1950s Scandinavian Modern Commode with Josef Frank Clover Motif Wallpaper, Teak
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
A distinctive 1950s Scandinavian Modern three-drawer commode, professionally wallpapered with Josef Frank’s iconic clover leaf motif. The decorative surface adds a vibrant yet refine...
Teak
Afra & Tobia Scarpa 'Artona' Chest of Drawers in Black Leather and Walnut
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa, chest of drawers, walnut, leather, Italy, 1975/1979 This chest of drawers with a front in black leather was designed as part of the ‘Artona’ line by Afra & Tobi...
Leather, Walnut
Victorian Mahogany Bow Front Chest of Drawers with Hepplewhite Handles
Located in Leicester, GB
Large Antique Victorian (1837-1901) Bow Front Chest Of Drawers. Made in England. This is a tall design with two over three drawers, which are all beautifully made with oak bottoms. T...
Mahogany
Japanese Antique Drawer Chest 1860s-1920s / Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an antique Japanese chest of drawers. With its quiet presence, it embodies the essence of Japan’s everyday living culture, offering a refined and understated beauty. The thre...
Iron
Art Deco Streamline Tall Chest Attributed Donald Deskey For Widdicomb C.1935
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., Donald Deskey
Located in Bernville, PA
A magnificent example of a rare five drawer commode attributed to the esteemed Donald Deskey for Widdicomb Furniture Company circa 1935. Beautiful Streamline Moderne design finished in black lacquer and curly burl veneer. The original chrome and solid brass hardware has been polished to create a unique Masion Jansen style effect. Professionally restored and ready for installation. A stunning focal point for an important room. The hardware has been professionally hand-polished. This Streamline Design was also made famous by Zephyr clock...
Brass, Chrome
$3,850Sale Price|30% Off
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Walnut Burl Marble Top Commode Chest
Located in Dayton, OH
A French Louis Philippe Walnut Commode, c. 1840s. Features a rectangular form made from walnut with book matched veneer burled drawer fronts and Saint Anne Des Pyrenees Marble top. ...
Marble
Smal Swedish Chest of Drawers (19th Century, Gustavian-Style, Painted)
Located in Kvidinge, SE
Breathe timeless European charm into your home with this stunning Gustavian-style three-drawer chest. Painted in a beige color featuring a beautifully weathered, distressed finish. ...
Brass
English 19th Century Mahogany Chest on Chest
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
English 19th century towering chest-on-chest in the Georgian style, circa 1850, the case is built from mahogany with beautiful coloration in the grain. Dentil molding accentuates th...
Brass
Danish Mid Century Modern Chest of Drawers in Oak, Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A characterful chest of drawers in the style of Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf, crafted in oak and made in Denmark in the 1960s. The commode features five drawers, offering ample storage ...
Brass
Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s / Tansu Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This piece is a Japanese chest of drawers crafted during the late Meiji to early Taisho period. It is constructed from cedar wood, a material deeply rooted in Japanese architecture a...
Wood
Beautiful Provincial Vernacular Chest of Drawers in Solid Oak 19th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
A beautiful solid oak chest of drawers. Most probably England, early to mid-19th century. Constructed in solid oak with pine secondary timbers, the piece shows a very grounded and h...
Brass
Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Three-Drawer Chest with Dentil Molding
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period three-drawer chest from the late 18th century, defined by its clean architectural structure and refined neoclassical detailing. The rectangular top is crow...
Wood
Swedish Neorococo Black-Painted Pine Chest of Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A handsome Swedish Neo-Rococo chest of drawers crafted in pine, featuring a richly black-painted finish with beautifully worn edges that reveal warm undertones beneath. The softly di...
Wood
$770Sale Price|30% Off
Pennsylvania House Cherry Bachelors Chest of Drawers Stand Console 26"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Pennsylvania House cherry bachelor's chest / nightstand / chest of drawers / console featuring a notched design with three dr...
Brass
$2,319Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Italian Antique Chest of Drawers in Solid Walnut
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We offer this elegant antique chest of drawers from the first half of the 19th century. Impressive and linear, free of excessive ornamentation, it is crafted from fine solid walnut. ...
Walnut
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1890
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers from the 1890s. Manufactured during the late Meiji era (1868-1912). This piece of furniture exudes authenticity and character. The cabinet...
Iron
Danish Mid Century Modern Chest of Drawers in Oak, Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A characterful chest of drawers attributed to Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf, crafted in oak. Made in Denmark in the 1960s. The commode features five drawers, offering ample storage whil...
Brass
George III Mahogany Chest of Drawers, c.1810
Located in Savannah, GA
Bleached George III mahogany chest of drawers, circa 1810. Five-drawer chest with two short upper drawers over three graduated full-width drawers, each fitted with lion mask ring ...
Mahogany
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...
Wood
19th Century Swedish Black-Painted Pine Chest of Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined 19th-century Swedish pine chest of drawers with a richly layered black-painted finish and beautifully reeded drawer fronts that add subtle texture and depth. The carved upp...
Pine
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...
