Duncan Phyfe Chest
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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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Duncan Phyfe furniture was founded in 1837. It was one of the first American cabinet-making companies to successfully use the factory method of manufacturing. Shop a collection of Duncan Phyfe furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021Duncan Phyfe tables can be worth anywhere between $50,000 and $150,000. To tell if your table is an original Duncan Phyfe, look for carved reeds, urn posts and pedestals, and lion-paw feet among others.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To know if your sofa is a Duncan Phyfe, start by examining the materials. Normally, Phyfe used solid mahogany wood. If you see any evidence of veneers or engineered wood, you likely have a reproduction. Also, look closely at the studs and nail-head trim. An original will have securely fastened hardware, and the hardware should appear naturally aged. Find a range of expertly vetted Duncan Phyfe sofas on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021In an antique market today, an original Duncan Phyfe dining table would be worth between $50,000 to $150,000.
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