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Hickory Chair Empire Style Mahogany Six Drawer High Chest
Hickory Chair Empire Style Mahogany Six Drawer High Chest

Hickory Chair Empire Style Mahogany Six Drawer High Chest

By Hickory Chair Furniture Company

Located in Milford, NH

A finely constructed Empire style mahogany six drawer high chest by Hickory Chair, a fine furniture

Category

Late 20th Century American Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

French Early 19th Century Empire Style Single Drawer Small Chest
French Early 19th Century Empire Style Single Drawer Small Chest

French Early 19th Century Empire Style Single Drawer Small Chest

Located in Atlanta, GA

A French early 19th century Empire single drawer, single door wood chest. This lovely little chest

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Antique 19th Century American Empire Walnut 3 Drawer Chest Dresser
Antique 19th Century American Empire Walnut 3 Drawer Chest Dresser

Antique 19th Century American Empire Walnut 3 Drawer Chest Dresser

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique 19th century chest of drawers or dresser. Made of walnut featuring three large hand

Category

Antique 19th Century American Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Four Drawer Bleached Mahogany Serpentine Front Commode
Four Drawer Bleached Mahogany Serpentine Front Commode

Four Drawer Bleached Mahogany Serpentine Front Commode

By Empire Furniture

Located in Chicago, IL

Bleached and toned mahogany four drawer commode by the fine furniture maker, Empire Furniture

Category

Vintage 1930s American Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

A Handsome Danish Empire Mahogany 3-Drawer Chest
A Handsome Danish Empire Mahogany 3-Drawer Chest

A Handsome Danish Empire Mahogany 3-Drawer Chest

Located in San Francisco, CA

A handsome Danish empire mahogany 3-drawer chest with bone mounts; the rectangular top with canted

Category

Antique 19th Century Danish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Antique American Empire Classical Tiger Maple & Cherry Four Drawer Chest C1840
Antique American Empire Classical Tiger Maple & Cherry Four Drawer Chest C1840

Antique American Empire Classical Tiger Maple & Cherry Four Drawer Chest C1840

Located in Big Flats, NY

Empire Classical Tiger Maple & Cherry Four Drawer Chest Unsigned C1840. Measures - 44.75"H x 42.5"W x

Category

Antique 19th Century American Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cherry, Maple

Antique American Empire Mahogany Wood 4-Drawer Chest, circa 1800-1840
Antique American Empire Mahogany Wood 4-Drawer Chest, circa 1800-1840

Antique American Empire Mahogany Wood 4-Drawer Chest, circa 1800-1840

Located in Pasadena, CA

Antique American Empire mahogany wood 4-drawer chest with claw feet and original brass pulls

Category

Antique 1840s American American Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

1820s French Empire Marble-Top Chest of Drawer With Paw Feet
1820s French Empire Marble-Top Chest of Drawer With Paw Feet

1820s French Empire Marble-Top Chest of Drawer With Paw Feet

Located in High Point, NC

This 1820s French Empire chest of drawers exemplifies refined Neoclassical elegance with its clean

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble

American Birds Eye Maple Empire Four Drawer Chest circa 1830’s
American Birds Eye Maple Empire Four Drawer Chest circa 1830’s

American Birds Eye Maple Empire Four Drawer Chest circa 1830’s

Located in Milford, NH

A fine example of a birds eye maple veneer Empire chest with rectangular top with curved front

Category

Antique 1830s American Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Maple

A Danish Empire Flame Mahogany Bowfront 2-Drawer Chest
A Danish Empire Flame Mahogany Bowfront 2-Drawer Chest

A Danish Empire Flame Mahogany Bowfront 2-Drawer Chest

Located in San Francisco, CA

A graceful Danish empire flame mahogany bowfront 2-drawer chest; the bowed top of well-figured

Category

Antique 19th Century Danish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

A Boldly-Scaled Austrian Empire Mahogany 3-Drawer Chest
A Boldly-Scaled Austrian Empire Mahogany 3-Drawer Chest

