Bassett 3 Drawer
Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Credenzas
Brass
Vintage 1960s Central American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Metal
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21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
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21st Century and Contemporary British Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
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2010s American Flush Mount
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2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Chairs
Steel
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Console Tables
Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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1990s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
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Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
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Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
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Vintage 1970s Belgian Brutalist Sideboards
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Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
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Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars
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Vintage 1960s American Dressers
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Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
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Late 20th Century North American Queen Anne Sideboards
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Finding the Right storage-case-pieces for You
Of all the antique and vintage case pieces and storage cabinets 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 storage 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. Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard made of colored glass and metals, 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.