Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

What are Bombay chests used for?

1 Answer
What are Bombay chests used for?
Bombay chests are also called bombe chests and are a chest of drawers that feature a distinctive curved or bowed shape. The term bombe is French for a curved piece of furniture, meaning bomb-shaped. This shape of chest originated in the early 1700s in an attempt to soften the lines of furniture and create a more comfortable and casual look. Shop a collection of Bombay chests from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Shop for Bombe Chests on 1stDibs
Vintage Bombé Chest
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This black lacquered vintage Bombé chest with raised gilded fretwork on its front features curvy French Rococo lines.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Rococo Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Hardwood

18thC French Walnut Bombe Chest Commode
Located in Staffordshire, GB
circa 1750 18thC French walnut bombe chest Commode Measures: W 133 x D 64 x H 95cm.      
Category

Antique 18th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Hand Painted Neoclassical Style Commode/Bombe Chest
By Edgar Nye
Located in East Freetown, MA
Neoclassical style hand painted commode/bombe chest. Antique white with hand painted floral design and Italian charm.
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Neoclassical Revival Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Vintage Regency Marble Top Marquetry Bombe Chest
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning vintage Marquetry Bombe chest. Beautiful inlay detail and black marble top.
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Regency Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

Louis XVI Style Walnut Bombe Chests, Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Louis XVI Style Walnut Bombe Chests of Drawers, each with two long drawers on cabriole legs. 24" H x 31" W x 16.5" D.
Category

20th Century Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Pair Antique Italian Walnut Bombe Chests, Circa 1920's.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair antique Italian walnut bombe chests, circa 1920's.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Shop All