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What is a commode?
1 Answer
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. The term was also used to refer to a piece of bedroom furniture — a washstand or nightstand that contained a chamber pot.
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.
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.
Find antique and vintage commodes on 1stDibs.
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.
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.
Find antique and vintage commodes on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertJune 10, 2024
Shop for Commodes and Chests of Drawers on 1stDibs
French Louis XV Style Wallnut Parquetry ‘Bombé’ Commode with Ormolu Mounts
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
An exceptional French Louis XV style commode, circa mid-20th century, that perfectly captures the opulent spirit of the Rococo era. This piece is defined by its voluptuous bombé silh...
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Rococo Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
Tiepolo Green with Colorful Butterflies Tall Chest of Drawers
By Porte Italia
Located in Milan, IT
This tall chest of drawers features a dark green patinated finish adorned with a delicate array of colorful butterflies, each detailed with subtle shading to enhance their lifelike a...
Category
2010s Italian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
French 19th Century Burled Mahogany Empire Commode
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A spectacular French Empire style petite commode from the 19th century made of bookmatched burl mahogany and decorative ormolu hardware. The commode’s top is dark, nearly black marbl...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Mid 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Black Painted Chest of Drawers, Marble
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This mid nineteenth century French Louis XVI style black painted ash commode or chest features a beveled white marble top with grey veining. The rounded front corners are detailed wi...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Bronze
18th Century Black Painted Rococo Commode Chest of Drawers, Bombe Style
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Italian Rococo bombe shaped chest of drawers from Mid-18th Century. We see this antique Italian small dresser or console placed in a foyer, living room or bedroom. This piece would b...
Category
Antique 1780s Italian Rococo Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Pine
Japanese Antique Black Low Board 1860s-1900s / Tansu Drawer Chest Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese black low board with drawers. Crafted during the Meiji period (1860s–1900s), it carries the quiet atmosphere of an era moving toward modernization, presenting...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
