located in Highland, IN
Designed by Richard Thompson for Glenn of California, this walnut cabinet has four doors which
Walnut
RCA Victor Stereo Cabinet
By RCA Victor
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Sleek and compact RCA Victor stereo cabinet. Very good overall condition. Stereo operates properly
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Stereo Speakers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
constructed with premium veneer core American walnut, finished with a satin tung oil, and fitted with a
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Stereo Credenza
By Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
minimalist Pro-Ject T1 turntable. This compact cabinet is hand crafted of premium veneer core American walnut
Walnut
Vintage Mid Century Zenith Stereo Console/Record Player
By Zenith
Located in San Marcos, CA
Mid Century Modern Stereo Console By Zenith - Record Changer - AM/FM- Tube Amplifier. This is a
Walnut
Mid-century Modern Stereo Console: Thin Line Ambo
By George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The HammarStudio Thin Line Ambo is a compact stereo console powered by a Yamaha C30A amplifier
Walnut
Italian Bar Cabinet
Located in Southampton, NY
Gorgeous walnut bar-stereo cabinet with folding doors and blonde wood interior. The ultimate mid
Wood
American Mid-Century Modern Walnut Stereo Cabinet
By Barzilay
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautiful and rare double door walnut stereo cabinet, the inside was removed but a new system can
Walnut
American Walnut Stereo / Record Cabinet by Barzilay
By Barzilay
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted American black walnut stereo cabinet with lifting top and a pull out record
Walnut
Zenith Mid Century Walnut Stereo Record Console
By Zenith
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Zenith mid century walnut stereo record console Record console measures: 40.25 wide x 17.5 deep x
Walnut
Drexel Declaration Mid Century Walnut Stereo Console
By Drexel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Drexel Declaration mid century walnut stereo console This console measures: 66 wide x 17.75 deep
Grasscloth, Walnut
Sold
H 29.5 in W 73.5 in D 20.5 in
American Mid Century Postmodern Massive Solid Walnut Stereo/ Credenza Cabinet
By Lou Hodges
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful massive solid walnut stereo credenza cabinet freshly refinished solid and sturdy nice
Walnut
Cado Walnut Stereo Cabinet by Poul Cadovius, Denmark
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A smaller sized dark walnut stereo cabinet with two doors having built in pulls inside to the left
Walnut
Sold
H 28 in W 72.38 in D 18.5 in
Walnut Stereo Entertainment Credenza / Cabinet in the style of George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A dark walnut stereo / entertainment credenza cabinet with center storage area for records , small
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 31 in W 50.5 in L 31 in
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declarations Motorola Mid Century Walnut Stereo Console
By Kipp Stewart, Motorola, Drexel
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declarations Motorola mid century walnut stereo console Console measures
Walnut
Sold
H 29.5 in W 66.75 in D 22 in
Mid Century MODERN Walnut Stereo Cabinet / CREDENZA in the style of Brasilia
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Weehawken, NJ
stunning walnut stereo cabinet has had the components removed and offers a blank interior so you can either
Walnut
Sold
H 33.75 in W 83.5 in D 17.5 in
Extra LONG Mid Century MODERN Walnut Stereo Cabinet / CREDENZA / Media Stand
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Extra Long and superbly incredible Mid Century Modern Stereo Cabinet / Credenza, c. 1960's. This
Walnut
Sold
H 31 in W 78.5 in D 19 in
Extra LONG Mid Century MODERN Walnut Stereo Cabinet / CREDENZA / Media Stand
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Extra Long and superbly incredible Mid Century Modern Stereo Cabinet / Credenza, c. 1960's. This
Walnut
Walnut Media / Stereo Shelving Unit
By Lane Furniture
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A medium toned walnut Stereo / Media shelving unit with two adjustable shelves and one pull out
Stereo / Record Walnut Cabinet by Barzilay
By Barzilay
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A well designed midcentury walnut stereo / record cabinet with three sliding doors each side has a
Walnut
Sold
H 27 in W 45 in D 18.5 in
Striking Small American Midcentury Walnut Console Stereo Cabinet by The Fisher
Located in San Diego, CA
Totally restored American walnut stereo cabinet by Fisher, circa 1960s, dual turntable and fisher
Walnut
Stereo Cabinet Harvey Probber styled in Walnut
By Harvey Probber
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A walnut stereo record cabinet with a door having storage or for your entertainment equipment and
Cane, Walnut
Sensational Mid-Century Modern Stereo Cabinet and Dry Bar
