Modular Mirror Top Wall Unit with Integrated Bar Cabinet, Italy, 1970s
Located in Izegem, VWV
This 1970s Italian wall cabinet with curved edges exists of four units: - A double door cabinet with two adjustable glass shelves (107cm wide) - A glass door display cabinet with two...
Mirror, Smoked Glass, Walnut, Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF)
High Gloss 3-piece Wall Cabinet with Bar by Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen, 1970s
By Maison Jansen, Guy Lefevre
Located in Izegem, VWV
An impressive modular three-part wall unit with integrated bar, bookcase and display cabinet.
Brass
Sensational Grey Laminate Wall Unit Bar with Sensual Shape
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sensational customer grey laminate and glass wall unit having sculptural shape, brass hardware on doors, center section with mirrored back and glass shelves.
Glass, Laminate
Italian Mid Century Wall unit Bookcase with Cabinet Bar, 1960s
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Stylish wall unit bookcase in a pleasant walnut wood with warm tones, great executive quality and attention to detail, the refined line of the lateral black metal supports made up of...
Brass, Iron
Hollywood Regency Black Lacquered Modular Wall Unit with a bar, Italy 1980s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a spectacular modular wall unit or modular shelving system designed in style of Willy Rizzo and Romeo Rega.
Metal
Modular Wooden Wall Unit with Adjustable Shelves and Drop-Front Bar, Italy, 1970
Located in Santa Margherita Ligure, IT
Elegant modular wall unit in wood, produced in Italy in the 1970s.
Wood
Sideboard Roger De Winter, 1951
By Jean Batenburg
Located in Zwevegem, VWV
Unique wall unit with integrated bar, designed by Roger De Winter, Belgium, 1951.
Oak
High modular Wall Unit with Dry Bar in Wood, Metal and Brass, Italy, 1960's
Located in Uithoorn, NL
This elegant wall-mounted shelving unit is built around a vertical rail system, allowing full flexibility in composition.
Metal, Brass
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Three-Piece Wall Unit Bar Stereo Cabinet Speakers
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Extremely rare Adrian Pearsall three-piece wall unit bar with built in speakers. This is probably the only one of these wall units ever produced and was custom-made for the customer.
Glass, Resin, Wood
Gio Ponti Italian Post-War Rosewood & Mahogany Cabinet
By Gio Ponti
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Post-War Design (1950s) rosewood and mahogany wall unit bar with 3 lower commodes and upper cabinet decorative tiles on white lacquered doors and a large mirror (att: GIO PON...
Rosewood, Mahogany, Mirror, Lacquer
Italian Mid Century Wall Unit with Bar by Vittorio Dassi
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Hudson, NY
This wall unit has all the bells and whistles. There is a chevron parquetry patterned drop front bar with mirrored interior and red laminate serving area on the left side and a Forna...
Brass
1950s Italian Modern Wall Unit with Bar, 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
A rare multifunctional wall unit with bookshelf and bar, manufactured in Italy during the 1950s The big credenza has five compartments large and comfortable to use, including a bar ...
Brass
Sold
H 87 in W 35.5 in D 17.5 in
1960s Norwegian Teak Freestanding Wall Unit with Bar and Display Cabinet
Located in Victoria, BC
A beautifully proportioned vintage freestanding wall unit, made in Norway and combining open shelving, concealed storage, a dedicated bar cabinet, and a glass-fronted display cabinet...
Teak
Danish Modern Teak Free-Standing Wall Unit with Bar by Lyby Møbelfabrik
By Lyby Mobler
Located in Oakland, CA
Impressive Danish Modern modular wall unit by Lyby Møbelfabrik, Denmark, circa 1960.
Teak
Midentury Rosewood Wall-Unit Including Table, Desk, Curio Cabinet and Light
Located in Stamford, CT
A Mid-Century Modern wall unit with lighted bar as well as an over head light and 42 inches wide by 32 inches deep dining table using two leaves that converts to desk when the leaves...
