Late 18th Century Swedish Black Gustavian Chest of Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
Architectural and decorative Gustavian chest of drawers crafted in pine and finished in a beautiful black surface with a rich aged patina.
Brass
Mid-19th Century Black Gustavian Chest of Drawers, Sweden
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-19th Century chest of drawers painted in black. This classic Gustavian commode or dresser is a very versatile piece that works well in a foyer, living room or bedroom.
Brass
Swedish 19th Century Black Painted Gustavian 3 Drawer Chest
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish 18th Century chest of drawers painted a later Gustavian black paint and patina.
Brass
Swedish Gustavian Style Black Painted Commode Chest of Drawers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Wonderful hand painted textured Gustavian style chest of drawers. This commode has been constructed from solid wood with a hand-applied black distressed finish with brass ring hardwa...
Brass
Gustavian Swedish Black Chest on Chest, early 19th Century
Located in South Salem, NY
The early 19th-century Swedish Chest on Chest is a captivating and functional piece of furniture. Comprising two sections, each with two spacious drawers, it offers ample storage cap...
Wood
$8,082
H 31.62 in W 39.57 in D 22.05 in
Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode Tallboy Black C 1850
Located in Lewes, England
The gustavian chest of drawers is in an unusual black finish and will be treated against woodworm for you.
Pine
Chest Of Drawers Swedish Gustavian Style Midnight Black
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a matching set of Swedish Gustaviann style chest of drawers.
Wood
$4,500
H 31.25 in W 41.25 in D 20 in
Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers in Black with Brass Hardware and Carved Details
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant Gustavian-style chest of drawers, painted in matte black with a gently worn patina that enhances its architectural details.
Oak, Pine
$3,600
H 30.71 in W 40.56 in D 22.45 in
Swedish 18th Century Black Painted Baroque Gustavian-Painted 3 Drawer Chest
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish 18th Century chest of drawers painted a later Gustavian black paint and patina.
Bronze
$3,400
H 31.11 in W 34.26 in D 18.51 in
Swedish 18th Century Black Painted Baroque Gustavian-Painted 3 Drawer Chest
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Mid 18th Century chest of drawers painted a later Gustavian black paint and Patina.
Brass
$6,850
H 40 in W 46 in D 22.5 in
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Grey/ White Painted Commode/ Chest of Drawers
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A lovely Swedish painted chest of drawers in oak with dental molding along ridge of top and half-corner columns extending from original turned feet to underside of molding. Has origi...
Oak
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
H 37.41 in W 38.19 in D 23.63 in
Late 19th Century Black Swedish Serpentine 4 Drawer Chest
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Late 19th Century chest of drawers painted in black. This classic Gustavian commode or dresser is a very versatile piece that works well in a foyer, living room or bedroom.
Brass
19th Century Swedish Black Chest of Three Drawers with Greek Key
Located in Round Top, TX
A decorative Gustavian style pine chest of drawers with dramatic painted "à La Grecque" or Greek key motif and mythical griffin on top drawer, raised on tapered feet.
Pine, Paint
19th Century Swedish Stone Top Black Small Chest of Three Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
It is the original stone top that makes this small chest of three drawers a special find while the serpentine front adds intrigue as well. Please enlarge photos of the top to appreci...
Stone
$4,400
H 31.9 in W 37.4 in D 18.7 in
Gustavian Haupt Chest with Three Drawers in a black finish with brass detailing
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Gustavian Haupt Chest with Three Drawers in a black finish with brass detailing.
Wood
$2,900
H 32.1 in W 28.7 in D 15.4 in
Louis XV Style Chest in Black with Fine Brass Fittings and a Marble Top
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
A Louis XV style chestwith original brass details and handles in birch wood with a Black fine painted finish with Fine Brass Fittings and a Marble Top. Width: 73cm / 28.7" Depth: 3...
Wood
Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Sheffield, MA
Gustavian Style chest of drawers with reeded drawer fronts, Sweden, circa 1860. Canted corners with lozenge detail. Shaped top.
Wood
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Chests
Located in Encinitas, CA
Pair of antique Swedish Gustavian painted chests in lovely blue paint with carved border around beautiful faux grey marbled top. Classic square tapered legs, brass hardware and raise...
Unavailable
H 29.49 in W 54.5 in D 24 in
Old World Swedish Domed-Top Dowry Chest, Black with Floral Motif and Date "1910"
Located in Memphis, TN
Old world Swedish domed-top dowry chest painted black with floral motif and date "1910". This Scandinavian wedding trunk has been hand painted with floral details throughout sides an...