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A totally mad men Mid-Century Modern two-piece walnut stereo cabinet and dry bar. Top piece has
Walnut
Stereo / Record Walnut Storage Wall Unit
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A walnut wall unit with upper two door storage cabinet, middle shelve for your stereo receiver and
Walnut
American Walnut Mid-Century Modern Stereo Cabinet by Barzilay
By Barzilay
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful American walnut Mid-Century Modern stereo cabinet low, with flat black lacquer base
Walnut
Walnut Tambour Door Media or Stereo Cabinet
By Drexel
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A dark walnut cabinet with two tambour doors and open storage inside, ready to configure into any
Vintage Burr Walnut TV Plasma Hi Fi Stereo Cabinet
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are so excited to present to you this Beautiful Burr Walnut Tv Cabinet. A very well made and
Walnut
Midcentury Wall Unit Stereo Cabinet in Walnut and Aluminium, 1960s
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Midcentury wall unit stereo cabinet in walnut and aluminium. Japan, 1960s. We are selling just
Aluminum
Sold
H 27.25 in W 70.25 in D 16.5 in
Danish Walnut Credenza Style Console Stereo Cabinet with Original Speakers
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Not only does this Danish Modern style walnut cabinet look handsome AF, but the original speakers
Walnut
Sold
H 28 in W 61.5 in D 19 in
Danish Walnut Credenza Style RCA Console Stereo, Fully Serviced and Working
By Broyhill Brasilia, RCA
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Not only does this Danish modern style cabinet look beautiful, but the combination of original components sound absolutely amazing. Audiophiles and casual listeners will both appreci...
Walnut
Sold
H 13 in W 10.5 in L 13 in
Antique Lot of Victorian Stereo Viewers, Cards & Walnut Card Stand, Circa 1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique stereo viewer set by Underwood & Underwood includes two viewers (one with logo), cards
Metal
Sold
H 39.38 in W 34.26 in D 20.08 in
Vintage Chest of Drawers Looking Walnut TV Plasma Hi Fi Stereo Cabinet
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are so excited to present to you this Beautiful Walnut Tv Cabinet. A very well-made and good
Walnut
Sold
H 33 in W 88 in D 20 in
Credenza / Stereo Cabinet in Walnut in the Manner of Vladimir Kagan, USA, c 1960
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Deland, FL
As functional as it is visually stunning this extraordinary stereo cabinet is the epitome of
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Stereo Console
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Spectacular mid-century console made in the early 1960s, all in walnut wood with some details in
Walnut
Claritone S1001 Signature Series Stereo Credenza
By Clairtone
Located in Dallas, TX
that produces a unique stereo image which emits an audio landscape like no other. Cosmetically the
Walnut
![Rare Philips Capella Stereo Truhe De Luxe [Typ F 8 D 41 A], Sound/Stereo System](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/rare-philips-capella-stereo-truhe-de-luxe-typ-f-8-d-41-a-sound-stereo-system-for-sale/1121189/f_136280821550044023710/13628082_master.jpg?width=240)
![Rare Philips Capella Stereo Truhe De Luxe [Typ F 8 D 41 A], Sound/Stereo System](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/rare-philips-capella-stereo-truhe-de-luxe-typ-f-8-d-41-a-sound-stereo-system-for-sale-picture-2/f_10606/1549731202875/IMG_4171_master.JPG?width=240)
Sold
H 26.5 in W 65.5 in D 15.5 in
Rare Philips Capella Stereo Truhe De Luxe [Typ F 8 D 41 A], Sound/Stereo System
By Philips
Located in Houston, TX
Extremely rare / original Philips Capella Truhe de Luxe [Typ F 8 D 41 A] German sound / stereo
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Admiral Stereo Console
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Amazing Mid-century Modern Admiral stereo console made in Mexico circa 1960, walnut wood, the
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Admiral Stereo Console
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Amazing Mid-Century Modern Admiral Stereo Console, built in the Cortland plant in Chicago in 1961
Brass
Large George Nelson Tine Edge Storage/Stereo Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
uncommon walnut Veneer. A sliding door moves to conceal reveal on the left a large divided storage area
Aluminum
Sold
H 28.5 in W 55 in D 18.5 in
Mid Century Modern Fully Functioning STEREO Console / CREDENZA Fischer Turntabl
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Mid Century Modern FULLY FUNCTIONING Walnut Fischer Diplomat Stereo Console / Credenza, c. 1960's
Walnut
Packard Bell Mid-Century Modern Stereo Record Console
By Packard Bell
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Spectacular midcentury console made in the 1960s, walnut wood, the original system we believe does
Walnut
Rare bookcase / stereo console by Kipp Stewart for Glenn of Ca.