A Boldly-Scaled Austrian Empire Mahogany 3-Drawer Chest

Located in San Francisco, CA

A boldly-scaled Austrian empire mahogany 3-drawer chest with white carrara marble top and verde

Category

Antique 19th Century Austrian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

A Danish Empire Mahogany 3-Drawer Chest with Shell Inlay

A Danish Empire Mahogany 3-Drawer Chest with Shell Inlay

Located in San Francisco, CA

A timeless Danish empire mahogany 3-drawer chest with over-scaled shell inlay; the rectangular top

Category

Antique 19th Century Danish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

19th Century French Empire Seven Drawer Chest of Drawers 'Semainier'
19th Century French Empire Seven Drawer Chest of Drawers 'Semainier'

19th Century French Empire Seven Drawer Chest of Drawers 'Semainier'

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

Unusually small-scale French Louis Philippe flame mahogany seven drawer chest or 'semainier' having

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Commodes and Chests of Dr...

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century French Empire Chest of Drawer With Marble Top
19th Century French Empire Chest of Drawer With Marble Top

19th Century French Empire Chest of Drawer With Marble Top

Located in High Point, NC

This 19th Century French Empire chest of drawers presents a refined balance of craftsmanship and

Category

Antique 19th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble

French Empire Chest of Drawers
French Empire Chest of Drawers

French Empire Chest of Drawers

Located in San Francisco, CA

A handsome Empire Period four drawer commode or chest of drawers with highly figural mahogany

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair of Empire Style Chests
Pair of Empire Style Chests

Pair of Empire Style Chests

Located in Dallas, TX

a pair of Empire style five drawer chests of mahogany, columns at sides with gilt bronze mounts

Category

20th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble, Bronze

An Elegant Danish Empire Mahogany 4-Drawer Commode
An Elegant Danish Empire Mahogany 4-Drawer Commode

An Elegant Danish Empire Mahogany 4-Drawer Commode

Located in San Francisco, CA

An elegant Danish empire mahogany 4-drawer commode with ebonized highlights; the rectangular top

Category

Antique 19th Century Danish Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Norwegian Empire Three-Drawer Commode
Norwegian Empire Three-Drawer Commode

Norwegian Empire Three-Drawer Commode

Located in San Francisco, CA

A handsome Norwegian empire three-drawer mahogany commode with ebony stringing and escutcheons; the

Category

Antique 19th Century Norwegian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Unrestored French Empire, Three-Drawer Columned Walnut Commode
Unrestored French Empire, Three-Drawer Columned Walnut Commode

Unrestored French Empire, Three-Drawer Columned Walnut Commode

Located in Highwood, IL

Cosmetically all original this circa 1815 French Empire commode is the kind of antique that gets us

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Two Drawer Bespoke Walnut Chests
Pair of Two Drawer Bespoke Walnut Chests

Pair of Two Drawer Bespoke Walnut Chests

Located in Troy, MI

This pair of walnut Empire style chests was custom-made by an English cabinet maker. Each chest has

Category

2010s British Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Empire Period Painted Four-Drawer Commode
19th Century French Empire Period Painted Four-Drawer Commode

19th Century French Empire Period Painted Four-Drawer Commode

Located in Birmingham, AL

An exceptional 19th century French Empire period four-drawer commode handcrafted of walnut with a

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Empire Style Mahogany Commode Chest
19th Century French Empire Style Mahogany Commode Chest

19th Century French Empire Style Mahogany Commode Chest

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

Smaller 19th century French Empire style four drawer chest, the drawers with book-matched flame

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Ralph Lauren Empire Flame Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Ralph Lauren Empire Flame Mahogany Chest of Drawers

Ralph Lauren Empire Flame Mahogany Chest of Drawers

By Ralph Lauren

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous American Empire six-drawer highboy dresser or chest of drawers By Ralph Lauren USA

