Romanian Biedermeier 3-Drawer Burlwood Chest / Commode
Located in Queens, NY
Biedermeier walnut (Transylvanian / Romanian) (19th Century) chest of 3 drawers with engraved brass circular pulls, heart inlayed key holes and clover inlay on the side columns endin...
Brass
Sleek 19th Century Biedermeier Two-Drawer Walnut Chest
Located in Westport, CT
A minimalist Biedermeier chest of drawers in a striking walnut veneer on pine finishing on straight squared and tapered legs. Origin: Germany Dating: 1830ca Condition: Excellent, rep...
Walnut
German Biedermeier Flame Birch Three-Drawer Chest, 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A handsome 19th-century Biedermeier chest with three drawers, a warm golden figured birch front, and contrasting ebonized trim along the top, base, and key escutcheons.
Wood, Birch
A Well-figured Austrian Biedermeier Cherrywood Veneered Two-Drawer Chest
Located in San Francisco, CA
the warmly patinated cherrywood chest in bookmatched veneers with rectangular top conforming body fitted with 2 drawers with applied ebonized escutcheons all flanked by ebonized pila...
Cherry
Refinished Biedermeier Four Drawer Satin Birch Chest, Dresser or Commode, 1850s
Located in Stamford, CT
Refinished Biedermeier Four Drawer Satin Birch Chest, Dresser or Commode, 1850s The whole of fine Satin Birch having been hand rubbed French polished to its original glory days.
Brass
Austrian 1870s Biedermeier Style Four-Drawer Chest with Bookmarked Birch Veneer
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Austrian Biedermeier style four-drawer commode from the late 19th century, with birch veneer and shield-shaped escutcheons. Born in Imperial Austria during the third quarter of th...
Birch
Three Drawer Biedermeier Style Commode
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A well made Biedermeier style three drawer Commode in traditional Honey Tone wood veneer with Wreath pulls and escutcheons (Lacking a key) and tapered legs. Useful for any number of ...
Brass
Large German Biedermeier Fruitwood Chest Of Drawers
Located in Westport, CT
A most lovely early Biedermeier deep two-drawer chest on tall splayed legs made in a striking blonde cherry wood matchbook veneer on pine with ebonized black detailing.
Cherry
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Germany, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Four-drawer Biedermeier chest of drawers veneered in cherrywood, featuring ebonized full columns and key escutcheons.
Cherry
Pair of / Biedermeier-Style Fruitwood 3-Drawer Chests, style of Josef Danhauser
By Josef Danhauser
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Art Deco / Biedermeier-Style fruitwood chest with demilune back rails and scroll carved edges on the tops and bases, containing three drawers with ebonized drawer fulls, rest...
Wood, Ebony, Fruitwood
Mid 19th Century Walnut Biedermeier Style Chest
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Late Biedermeier-style four-drawer chest, circa 1840s, featuring a walnut veneer with elaborate oval-shaped bronze mounts.
Metal
19th Century Biedermeier Three Drawer Commode
Located in Kent, Dover
A XIX Century three drawer Biedermeier commode in pickled walnut, with ebonised tapering legs and bronzed handles.
Brass
19th Century Biedermeier Blond Cherrywood Chest of Drawers
Located in San Francisco, CA
A 19th century blond cherrywood Biedermeier three drawer chest with black lacquer accent.
Cherry, Fruitwood
Chest of drawers, Biedermeier around 1820, Cherrywood with three drawers
Located in Münster, DE
Chest of Drawers Biedermeier, circa 1820, Germany, cherry wood, 3 drawers including one false drawer, beveled sides, ebonized trim, shellac finish Dimensions: Height 88 cm Width 9...
Wood, Cherry
Chest of drawers, Biedermeier around 1820, Nutwood with two drawers
Located in Münster, DE
Biedermeier chest of drawers, circa 1820, walnut veneer, beautifully mirrored grain pattern, shellac finish Dimensions: Height 74.5 cm Width 106.5 cm Depth 56.5 cm This two-dr...
Wood, Nutwood
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers in Birch, Northern Germany, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Three-drawer Biedermeier chest veneered in birch with burl veneer accents and ebonized escutcheons.
Birch, Burl
$3,502Sale Price|24% Off
Small Biedermeier Walnut Half Cabinet with Drawer, South Germany circa 1830
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Elegant small Biedermeier half cabinet from Southern Germany, circa 1830. The charming piece is veneered in richly grained walnut on a solid spruce body, displaying the warm tones an...
