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What is a commode?

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What is a commode?
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.
1stDibs ExpertJune 10, 2024
Shop for Commodes and Chests of Drawers on 1stDibs
Paul Poiret, Chest of Drawers, Oak, Metal, France, 1920s
Located in High Point, NC
A cream-white painted oak and metal chest of drawers designed by Paul Poiret and produced by Atelier Martine, France, c. 1920s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.25"H x 30.0"W x 17.25...
Category

Vintage 1920s French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal

French 19th Century Faux Bamboo Vanity
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French 19th century faux bamboo carved pine vanity, offering daily inspiration in the organic forms and artistic ingenuity during the Aesthetic Movement of the late 1800s. Functionin...
Category

Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Commodes and Chests of Dra...

Materials

Marble

Danish Designer, Chest of Drawers, Oak, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak chest of drawers produced by Pindex, Denmark, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27.75"H x 31.5"W x 17.0"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Category

Vintage 1940s Danish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Japanese Antique Black Drawer Storage 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old drawer storage made in Japan. It was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and is a valuable antique piece of furniture filled with Japanese craftsmanship. The ma...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Mid 19th Century English Collectors cabinet with 14 Drawers
Located in Greven, DE
Antique archive or collection cabinet England Mahogany Mid 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 121 x 64 x 57 cm Description: Rare antique collection cabinet veneered in Cuba mahog...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-Century Italian Organic Chest of Drawers in Rattan, Bamboo and Brass, 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning mid-century French Riviera styledresser fully made in bamboo and woven rattan completed by solid brass handles. This stylish organic dresser was handcrafted in Italy during ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Wood

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