Queen Ann Chest
Antique Early 18th Century English Queen Anne Commodes and Chests of Dra...
Walnut
20th Century English Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Cherry, Pine
Late 20th Century Queen Anne End Tables
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century American Queen Anne Cabinets
Mahogany
People Also Browsed
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Lacquer
Antique 1890s German Dinner Plates
Porcelain
Early 2000s Italian Louis XVI Sterling Silver
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Marble, Bronze
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Queen Anne Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Antique 1790s English Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Antique 1740s English Queen Anne Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut
Antique Mid-18th Century English Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
Vintage 1960s English International Style Sheffield and Silverplate
Silver Plate
Early 20th Century English Late Victorian Sheffield and Silverplate
Silver Plate
Vintage 1940s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vases
Silver Plate, Enamel
Antique 1770s English Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Vintage 1920s English Edwardian Sheffield and Silverplate
Silver Plate
Recent Sales
Antique Late 18th Century American Queen Anne Commodes and Chests of Dra...
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Antique Late 19th Century English Queen Anne Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Commodes and Chests of Drawers
20th Century English Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
20th Century American Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Maple, Pine
20th Century British Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Hardwood
20th Century American Queen Anne Dressers
Burl
Mid-20th Century Tableware
Sterling Silver
Antique 18th Century and Earlier British Queen Anne Commodes and Chests ...
Antique 18th Century and Earlier British Queen Anne Commodes and Chests ...
Antique 19th Century English Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century English Queen Anne Cabinets
Antique Early 18th Century English William and Mary Commodes and Chests ...
Wood
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, 2022Queen Anne chairs are named after Queen Anne, the ruler of England from 1702 until 1714. It was known for combining efficient, use-focused design with beautifully elegant detail. Shop a range of Queen Anne chairs from top sellers worldwide on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Queen Anne era highboys are part of the American Colonial style of furniture. Ornately constructed and expertly crafted, furniture enthusiasts are always on the lookout for examples of these pieces. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of Queen Anne highboys from some of the world’s top sellers.
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.