Walnut, Spruce
Biedermeier Period 1840s Walnut Three-Drawer Commode with Grey Marble Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Biedermeier period walnut three-drawer commode from the mid-19th century, with grey marble top and banding. Created in Austria during the first half of the 19th century, this walnu...
Marble
Pair of Petite Austrian Biedermeier Two-Drawer Commodes with Inlay, circa 1840
Located in Atlanta, GA
This pair of Austrian Biedermeier petite commodes from the mid-19th century features exquisite veneered tops with rectangular banding over two small drawers. Each central oval mounte...
Wood
Biedermeier Commode, Cherry Veneer, Ebonized, South Germany, circa 1830
Located in Regensburg, DE
Beautiful, small 4-drawer Biedermeier Commode or Chest of drawers in cherry wood from South Germany, circa 1830.
Iron
Biedermeier Commode, Cherry Wood, Ebonized, Gilded, Franconia circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Magnificent, small, two-drawer Biedermeier commode or chest of drawers in cherry wood from Franconia around 1820.
Iron
French Empire Biedermeier Oak Double Dresser Commode Console Chest Hidden Drawer
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage French Empire / Biedermeier style chest of drawers / dresser / commode.
Oak
Chest of Drawers with Transfer Decoration, Southern Germany, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Three-drawer Biedermeier chest with a gently curved front and flanking ebonized full columns.
Bronze
$5,269Sale Price|35% Off
19th Century Biedermeier Solid Cherrywood Chest Of Drawer
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This beautifully proportioned Biedermeier chest of drawers was crafted in Austria around 1825 and is a timeless example of early 19th-century design.
Brass
Tall Biedermeier Eight-Drawer Chest
Located in Wels, AT
Biedermeier tall eight-drawer chest. Semainier, flanking black columns.
A fine small Biedermeier four drawer chest.
Located in New York, NY
A fine small Biedermeier four drawer chest. Cherrywood with ebony inlays and bronze pulls.
Cherry
Biedermeier Three-Drawer Commode
Located in New York, NY
Bookmatched walnut veneer with flanking Doric columns and ebonized detailing.
Walnut
Biedermeier Two-Drawer Commode
Located in New York, NY
Vivid cherry veneer with ebonized detailing.
Cherry
Biedermeier Three-Drawer Commode
Located in New York, NY
Bookmatched walnut veneer with fluted columns and ebonized detailing.
Walnut
Biedermeier classic three drawer commode
Located in New York, NY
Walnut veneer with flanking Doric columns and ebonized detailing. Original locks and hardware.
Walnut
German Biedermeier Chest
Located in Charleston, SC
Biedermeier Three Drawer Chest of Burled Walnut with a Black Izeste Conchiferous Marble Top (French quarry that is now closed).
Bronze
Restored Empire Commode Four-Drawer Chest Original
Located in Senden, NRW
Original restored Empire era four-drawer dresser. This is a very nice Empire chest from circa 1815 which is especially beautiful as well as very noble and practical. Very appealing...
Walnut
Exemplary Biedermeier Pier Chest
Located in Long Island City, NY
A small exemplary six-drawer Biedermeier pier chest (semanier). Architecturally designed front.
Iron
Biedermeier Conversion Desk
Located in Long Island City, NY
This four-drawer Biedermeier chest can be converted into a writing desk.
Gold Leaf
Fine Biedermeier Three-Drawer Chest
Located in New York, NY
A fine Biedermeier three-drawer chest. Cherrywood with ebonized fruitwood details and patinated bronze pulls, escutcheons and details.
Bronze
Biedermeier Three-Drawer Chest
Located in Houston, TX
A handsome Biedermeier three-drawer chest with stamped brass escutcheons and beautiful burl wood top.
19th Century Three-Drawer Biedermeier Chest
Located in Dallas, TX
A three drawer Biedermeier chest of fruitwood with elaborate penwork on top, on sides and interior surfaces of set-out top drawer.
Ebony, Fruitwood
Antique Biedermeier Three Drawer Chest of Drawers
Located in Locust Valley, NY
Beautiful antique Biedermeier three drawer chest of drawers with inlay design on top and around the face of each drawer.
Wood
Biedermeier Three Drawer Chest with Marble Top
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Three drawer Biedermeier chest with original marble top.
Walnut
19th Century Biedermeier Cherrywood Chest of Drawer
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Very beautiful Biedermeier chest of drawers with four drawers. The commode is made of a pinewood body covered with cherry veneer and dates circa 1830. The locks are also original. In...
Cherry, Pine
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers with Secretary Drawer Detail
Located in Houston, TX
Period Biedermeier chest with brass escutcheons and gallery/secretary drawer detail.
