Sold|$1,995
1950s French Bleached Oak Drawer Chest
Located in High Point, NC
A three drawer oak chest from France, circa 1950. The wood has been restored in our workshops to a pale finish, revealing the natural rose tone of the oak. A lively pattern of carved...
Brass
Sold|$4,075
Bleached Oak Commode
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Large bleached oak three-drawer commode, 1820 Dimensions 54 inches (137 cms) wide 23.5 inches (60 cms) deep 37.5 inches (95 cms) high.
Oak
19th Century Bleached Oak Flemish Chest of Drawers
Located in Viterbo, VT
Chest of drawers hand-made in Belgium in the early 1900s using oak and pegged construction. The chest features three overlay drawers, all showing large, hand-made dovetail joints and...
Oak
Sold|$5,103
Bleached Oak Commode
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
18th century French bleached oak commode with a serpentine front, 1780. Dimensions: 52.5 inches (133 cms) wide 24 inches (61 cms) deep 36 inches (91 cms) high.
Oak
19th Century French Bleached Oak Empire Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Dallas, TX
Handsome 19th century French bleached oak Empire style chest of drawers. The piece has nice clean lines and 4 drawers for storage.
Oak
19th Century French Bleached Oak Serpentine Commode Chest of Drawers
Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire
A charming 19th century French bleached oak serpentine commode of small proportions. Featuring two long and two short drawers displaying a shallow serpentine outline - raised on cab...
Oak
Late 17th Century Bleached Oak English Jacobean Chest of Drawers
Located in Carmine, TX
As shown in the video, the drawers open easily and are very roomy. The chest was hand-bleached to lighten its overall appearance and bring out the beautifully warm grain of the o...
Oak
19th Century Dutch Bleached Oak Commode / Chest of Drawers
Located in Carmine, TX
Chest of drawers hand-crafted in the Netherlands in the early 1800s using oak.
Oak
19th Century Dutch Bleached Oak Commode / Chest of Drawers
Located in Viterbo, VT
Chest of drawers hand-crafted in the Netherlands in the early 1800s using oak.
Oak
Sold|$1,564
Bleached Oak Coffer / Storage Trunk
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Early 18th century bleached oak coffer with a paneled lid. 1720 Dimensions: 53 inches (135 cms) wide 24 inches (61 cms) deep 25 inches (64 cms) high.
Oak
18th Century Bleached Oak English Jacobean Chest of Drawers
Located in Carmine, TX
Jacobean chest of drawers hand-made in England in the mid 1700s using oak. This chest is particular because although originally crafted in England it was moved to Italy at some point...
Oak
Sold|$4,595
1820s Empire Style Bleached Oak Drawer Chest
Located in High Point, NC
This oak chest of drawers was made in France, circa 1820. It houses four drawers, each with a carved wreath between decorative brass ring pulls. The drawers are slightly elevated, st...
Brass
Sold|$4,490
French Bleached Oak Commode
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
18th century bleached oak three-drawer commode, 1790. Dimensions: 49.5 inches (126 cms) wide 22.5 inches (57 cms) deep 36.5 inches (93 cms) high.
Oak
Sold|$3,674
French Bleached Oak Commode
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Pretty 19th C French bleached oak four drawer commode. 1860. Dimensions 49 inches (124 cms) wide 21 inches (53 cms) deep 35 inches (89 cms) high.
Oak
Sold|$4,995
1780s German Bleached Oak Trunk
Located in High Point, NC
A bleached oak trunk from Germany, produced circa 1780.
Iron
Sold|$4,995
1760s German Bleached Oak Trunk
Located in High Point, NC
A bleached oak trunk from Germany, produced circa 1760.
Iron
Sold|$4,595
Louis XVI French Bleached Oak Drawer Chest
Located in High Point, NC
A three drawer oak chest from France, circa 1820 in the Louis XVI style. Distinctive period design is highlighted by the unique finish, the wood has been restored in our workshops to...
Brass
19th Century Bleached Oak Dutch Bombay Chest of Drawers / Commode
Located in Carmine, TX
Bombay chest hand-crafted in the Netherlands in the early 1800s using oak.
Oak
19th Century Bleached Oak Dutch Bombay Chest of Drawers / Commode
Located in Viterbo, VT
Bombay chest hand-crafted in the Netherlands in the early 1800s using oak.
Oak
Sold|$1,292
18th C Bleached Oak Coffer
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Early 18th C bleached oak coffer. 1720. Dimensions 45 inches (114 cms) wide 19 inches (48 cms) deep 22.5 inches (57 cms) high.