Category

Late 20th Century American American Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Henredon Nine-Drawer Mahogany Neoclassic Low Chest Buffet
Henredon Nine-Drawer Mahogany Neoclassic Low Chest Buffet

Henredon Nine-Drawer Mahogany Neoclassic Low Chest Buffet

By Henredon

Located in Toledo, OH

A great buffet by Henredon. The chest features nine dovetailed drawers with brass hardware. Gold

Category

Late 20th Century North American Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Empire Walnut Veneered 4-drawer Commode

Empire Walnut Veneered 4-drawer Commode

Located in San Francisco, CA

The richly-patinated commode of well figured walnut veneer flanked by ebonized columns

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Petite Bleached French Empire Style Four-Drawer Commodes
Pair of Petite Bleached French Empire Style Four-Drawer Commodes

Pair of Petite Bleached French Empire Style Four-Drawer Commodes

Located in Richmond, VA

Great pair of petite bleached French Empire style four-drawer commodes, early 20th century. Height

Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Early 19th Century French Empire Chest
Early 19th Century French Empire Chest

Early 19th Century French Empire Chest

Located in Fayetteville, AR

French walnut four-drawer Empire chest with full columns and bronze hardware.

Category

Antique 19th Century French First Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Empire Three Drawer Commode with Bronze Mounts Circa 1890
Antique French Empire Three Drawer Commode with Bronze Mounts Circa 1890

Antique French Empire Three Drawer Commode with Bronze Mounts Circa 1890

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A 19th century, French Empire-style, three-drawer commode or chest, in mahogany with Egyptian-style

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble, Brass

Antique American Empire Flame Mahogany Dresser Chest, Circa 1850s
Antique American Empire Flame Mahogany Dresser Chest, Circa 1850s

Antique American Empire Flame Mahogany Dresser Chest, Circa 1850s

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique American Empire seven-drawer dresser or chest of drawers USA, Circa 1850s

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American American Empire Commodes and Chests of...

Materials

Brass

A French Empire Period Walnut and Bronze Mounted 4-Drawer Commode
A French Empire Period Walnut and Bronze Mounted 4-Drawer Commode

A French Empire Period Walnut and Bronze Mounted 4-Drawer Commode

Located in Atlanta, GA

having a rectangular top above a hidden drawer above three drawers flanked by brass mounted columns

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

French Empire Period Walnut 4-Drawer Marble-Top Commode, circa 1820
French Empire Period Walnut 4-Drawer Marble-Top Commode, circa 1820

French Empire Period Walnut 4-Drawer Marble-Top Commode, circa 1820

Located in Atlanta, GA

unmarked upper drawer with hand hold pulls underneath above three large drawers flanked by columns with

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Italian Empire Period Walnut 3 Drawer Commode, 1st Quarter 19th Century
Italian Empire Period Walnut 3 Drawer Commode, 1st Quarter 19th Century

Italian Empire Period Walnut 3 Drawer Commode, 1st Quarter 19th Century

Located in Atlanta, GA

Having a rectangular top atop a conforming case housing three drawers, the front sides are formerly gilded and ebonized caryatids of noble men with their feet at the bottoms, raised ...

Category

Antique 1810s Italian Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

A Fruitwood Four-Drawer French Empire Commode $6500
A Fruitwood Four-Drawer French Empire Commode $6500

A Fruitwood Four-Drawer French Empire Commode $6500

Located in Washington, DC

A Fruitwood Four-Drawer French Empire Commode with Beautiful Honey Color Patina.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century, Empire Cherry Four-Drawer Commode with Volute Shaped Legs
Early 19th Century, Empire Cherry Four-Drawer Commode with Volute Shaped Legs

Early 19th Century, Empire Cherry Four-Drawer Commode with Volute Shaped Legs

Located in Atlanta, GA

A French Empire period early 19th century, cherry four-drawer commode with volute legs. This early

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cherry

Antique American Empire Burled Mahogany Chest of Drawers, Circa 1820s
Antique American Empire Burled Mahogany Chest of Drawers, Circa 1820s

Antique American Empire Burled Mahogany Chest of Drawers, Circa 1820s

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous American Empire four-drawer highboy dresser or chest of drawers USA, Circa 1820s

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American American Empire Commodes and Chests ...