Marble, Ormolu
$2,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Italian Hepplewhite Style Satinwood & Rosewood Inlaid Demilune Consoles
Located in Big Flats, NY
A sophisticated pair of Italian Hepplewhite style demilune cabinets, imported by Decorative Crafts Inc., crafted in the 20th century. These cabinets showcase exquisite wood inlay wor...
Satinwood
George III 18th Century Bowfront Mahogany Chest Of Drawers
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Good Quality George III Period Late 18th Century Mahogany Bowfronted Chest, Having Well Figured Top With Ebonised Strung Decoration To Edge, Over Three Long Drawers, With Replaceme...
Mahogany
Biedermeier chest of drawers, painted in historical motifs, 1835-40, s. Germany
Located in Greding, DE
This solid pinewood chest of drawers, originating from South Germany between 1835 and 1840, features two full-width drawers and a molded top. The piece has been professionally refini...
Pine
French 19th Century Louis-Philippe Commode
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This wonderful Chest is made of a beautiful blond flamed mahogany and a Sainte-Anne marble top. It is a chest with 5 drawers.
Marble
Italian Mid-Century Umberto Asnago Commode by Giorgetti, 1980s
Located in Vilnius, LT
Italian Mid-Century Giorgetti commode/chest of drawers by Umberto Asnago from 1980's. Black painted wood with natural wood drawers decorated with black handles. Very good/excellent ...
Metal
Willy Rizzo Chest of Drawers in Poplar Burl and Brass, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Refined and extremely elegant large chest of drawers in magnificent poplar burl and solid polished brass. This outstanding piece was designed by Willy Rizzo and produced in Italy dur...
Brass
Refinished Teak Danish Modern Dresser by Vitré
By Vitré of Denmark 1
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gorgeous restored teak dresser by Vitré. All teak surfaces were cleaned, oiled, and finished in a satin lacquer. Efficient, elegant silhouette, with solid teak pulls and legs. Even a...
Teak
Early 20th Century English 4 Drawer Pine Chest with Bamboo Detail
Located in Troy, MI
This handsome English chest of drawers brings together the honest warmth of pine with the exotic charm of the faux bamboo aesthetic. Crafted in the 1920s, complete with functioning l...
Metal
Swedish bombe-shaped Rococo chest of drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
“Beautiful Swedish Rococo bombe-shaped chest of drawers with elegant curved sides and a serpentine front, characteristic of Swedish Rococo. Three drawers with bronze fittings, as wel...
Pine
Mid-19th Century French Directoire Style Walnut Semainier or Chest of Drawers
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This mid nineteenth century French Directoire style tall chest of drawers is called a semainier in French due to its seven drawers. Semainier comes from the French word "semaine" whi...
Bronze
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest of Drawers Bureau
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Painted Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest or Commode, a pair. This set of three drawer bureaus are based on 18th Century Gustavian antique chests. They have been hand painted in...
Brass
French Art Deco Commode, Restored Rosewood & Mahogany, Paris, 1930s
Located in Astoria, NY
Elegant French Art Deco commode from the 1930s, sourced in Paris, crafted in richly figured rosewood veneer over a solid mahogany frame. The façade and top feature striking book-matc...
Metal
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1870
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers from the 1870s. Manufactured during the late Meiji era (1868-1912). This piece of furniture exudes authenticity and character. The cabinet...
Iron
Swedish Gustavian-Inspired Chest of Drawers with Greek Key Motif
Located in Atlanta, GA
A handsome Swedish Gustavian-inspired chest of drawers, crafted with the clean symmetry and restrained ornamentation associated with late 18th-century Scandinavian design. The rectan...
Pine
French Walnut 19th Century Louis XVI Style Commode
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A solid walnut commode from France, 19th century, with all the signature elements of the Louis XVI style exhibiting curious patina to blend with interiors from rustic to more refine...
Brass
$8,250 / set
19th Century Swedish Pair of Chest of Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of Gustavian pine chest of drawers painted in shades of antique white and soft gray, fitting their Swedish origin. Canted fluted side posts with upper applied carving, dentil ...
Brass
19th Century Blue Painted Swedish Gustavian Chest of Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of elegant Gustavian chest of drawers painted in shades of blue, fitting their Swedish origin. Note the decorative Greek key meander, griffin and dentil molding that adorn the...
Brass
English 19th Century Mahogany Campaign Chest
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An English 19th century campaign chest in the Regency taste with faux bamboo carving on the trim for an exotic touch as if brought back from one’s travels around the world. Wrapped i...
Mahogany
Pair of Biedermeier Chests of Drawers in Walnut Veneer, Germany, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
These 2 Biedermeier chests pf drawers were made in early 19th century. They come from Germany. Made of solid coniferous wood and veneered with beautiful walnut veneer. Both commodes ...
Walnut
Pair, 19th Century Gustavian Style Blue Chest of Drawers or Nightstands
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of elegant Gustavian pine chests of three drawers painted in shades of blue and contrasting black top with simple geometric carving on each drawer. Canted fluted side posts wi...
Brass
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...