18th Century German Biedermeier Cherry Two-Drawer Swell Front Chest
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique 18th Century German Biedermeier chest features cherry construction with bookmatched top, swell front two drawer case seated on block feet legs, 18th century Measures - 33"...
Cherry
19th Century German Walnut Biedermeier Chest of Drawer
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Classic Biedermeier column chest of drawers. South German, around 1820.
Walnut, Pine
Sold
H 31.5 in W 30.5 in D 20.75 in
Biedermeier Period Four Drawer Cherrywood Chest Austria circa 1820.
Located in New York, NY
A fine Biedermeier period four drawer chest from Austria circa 1820.
Wood
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut and Ebonized 2-Drawer Chest
Located in Dallas, TX
Stylish 19th century Biedermeier walnut and ebonized 2-drawer chest. Beautiful movement in the wood grain.
Wood
Classically Designed Biedermeier 3-Drawer Chest
Located in San Francisco, CA
Appears to be a combination of cherry and apple woods on pine. Old finish, possibly original. Ebonized key hole surrounds.
Sold
H 36 in W 49.5 in D 23 in
Austrian Biedermeier Fruitwood Three-Drawer Chest with Columnar Details
Located in San Francisco, CA
A good quality Austrian Biedermeier polished fruitwood (probably cherry) commode with figured well-matched veneers, the overhanging top above 3 long drawers framed by columns, each w...
Cherry, Fruitwood
A German Biedermeier Walnut 3-Drawer Chest
Located in San Francisco, CA
A handsome German biedermeier walnut-veneered 3-drawer chest with ebonized highlights
Sold
H 37.5 in W 50.25 in D 25 in
Handsome Austrian Biedermeier Walnut Four-Drawer Chest with Inlaid Decoration
Located in San Francisco, CA
A handsome Austrian Biedermeier walnut four-drawer chest with inlaid decoration; the waterfall top with single drawer over three long drawers raised on tapering quadrangular supports...
early 19th century Biedermeier two drawer chest
Located in Westport, CT
An exceptionally attractive early 19th century Biedermeier two drawer chest on straight tapered legs in a blonde walnut (not as pale in color as shown) with ebonized details.
Walnut, Pine
Early Biedermeier Chest
Located in Westport, CT
Striking modern lines and pleasing scale describe this very early elmwood Biedermeier three-drawer chest on high tapered legs.
Austrian Biedermeier Cherry Wood Three Drawer Chest
Located in San Francisco, CA
Neoclassical-style Austrian Biedermeier three drawer commode.
Pair of Bethlehem Biedermeier Style Column Front Six-Drawer Chests
By Bethlehem Furniture
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of Bethlehem Biedermeier style column front six-drawer chests. Each with a molded bracket base supporting four rows of drawers three larger drawer under three smaller drawers ...
Sold
H 33.5 in W 32.25 in D 18 in
Biedermeier Style Ebonzed Birch Four Drawer Chest Nightstand Circa 1890
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Biedermeier style ebonized birch four-drawer chest, dating to circa 1890, is a refined example of late 19th-century European craftsmanship.
Birch
Pair of Fine Biedermeier Campaign Chests with Drop Down Drawer
Located in West Hartford, CT
Rare and ultra coveted Biedermeier Campaign style pair of chests which features drop down drawer.
Wood
Sold
H 61 in W 30.5 in D 17 in
Beautiful 18th Century Biedermeier Seven-Drawer Chest Commode, Walnut, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Biedermeier period chest of drawers, made in Austria, dated circa 1850. A high-quality piece of furniture, veneered with walnut, which shows unique grain. Gently restored...
Wood, Nutwood, Walnut
Sold
H 30.32 in W 33.86 in D 17.72 in
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Chest of Two-Drawer / Commode
Located in Darmstadt, DE
The chest of drawers with two drawers was made circa 1820 from veneered walnut wood. The locks are original. The veneer pictures are very nice and the veneer is relatively light waln...
Spruce, Walnut
Sold
H 35 in W 43.5 in D 21 in
Biedermeier Austrian Mid-19th Century, Three-Drawer Chest of Walnut Color
Located in Atlanta, GA
In typical Biedermeier fashion, the top drawer is adorned with geometrical motifs with a nicely carved molding.
Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 37 in W 43 in D 18 in
Biedermeier 19th Century Maple Wood Four-Drawer Chest with Inlaid Escutcheon
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Biedermeier period maple wood four-drawer chest from the 19th century with inlaid escutcheons.
