Mengel Credenza
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Buffets
Oak
People Also Browsed
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut
Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Bamboo, Wicker, Glass
Vintage 1970s American Beds and Bed Frames
Faux Bamboo, Rattan
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Mahogany
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sideboards
Teak
20th Century American British Colonial Sideboards
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Wall Mirrors
Bamboo, Faux Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror, Wood
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Rosewood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Night Stands
Marble
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Wood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Faux Bamboo, Mahogany
Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Ash
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vanities
Mirror, Mahogany
Recent Sales
Vintage 1960s Modern Credenzas
Oak
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Oak
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Oak
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Wood, Oak
Early 20th Century Dressers
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Aluminum
Finding the Right Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets 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.