Iron
Sold
H 30 in W 38 in D 18.5 in
19th Century Pair, Black Gustavian Chests of Three Drawers with Greek Key
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of elegant Gustavian pine chest of drawers with decorative painted lions under top central brass pull.
Brass
Handsome Carved Gustavian Chest
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful carved black Gustavian chest. The chest has 3 drawers and the original hardware.
Wood
Gustavian Gray / Black Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant and architecturally designed Gustavian chest of drawers, painted in a soft grey tone with a black-painted top and beautiful patina.
Brass
Antique Swedish Gustavian Black Pine Chest of Drawers
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish gustavian chest of drawers with three drawers. The chest is made in Stockholm around 1810 and has a frame in solid pine. The top drawer has an interior with multiple ...
Pine
Gustavian Chest of Drawers
Located in Wainscott, NY
Very Pretty, Painted, Swedish Chest of Drawers. Original paint, creating a lovely, worn soft red tone. 45.5" x 21.5" x 34.25"H
Metal
18th Ctr. Gustavian Black-Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
Gustavian chest of drawers in black-painted wood with beautiful patina.
Oak
Pair, 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Black Chest of Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of elegant Gustavian pine chest of drawers with brass pulls on each drawer.
Brass
Sold
H 28.55 in W 38.59 in L 28.55 in
Pair of Swedish Black Gustavian Style Breakfront Chests of Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of black gustavian style breakfront chests of drawers.
Brass
Black Gustavian Nightstands
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of black Gustavian nightstands. They have been restored and repainted with Milk paints "Deep Black".
Pine
Pair of Swedish Black Painted Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of decorative Gustavian style chests of drawers. Crafted from black-painted pine with a lovely patina.
Brass
Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode Black C.1860
Located in Lewes, England
Circa 1860/1870 antique Swedish Gustavian black painted brakefront chest of drawers commode in gustavian style with classic Gustavian ribbing detail on the drawer fronts and leadin...
Pine
Sold
H 29.5 in W 32.75 in D 16.5 in
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Black Painted Chests of Three Drawer
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Black Painted Chests of Three Drawers Swedish Gustavian chests of drawers crafted in pine with newer professionally applied layered black painted finish.
Wood, Pine, Paint
Mid-19th Century Tall Black Swedish 4 Drawer Gustavian Chest
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Late 19th Century chest of drawers painted in black. This classic Gustavian commode or dresser is a very versatile piece that works well in a foyer, living room or bedroom.
Brass
Swedish Gustavian Three Drawer Chest with Black Marble Top
Located in Troy, MI
Circa 1800 Swedish chest has three drawers with brass hardware and a black marble top with gray/white veins.
Marble, Brass
Sold
H 48.82 in W 33.08 in D 18.9 in
Gustavian Grey Painted Chest of Drawers with Black Topplate, 1830s
Located in Lejre, DK
Gustavian grey painted chest of drawers with black topplate from the 1830s.
Wood
Sold
H 31.62 in W 39.57 in D 22.05 in
Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode Tallboy Black C 1850
Located in Lewes, England
The gustavian chest of drawers is in an unusual black finish and will be treated against woodworm for you.
Pine
Sold
H 31.62 in W 39.57 in D 22.05 in
Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode Tallboy Black C 1850
Located in Lewes, England
The gustavian chest of drawers is in an unusual black finish and will be treated against woodworm for you.
Pine
Sold
H 38.98 in W 42.52 in D 22.45 in
Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode Tallboy 1880 Black Finish
Located in Lewes, England
C 1880 antique Swedish Gustavian painted chest of 3 drawers commode in a rare black finish with detailed gustavian ribbing on the front and brass detailing.
Pine
Pair of Black-Painted Chests of Drawers Gustavian style, Sweden
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of elegant chests of drawers in Gustavian style, crafted in black-painted pine with a beautiful patina, where the wood subtly shows through in places.
Pine
Sold
H 33.67 in W 33.08 in D 19.69 in
Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode Black Top Grey White, 1860
Located in Lewes, England
Circa 1860 antique Swedish Gustavian painted chest of drawers commode in gustavian style with great circular detail and elegant legs.
Pine
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chest of Drawers
Located in Charleston, SC
19th century Swedish Gustavian chest of drawers with classic reeded drawer fronts, canted corners and dentil molding under the shaped top in palest gray color. Sweden circa 1850
Brass
Midnight Black Gustavian Style Nightstands
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 midnight black Gustavian Style nightstands. They have been restored and repainted with milk paints "Midnight Black".