Oak
Sold|$4,995
1780s German Bleached Oak Trunk
Located in High Point, NC
A German bleached oak trunk crafted in the 1780s. This trunk is unabashed in both its ruggedness and refinement, as demonstrated by its finely carved skirt propped up by roughly hewn...
Iron
18th Century Dutch Bleached Oak Bombay/Bombe Chest of Drawers
Located in Carmine, TX
Small bombe chest hand-built in Holland in the late 1700s using oak.
Oak
Sold|$4,456
French Bleached Oak Commode
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Early 19th C French bleached oak commode in the Empire Style. 1820. Dimensions 48.5 inches (123 cms) Wide 22.5 inches (57 cms) Deep 38.5 inches (98 cms) High.
Oak
Sold|$4,595
1780s German Bleached Oak Trunk
Located in High Point, NC
A bleached oak trunk from Germany, produced circa 1780. An antique trunk of pale wood standing two feet tall and stretching over five feet wide, featuring a body constructed with dov...
Iron
Vintage French Bleached Oak Meuble de Metiers or Workshop Chest of Drawers
Located in Birmingham, AL
A vintage French meuble de metiers or workshop chest of drawers handcrafted of solid oak in Normandy, circa 1940s.
Oak
Sold|$4,595
1800s French Bleached Oak Trunk
Located in High Point, NC
An exceptional oak trunk made in 1800s France. Detailed hand-carved patterning ripples across the front face of the chest; grape vines recall a primeval element of the French landsca...
Iron
Sold|$9,680
Louis XVI Bleached Oak Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
18th century French finely carved Louis XVI style bleached oak commode, Circa 1780. A fine addition to any home.
Oak
Sold|$4,014
French Bleached Oak Serpentine Commode
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
19th century bleached oak serpentine commode. 1840. Code: 8595 Dimensions: W: 50.5" (128.3 cm) H: 33" (83.8 cm) D: 23" (58.4 cm)
Oak
Sold|$3,795
Antique French Bleached Oak Trunk
Located in High Point, NC
An oak trunk, made in France circa 1800. Dovetail joints give an appealing variation to the corners of the case: a decorative accent born of skillful craftsmanship. Large brass studs...
Brass, Iron
Sold|$1,395
1860s French Bleached Oak Trunk
Located in High Point, NC
This rustic wooden trunk was made in France, circa 1860. The front features archways framed by geometric carvings with a handcrafted quality. Raised on bracket feet, the trunk consis...
Iron
Sold|$4,919
18th Century Bleached Oak Commode
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
18th century Dutch bleached oak commode with a serpentine front. 1770. Code: 8554 Dimensions: W: 38.5" (97.8 cm) H: 28.5" (72.4 cm) D: 20" (50.8 cm)
Oak
Sold|$4,477
18th Century Bleached Oak Commode
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Small 18th C German bleached oak commode with carved and fluted drawer fronts. 1780. Reference: 7619 Dimensions 40 inches (102 cms) Wide 20.5 inches (52 cms) Deep 31 inches (79 cms...
Oak
19th Century Wellington Chest in Bleached Oak
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A 19th century Wellington chest in bleached oak.
19th Century Danish Bleached Oak Serpentine Chest
Located in Wichita, KS
A charming Danish chest of drawers in bleached oak with original bronze hardware.
Sold|$4,595
1880s Bleached Oak Commode
Located in High Point, NC
This antique commode was crafted in France, circa 1880. A beautifully preserved wooden commode featuring a carved scalloped apron, original inverted cabriole feet and three beveled f...
Brass
Sold|$5,395
1800s French Bleached Oak Dresser
Located in High Point, NC
The natural tone of the bleached-oak finish makes this spacious chest a splendid addition to light contemporary interiors.
Brass
Sold|$4,932
Neoclassical Style Bleached Oak Commode
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Early 19th C neoclassical style bleached oak commode. 1820. Dimensions 51 inches (130 cms) Wide 23.5 inches (60 cms) Deep 42.5 inches (108 cms) High.
Oak
17th Century English Bleached Oak and Walnut Jacobean Chest of Drawers
Located in Carmine, TX
Chest of drawers hand-made in England in the late 1700s using oak for the case and walnut burl veneer for decoration.
