Welcome to the 2nd installment of the “But I Need It” series. Check out the first one if you missed it. It’s a series for the design-obsessed (likely all of you;)) about the things that are on our Pinterest boards, we are swooning hard over. Today, I am going to be talking about wood storage cabinets that look like pieces of art. Clearly, my Pinterest feed is filled with wood objects, but it’s truly just the best material, so no complaints here. And look, I love a simple and classic storage cabinet, dresser, etc., but when I see pieces like these (mostly vintage), I yearn for more uniqueness in our furniture. The main issue is, of course, affordability because making pieces like that isn’t cheap. But if nothing else, I hope this post is wonderful eye candy, inspo to get the creative juices going, and hey, maybe even the start of a DIY project. Speaking of…

I saw this storage cabinet a few years ago, and my jaw was on the floor. Wouldn’t say I’m a polka dot person, but I am a shapes lover (I know that sounds confusing, but it’s different to me). Now, this piece went for over $18,000. Yes, I meant to put that many zeros…so at this moment, my tax bracket does not allow for these kinds of furniture purchases. But what I do have are some carpentry skills, a can-do attitude (even if it wanes at times), and the kicker…a dad who knows how to build things. I always help, though. It’s a luxury I do not take for granted!

This cabinet was my creation, inspired by the vintage one that now lives in my living room. It’s clearly not similar, but it did get the fire going, and I love that it looks special and unique to my home (of course, I know circle cutouts are on trend, but this piece is one of a kind to me). I tell this story, I guess, to legitimize my love for what I’m about to talk about and to show you that you can get your hands dirty too:)

Geometric Storage Cabinets

This was the next piece that sparked the idea for this post. If my dad and I could make this, I would call him right now! I think this one is a little out of our wheelhouse, ha. Anyway, it’s pretty incredible that if those 3D panels were flattened out, it would still be a beautiful piece, but look very simple. But WITH the 3D geometric element, it’s absolutely heartstopping. This photo is in my dreams for sure.

Scalene Geometric Wood Cabinet | Shutter Ash Wood Media Console

Now, not every category in this post has new and shoppable pieces, but these two also popped up on my Pinetest, and they perfectly fit this look. The cabinet fronts are just so unexpected and cool. I really could see them in any kind of home that wants to add some edge and eclecticness.

Painted Storage Cabinets

HOW COOL IS THIS!!!? Talk about art meeting function. I love how the shapes of the painted parts are sharp while the scenes themselves are soft and serene. This artist’s pieces are unreal. I mean, look at the texture he created on the wood. While I’m not saying art like this can be replicated, maybe it could free you up to think of how you can personalize your own pieces in your home.

No words. This Swedish storage cabinet is so special. I’m not one for necessarily wanting wildflowers as a motif in my home, but for this, I would happily make an exception. Just stunning. Plus, how sweet are the half-circle plates and round knobs? That’s a design feature we can at least replicate and add to a cabinet of our own.

I don’t think I could talk about painted storage cabinets without including BDDW. Another absolute dream brand to have in my home. The details are unreal, and the flowers feel both modern and nostalgic. Also, I think their hardware might be my favorite of all time.

Chiodino Sideboard by Giorgia Bevilacqua and Marika Lamarina for Fabbro Arredi | Cute Painted Sideboard

Here are two more easily shoppable pieces! The floral design is actually made of wooden pegs, so not exactly painted, but I felt like it was in the same spirit. It’s pretty special and in the right home, would be incredible. Then the painted one is what I would want to put in a nursery as fast as I could. It’s unbelievably precious, the colors are amazing, and I adore the striped base frame. Add to cart!

3D Block Storage Cabinets

More shapes and blocks! My favorite:) These are actually a set of three smaller storage cabinets, vintage from the 70s. I just think the way all of the rectangular and square wood pieces are laid out takes a simple idea and creates something so special.

This one is a little more intricate, and I know I’m overusing the word special, but my god, how could I not with these? The circles added in the center of the cabinet door are giving me big ole heart eyes.

Multi-Combination Cabinet | Lego 3 Drawer Sideboard

Here are some shoppable options! Simple but still so good, and gives you that wood-on-wood 3D geometric style. The light wood one can be used as one piece, or you can buy more to create a larger cabinet. The circle front sideboard is such a cool statement piece that’s very me:)

“Paneled” Storage Cabinets

I don’t think “paneled” is totally the right descriptor for this category, but go with me, please. Let’s talk about this exquisite piece of furniture. I cannot believe it’s from 1930. That’s really just an admittance to my design history naivety. This just looks so modern to me, but also has the most perfect amount of patina. The materials and the way they are used could honestly make me emotional. Y’all, IT’S SO SPECIAL.

This one is far more classically paneled:) I love the tone of the pine, I love the circles on either end, and I LOVE that the maker “camouflaged” knobs were the two middle circles would be. It’s not fancy, but it is incredible.

Lee Tall Dresser

Here is a modern take on this category style by Sara Sherman Samuel! I believe she worked on this square door detail with her dad on doors she was designing for a home. She then incorporated it into her line with Lulu and Georgia, and I love it so much. I wish I had space for it!

Varying Drawers Storage Cabinets

Another thing I love on any kind of storage cabinet or dresser are differently sized drawers and doors! It adds so much interest and playfulness. How incredible is this piece above??

This one is also from the 30s but is more of the primitive style. But don’t you just love the mix of doors and drawers and their differing sizes? Plus, the circles are such an unexpected but fun detail.

This is a bar cabinet, but what drew me to this one is that little random drawer! Anytime I see a drawer like this, I immediately love it, no questions asked. It just gets me excited:)

This was a storage cabinet from CB2 that is no longer available, that I loved when I first saw it. CB2 typically takes more risks in terms of the styles they sell, but it always gives me hope when big box stores take a chance on really cool and unique pieces like this.

Rolling Shutter Cabinet | Saporiti Bauletto Cabinet

Ok, both of these are available for purchase, but they are going to cost a pretty penny…SORRY! I really just wanted you all to see them. The rolling shutter cabinet doesn’t exactly fit this category, but it’s too cool not to include. It’s not crazy expensive at first glance, but it is in Italy, so the shipping likely won’t be cheap. The other cabinet is quite the showstopper, and that shape should be made more because it’s really amazing!

Raw Wood Storage Cabinets

I love wood in all its forms, but there is something about almost untouched, unstained, and unlaquered wood that’s really amazing. That is, of course, as long as it’s done well, like these little storage cabinets above.

Or this one! The two different woods used (one for the frame and one for the drawers) add such a subtle but awesome dimension. Plus, can you even handle the “knobs”?? Gimme more of those cutouts!

I know. It’s stunning. The texture of that wood with the delicate curves around the legs is simplicity and perfection at its finest.

One Tall Vintage Storage Cabinet:)

I WANT THIS CABINET BAD! I mean, get out of here with that single door, and its effortless cool edge. One pin I saw said it was a 1950s Italian wardrobe, and that feels right to me. It’s yet another example of how it doesn’t take a lot of crazy detail to make something unbelievably incredible.

So that’s it for today’s beautiful and inspiring design content. I hope your hearts stopped as many times as mine did (in the good way) and put you in a happier mood than when you started. Anything new, design-wise, y’all are drooling over? Let’s chat!

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Creative Direction by Emily Henderson | Design and Styling by Emily Bowser | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: New Reveal: This Organic, Punchy Bedroom Might Be Our New Favorite Makeover