Wood
Sold
H 33.67 in W 33.08 in D 19.69 in
Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode Black Top Grey White Pair
Located in Lewes, England
Please note - this item will be available to ship from early march 2022 Circa 1860 pair of antique Swedish Gustavian painted chest of drawers commode in gustavian style with great...
Pine
Sold
H 34 in W 21.75 in D 39.25 in
Gray and Black Painted Gustavian Chest of Drawers, Sweden, circa 1840-1860
Located in Round Top, TX
Gustavian style gray painted pine chest of three drawers with contrasting black painted top.
Pine, Paint
Sold
H 30.25 in W 39.25 in D 20 in
Pair, Black Painted Gustavian Chest of Three Drawers, Sweden circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of Gustavian pine chest of drawers with fluted side posts and upper dentil molding, all raised on decorative feet.
Brass
Sold
H 30.25 in W 39.25 in D 19.25 in
Swedish Gustavian 1830s Black Painted and Carved Three-Drawer Chest
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period black painted chest of drawers from the early 19th century, with dentil molding and carved side posts.
Wood
Early 19th Century Swedish Period Gustavian Painted Wood Chest
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish period Gustavian early 19th century three-drawer painted wood chest with chamfered sides and tapered, angled feet.
Wood
Sold
H 30.75 in W 36.5 in D 14.5 in
Pair Blue Painted Gustavian Chest of Drawers With Black Top Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
The newer, professionally applied layered blue (with soft white undertone) painted finish is perfectly distressed to fit the age and grace of this stunning pair of Gustavian chests. ...
Brass
Sold
H 19.5 in W 36.25 in L 19.5 in
19th Century Antique Pair Swedish Gustavian Black Painted Chest of Drawers Night
Located in Round Top, TX
Finding a matching pair of nightstands or end tables can be challenging, which makes this pair of Gustavian style chest of drawers an excellent find.
Wood
Sold
H 33.5 in W 34.25 in D 21 in
ON HOLD -A Gustavian style chest of drawers in black with beautiful patina
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautifully crafted Gustavian style chest of drawers from Sweden, dating to circa 1900–1920.
Pine
18th Century Gustavian Period Commode in Black Paint, circa 1780
Located in Atlanta, GA
An authentic late 18th-century Swedish Gustavian period commode, circa 1780, featuring its original structure with a later black-painted finish. This striking piece showcases the ele...
Pine
Vintage Superfinish Black Chest
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
We dresser renovated to super condition in black to the highest standard. Fine moldings around drawers and fittings in solid brass. Made to order. Approx. 3-4 weeks Manufacturer Wi...
Marble
Pair of Gustavian Commodes
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A handsome pair of Gustavian commodes with original hardware and locks, circa 1790. Later painted.
Sold
H 45 in W 40.13 in D 16.75 in
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Reeded Commode in Original Black Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A handsome early Gustavian period commode with reeded drawer fronts and canted and fluted corner posts, raised upon canted, tapered, and fluted legs.
Pine, Paint
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Black-Painted Commodes
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Gustavian Style Commodes from Sweden, circa 1860-70, crafted in black-painted pine. Each commode features three drawers adorned with fluted detailing and brass hardware. Can...
Brass
Sold
H 30.91 in W 38.98 in D 19.3 in
Pair of Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Style Commodes in Black Painted Wood
Located in Kastrup, DK
Swedish pair of Gustavian style chest of drawers is crafted in black-painted wood, showcasing an architectural and decorative design.
Brass
Midnight Black Gustavian Style Chest
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a midnight black Gustavian Style chest, it has been restored and repainted with milk paints "Midnight black".
Wood
2 Midnight Black Gustavian Style Chest
Located in Hollywood, FL
Set of 2 Midnight Black Gustavian Style Chest, they have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Midnight Black".
Wood
Early 19th Century Pine Large Black Chest of Five Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
Large black pine chest of five drawers with dentil molding and carved fluted details along top narrow drawer. Note the half column accents capped with decorative brass ends that add ...
Brass
Chest of Drawers Writing Desk Top Black English 18th Century England
Located in New York, NY
Chest of drawers writing desk top black English 18th century England. A chest of drawers with the two top drawers opening up to be a writing desk. Refinished in black matt finish. Co...
Wood
19th Century Swedish Painted Chest-on-Chest
Located in Chireno, TX
19th century painted Swedish chest-on-chest, with four drawers.
