$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
This is a Large Entertainment Cabinet, designed by Jens Risom for Risom Designs in the mid-1960s
Steel
$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
$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
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
$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
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
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
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
$2,600
H 25.88 in W 35.5 in D 18.5 in
Small George Nelson Stereo / Watch / Jewelry Credenza Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A rare smaller scale walnut credenza with two dark charcoal toned sliding doors and two banks of
Stainless Steel
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
Large George Nelson Tine Edge Storage/Stereo Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
Generously proportioned George Nelson cabinet from the Thin Egde series, this example in an
Aluminum
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
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
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 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
Mid-Century Modern cabinet designed by John Keal for Brown-Saltman. This cabinet can meet lots
Walnut
Sold
H 28 in W 61.5 in D 19 in
Danish Walnut Credenza Style RCA Console Stereo, Fully Serviced and Working
By RCA, Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Not only does this Danish modern style cabinet look beautiful, but the combination of original
Walnut
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
walnut, bi-fold hinged doors on the upper bookcase cabinet conceal both the Bogen RP-230 Tube Amp and the
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
Sold
H 27.25 in W 70.25 in D 16.5 in
Mid-Century Sears Silvertone AM/FM Stereo Console w/ Turntable Credenza
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut, Woven Grille Cloth This mid-century Sears Silvertone stereo console is a beautiful
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
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 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
1960’s four-door low cabinet designed by John Keal for Brown-Saltman. Exceptionally versatile piece
Brass
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 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
Electrohome Mid Century Stereo Model 703 by Gordon Duern Canada
By Clairtone
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A unique Mid Century round dark walnut stereo cabinet with tulip styled base and satin black top
Metal
Walnut Media Stereo and Record Cabinet
By Merton Gershun
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A dark walnut two door media cabinet with the upper area for stereo or other equipment , has a pre
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
Walnut Midcentury Stereo / Record Cabinet in the Style of McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A walnut cabinet with three open box sections for records sitting on a platform bench with conical
Wood, Walnut
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
1970s Vintage Danish Modern Style Stereo Cabinet
Located in Charleston, SC
Gorgeous warm walnut rolling cabinet by Custom Woodwork and Design. C. Late 1970’s through early
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
Jens Risom Midcentury Walnut Tambour Door Stereo Console Credenza
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom midcentury walnut tambour door stereo console credenza Credenza measures: 54.25 wide x
Walnut
Mid Century Credenza Stereo Cabinet by Hardwood House After Risom
By Hardwood House Inc., Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Stylish mid century sideboard, or possibly a file cabinet, this cabinet features an unusual pull
Walnut
Sold
H 32.25 in W 71.75 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Four-Door Stereo Media Credenza Sideboard
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple and with clean lines, no hardware pulls. Just press the door cabinet and they pop open. Four
Walnut
Sold
H 24.38 in W 59.5 in D 17.13 in
Danish Walnut Credenza Style GE Console Tubed Stereo, Fully Serviced and Working
By General Electric
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Not only does this Danish modern style cabinet look beautiful, but the combination of original
Walnut
Mid Century Vintage Magnavox Record Changer Stereo Console
By RCA Victor
Located in East Freetown, MA
Vintage walnut Magnavox mid-century record changer stereo console with speakers, AM-FM radio
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern RCA Victor Stereo Record Player Console
By RCA Victor
Located in Bensalem, PA
Truly amazing piece all original and working.Very loud and clear on right side left side works but only when you get the volume knob in a certain otherwise it’s super loud and clear.
Walnut
Sold
H 32 in W 87.75 in D 19.5 in
Jens Risom Style Mid-Century Modern Walnut Hi-Fi Cabinet Media Credenza
By Jens Risom, Foster-McDavid
Located in Chattanooga, TN
core. This is a fully restored Mid-Century Modern American made walnut HI-FI stereo cabinet. The simple
Walnut
Sold
H 29.5 in W 48.5 in D 16.5 in
Grundig KS 620 U Turntable Console Stereo Cabinet Credenza with Turntable
By Grundig
Located in San Diego, CA
Absolutely stunning Mid-Century Modern and stylish Grundig stereo console. This is Grundig KS 620 U
Walnut
Walnut Stereo Cabinet
Located in Southampton, NY
Walnut stereo cabinet with tambour doors and brass hardware and details. Labelled "Furnette Inc
Metal
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
George Nelson thin edge walnut stereo cabinet
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Walnut and Porcelain Thin Edge stereo cabinet by George Nelson Case lifts up from the top
Aluminum
HL-70 Personal Desk Fan by Reinhold Weiss for Braun, 1960s
By Braun
Located in Milan, IT
HL-70 Personal Desk Fan by Reinhold Weiss for Braun, 1960s
Metal
$913 / item
H 11.03 in W 5.91 in D 33.86 in
Pair of Articulated Sconce Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass Black and White
By Stilnovo, Arredoluce, Gino Sarfatti
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
This exquisite sconce is a nod to the timeless pieces crafted by mid-century modern Italian studios Arteluce and Stilnovo in the 1950s, but with a unique and distinctive design that ...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
$7,950 / set
H 30.32 in W 26.78 in D 29.53 in
1940s Kozelka & Kropacek Armchairs in Texel Sheepskin & Brown Patinated Frame
By Jindřich Halabala, Karel Kozelka & Antonin Kropacek
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Czech design by Kozelka & Kropacek, reupholstered in luxurious Texel sheepskin with warm brown patinated bentwood frames. Comfort, craftsmanship, and timeless style. De...