Sold
H 71.66 in W 119.3 in L 71.66 in
Vintage Italian Teak Wall Unit Sideboard Bookcase with Bar by Silvio Cavatorta
By Silvio Cavatorta
Located in Baambrugge, NL
This Mid-Century Modern design wall unit / sideboard /buffet /bookcase is made in the 1960s.
Brass, Metal
Unique Mid-Century Modern Walnut Wall Unit Room Divider With Dry Bar
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful vintage display features a combination of open shelf space, cabinet storage, and a unique mirrored dry bar. Wonderful sculpted base, brass finished accents, and finish...
Sold
H 59.06 in W 118.12 in D 19.69 in
Beautiful large wall unit with plenty of storage space and a bar cabinet, 1970.
Located in Oirlo, LI
Discover the charm of this beautiful, large statement cabinet, a piece of furniture full of character, elegance, and hidden treasures. Its impressive design combines light and dark w...
Wood
Poul Cadovius Cado Danish Modern Shelf System Wall Unit
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Danish Modern Poul Cadovious Wall Mounted Unit with Secretary Desk or Bar. 96.5w 80h rails
Wood
Sold
H 74.81 in W 102.37 in D 17.72 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit Bookcase and Sideboard, 1950s
Located in Traversetolo, IT
It's a multifunctional wall unit, equipped with bar and large cabinet both valorised by illustrated decorations, sliding glass cabinet, shelves and drawers that offer plenty of stora...
Brass, Other
Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookshelf with Bar, 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
A rare multifunctional wall unit with wall unit and bar, manufactured in Italy in 1950s The big credenza has five compartments large and comfortable to use, including a bar, drawers...
Brass
Italian Modern Wall Unit With Bar
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This gorgeous modular bar unit offers a beautiful mix of rosewood and colored paneling, with unique metal accents, and fantastic overhead lighting.
Wood
Italian Modern Rosewood Bar With Wall Unit
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful Italian rosewood bar set offers a stylish bar cabinet with counter as well as an impressive backlit wall shelf. The stunning wood grain finish of the matching set cont...
Rosewood
Sold
H 69.3 in W 118.12 in D 21.66 in
Monumental Mid-Century Crescendo Bookmatched Rosewood Bar Cabinet Wall Unit
By Milo Baughman, George Nelson
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Monumental Mid-Century Modern wall unit with built-in bar, sideboard and myriad cabinetry.
Mahogany
Poul Cadovius Cado Danish Modern Shelf System Wall Unit
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Danish Modern Poul Cadovious Wall Mounted Unit with Secretary Desk or Bar. 64.5 19d 80h rails.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Room Divider Bookcase Bar Hutch Desk
Located in Baltimore, MD
A remarkable two unit Mid-Century Modern, freestanding, room divider wall unit with a bar/desk, and cabinets, in nearly pristine condition.
Wood
Italian Modern Wall Unit with Bar
By Gio Ponti
Located in Napoli, NA
This gorgeous modular bar unit offers a beautiful mix of rosewood and colored paneling, with unique metal accents, and fantastic overhead lighting.
Plexiglass, Wood
Midcentury Italian Teak Wall Unit with Bar, 1950s
Located in Savona, IT
Italian library produced in the 1950s. Uprights in black painted metal with adjustable brass feet. Elements in veneered teak wood. Bar cabinet with door decorated with geometric d...
Metal, Brass
Midcentury Wooden Italian Wall Unit with Bar Unit, 1950s
Located in Savona, IT
Italian manufacture bookcase produced in the 1950s Uprights in black painted wood with brass terminals adjustable in height. Storage compartments and shelves in veneered wood. She...
Metal, Brass
Paul McCobb Style Midcentury Wall Unit with Bar, circa 1960s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Stamford, CT
Attributed to Paul McCobb according to original owners of the piece. This 1960s wall unit consists of drop-down bar unit with brass supports, open shelve units as well as concealed s...