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Rare walnut bookcase / stereo console by Kipp Stewart for Glenn of Ca. Highly figured walnut grain.
Walnut
Rare Modernist Telefunken: Bolero 105 Solid State Stereo-MX , Germany
By Telefunken
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist Telefunken Stereo, classic Florence Knoll design, all original, pull down panel door
Aluminum, Metal
Early 1950's Jens Risom for Risom stereo cabinet tambour door
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A nice early 1950's Jens Risom for Risom Stereo cabinet in walnut with a tambour door on one side
Walnut
Sold
H 28 in W 61.5 in D 20 in
Mid Century Modern Broyhill Brasilia RCA Victor Victrola Stereo Console Credenza
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Broyhill Brasilia RCA Victor Victrola Stereo Console Credenza This beautiful
Metal
Sold
H 39.75 in W 72.25 in D 18.5 in
Mid Century Stereo Record Cabinet by Merton Gershun / American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A three piece walnut Mid Century stereo record cabinet on a platform styled base with three drawers
Brass
Sold
H 18 in W 54 in D 16 in
John Keal Brown-Saltman Mid-Century Modern Low Credenza, Record, Stereo Cabinet
By John Keal
Located in Las Vegas, NV
of needs from a rocking stereo stand with lots of room for a ton of your favorite vinyl. Or great TV
Walnut
George Nelson Primavera Stereo Cabinet Console for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, 1950s, walnut, primavera stereo cabinet console designed by George Nelson and
Aluminum
Sold
H 18.25 in W 54 in D 16 in
Vintage John Keal Brown-Saltman Mid Century Modern Low Credenza, Record, Stereo
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
of furniture to be used as stereo stand with room for over 300 of your favorite vinyls, or as a media
Brass
Sold
H 11.82 in W 23.04 in D 11.42 in
Braun Stereo Atelier 1-81 by Dieter Rams + Braun L2 Speaker Pair 1958 RARE
By Braun, Dieter Rams
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A rare stereo designed by Dieter Rams for Braun. The Braun Atelier 1-81 Stereo with am fm radio and
Chrome
Sold
H 63 in W 72 in D 16 in
2-Piece 1960's Bogen Tube Amp Console Stereo Cabinet with Dry Bar Bookcase Hutch
By Jens Risom
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Frank, Dean and Sammy called. They want their stereo bar back. First, let's talk about these
Walnut
Midcentury Walnut Stereo and Record Cabinet
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A stereo cabinet with two upper lift up lids reviling storage or component placement areas , three
Mid Century Modern Walnut Stereo Console, West Germany, 1959
By Telefunken
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Elegant Mid Century Modern stereo console crafted in West Germany in 1959, showcasing rich walnut
Walnut
Richard Thompson Walnut Stereo Cabinet or Bar by Glenn of California
By Glenn of California, Richard Thompson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Richard Thompson stereo cabinet or bar for Glenn of California, c. 1960s. A rare example of
Enamel
Sold
H 48 in W 41.5 in D 19 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Stereo Media Cabinet Style of Vladimir Kagan Fabulous
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous example of Mid-Century Modern design with this walnut diamond faceted stereo cabinet which
Laminate, Walnut
Sold
H 32.5 in W 84 in D 20 in
Extra LONG Mid Century MODERN Walnut Stereo Cabinet / CREDENZA / Media Stand, c.
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Extra Long and superbly incredible Mid Century Modern Stereo Cabinet / Credenza, c. 1960's. This
Walnut
Sold
H 27.25 in W 48 in D 22.13 in
Mid Century Walnut Stereo Record Cabinet in the style of Borge Mogensen Denmark
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A dark walnut two door stereo / record cabinet with two adjustable shelves and two pullout sliding
Walnut
Sold
H 25 in W 54 in D 16.5 in
Striking Small American Midcentury Walnut Console Stereo Cabinet by Zenith
By Zenith
Located in San Diego, CA
Totally restored American walnut stereo cabinet by Zenith, circa 1950s, turntable and fisher stereo
Walnut
Chinese Art Deco Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful early 20th century Chinese Art Deco rug with a beautiful mint-green field with a singular large central floral medallion in the center with multi-colored peonies, chrysan...