Sheepskin, Upholstery, Bentwood
Travertine Pet Bowl Set Rectangle
By Kiwano Concept
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Unique and Stunning Pet bowl made of travertine stone. Expertly crafted and finished by hand, our travertine bowls are a study in sculptural simplicity. Natural variations in the sto...
Travertine
$3,120Sale Price / item|35% Off
H 30.71 in W 39.38 in D 28.75 in
The Laziness Armchair in Brazilian Solid Wood with a rocking footstool
By Amilcar Oliveira
Located in São Paulo, SP
Laziness is a laid-back and spacious rocking armchair, crafted for sitting/lying down and unwinding. The low seat height from the ground draws inspiration from Japanese rocking chair...
Velvet, Foam, Wood, Hardwood
Vintage Arne Jacobsen Cognac Leather "Swan" Chair for Fritz Hansen
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Aluminum
$4,895
H 30.25 in W 66 in D 18.75 in
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Californian Modern Sculpted Walnut Dresser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Walnut
Onyx Narrow Bowl
By Kiwano Concept
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our exquisite Onyx NARROW Bowl, a fusion of elegance and functionality. Crafted from luxurious onyx stone, this stunning bowl is a testament to timeless beauty and sophis...
Marble
$5,331
H 93.31 in W 56.5 in D 84.65 in
ANTIQUE VICTORIAN CIRCA 1860 HAND CARVED BURR WALNUT HALF TESTER CANOPY BEd
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely handmade in England Burr Walnut ornately carved Half Tester Canopy bed A very good looking, extremely comfortable and well-made bed, t...
Hardwood
Swedish Art Deco Dressing Table Vanity
Located in Atlanta, GA
Unique Art Deco dressing table with foldable mirrors. Ample storage on the sides and pull-out drawer in the center.
Mirror, Teak
$10,650 / item
H 30 in W 84 in D 18 in
Mae Solid Wood Credenza, Cabinet, or Dresser, by Crump and Kwash
By Crump and Kwash
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Solid wood case / hand-turned legs / hand rubbed oil finish / solid brass pulls / premium, full extension, soft close drawer slides / solid wood, dovetailed drawer boxes Dimensions:...
Brass
$2,105 / item
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
"Fit Side Table" Minimalist Travertine Cream Marble Side Table by Aparentment
By Josep Vila Capdevila
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
The Fit Side Table is a minimalist style low table made of treated Travertine marble. This side table is composed by five marble pieces, all of them assembled in a logical and harmon...
Marble, Travertine
$8,242 / item
H 43.71 in W 114.97 in D 13.39 in
Charlotte Perriand Nuage À Plots for Cassina, Italy, new
By Cassina, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the material/color/model of the product. Nuage à Plots by Charlotte Perriand belongs to a select group of furnishings that are archetypal in the way of inte...
Aluminum
$85,988 / set
H 28.35 in Dm 46.07 in
Dining Set Designed by Alvar Aalto for Finmar Ltd., Finland, 1929
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Dining set designed by Alvar Aalto for Finmar Ltd., Finland, 1929. Birch. Stamped. This rare dining set by the Finish design icon Alvar Aalto is characterised by the combination of...
Birch
$4,500
H 30 in W 77.5 in D 18 in
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern 9-Drawer Teak Dresser with Steel Pulls
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Steel
Pair Midcentury Modern 1960's Scandinavian Lounge Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian lounge/reclining chairs with new upholstery. Very unique slotted reclining system. Leather welt and button tufting to seat back. High quality ...
Wood
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.