Brass
Danish Teak Wood Wall Unit
Located in New York, NY
Wall Unit with a bar and and drop front desk (not photoed).
Teak
Sold
H 84.65 in W 102.37 in D 20.48 in
Dyrlund Modular Wall Unit Modell 2000 with Bar, Danish Modern, Solid Teak, 1960s
By Dyrlund
Located in Hamburg, DE
This Danish wall cabinet is from the highest quality, especially outstanding are the rounded corners and edges, the very thick version of the solid teak wood and the partially double...
Teak
Sold
H 72 in W 115 in D 19 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit, circa 1950s, Wrought Iron Frame with Bar
Located in Austin, TX
This outstanding Italian wall piece has great modern vibes with rounded edges, atomic style legs and sleek iron hardware. Freestanding on a wrought iron frame. Teak case exterior, gl...
Metal
Sold
H 68 in W 93.5 in D 12 in
Gorgeous Teak and Brass Wall Unit with Desk and Bar Cabinet by Nisse Strinning
By Nils Nisse Strinning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Absolutely gorgeous Swedish modular wall unit with amazing teak grain and brass detail.
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A very nice walnut wall unit with a drop front bar/secretary desk on right.
Walnut
Mid-Century Scandinavian Style Teak Wall Unit with Basketweave Dry Bar
Located in Austin, TX
Sleek one-bay Scandinavian style wall-mounted storage unit with two components: a dry bar and a three-drawer chest.
Teak
$4,797
H 84.85 in W 95.08 in D 13.39 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bookcase, Italian Design, 1950, Excellent Condition
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage freestanding walnut bookcase with shelves, storage compartments with hinged doors and compartment with drop down.
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bookcase Étagère with Storage, circa 1960s
Located in Perkasie, PA
Title Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bookcase Étagère with Storage, circa 1960s Description A handsome Mid-Century Modern style walnut bookcase and étagère, dating to approximately the 1...
Walnut
$3,425
H 29.34 in W 35.63 in D 16.74 in
Mid Century French Lacquered Sideboard Cabinet Pierre Vandel Paris C.1970
By Pierre Vandel
Located in London, GB
Mid Century French Lacquered Sideboard Cabinet Pierre Vandel Paris C.1970 PIERRE VANDEL, PARIS: A black and gilt lacquered sideboard cabinet, on stile feet, with gilded designers 'P...
Aluminum
Maison Jansen, Pair of Black Lacquer Cabinets, France, 1965
By Maison Jansen
Located in New York, NY
Twin columns of twisted gilt wood form the vertical borders of this gracefully symmetrical, black lacquered, double door cabinet. Provenance: In 1965 Maison Jansen decorated a Paris...
Wood
Italian Wall Unit, 1950s
Located in bruxelles, BE
Modular wall unit with 5 shelves, 2 boxes with 2 doors containing one shelf and one box with 2 drawers and one box with a folding door that contains a drawer and a shelf. Wear due to...
Metal, Brass
Elegant Mid-Century Italian Mirrored Dry Bar Cabinet, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Argelato, BO
An elegant Italian dry bar, crafted from dark wood with a high-gloss finish. The bar features two mirrored doors that reflect the surrounding space, adding a touch of brightness and ...
Glass, Wood
$84,000Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 93.25 in W 73 in D 20 in
1970s Maison Jansen Style Custom Brass and Lacquered Wood Cabinets
By Maison Jansen
Located in Dallas, TX
These magnificent display cabinets came from an upper east side home in NYC. They appear to be custom made and possibly Maison Jansen. They are solid brass with a lacquered wood fini...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit in Maple and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Attributed to Gustavo & Vito Latis, highboard or showcase library, maple, walnut, glass, brass, Italy, circa 1960 Beautiful showcase made in Italy in the 1960s. Executed in mapl...
