
Casegoods 101
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Casegoods (or Case Furniture) are non-upholstery pieces such as tables, hutches, dressers and chests, which have functional or storage capabilities.
The history of casegoods traces back to the origins of cabinetry and its evolution as an artform met with social and technological advancements.
PRE-INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
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Designed by Thomas Sheraton

Designed by André-Charles Boulle
INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
With the introduction of steam power and a growing middle class demanding fine furniture, production moved to a mass scale outside of the artisan workshop solely.
Example of mass-produced furniture
Designed by Edward Thonet
Example of mass-produced furniture

Example of mass-produced furniture

Designed by
Edward Thonet
ARTS & CRAFTS MOVEMENT
In the mid-19th century, as a reaction to the widespread influx of excessively ornate and artificial machine-made furniture, consumers looked to traditional craftsmen for cabinetry representing attention to detail that showcased the qualities of the materials used.

Designed by Edward Barnsley

Designed by Alan Peters
Schools of Design
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Drawn from religious and community roots – creative design secondary to tradition and community needs, often features symmetrical elements and an efficient use of materials
Woods used: oak, mahogany, pine, and teak
SCANDINAVIAN

Gold, gilded, ornate – Highly decorative with stains and painted finishes, surfaces often used as canvases for fine art painting
Woods used: beech
EARLY FRENCH PROVINCIAL

Strong focus on form and materials – often featuring turned spindles and steam-bent wood
Woods used: cherry and walnut
EARLY AMERICAN COLONIAL

Drawn from religious and community roots – creative design secondary to tradition and community needs, often features symmetrical elements and an efficient use of materials
Woods used: cherry and walnut
SHAKER

Also known as ‘Asian’ design – features Asian motifs and culturally specific detailing
Woods used: bamboo and rattan
ORIENTAL

Utilitarian design that showcases the materials used in their natural state – “live edges”, whole logs, branches with bark, etc.
Woods used: pine, cedar, fir, and spruce
RUSTIC

Leading style of the Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveaux Movements – featuring straight thick lines and flat panels often with visible natural grain and black wrought iron hardware
Woods used: white oak
MISSION STYLE

That's the past... Let's move onto the present.
Let’s review how to best spec case goods for your project.
QUESTIONS TO ASK:
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How will this piece be used?
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How are the wires managed?
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What’s on the inside?
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What does the back look like?
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Any weird site conditions?
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Can operations clean in, around, and/or under?
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Are these materials appropriate for usage? For budget? For availability?
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Unsure? We can help.
SPECIFICS WE NEED:
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At least 3 dimensions
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Wood details: species, stain, sheen, and sawn
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Metal color
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Glass type: low iron, regular, or ornate
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Stone details: type, edge detail, or other materials
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Decorative hardware: COH or TNT source
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Power source: COH, spec included, or TNT source
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Wire management: grommets, raceway, and/or clips
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Include specs for tv, mini fridge, sink, etc.
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All aesthetic details covered in spec and drawing
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Power & Lighting
Cabinet
pulls
Details, profile, and material
What's inside?
Tell us.
Drawer
glides
Toekick material
Hardware
Finished back?
CLICK CALLOUTS TO LEARN MORE

Does it need power?
Toekick material
Details, profile, and material
Metal
How many legs? What does the base look like?
Details, profile,
and material