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 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 and Finn Juhl. 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.

Mahogany, walnut, and rosewood were used on the earlier Victorian varieties, while maple, oak, birch, and teak were used for 20th-century examples.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. They make use of many domestic and imported hardwoods depending on the style and period. These are made from several materials, such as glass, metal, laminate, gilt, or wood. These cabinets are mostly flat-topped however, some pieces may have cornice or pediments.Įven though curio cabinets are relatively simple, they are often decorated with carving, fretwork, inlays, veneers, grain painting, or stenciling, depending on the style and production period. These have short straight, tapered, cabriole, bracket, bun, ball and claw, or French feet. Some pieces also come with interior lighting that allows for clearer visibility of the objects. Curio cabinets contain several shelves usually made of glass, metal, or wood, and a mirrored back. As a functional and attractive piece of furniture, curio cabinets remain popular among collectors.Ĭurio cabinets have the most basic design: a rectangular or circular tall, slender or short cabinet made mostly on glass, with metal or wooden framework.

They may contain a mirror panel at the back that allows viewing objects from all sides and angles. These cabinets have either wood or metal framework.

It is a tall and slender glass cabinet with a flat or curved front and includes several shelves. The basic design of a curio cabinet has remained the same since its inception. Since Victorian times, curio cabinets have become coveted pieces of furniture used in homes and offices to display many notable historical and rare objects.

This practice continued until the Victorian era when the newly burgeoning middle class adopted the fanciful displaying of their most treasured collections in a singular glass case, known as ' curio cabinet.” The rarest, flashiest, and most-prized finds were proudly displayed in these cases. Initially, entire rooms were dedicated and filled with glass cases. They were intended to display the newest discoveries in the worlds of science and arts. Curio cabinets originated in 16th-century Europe.

Curio cabinets with glass doors