Oak, Walnut
Antique Large Chest of Bleached Oak Drawers from France
Located in Round Top, TX
This classic French oak chest of drawers has been given new life with a bleached finish which has lightened the dark oak and brings out the lovely carved details of the paneled drawe...
Wood, Oak
Antique French Bleached Oak Large Chest of 3-Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
This handsome large French oak chest of drawers has been given new life with a bleached finish, lightening the dark oak and bringing out the lovely details of the paneled drawers and...
Wood, Oak
Jay Spectre Chest/Cabinet in Bleached Oak 1980s (Signed)
By Jay Spectre
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Chest/Cabinet in bleached oak with steel trim by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture, American 1980's (label in drawer reads "Century Jay Spectre").
Steel
Sold|$4,995
1880s French Bleached Oak Commode
Located in High Point, NC
This wooden commode was produced in France, circa 1880. An ample commode standing on French bracket feet with scroll details, featuring an arrangement of four front drawers adorned w...
Oak
19th Century Neoclassical Bleached Oak Commode
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Stunning 19th century neoclassical bleached oak commode, 1830 Dimensions 56 inches (142 cms) wide 24.5 inches (62 cms) deep 39.5 inches (100 cms) high.
Oak
Sold|$5,500
19th Century Bleached Chest of Drawers
Located in Charleston, SC
Handsome, richly carved 19th century limed oak commode with elegantly proportioned detailed drawer fronts and tapered carved feet in wonderful patina, Belgium, circa 1850.
Bronze
Sold|$4,422
18th Century French Bleached Oak Commode
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Wonderful 18th century French bleached oak bombé commode, 1780 Dimensions 34 inches (86 cms) wide 18.5 inches (47 cms) deep 31 inches (79 cms) high.
Oak
Sold|$3,878
19th Century French Bleached Oak Commode
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Good early 19th C French bleached oak 3 drawer commode with fluted legs. 1820. The drawer backs are made from oak, the commode is in very good condition and the drawers run smoot...
Oak
Sold|$1,295
1910s Bleached Oak Three-Drawer Table
Located in High Point, NC
An oak table from France, circa 1910 with three drawers and carved details. A unique style, with striking geometric lines and simple chromed drawer pulls. At once modern and traditio...
Chrome
Early 19th Century Bleached Oak Louis XVI Chest of Drawers
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Crafted from solid oak with a bleached finish. This unique piece is distinguished by the combination of its clean, classical design and the attractive texture of the aged, bleached ...
Oak, Poplar
Sold|$1,496
English Oak Storage Chest
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Early 18th century English carved and bleached oak coffer, 1720. Reference: 5604 Dimensions 53 inches (135 cms) Wide 21 inches (53 cms) Deep 24 inches (61 cms) High.
Oak
Sold|$3,200
Bleached Oak French Buffet
Located in Dallas, TX
Designer carved and bleached oak French style buffet. Circa 2000. Adds warmth and charm to any room!
Oak
Sold|$4,995
1760s French Bleached Oak Trunk
Located in High Point, NC
A bleached oak trunk from France, produced circa 1760. A gorgeous antique trunk in pale oak: a big box constructed with dovetail joints, held together with iron braces that add a flo...
Wrought Iron
Sold|$8,580
Italian Bleached Oak Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
18th century Italian carved and bleached oak commode, Circa 1760. This nicely carved commode is a fine addition to any home.
Oak
18th C French Bleached Oak Serpentine Commode
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Good 18th C French bleached carved oak serpentine commode. 1780. Dimensions 50.5 inches (128 cms) wide 26 inches (66 cms) deep 37 inches (94 cms) high.
Oak
Sold|$4,995
19th Century Bleached Oak French Buffet
Located in High Point, NC
A two-door oak buffet from Belgium, circa 1850. The upright frame is subtly embellished by expressive raised panels on the cupboard doors and filigree hardware, time-worn patinated b...
Brass
Sold|$1,995
1820s Bleached Oak French Trunk
Located in High Point, NC
An oak trunk from France circa 1820. A sturdy construction from figured French oak is highlighted by a natural oil and wax finish. The methods of traditional craftsmen, proven by tim...
Oak
18th Century French Bleached Chest of Drawers
Located in Charleston, SC
Handsome, 18th century French limed oak commode with panelled sides, darker top and six drawers in wonderful patina.
Oak
Chest of Drawers in Bleached Oak by Jay Spectre
By Jay Spectre
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Long chest of drawers in bleached oak with steel trim by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture, American 1980's (label in drawer reads "Century Jay Spectre")
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.
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