Wrought Iron
Mid 19th Century Swedish Stone Top Black Chest of Three Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
It is the original stone top that makes this small chest of three drawers a special find while the serpentine front adds intrigue as well. Please enlarge photos of the top to appreci...
Stone, Brass
Black Painted Chest of Three Drawers, Sweden circa 1800-20
Located in Round Top, TX
This impressive chest of drawers is quite dramatic thanks to the (newer) black painted finish that is gently distressed, complimenting the slight curves of the bow front. Made of pin...
Brass
Sold
H 31.75 in W 43 in D 18.25 in
19th Century Swedish Black Painted Chest of Three Drawers with Greek Key Motif
Located in Round Top, TX
A large decorative Gustavian style pine chest of drawers with dramatic painted "à La Grecque" or Greek key motif and mythical griffins in burnished gold.
Pine, Paint
Pair of Black Pine Chest of Drawers, Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, Gustavian pine chest of drawers with fluted canted sides and tapered feet, additional decorative Greek key or "meander" carving along the top.
Brass
Pair, Black Painted Chest of Three Drawers, Sweden circa 1860-90
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of Gustavian pine chest of drawers with canted fluted side posts with upper carved diamond medallion and Greek key meander along top, all raised on four tapered fluted feet.
Brass
Sold
H 31 in W 25.75 in D 21 in
19th Century Swedish Black Bow Front Small Chest of Three Drawers or Nightstand
Located in Round Top, TX
Pine chest of three drawers with bow front, upper dentil molding resting on tapered feet, two brass pulls on each drawer. Restored, later professionally painted in layered shades of ...
Brass
Sold
H 26 in W 20.25 in D 15.25 in
Pair, Black Painted Pine Chest of Drawers or Nightstands, Sweden circa 1940-60
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of small Gustavian style pine chest of three drawers with clean tapered lines.
Pine, Paint
Sold
H 31.5 in W 48 in D 22.75 in
Large Black Chest of Drawers with Griffins in Gold, Sweden, circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
A large decorative Gustavian style pine chest of drawers with dramatic "à La Grecque" or Greek key motif in blue and mythical griffins in burnished gold.
Pine, Paint
19th Century Gustavian Style Swedish Painted Black Secretary Chest
Located in Round Top, TX
Adorable black painted chest that has a drop front top drawer to become a secretary with gold brass hardware. Great for a bedside chest or focal point piece. It has clean lines for m...
Wood
Swedish 19th Century Black Painted Four Drawer Dresser
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish 19th century four drawer black painted chest of drawer. EUR 175 front door delivery to most areas of London UK, The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden and Northern Germany.
Pine
18th Century Large Swedish Black Gustavian Chest of Drawers
Located in Kramfors, SE
Late 18th century Swedish gustavian chest of drawers in painted pine. It is an unusually large chest of drawers measuring 139 cm wide.
Pine
Gustavian Chest of Drawers in Black
Located in Southampton, NY
Swedish chest of drawers, Gustavian, black painted, key included.
Wood
Swedish Royal Gustavian Black Chest on Chest Bureau
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish gustavian chest on chest bureau with black distressed paint from around the year 1800.
Pine
French Metal Canopy Bed, King
Located in Westwood, NJ
French Metal Canopy Bed, King Size, with a bronze finish metal canopy frame with a padded upholstered headboard in a neutral linen fabric. The frame with finials, square posts, and r...
Metal
French Provincial Large Kitchen Island
By Bramble
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted from solid wood and finished in a rich straw wash, this piece brings a touch of classic elegance to any kitchen area. The sturdy construction and ample storage make it both a...
Wood
$1,550 / item
H 18 in W 12 in D 12 in
Stacked Bone and Brass Powder-Coated Table Lamp with Peekaboo Silver Leaf Shade
By Arvo Ray, Seth Premo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Junius lamp makes a bold statement with its geometric stacked elements that appear almost to float above one another. The lamp is constructed with a powder-coated steel shade and...
Brass, Silver Leaf, Steel
Pair of French Wrought Iron Martini Tables
Located in London, GB
Wrought iron martini tables, hand made in England inspired by an original 1940s French design. Finished with a natural bronze patina as standard. Can also be supplied in black or gi...
Iron
$1,990 / item
H 39 in W 33.5 in D 36 in
Alma Linen Slip Covered Club Chair with White Oak Legs and Caster Wheels
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Introducing the Alma Accent Chair - a timeless piece crafted for comfort and style. Made with heavy-weight linen and slipcovered in a soothing oatmeal hue, this chair exudes a natura...