Materials

Glass, Cherry, Mahogany, Burl

Ralph Lauren Style American Empire Flame Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Ralph Lauren Style American Empire Flame Mahogany Chest of Drawers

Ralph Lauren Style American Empire Flame Mahogany Chest of Drawers

By Ralph Lauren

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous American Empire style four-drawer dresser or chest of drawers In the manner of Ralph

Category

Late 20th Century American American Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Italian Empire Style 1890s Marble Top Four-Drawer Commode with Bronze Hardware
Italian Empire Style 1890s Marble Top Four-Drawer Commode with Bronze Hardware

Italian Empire Style 1890s Marble Top Four-Drawer Commode with Bronze Hardware

Located in Atlanta, GA

An Italian Empire style walnut commode from circa 1890 with black marble top, four drawers, column

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Empire Bronze Mounted Four-Drawer Marble Top Walnut Commode, circa 1830
French Empire Bronze Mounted Four-Drawer Marble Top Walnut Commode, circa 1830

French Empire Bronze Mounted Four-Drawer Marble Top Walnut Commode, circa 1830

Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

A stunning four-drawer Empire commode, made in France, circa 1830. It features a black Belgian

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

19th Century French Empire Walnut Four-Drawer Commode with White Marble Top
19th Century French Empire Walnut Four-Drawer Commode with White Marble Top

19th Century French Empire Walnut Four-Drawer Commode with White Marble Top

Located in Dallas, TX

This elegant, antique fruitwood chest of drawers was crafted in France circa 1820. The traditional

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble, Brass

19th Century French Empire Walnut Four-Drawer Commode with Black Marble Top
19th Century French Empire Walnut Four-Drawer Commode with Black Marble Top

19th Century French Empire Walnut Four-Drawer Commode with Black Marble Top

Located in Dallas, TX

This elegant, antique fruit wood chest of drawers was crafted in France, circa 1830. The

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Early 19th Century French First Period Empire Marble Top Three-Drawer Commode
Early 19th Century French First Period Empire Marble Top Three-Drawer Commode

Early 19th Century French First Period Empire Marble Top Three-Drawer Commode

Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Of refined Empire style and with beautifully figured veneers this commode stands out as a fine

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Style Mid-19th Century Two-Drawer Commode with Grey Marble Top
French Empire Style Mid-19th Century Two-Drawer Commode with Grey Marble Top

French Empire Style Mid-19th Century Two-Drawer Commode with Grey Marble Top

Located in Atlanta, GA

A French Empire style mid-19th century petite two-drawer commode with grey marble top. This elegant

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble

Antique American Empire Acanthus Carved Mahogany 2-Drawer Side Stand, circa 1870
Antique American Empire Acanthus Carved Mahogany 2-Drawer Side Stand, circa 1870

Antique American Empire Acanthus Carved Mahogany 2-Drawer Side Stand, circa 1870

Located in Big Flats, NY

An antique American Empire side stand features mahogany construction with case having two convex

Category

Antique 19th Century American American Empire Commodes and Chests of Dra...