Wool
$2,796Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 28 in Dm 30 in
MCM Homecrest Outdoor Coral Adjustable Dining or Low Table & 4 Springer Chairs
By Homecrest
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage Homecrest outdoor coral painted height adjustable dining, coffee, or end table with round expanded metal mesh top and 4 metal wire springer chairs. Beautiful condit...
Metal
$78Sale Price|20% Off
H 4 in W 2.25 in D 3 in
Japanese Mid Century Screw Head Nut Cracker, Japan, 1960's
By Kay Bojesen, Jens Quistgaard, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Japanese Mid Century Screw Head Nut Cracker, Japan, 1960's. Very good original condition. We have two available.
Wood
Pair of Andre Arbus Sconces, 2 Pairs Available, Priced by Pair
By André Arbus
Located in Miami, FL
Superb pair of sconces in the style of Andre Arbus figuring a nickel-plated hand with a opaline shade fitted with brass stars. Measure: back plate: 3.5 inches diameter.
Brass, Nickel
$2,150 / set
H 24.81 in W 23.63 in D 13.78 in
French Pair of Nightstands Side Cabinets Bedside Tables Brutalist Style, 2022
Located in Labrit, Landes
Pair of oak nightstands "Pyrénées" signed by Sébastien Lamarre. This french side cabinets were made by Sébastien Lamarre for Maison Marie Anne. The creator chose for the Pyrénées mo...
Oak
Erik Hoglund Hanging Candelabrum / Candelabra / Chandelier. Blown Glass, Iron
By Erik Höglund, Boda
Located in Kansas City, MO
Erik / Eric Hoglund hanging candelabra / candelabrum / pendent / chandelier. Blown glass and wrought iron. Includes four original drop down extensions. This is an excellent example o...
Wrought Iron
$1,100Sale Price|61% Off
H 20 in Dm 19.5 in
Japanese Beautiful Antique Unique Stone Water Basin And Planter
Located in South Burlington, VT
Rare Find From our recent Japanese Acquisition Travels- comes this unusual large garden stone vessel in the form of a delightful sculpture- totally repurposed as an elegant water b...
Stone
$1,026
H 5.12 in Dm 2.76 in
Clear Glass miniature "People" Decanter by Erik Höglund, Boda, Sweden, 1950s
By Boda, Erik Höglund
Located in Hägersten, SE
"People" decanter designed by Erik Höglund. Rare small size. produced by Boda during the 1950s. Made from hand blown clear glass. Good vintage condition with age related wear and pat...
Blown Glass
Coat rack by Hermès
By Hermès
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Coat rack by Hermès. It has a total of 8 arms and a light that can be turned on. France, CIRCA 1960.
Metal
$1,900 / item
H 16 in W 16 in D 16 in
Travertine Marble Cube Side Table or Coffee Table Design Pavilion
Located in Chicago, IL
Italian travertine cube shaped side table, end table or coffee table. Also a great drinks table. Design with rustic edge Pavilion Antiques and 20th c These can be purchased as a sin...
Travertine
Concrete Lighting 'LV' Tracklight
By Bentu Design
Located in Paris, IDF
'LV' concrete lightings designed by Cantonese studio Bentu Design Track light LED GU10 7W 85-240V 80Ra 500LM 3000K (compatible with US electric system) 3-wire rail (not included) ...
Concrete
Carl Auböck Vice Versa Floor Lamp
By Wiener Werkstätte, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck vice versa floor lamp. These iconic and Minimalist Viennese floor lamps are executed in brass, wicker and cast iron designed by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria, circa 195...
Brass, Iron
Pair of Carl Auböck Vice Versa Floor Lamps
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck vice versa floor lamps. Executed in brass, wicker and cast iron designed by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria, circa 1950. Produced by Carl Auböck IV in the origi...
Brass, Iron
Vintage Record Cabinet from Supraphon, 1959
Located in Żory, PL
Record cabinet made by Supraphon in 1959.The cabinet has been restored and is in very good condition. The turntable has not been checked, it is not known if it works. Please send us ...
Glass, Wood
Rare Early Walnut Bench or Coffee Table by Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice solid walnut bench or coffee table by Risom.
Pair of Mid Century Barrel Lounge Chairs by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Stunning pair of authentic mid century lounge chairs by Jens Risom. This pair of chairs is absolutely breathtaking, the gorgeous olive green mohair contrasts the beautiful walnut sle...
Mohair, Walnut
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.