Pine
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Blue Painted Chest of Drawers, Pair
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of decorative Gustavian pine chest of three drawers with Greek key motif carved in upper top molding. Canted fluted side posts with upper carved diamond medallion, additional ...
Brass
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio Pair of Chests of Drawers in Walnut
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, pair of chests of drawers, walnut, United States, 1965 and circa 1973 With regard to its essential form, material use, and woodwork, t...
Walnut
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Commode
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An elegant mahogany & pink marble commode from France, 19th century, in the Louis XVI style that easily fits with Empire and transitional tastes that value noble materials. The t...
Marble, Brass
French 19th Century Walnut and Marble Commode
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A magnificent, solid walnut commode from 19th century France, aligning with Louis XVI and transitional tastes, it is a multipurpose storage piece scaled to use practically anywhere a...
Marble
$7,157 / item
Pink Murano Glass Italian Sideboard with Brass Base
Located in Guazzora, IT
Pink Murano Opaline Glass Italian Sideboard with Brass Base This contemporary Italian sideboard is defined by a refined geometric façade composed of Murano opaline glass panels in so...
Brass
English 19th Century Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An English 19th century painted pine chest of drawers made in the Regency taste with delightful acanthus illustrations for a Neoclassical touch. Smooth khaki paint aged to a tactile ...
Pine, Paint
Scandinavian Modern Oakwood Chest of Drawers by Henry Kjærnulf, 1960s, Denmark
Located in Odense, DK
A beautifully crafted Scandinavian Modern chest of drawers designed by Danish designer Henry Kjærnulf in the 1960s. Made in solid oak, this piece exemplifies the sculptural yet restr...
Brass
Queen Anne Period Chest of Drawers of Walnut and Oak from England, Circa 1710
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English chest of drawers of walnut and oak from the Queen Anne period, circa 1710, featuring a moulded top of beautiful figured burl walnut, above a frieze of two short drawer...
Brass, Metal
1930s Rationalist Chest of Drawers in Oak, Walnut and Metal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chest of drawers, walnut, oak, nickel-plated brass, metal, Italy, 1930s This chest of drawers, an Italian piece from the 1930s, presents a striking formal expression grounded in the...
Metal, Brass, Nickel
20th Century Art Deco Style Italian White, Black /Gold Chest Cabinet / Sideboard
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Late 20th century Art Deco style Italian chest cabinet / sideboard, made in Italy circa 1990s and entirely handcrafted with a refined modern geometric design. This unique three-drawe...
Art Glass, Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Antique Drawer / Storage Tansu / 1900-1930s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
A rare and thoughtfully designed early 20th-century Japanese Sugi (Cedar) chest, featuring a curated layout of nine drawers in two distinct, functional sizes. Crafted during the tra...
Iron
Art Deco Streamline Moderne Commode Attributed D. Deskey For Widdicomb C.1935
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., Donald Deskey
Located in Bernville, PA
A magnificent example of a rare four drawer commode attributed to the esteemed Donald Deskey for Widdicomb Furniture Company circa 1935. Beautiful Streamline Moderne design finished in black lacquer and curly burl veneer. The original chrome and solid brass hardware has been polished to create a unique Masion Jansen style effect. Professionally restored and ready for installation. A stunning focal point for an important room. The hardware has been professionally hand polished. This Streamline Design was also made famous by Zephyr clock...
Brass, Chrome
Biedermeier Cherrywood Commode, Germany, circa 1830–1840
Located in Wrocław, Poland
An elegant Biedermeier commode crafted in Germany circa 1830–1840, veneered in beautifully figured cherrywood. The front showcases a striking, symmetrical grain pattern with rich fla...
Cherry
Vintage 1960s Danish three-drawer Oak Side Table, Henning Kjærnulf style
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This oak side table, attributed to Danish designer Henning Kjærnulf, exemplifies the Brutalist aesthetic of the 1960s. Crafted from solid oak, it features bold, sculptural forms that...
Oak
$2,625Sale Price|30% Off
Antique American Chippendale Serpentine Mahogany Bachelors Chest of Drawers 38"
Located in Dayton, OH
An American Chippendale Bachelor's Chest or Dresser. Made from mahogany with a rectangular serpentine fronted case with four hand dovetailed drawers and solid brass batwing hardware...
Brass
19th Century Biedermeier Chest Of Drawers, Cherrywood, Austria circa 1830
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Outstanding 19th century Biedermeier chest of drawers from the early period around 1830 in Austria. This completely restored antique three drawer Biedermeier commode impresses with i...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Chest of Drawers, Oak, Birch, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch and oak chest of drawers with wooden inlays designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Minor scuffing to feet. Minor tabletop surface cracking from normal wear. Minimal ev...
Birch, Oak
Italian 19th Century Inlay Commode
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An extraordinary Italian walnut commode from the 19th century, Neoclassical in style, decorated with a graphic marquetry of dark/light woods that creates movement and definition over...
Brass
Shopping for 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 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. 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. The term commode was also used to refer to a piece of bedroom furniture — a washstand or nightstand that contained a chamber pot.
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.
