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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Aluminum
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Walnut
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Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Vintage 1970s Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Brass
20th Century Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Brass
20th Century French French Provincial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Marble, Brass
2010s American Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Maple
Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Breccia Marble, Bronze
Antique 19th Century Italian Greco Roman Figurative Sculptures
Carrara Marble
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Aluminum
Vintage 1960s Italian Brutalist Games
Brass, Bronze
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Reed, Wood, Teak
Mid-20th Century French Country Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Vintage 1950s Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Metal
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Rosewood
21st Century and Contemporary British Georgian Commodes and Chests of Dr...
Mahogany
Recent Sales
Antique 18th Century British George III Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
Antique 18th Century George II Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Oak
Vintage 1930s English Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Cupboards
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American French Provincial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
20th Century American Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Finding the Right commodes-chests-of-drawers for You
Is it a commode or a chest of drawers?
Commode is the French term for a low chest of drawers, but it is also sometimes used to denote a piece with a particularly intricate design. The commode dates to circa 1700 France, where it was used as an alternative to a taller cabinet piece so as to not obscure paneled, mirrored or tapestried walls. Coffers, or chests, which were large wooden boxes with hinged lids and sometimes stood on ball feet, preceded chests of drawers, a fashionable cabinet furnishing that garnered acclaim for its obvious storage potential and versatility.
As time passed, French and British furniture makers led the way in the production of chests of drawers, and features like the integration of bronze and ornamental pulls became commonplace. Antique French commodes in the Louis XV style were sometimes crafted in mahogany or walnut, while an Italian marble top added a sophisticated decorative flourish. This specific type of case piece grew in popularity in the years that followed.
So, what makes a chest of drawers different from a common dresser? Dressers are short, and chests of drawers are overall taller pieces of furniture that typically do not have room on the top for a mirror as most dressers do. Tallboys and highboys are variations of the dresser form. Some chests of drawers have one column of four to six long drawers or three long drawers in their bottom section that are topped by a cluster of small side-by-side drawers on the top. To further complicate things, we sometimes refer to particularly short chests of drawers as nightstands.
Even though chests of drawers are commonly thought of as bedroom furniture to store clothing, these are adaptable pieces. A chest of drawers can house important documents — think of your walnut Art Deco commode as an upgrade to your filing cabinet. Nestle your chest near your home’s front door to store coats and other outerwear, while the top can be a place to drop your handbag. Add some flair to your kitchen, where this lovable case piece can hold pots, pans and even cookbooks.
When shopping for the right chest of drawers for your home, there are a few key things to consider: What will you be storing in it? How big a chest will you need?
Speaking of size, don’t dream too big. If your space is on the smaller side, a more streamlined vintage mid-century modern chest of drawers, perhaps one designed by Paul McCobb or T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, may best suit your needs.
At 1stDibs, we make it easy to add style and storage to your home. Browse our collection of antique and vintage commodes and chests of drawers today.
- What is a bachelor’s chest?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2019
A bachelor’s chest is a low chest of drawers. Its name comes from the fact that it was originally designed to provide multipurpose storage for a single man with a small living space.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A bachelor’s chest of drawers is a relatively short and shallow chest, usually with three or four drawers. The name refers to their historical use as multi-purpose, space-saving fixtures that are perfect for a bachelor sharing a friend’s flat. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique and modern bachelor’s chests from some of the world’s top sellers.
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