Materials

Mahogany

Henredon Vintage Flame Mahogany Commode Ten Drawer Chest Dresser 4300-01
Henredon Vintage Flame Mahogany Commode Ten Drawer Chest Dresser 4300-01

Henredon Vintage Flame Mahogany Commode Ten Drawer Chest Dresser 4300-01

By Henredon

Located in Dayton, OH

An exceptional example of French Empire styling by Henredon Industries. Made from crotch mahogany

Category

Late 20th Century Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

Italian Empire Two-Drawer Commode with Banded Inlay and Tapered Legs, circa 1810
Italian Empire Two-Drawer Commode with Banded Inlay and Tapered Legs, circa 1810

Italian Empire Two-Drawer Commode with Banded Inlay and Tapered Legs, circa 1810

Located in Atlanta, GA

dovetailed drawers with inlaid banding. Each drawer is adorned with brass hardware and central escutcheon

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Italian Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

French Empire 19th Century Marble-Top Three-Drawer Walnut Commode
French Empire 19th Century Marble-Top Three-Drawer Walnut Commode

French Empire 19th Century Marble-Top Three-Drawer Walnut Commode

Located in New York, NY

Classic French Empire commode dating to the mid-19th century. There is a grey marble top. Brass

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Italian Empire Mahogany Four-Drawer Commode with Marble Top
19th Century Italian Empire Mahogany Four-Drawer Commode with Marble Top

19th Century Italian Empire Mahogany Four-Drawer Commode with Marble Top

Located in Atlanta, GA

19th century Italian Empire mahogany four-drawer commode with grey-marble top, ormolu, caryatid

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Italian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

A Danish Empire Mahogany Bow Front Chest w/Inlaid Canted Corners
A Danish Empire Mahogany Bow Front Chest w/Inlaid Canted Corners

A Danish Empire Mahogany Bow Front Chest w/Inlaid Canted Corners

Located in San Francisco, CA

A handsome Danish empire mahogany bow front 4-drawer chest with inlaid canted corners; the bowed

Category

Antique 19th Century Danish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

French Empire Mahogany & Marble Commode
French Empire Mahogany & Marble Commode

French Empire Mahogany & Marble Commode

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

French Empire style crotch mahogany 4 drawer chest of drawers. Wonderful old marble sits over this

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Russian Empire Commode Secretary
Russian Empire Commode Secretary

Russian Empire Commode Secretary

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An exceptional Russian Empire fruitwood and ebonized 4 drawer chest/secretary. The top drawer

Category

Antique 1850s European Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Marble, Carrara Marble, Brass

Antique 19th Century Empire Mahogany 6-Drawer Chest
Antique 19th Century Empire Mahogany 6-Drawer Chest

Antique 19th Century Empire Mahogany 6-Drawer Chest

Located in Pasadena, CA

Antique 19th century empire mahogany 6-drawer chest with 4 full size drawers below and 2 small

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Empire Dressers

Materials

Mahogany

French 19th Century Empire Mahogany & Marble Commode
French 19th Century Empire Mahogany & Marble Commode

French 19th Century Empire Mahogany & Marble Commode

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

French Empire crotch mahogany 4 drawer chest of drawers. Wonderful old marble sits over this unique

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

20th Century French Walnut Empire Period Commode
20th Century French Walnut Empire Period Commode

20th Century French Walnut Empire Period Commode

Located in LEGNY, FR

Very nice 20th century French walnut Empire Period chests of drawer or commode from the 1800s

Category

Antique 1890s French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

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Empire Drawer Chest For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal empire drawer chest for your home. An empire drawer chest — often made from wood, metal and walnut — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for an empire drawer chest, we have 63 options in-stock, while there are 1 modern editions to choose from as well. There are many kinds of the empire drawer chest you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Each empire drawer chest bearing Empire or Neoclassical hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made empire drawer chest over the years, but those crafted by Baker Furniture Company, Henredon and Empire Furniture are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Empire Drawer Chest?

Prices for an empire drawer chest can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $680 and can go as high as $30,174, while the average can fetch as much as $5,500.

Finding the Right Commodes-chests-of-drawers for You

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.

