Art Deco Small Storage
Art deco small storage pieces bring streamlined geometry and clever compartments into compact rooms, offering practical containment with distinct period character.
Art Deco Small Storage
Most examples date from the 1930 and 1920 periods, alongside occasional Edwardian pieces bearing later design influence. Forms range from low octagonal side tables with integrated storage to tallboys and wall cabinets with shelves.
Buyers will most frequently encounter walnut, oak, and burr walnut constructions, often finished with distinctive veneer patterns. These utilitarian yet stylish items reflect the interwar demand for space-saving domestic furniture.
How they were made
Cabinet makers utilised solid woods like oak and mahogany as sturdy structural frameworks for these compact storage items. Lighter timbers such as maple provided contrasting interior elements or decorative banding.
Veneers including burr walnut were applied to visible surfaces to create striking grain patterns characteristic of the style. Functional hardware relied on brass fittings, while specific designs incorporated tambour doors for smooth operation in tight spaces.
Art Deco Small Storage Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for art deco small storage among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Sheet music cabinets stand ready to hold compositions long after the family piano has departed.
What varies in quality
The sophistication of the veneer work largely distinguishes standard utility items from finer examples. Superior pieces display carefully matched grain patterns across drawer fronts and cabinet doors, demonstrating deliberate aesthetic planning by the maker.
Construction methods also set pieces apart, particularly in specialised furniture like haberdashery cabinets and fitted wardrobes. Robust internal mechanisms, solid drawer linings, and original brass hardware elevate the overall integrity of the piece.
The Art Deco Small Storage Glossary
- Burr walnut
- A highly figured timber veneer derived from walnut tree growths, prized for its swirling, decorative grain patterns on cabinet fronts.
- Tambour door
- A flexible door constructed from narrow vertical strips of wood attached to canvas, allowing it to slide around a curved track.
- Tallboy
- A tall, upright chest of drawers or a combination wardrobe and chest, designed to maximise vertical storage in modest floor spaces.
- Haberdashery cabinet
- A compartmentalised piece originally used for shop display or sewing storage, featuring multiple shallow drawers or glass fronts.
- Veneer
- A thin layer of superior wood glued over a base timber foundation to provide a decorative exterior surface.
Art Deco Small Storage: Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I put art deco small storage?
These compact items suit hallways, bedrooms, and smaller living areas where floor space is limited. Their modest footprints allow them to function as bedside tables, auxiliary sideboards, or designated storage units.
Because they combine display surfaces with internal compartments, they fit neatly beside seating or against narrow walls without overwhelming the room.
What is a haberdashery cabinet used for?
Originally built for retail shops or domestic sewing storage, these cabinets feature multiple shallow drawers or glass panels. They organise small accessories, documents, or craft materials efficiently.
Today, collectors utilise them in modern interiors for tidy tabletop storage while retaining their distinct period shop-display aesthetic.
Are these pieces made of solid wood?
Most items utilise a combination of solid structural timbers, such as oak or mahogany, paired with decorative wood veneers on the exterior surfaces. This technique allowed makers to achieve striking grain patterns without excessive weight.
Internal elements like drawer linings and shelving frequently employ secondary timbers, while brass provides durable hardware.