Brass
$5,483Sale Price|20% Off
H 79.53 in W 98.43 in D 15.75 in
1960s Mid-Century Modern Wooden Bookcase with Brass Details
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Modular Mid-Century bookcase with wooden structure and gilded brass details. This elegant piece offers versatile storage with four shelves, a central cabinet, four drawers, and two f...
Wood
Italian Wall Unit by Vittorio Dassi for Dassi, 1950s
By Dassi, Vittorio Dassi
Located in bruxelles, BE
Modular Wall unit consisting of 1 box with a hinged door containing a shelf, 1 box with 2 drawers ,1 box with 2 doors containing 2 shelves, 1 box with 2 doors containing 1 shelf and ...
Brass
Hollywood Regency Bar Cabinet in the Style of Willy Rizzo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cocktail bar, black fabric, brass, chrome-plated steel, stainless steel, laminated wood, smoked glass, smoked mirrored glass, aluminum, Italy, 1970s Hollywood Regency cocktail bar ...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit by Vittorio Dassi, Italy, 1960s
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern wall unit by Vittorio Dassi, Italy, 1960s.
Wood
1970s Italian Cabinet With Sliding Doors
Located in Praha, CZ
- Body Made of laminate with imitation of wood and Legs are made of Beech wood - Good original condition with minor signs of use
Laminate, Wood, Beech
$60,000
H 81 in W 78 in D 18 in
Mid Century Gio Ponti Model 2140 Display Cabinet / Wall Unit for Singer & Sons
By Gio Ponti
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A very rare Gio Ponti Display Cabinet, Model 2140, produced by Singer & Sons and executed in beautifully grained Italian walnut. This masterwork is defined by Ponti’s unmistaka...
Walnut
$2,056
H 82.68 in W 34.26 in D 15.75 in
Vintage Italian Freestanding Teak Bookcase / Wall Unit in the Style of Dassi
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian Freestanding Teak Bookcase / Wall Unit in the Style of Vittorio Dassi, 1960s An elegant freestanding modular bookcase, masterfully crafted in Italy during...
Brass, Iron
1970s mid century shelf unit / room divider by Schreiber
By Schreiber
Located in London, GB
Founded in 1957 by Chaim Schreiber, Schreiber furniture is an interesting British success story. The Company was one of the biggest names in furniture in the 70s, rivalling G Plan ...
Formica, Beech
$2,056Sale Price|64% Off
H 24.81 in W 94.49 in D 36.62 in
Art Deco Black Wood and Leather Day Bed Sofa
Located in IT
Art Deco black wood and leather daybed sofa. Art Deco daybed sofa, from France, from 1930s Art Deco period. Black wood frame and leather upholstery. Conservative restoration of woode...
Leather, Wood
Vintage Life-Size White Resin Rattlesnake Sculpture, circa 1970s
Located in San Diego, CA
Striking vintage sculptural rattlesnake rendered in molded resin, circa 1970s. Measuring approximately 12 inches wide by 12 inches deep and 9 inches high, the piece captures the snak...
Resin
$5,140
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Faye Toogood Roly-Poly Stool Raw, Fiberglass, London 2018, Contemporary Seating
By Faye Toogood
Located in Barcelona, ES
Faye Toogood Roly-Poly stool raw London, 2018 Fiberglass Measurements: 40cm wide x 40cm deep x 40cm height 15.74in wide x 15.74in deep x 15.74in height Concept Her furnit...
Fiberglass
Pair of 70s Style Italian Bamboo and Brass Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Monumental size Bamboo lamps. Crafted in Italy and made to order, these lamps are modern and chic. Production lead time 2-4 weeks. Base diameter 8 inches, hat diameter 20 inches, he...
Brass
$15,439 / item
H 32.68 in W 110.24 in D 40.56 in
Art Deco Sofa by Munna Design Studio with Velvet Upholstery
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
This sofa features a wonderfully elegant fan-shaped motif, with its accentuated curvy lines with decadent and lavish finish. The feminine curves are ravishingly enhanced by the diffe...