Maple
Sold
H 35 in W 47 in D 22 in
Antique Continental Biedermeier Pine Three Drawer Chest c. Early 19th Century
Located in Westfield, MA
This Antique Continental Biedermeier Pine Three Drawer Chest, c. Early 19th Century, offers a striking example of rustic simplicity with its raw, unfinished pine.
Pine
Biedermeier Birch Ebony Chest
Located in East Aurora, NY
Biedermeier Birch five drawer chest of Swedish or Austrian origin 1820-40.
Wood
Sold
H 33.75 in W 37.5 in D 18 in
Antique Golden Birch Biedermeier 3 Drawer Commode Chest of Drawers Austrian 1840
Located in Portland, OR
A very good quality antique golden birch Biedermeier three drawer commode/chest of drawers, Austria, circa 1840.
Birch
Biedermeier Birch Chest of
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Biedermeier birch 3 drawer chest of drawers, 19th century.
Birch, Paint
Fine Biedermeier Two-Drawer Commode
Located in New York, NY
A fine Biedermeier two-drawer commode. Walnut with fruitwood inlay details.
Fruitwood, Walnut
Biedermeier Chest
Located in Houston, TX
A handsome Biedermeier four-drawer chest with stamped brass escutcheons and beautiful burl wood top.
A Warmly-Patinated Swedish Biedermeier 3-Drawer Birchwood Chest
Located in San Francisco, CA
A warmly-patinated Swedish biedermeier 3-drawer birchwood chest; the rectangular top with rounded corners and stylized floral stem inlay; above a conforming body fitted with 3 long d...
Sold
H 36.62 in W 45.28 in D 19.69 in
19th Century German 3-Drawer Walnut Biedermeier Chests of Drawers, circa 1840
Located in Berlin, DE
This beautiful Biedermeier commode was made circa 1840 in South Germany. It looks like as it has got six drawers but there is ac just three. The chest of drawers is made out of wal...
Pine, Walnut
A Three-Drawer Biedermeier Berliner Commode
Located in Washington, DC
A Three-Drawer Biedermeier Berliner Commode. Could be either Austrian or German $5000.00
Fruitwood
Pair of Biedermeier Style Chests
Located in Westport, CT
Lovely pair of sleek antique Biedermeier style two-drawer chests in bookmatched walnut veneer, keys to each drawer that glide open effortlessly, refurbished, Germany.
Sold
H 66.75 in W 42.75 in D 19.75 in
German Biedermeier Tall 6-Drawer Chest in Light Walnut Veneer, circa 1830
Located in Atlanta, GA
having a rectangular top with rounded front corners, the concave molded edge above a conforming case housing 6 drawers, the veneer encasing the entire commode is bookmatched light wa...
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, 1820s
Located in Greding, DE
Three-drawered Biedermeier chest of drawers on tapered legs.
Walnut
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, 1820s
Located in Greding, DE
Two-drawer Biedermeier chest of drawers standing on tapered legs.
Cherry
Early Biedermeier Chest of Drawers
Located in Westport, CT
Dramatic bookmatched walnut veneer adorns this handsome early Biedermeier four drawer chest, one drawer hidden in the apron, keys provided for three drawers, all original, French pol...
Walnut
Sold
H 34.5 in W 33 in D 17.5 in
European Biedermeier 3-Drawer Wood Chest from the Mid-19th Century with Sunburst
Located in Atlanta, GA
An European Biedermeier three-drawer raised chest from the mid-19th century.
Metal
Biedermeier Commode Chest Nightstand Table
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Offering one of our recent Palm Beach Estate fine furniture acquisitions of a 19th century Biedermeier 4 drawer commode chest nightstand table With working key and working locks on ...
Birch, Ebony
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Mahogany 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Beautifully Coloured Biedermeier Chest Of Drawers Circa 1820 Height: 32 1/4" Width: 44 1/2" Depth: 21 1/2"
Single Three Drawer Chest
Located in New York, NY
A fine single Biedermeier chest of drawers. Walnut Burl.
Walnut, Burl
Exquisite Biedermeier Chest
Located in Westport, CT
Fine and early walnut Biedermeier three-drawer chest of drawers with round corners finishing on cabriole legs and adorned with ebony inlaid shield keyholes, note fantastic playful mo...
Walnut, Pine
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, circa 1810
Located in Greding, DE
Three-drawered Biedermeier chest of drawers with caryatid pilasters with brass fittings.
Brass
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, 1815-1820
Located in Greding, DE
A pair of three-drawered Biedermeier chests with a mahogany veneer.
Mahogany
Antique Biedermeier Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Biedermeier style three-drawer birch chest of drawers with ebonized feet and escutcheons, late 19th century.
Wood, Birch, Paint
$4,900 / item
H 34 in W 86 in D 42 in
Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...