Brass
Cabinet 18th Century Sweden Period Rococo
Located in Charleston, SC
18th century Swedish Cabinet from period rococo ca 1760 Stockholm. Original hardwares - please see in photo of very original key. Upper cabinet with two large doors, resting on six s...
Bronze
$1,980
H 33.47 in W 39.38 in D 21.26 in
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
$7,400
H 39.75 in W 42.25 in D 20.25 in
Antique Swedish Gustavian Secretary Desk, Pinewood, Circa 1840-1860
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian one part bureau, secretary made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian writing table, desk is composed with a...
Metal
Forsyth Mushroom Pouf Ottoman in Zebra
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
This Forsyth mushroom pouf ottoman was created and designed by the Forsyth design team. Each ottoman is handcrafted in Saint Louis. A cute decorative piece for any room adding textur...
Zebra Hide
Rocco Drinks Table (Smaller Version)
Located in Dallas, TX
The Rocco Drinks Table is an organic modern side table that merges sculptural artistry with functional design. Hand-forged in the U.S.A., its iron top features decorative markings, w...
Iron
19th Century Painted Bibliotheque
Located in Chireno, TX
19th century painted bibliotheque from France. Hand-carved and painted bibliotheque with three upper glass paneled doors that open to reveal two storage spaces with three removable s...
Iron, Brass, Metal
$2,160 / item
H 10 in W 16 in D 16 in
Collectible Modern Fabric Sculptural Table Lamp by Mirei Monticelli, Aphrodite
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
The Aphrodite lamp takes form from the godess Venus born of sea-spray, depicted by the revered painter Sandro Boticelli. The lampshade is made from banaca fabric, and the lamp base i...
Cement
Umran Sink
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Introducing the Umran Sink—a signature piece from our inaugural stone collection, meticulously crafted in Afyon, Türkiye, a region renowned for its ancient stonework. Named in honor ...
Travertine, Marble
19th Century Swedish Corner Cupboard
Located in Charleston, SC
19th century Swedish two-part bowfronted 4 door corner cupboard with reeded panels. Dry scraped from most recent painted surface.
Wood, Pine, Paint
Mini Articulated Wall Lights
By Early Electrics Design Studio
Located in Peekskill, NY
This brass lamp is articulated at two points and extends 22 inches from the wall. The interior of the spots are silvered and a brass ring holds a textured 3.75 inch glass lens. These...
Brass
circa 1820 Grande Spanish Sideboard
Located in San Angelo, TX
A stunning circa 1820 Spanish painted sideboard. Featuring 4 drawers with dove tail and 4 doors that enclose 2 shelves throughout the width of the sideboard. This beauty showcases a ...
Wood, Paint
With clean lines and muted colors, antique Gustavian furniture is understated and elegant. It represents a more restrained version of the transition from Rococo to neoclassicism that was happening in France under Louis XVI. The style developed under Swedish King Gustav III, who reigned from 1771 until his assassination in 1792, and his son Gustav IV, who ruled until 1809. Although Gustavian furniture is mostly used to refer to pale painted cabinets, commodes, armchairs and other items, it involved a range of influences.
Gustavian-style furniture was inspired by discoveries at Pompeii and Herculaneum as well as the grandeur of European palaces like Versailles, with local softwoods such as pine and birch. There was also an emphasis on natural light; crystal chandeliers and large mirrors played a role in radiating the fleeting daylight of winter, giving it a distinctive aesthetic.
Where earlier furniture was curvy and florid, this new era was more architectural, with tapered and fluted legs and rectangular and oval shapes. Luminous gilt contrasted with the palette of soft blues on upholstery and painted surfaces. Leading furniture builders included Gottlieb Iwersson, Louis Masreliez and Erik Öhrmark. The latter, a French-born Swedish decorator, designed the Sulla chair, a seat that was demonstrative of technical skill and precise craftsmanship and drew on Greek klismos chairs. Masreliez’s Sulla chair was made by Öhrmark and featured decorative ornamentation produced by Jean-Baptiste Masreliez, Louis’s younger brother.
While the wealthy had furniture carved with neoclassical details like scallops and rosettes, more affordable options were adorned with faux finishes that mimicked marble and stenciled patterns. The simple elegance of Gustavian furniture would have a long impact on Swedish design, informing the 20th-century appreciation for function and form. In the 1950s, IKEA mass-produced copies of a Gustavian commode designed by cabinetmaker Georg Haupt, who created pieces for the Royal Palace, making the furniture a fixture of everyday Swedish life.
Find a collection of antique Gustavian seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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.