Velvet
$5,940Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 39.38 in D 37.41 in
Sormani Carlo De Carli Pair of Armchairs Black Leather Italian Design, 1960s
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Midcentury Sormani Carlo de Carli pair of armchairs back leather Italian design, 1960s.
Brass, Chrome
$2,990
H 3.5 in W 7 in D 3.5 in
“Liggend (Reclining)” by Kyle Smith, Bronze Nude with Ponytail, Edition 2 of 9
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
“Liggend (Reclining)” by Kyle Smith, Bronze Nude with Ponytail, Edition 2 of 9, 1999 Signed, Dated, and Numbered Dimensions: 7” W × 3.5” D × 3.5” H Patina: Dark Engraved Verdigris ...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios Dragonfly Diachronic Confetti Table Lamp
By Tiffany Studios
Located in Dallas, TX
Tiffany Studios Dragonfly Table Lamp A gorgeous Tiffany Studios diachronic light blue to green Dragonfly table lamp with confetti glass wings. A true piece of Museum quality collecti...
Bronze
Handcrafted Square Side Table by J.M. Szymanski, Bronze Steel
By J.M. Szymanski
Located in Bronx, NY
TABLE NO. 8 - SQUARE J.M. Szymanski d. 2023 A perfectly simple side table. Solid 3/4” steel components are combined to make a dynamic form. Featured in bronze steel finish. Custom ...
Steel, Iron
Fantastic Sectional Omnibus Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Atlanta, GA
The sectional sofa with Lucite supporting legs features three units, a right arm section, a middle corner return and an ottoman. Plush cushions and all upholstered body. One of the i...
Konekt Rib Flush Mount - Large Ellipse
By Konekt
Located in New York, NY
The Rib Flush Mount - Large Ellipse is blown in Italy and delicately framed by thin brass ribs. A cylindrical brass finial, with optional hand-wrapped leather or suede, elongates the...
Brass
$8,150 / item
H 16 in Dm 48 in
Postmodern Walnut & Calacatta Turquoise Marble Coffee Table, Custom Space Age
By The Tailored Home
Located in Greenwich, CT
Radial geometry meets natural luxury in this striking low-profile coffee table. Handcrafted with a solid walnut frame, the design features custom-cut inlays of honed Calacatta Turquo...
Marble
$24,500 / set
H 29.5 in W 180 in D 34 in
Stunning Hollywood Regency Tufted 2-Piece Curved Sectional Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Hollywood Regency an extra long two-part sofa with a deep tufted back. The sofa splits in the centre, each side has a single seat cushion with rounded outer edge on an uphols...
Upholstery
$11,000
H 83.08 in W 41.34 in D 23.63 in
André Sornay Cabinet or Wardrobe with Sliding Doors in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Andre Sornay for Sornay Meubles, cabinet or wardrobe, mahogany, lacquered wood, lacquered metal, France, 1960s This tall cabinet, designed by André Sornay in the 1960s, is exemplary...
Wood, Mahogany
$51,403 / set
H 37.8 in W 118.12 in D 31.5 in
Ensemble of 2 Art Deco Counters and 1 cabinet attr. to De Coene, Belgium 1920s
By De Coene Frères
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A very rare matched pair of 1920s Art Deco counters and a high cabinet by the renowned Belgian firm De Coene. T hese pieces exemplify the atelier’s mastery of modernist elegance, ref...
Glass, Oak
$2,610
H 16.93 in W 11.82 in D 13.78 in
Pulpo Chouchou Ceramic Side table by LORENZO ZANOVELLO in STOCK
Located in New York, NY
CHOUCHOU, stool I Made in Italy The Chouchou Stool blends soft curves with sharp edges in a simple ceramic form. Versatile as a stool or side table, its sculptural presence adds sub...
Ceramic
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.