Questions About Empire Drawer Chest
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A bachelor’s chest of drawers is a relatively short and shallow chest, usually with three or four drawers. The name refers to their historical use as multi-purpose, space-saving fixtures that are perfect for a bachelor sharing a friend’s flat. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique and modern bachelor’s chests from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    A chest of drawers is also sometimes known as a dresser or a bureau. It is a cabinet with several parallel horizontal drawers stacked on top of one another. A chest of drawers is frequently used to store clothing and a variety of personal items. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary chests of drawers from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify an antique chest of drawers, look inside and beneath drawers and on the back and bottom for any type of maker's marking. Researching these marks using trusted online resources may allow you to determine who produced your chest and roughly date your piece. If your chest is at least 100 years old, it is an antique. Should you be unable to locate the maker's marks, look at the hardware. Rose head nails, one-piece cast brass pommels on the drawer handles and circular rather than hexagonal bolts may all indicate that a piece is an antique. Keep in mind that hardware may have been replaced at some point and that there are many reproductions of antique furnishings. As a result, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer complete the identification process if you're unable to identify your chest via the maker's markings. Find a range of antique chests of drawers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A man’s chest of drawers is also known as a gentleman’s chest. It is characterized by its tall cabinet section that hangs clothes like suits and pants, and also features a column of drawers. Shop a collection of gentleman’s chests from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The first chest of drawers was invented by Chinese physician Hua Tuo during the 3rd century. In the west, chests of drawers began to appear during the 17th century and rose in popularity from there. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique chests of drawers from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    A low chest of drawers is called a lowboy. A lowboy sits at waist height and was a prominent piece of bedroom furniture in the 18th century. These low chests of drawers were a clothing storage solution before tallboys and highboys came into fashion. On 1stDibs, there is a variety of antique and vintage low chests of drawers available for sale.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    A tall chest of drawers is known as a standard chest of drawers and also as a vertical chest. These are tall and narrow storage pieces. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage tall chests of drawers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    What a large chest of drawers is called depends on its proportions. In the United States, a wide piece about waist-high is usually called a dresser. A tall, thin chest of drawers is typically referred to as a highboy. On 1stDibs, you can find a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary chests of drawers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
    A chest of drawers with a mirror attached is called a bureau. This type of case piece is usually waist-high with a mirror that rests on the top of the structure. They are mainly used in bedrooms. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary chests of drawers from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
    Dressers are designed to offer a place for you to dress, with the top functioning as a table on which to place your clothing. It will offer space for a mirror, whereas chests of drawers are typically exactly that — they provide ample storage while taking up little floor space. A dresser is usually wide and short, while a chest of drawers is narrow and tall. Both types of furniture are commonly used to store clothing and other items in drawers. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary dressers and chests of drawers from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 1, 2024
    Yes, there is a difference between a dresser and a chest of drawers. 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.

    Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This type of case piece was originally a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. 

    Find antique and vintage dressers for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
    The difference between a bureau, a chest of drawers and a dresser comes down to shape and function. Dressers and chests of drawers are both types of bedroom furniture that feature storage drawers. However, bureaus tend to be wider and shorter, while chests of drawers are narrower and taller. Often used for storage outside of bedrooms, bureaus are usually about the same height as dressers but are shorter than chests of drawers. Find a wide range of casegoods on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    Yes, a chest of drawers can be used as a bedside table, provided that you have enough space beside your bed to accommodate it. If you want to be able to easily reach items on the top of the chest, choose a piece that is about 2 to 4 inches taller than your mattress. Shop a variety of bedroom furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    The difference between a dresser, a bureau and a chest of drawers is where you place these furnishings and their overall shapes and designs. Usually positioned in a bedroom, a dresser is a wide, low casegood consisting of two or more columns of drawers. When this type of furniture is placed in a living room, office, library or other space beyond the bedroom, people normally refer to it as a bureau. Another type of bedroom furnishing is a chest of drawers, which is a tall vertical column of drawers stacked one above the other. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of dressers, bureaus and chests of drawers.

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