Looking for the perfect vintage or antique apothecary cabinet? Discover how to choose, style, and price these timeless pieces to add charm to your home.

There’s something magical about an antique apothecary cabinet, those tiny drawers, chippy paint, and storied pasts whispering from every corner.
On a recent antiquing adventure in Kennebunk, Maine, I stumbled upon a charming green apothecary cabinet that instantly stole my heart (and nearly my wallet).
In this post, I’ll share what makes apothecary cabinets so special, the story behind this unique piece, and how I’ve styled it in our home.


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What is an Antique Apothecary Cabinet?
Antique apothecary cabinets were originally crafted for use in 19th- and early 20th-century pharmacies, general stores, and even doctor’s offices.
These timeless pieces were designed to organize and store herbs, medicines, tinctures, and small tools, often in labeled drawers for easy access. But what makes them so collectible today is their charming variety in style and form.

Some apothecary cabinets stand tall, almost like bookshelves, with rows of small drawers stacked high, ideal for maximizing vertical storage. Others, like the one featured in this post, are shorter, counter-height pieces with dozens of petite drawers, often numbering 60, 90, or even more.

Drawer sizes could range from tiny compartments perfect for dried botanicals to wider drawers for storing bulkier items. Most were built from hardwoods like oak, pine, or maple, often featuring metal label holders and handles.

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Whether painted, chippy, or retaining their original finish, each cabinet tells a story through its wear, craftsmanship, and purpose. Today, antique apothecary cabinets bring not just function but loads of character to any home, making them one of the most charming and versatile vintage finds around.

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How to Identify a Real Antique Apothecary Cabinet
Not all apothecary cabinets are created equal, some are genuine antiques, while others are charming reproductions. To spot the real deal, start by examining the construction. Authentic antique apothecary cabinets are typically handcrafted from solid wood like oak, pine, or maple, often with dovetail joints, worn finishes, and subtle imperfections that only come with age.

Look closely at the hardware: original label holders and drawer pulls are usually made from aged brass or iron and may have patina or rusting. You’ll often find hand-painted numbers or fading labels on the drawers, a clue to their functional past.
Authentic antiques also tend to show signs of wear inside the drawers, scuff marks, ink stains, or lingering herbal scents.

In contrast, reproductions may look too perfect, with uniform drawers, modern finishes, and mass-produced details. While beautiful in their own right, reproductions lack the history and craftsmanship that give antique apothecary cabinets their soul.
If you’re unsure, ask the dealer about its origin or history, and trust your instincts. An authentic antique will almost always feel like it has a story to tell.

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Discovering My Antique Apothecary Cabinet: A Chippy Green Treasure
I stumbled upon this charming antique apothecary cabinet at The Americana Workshop in Kennebunk, Maine, while out on a vintage shopping day. With nearly 90 tiny drawers, each one carefully labeled for tools like nuts, bolts, and screws, it was clear this piece had seen a hardworking past, likely tucked into a local workshop or general store.
Painted a chippy green and worn just right from decades of use, it stood out with its waist-high profile and one missing drawer, just the kind of imperfection that makes my vintage-loving heart skip a beat. I couldn’t resist.
After a bit of negotiating (more on that soon), it came home with me to join our growing collection.
Now, it lives in our home styled with fresh tulips, a silver vase, and even a sweet vintage photo of my dad and me skiing, a perfect blend of memory, charm, and historic craftsmanship.


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Antique Apothecary Cabinet Value: What to Know Before You Buy
Wondering what gives a vintage apothecary cabinet its value? Whether you’re buying or just swooning from afar, here are the key factors to look out for:
Apothecary cabinets are always trending in the vintage decor world, especially for storage lovers and collectors of eclectic home decor.

Pro Tip
Psst… If you’re dreaming of snagging one for cheap at a flea market, keep dreaming! These gems tend to be pricey, even when they’ve seen some wear. But occasionally, if you’re lucky and quick—like I was—you might just find a deal worth the story.


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How I Negotiated the Price of My Antique Apothecary Cabinet
Here’s a little tip from the trail: Don’t be afraid to negotiate, especially when a piece has a visible flaw.

This charming apothecary cabinet was love at first sight, but it was also missing a bottom drawer. Rather than walk away (or overpay), I asked if a price adjustment might be possible. The antique shop graciously offered me 15% off, and to sweeten the deal, they offered to custom-build a dummy drawer that would match the rest.
It took about two weeks, but when I picked it up, drawer and all, I could barely tell the difference. A perfect fit and a perfect reminder that a little creative thinking (and friendly asking) can go a long way in the world of vintage shopping.


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How to Move an Antique Apothecary Cabinet (Without Breaking a Sweat)
So, how exactly do you move a piece with nearly 100 drawers and decades of charm? With a little help and a lot of care!
Luckily, this antique apothecary cabinet was on the smaller side, making it surprisingly manageable. At the shop, the gals carefully wheeled it out on a dolly and slid it straight into the back of my SUV, no moving truck required!

Back at home, a girlfriend and I were able to lift and position it without too much fuss.
Pro Tip: Slide a rug under heavier vintage furniture to easily push it across wood floors, no scratches, no heavy lifting, and zero stress. You’ll see in the video just how easy it was to scoot this beauty down the hallway.