Linen, Velvet
$1,650 / item
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Textile
$2,000 / item
H 8.5 in Dm 17.5 in
Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light
By DBO Home
Located in Sharon, CT
Classic, elegant, with a perfectly imperfect touch. We just love our new porcelain Parasol Fluted Pendants. Inspired by a vintage pie cover, we designed them to hang over our kitchen...
Brass
$2,741 / item
H 27.56 in Dm 25.6 in
Classic Chandelier, 5 Arms Green Murano Glass Simplicissimus by Multiforme
By Multiforme
Located in Trebaseleghe, IT
Classic chandelier, 5 arms green Murano glass Simplicissimus by Multiforme This collection in Murano glass is characterized by superb simplicity. It is the result of a research which...
Blown Glass
Semi Flush Mount in Hand Carved Terra Onyx, Piedra Lighting Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
Our Piedra lighting takes its inspiration from the stone masks of the ancient civilization of Teotihuacán. Carved in the Mexican city of Tecali which means ‘stone house’ in Nahuatl t...
Onyx
Crackle Textured Handmade Ceramic Mushroom Lamp, Blue
By Streicher Goods, Ethan Streicher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Every mushroom lamp is hand-made and hand-painted by Ethan Streicher, the founder and designer behind the Streicher Goods brand in Brooklyn, NY. The lamp's silhouette is simple and c...
Brass
$3,990 / item
H 15.75 in W 74.81 in D 29.14 in
Mustard Velvet Daybed with V-Shaped Beechwood Base, Model V
By Dusty Deco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DD V daybed is an exclusive daybed made by hand in Bosnia and Herzegovina by skilled craftsmen with long experience in wood and upholstery. Both frame and the characteristic V-shaped...
Fabric, Beech, Velvet
Organic Modern Table Lamp Sculptural Parota Wood Base
By Isabel Moncada
Located in San Antonio, TX
Pata de Elefante Small Table Lamp — Atomic Collection by Isabel Moncada Named ""Elephant's Foot"" for its bold, bulbous base, the Pata de Elefante Small is one of Isabel Moncada's m...
Fiberglass, Linen, Fabric, Wood
Murano Sputnik Spherical Green Glass and Brass Chandelier
Located in Roma, Lazio
A fantastic emerald green sputnik, with a surprising design and for its very low height, which allows it to fit in both high and low ceilings. Very elegant, it will furnish and decor...
Brass
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 32 in W 39 in D 20.25 in
Handsome German Baroque Style Reverse-Serpentine Parquetry 3-Drawer Chest
Located in San Francisco, CA
The reverse-serpentine top above a conforming body fitted with 3 drawers all in a warmly-colored parquetry inlaid veneer.
Wood
$2,309
H 34.65 in W 32.68 in D 18.12 in
Beautiful compact Biedermeier chest of drawers, South German around 1840, birch
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful compact Biedermeier chest of drawers, South German around 1840, birch Solid birch body, partly ebonized. Drawer front with ebonized knobs. Lockable base cabinet with shel...
Birch
$34,145
H 70.87 in W 73.23 in D 88.19 in
Bed Tester Spanish Baroque Carved Dark Green & Gilded Leather Superking 6ft180cm
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Rare, Spanish Demi-Tester, Baroque Bed With Carved, Green Painted & Gilded Posts 181cm, 6ft High, Floral Painted Leather Headboard, sold with custom made box spring mattress base, ac...
Giltwood, Paint
$13,500
H 36 in W 50.5 in D 24.5 in
19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Chest of Drawers. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
We are pleased to offer you this exceptional early Biedermeier walnut chest of four drawers, an extraordinary piece created in Vienna around 1825—a true testament to the golden age o...
Brass, Gold Leaf
Early XIX Century Biedermeier Two Door Cabinet, Walnut
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
This exquisite piece, crafted in the early 19th century, is a stunning example of Biedermeier style, originating from southern Germany between 1820 and 1830. The beautifully executed...
Walnut
Pair Of Modern Biedermeier Walnut Chest Of Drawers, Contemporary
Located in Westport, CT
A newly handmade pair of sleek Modern Biedermeier chests made of solid walnut wood and comprised of two deep drawers on high tapered and straight legs. Wood is finished in a matte lo...
Walnut
$13,298
H 32 in W 46.5 in D 22.5 in
19th Century Exceptional Biedermeier Chest of Drawers. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
We are pleased to present this truly exquisite early Viennese Biedermeier cherrywood chest of drawers, a museum-quality piece dating to circa 1825. Viennese Biedermeier furniture is...
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.