Old Chest Of Drawers
20th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Marble, Bronze
20th Century Italian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mirror, Pine
20th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
2010s Belgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Oak
Mid-20th Century American Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
20th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Antique 1850s French Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Rosewood
Antique 1770s Irish George III Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Pine
Antique Late 19th Century Hungarian Late Victorian Commodes and Chests o...
Pine
Antique 19th Century Federal Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Pine
Antique 19th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Oak
2010s Czech Post-Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood, Mahogany
20th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Poplar
Antique 18th Century Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Oak
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Country Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Pine
Antique 17th Century English William and Mary Commodes and Chests of Dra...
Walnut
Early 20th Century British Rustic Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Oak
Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut
Antique 18th Century German Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Iron
Antique 17th Century English Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut
Vintage 1940s French Industrial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Iron
Antique 1730s English Other Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century English George III Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Antique Early 1900s British Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
Antique 17th Century English Charles II Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Oak, Rosewood
Antique 1890s English Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
Antique 17th Century Italian Louis XIII Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century American Rustic Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century American Eastlake Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut
20th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Oak, Pine, Paint
20th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Oak
Antique 18th Century English George III Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Antique Mid-18th Century English Rococo Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Antique 19th Century European Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Pine, Paint
Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
2010s Belgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Oak, Walnut
Antique 19th Century English Regency Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Rustic Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Pine
Antique Mid-18th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Dr...
Pine
Antique 18th Century German Baroque Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Oak, Pine
Antique 1870s Dutch Dutch Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Bronze
Antique 1780s American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
Early 2000s Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Teak
Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Victorian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Antique 19th Century Scottish Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
Antique 17th Century British William and Mary Commodes and Chests of Dra...
Walnut
Antique Early 1700s English William and Mary Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Bronze
Early 2000s Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Early 2000s European Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Antique 1680s English Charles II Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Oak, Walnut
20th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Oak
- 1
- ...
Old Chest Of Drawers For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Old Chest Of Drawers?
Finding the Right commodes-chests-of-drawers for You
Shopping for 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 any case 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. The term commode was also used to refer to a piece of bedroom furniture — a washstand or nightstand that contained a chamber pot.
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.
- 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021A chest of drawers is also sometimes known as a dresser or a bureau. It is a cabinet with several parallel horizontal drawers stacked on top of one another. A chest of drawers is frequently used to store clothing and a variety of personal items. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary chests of drawers from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- How much is an old chest worth?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021Antique chests are a worthy addition to your storage cabinets. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of antique storage cabinets of a variety of sizes and shapes. While the prices may vary depending on the factors like size, shape, make and material, an antique sea chest can cost up to $5,000 or more.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023To tell how old a cedar chest is, look for a stamp or label that indicates the maker's name. In some cases, you may find a date printed on the label. Otherwise, use trusted online resources to determine the years that the manufacturer operated and when it produced chests similar to yours. Alternatively, you can consult a certified appraiser or licensed antique dealer for assistance dating the piece. Find a collection of cedar chests on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The first chest of drawers was invented by Chinese physician Hua Tuo during the 3rd century. In the west, chests of drawers began to appear during the 17th century and rose in popularity from there. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique chests of drawers from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A man’s chest of drawers is also known as a gentleman’s chest. It is characterized by its tall cabinet section that hangs clothes like suits and pants, and also features a column of drawers. Shop a collection of gentleman’s chests from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024To identify an antique chest of drawers, look inside and beneath drawers and on the back and bottom for any type of maker's marking. Researching these marks using trusted online resources may allow you to determine who produced your chest and roughly date your piece. If your chest is at least 100 years old, it is an antique. Should you be unable to locate the maker's marks, look at the hardware. Rose head nails, one-piece cast brass pommels on the drawer handles and circular rather than hexagonal bolts may all indicate that a piece is an antique. Keep in mind that hardware may have been replaced at some point and that there are many reproductions of antique furnishings. As a result, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer complete the identification process if you're unable to identify your chest via the maker's markings. Find a range of antique chests of drawers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A tall chest of drawers is known as a standard chest of drawers and also as a vertical chest. These are tall and narrow storage pieces. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage tall chests of drawers.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A low chest of drawers is called a lowboy. A lowboy sits at waist height and was a prominent piece of bedroom furniture in the 18th century. These low chests of drawers were a clothing storage solution before tallboys and highboys came into fashion. On 1stDibs, there is a variety of antique and vintage low chests of drawers available for sale.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024What a large chest of drawers is called depends on its proportions. In the United States, a wide piece about waist-high is usually called a dresser. A tall, thin chest of drawers is typically referred to as a highboy. On 1stDibs, you can find a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary chests of drawers.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A chest of drawers with a mirror attached is called a bureau. This type of case piece is usually waist-high with a mirror that rests on the top of the structure. They are mainly used in bedrooms. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary chests of drawers from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 1, 2024Yes, there is a difference between a dresser and a chest of drawers. 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.
Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This type of case piece was originally a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period.
Find antique and vintage dressers for sale on 1stDibs. - 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021Dressers are designed to offer a place for you to dress, with the top functioning as a table on which to place your clothing. It will offer space for a mirror, whereas chests of drawers are typically exactly that — they provide ample storage while taking up little floor space. A dresser is usually wide and short, while a chest of drawers is narrow and tall. Both types of furniture are commonly used to store clothing and other items in drawers. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary dressers and chests of drawers from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021An old cedar chest’s worth is based on its age, condition or rarity -- starting at $99 and as high as $700 or more. If the hardware is original then it is worth more and can fetch about $200 to $400. Find a collection of old cedar chests on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024To tell how old your Lane cedar chest is, look inside for its serial number. By reading it backward, you can determine the production date of your piece. For example, 869150 would be 05, 19, 68, or May 19, 1968. On 1stDibs, find a range of Lane chests from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024The difference between a bureau, a chest of drawers and a dresser comes down to shape and function. Dressers and chests of drawers are both types of bedroom furniture that feature storage drawers. However, bureaus tend to be wider and shorter, while chests of drawers are narrower and taller. Often used for storage outside of bedrooms, bureaus are usually about the same height as dressers but are shorter than chests of drawers. Find a wide range of casegoods on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023Yes, a chest of drawers can be used as a bedside table, provided that you have enough space beside your bed to accommodate it. If you want to be able to easily reach items on the top of the chest, choose a piece that is about 2 to 4 inches taller than your mattress. Shop a variety of bedroom furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024The difference between a dresser, a bureau and a chest of drawers is where you place these furnishings and their overall shapes and designs. Usually positioned in a bedroom, a dresser is a wide, low casegood consisting of two or more columns of drawers. When this type of furniture is placed in a living room, office, library or other space beyond the bedroom, people normally refer to it as a bureau. Another type of bedroom furnishing is a chest of drawers, which is a tall vertical column of drawers stacked one above the other. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of dressers, bureaus and chests of drawers.
Read More
The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
What Exactly Is a Secretary Desk, and What Is It Used For?
The furniture equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, it's the multifunctional piece you didn't know you needed.
This Shelving System with Oxidized Brass Tubes Is Retro and Futuristic at Once
Italian studio DimoreMilano mustered great ingenuity when crafting these sculptural shelves, which are built without any screws.
28 Cheerful Home Bars, Where Everybody (Literally) Knows Your Name
Simple or sophisticated, equipped with console, cart or custom cabinetry, these stylish bar areas deserve a toast.
Ask an Interior Designer: Work-from-Home Edition
Leaping into a design project, whether it's refreshing the bedroom or redoing the whole house, can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know more than a few interior designers. You asked questions on Instagram, and now they're answering.
Collected and Eclectic, ‘Wunderkammern’ Are Back in a Big Way
Introduced nearly 500 years ago, curiosity cabinets are finding new fans among today's collectors and designers.
Meet the Incredible Woman Transforming Fallen Trees into Sleek Furniture
In the hands of New York Heartwoods cofounder Megan Offner, unwanted local trees become works of design art.
These New York Architects Love a Complicated Project
From Brooklyn townhouses to Maine campgrounds, Trattie Davies and Jonathan Toews relish a challenge, like transforming a former warehouse space into the new 1stdibs Gallery.