Pro Tip
Slide a rug under heavier vintage furniture to easily push it across wood floors—no scratches, no heavy lifting, and zero stress. You’ll see in the video just how easy it was to scoot this beauty down the hallway.

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Styling a Vintage Apothecary Cabinet with Timeless Charm
Decorating a vintage apothecary cabinet is half the fun, and when it comes to this chippy green gem, it didn’t take much to bring out its old-world character. The moment it landed in our Maine sunroom, I knew it was something special. I started, with a few of my mother’s delicate glass candlesticks and soft pink carnations. The romance of it all? Instant.

This antique apothecary cabinet added a rich sense of history to the space, and while I didn’t get to style it entirely before heading back to Vermont, I couldn’t stop dreaming up ideas.
When I returned, I added silver thrifted finds, fresh pink tulips, and a treasured black-and-white photo of my father and me skiing from decades ago. The layering of timeworn textures and nostalgic touches made the whole space feel like a love letter to the past.

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Today, this little cabinet has been styled and restyled, moved from room to room, each time with a new personality. It was even featured in Country Sampler Magazine, a reminder of how beloved a piece like this can become.

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Apothecary Cabinet Styling Ideas for Every Season
Try one, or all, of these styling ideas to breathe new life into your own vintage apothecary cabinet:


More Ways to Style an Antique Apothecary Cabinet
There’s just something magical about an antique apothecary cabinet, full of charm, history, and endless styling potential.
Whether you’re hunting for one or already have a treasure at home, I hope this inspired you to decorate yours with vintage flair and timeless character.
Frequently Asked Questions About an Apothecary Cabinet
Traditionally, an apothecary cabinet was used by pharmacists to store herbs, medicines, and small medical supplies in its many drawers. Today, they’re prized for unique storage and vintage charm.
Antique apothecary cabinets can be styled as sideboards, entryway consoles, or statement storage. Decorate with plants, books, or vintage finds for an eclectic, timeless look.
Check for solid wood construction, dovetail joints, wear consistent with age, and original hardware. Provenance or maker’s marks can also help confirm authenticity.
Prices vary widely based on age, condition, size, and originality. Authentic antique apothecary cabinets can range from $500 to over $5,000 depending on rarity and craftsmanship.
Antique apothecary cabinets are usually 100+ years old, while vintage cabinets are typically 20–99 years old. Both offer unique charm but differ in age and historical value.
Love the timeless charm of antique apothecary cabinets? Share your favorite vintage or antique furniture finds in the comments below, or tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see how you style these unique pieces in your own home!
Your Guide to Embracing Eclectic Style, Vintage Finds, and Thrifted Home Inspiration~
Love decorating with vintage finds, thrifted treasures, and eclectic charm? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, share this post with a vintage-loving friend, or join our Reader’s Showcase Series — where we feature your favorite thrifted and antique finds. Email me at [email protected] to be part of it!
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I love “chippy” and the color is just great.
Wishing you a wonderful Spring
Welcome Diana, I’m so glad you are here my friend. Isn’t chippy the best:)
Oh my golly, all I can say is if you die before I do, please leave that to me in your will! LOL!
You’re so funny Cindy, but isn’t she so fun!
I’m obsessed!! You are lucky I don’t know your exact address or you might wake up and find it rolling out the front door!!!!! I’m adding your link to my roundup this weekend. OOOH, that color is amazing!!
Aww Jennifer, thank you so kindly. I’m so glad you like my chippy green apothecary!!
What a fabulous find! SO happy that you made a perfect spot for it – and the service you received was so stellar.
Well done, Ann – looks incredible and so unique – love love love that color!
Thank you so much, Michele! You are so sweet.
I love this cabinet so much, Ann! I wish I could find something similar for my office. The color is perfect too! I would love to share this in my weekly round-up blog post tomorrow.
Thank you so much, Kim. I’m so glad you like it. It would love to be featured in your weekly round-up:)
Oh just what I have been looking for, lucky you so glad you have it and love the color.
Really Marlene? I’m happy I got it too and I think it will fit into other spaces well too! Thanks so much for dropping by today.
This cabinet is perfectly vintage and you have it styled so pretty! I am glad you went back and picked up this piece. So great that they were able to get a drawer made for you.
Thank you so much, Kim. Me too!!
Well, i’m the same shade as your new find, green!!! How fantastic.
Eileen, you are so funny! I’m so glad you like it!!
Ann, it looks beautiful! Don’t you just love pieces like this!!! I can’t wait to see what you find next.
Thank you so much, Tammy!!
I love it! And glad you lefted it as is! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, Margie!!
Oh, I love that cabinet! I would have it full of bits and bobs of craft supplies before you had it positioned exactly where you wanted it! That dummy drawer is perfect! And a lot of my glass instant coffee jars would have found their rightful place in the recycling bag! I used to love moving furniture with a reversed rug! That is such a great tip!
Thank you, Kathy. I’m so glad you enjoyed the apothecary! Isn’t she a beauty:)