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Gustavian Grey Painted Dresser
Gustavian Grey Painted Dresser

Gustavian Grey Painted Dresser

Located in Westwood, NJ

Gustavian Grey Painted Dresser, The Swedish Neo Classic style Gustavian commode with a concave

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Commodes and Chests o...

Materials

Wood

Swedish 18th Century Black Painted Baroque Gustavian-Painted 3 Drawer Chest
Swedish 18th Century Black Painted Baroque Gustavian-Painted 3 Drawer Chest

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. This

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Scandinavian Baroque Commodes and Chests of Dra...

Materials

Bronze

Gustavian Style Swedish Dresser
Gustavian Style Swedish Dresser

Gustavian Style Swedish Dresser

Located in Westwood, NJ

Gustavian Style Swedish Dresser, large four-drawer commode with an antique painted finish, with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Commodes and Chests o...

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Style RARE Butlers Desk
Gustavian Style RARE Butlers Desk

Gustavian Style RARE Butlers Desk

Located in Hollywood, FL

This is a very unique Gustavian style 3 drawer Butlers Desk. its been restored and repainted with

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Swedish 18th Century Black Painted Baroque Gustavian-Painted 3 Drawer Chest
Swedish 18th Century Black Painted Baroque Gustavian-Painted 3 Drawer Chest

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. This

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Scandinavian Baroque Commodes and Chests of Dra...

Materials

Brass

Swedish Late 18th Century Gustavian Period Commode / Chest of Drawers
Swedish Late 18th Century Gustavian Period Commode / Chest of Drawers

Swedish Late 18th Century Gustavian Period Commode / Chest of Drawers

Located in New York, NY

An elegant and sober late 18th century/very early 19th century Swedish dresser or chest of drawers

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Directoire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

19th Century Gustavian Commode
19th Century Gustavian Commode

19th Century Gustavian Commode

Located in Belmont, MA

Exquisite Gustavian commode, bleached mahogany veneer with brass decorations. Beautifully

Category

Antique 1820s Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Painted Swedish Gustavian Commode
Vintage Painted Swedish Gustavian Commode

Vintage Painted Swedish Gustavian Commode

Located in Dallas, TX

The product is a vintage Swedish Gustavian commode, featuring a nice painted patina and carvings

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Mid 20th Century Vintage Boho Gustavian Style Washed Chest of Drawers
Mid 20th Century Vintage Boho Gustavian Style Washed Chest of Drawers

Mid 20th Century Vintage Boho Gustavian Style Washed Chest of Drawers

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A stunning vintage Boho chest of drawers. A chic Gustavian style cabinet in an off white washed

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal

Gustavian Commode, Sweden, 19th Century
Gustavian Commode, Sweden, 19th Century

Gustavian Commode, Sweden, 19th Century

Located in Belmont, MA

Gustavian commode, Sweden 19th century, Beautiful walnut, beechwood, elmwood and mahogany marquetry

Category

Antique 1840s Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest of Drawers with Grey Top, circa 1880
Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest of Drawers with Grey Top, circa 1880

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest of Drawers with Grey Top, circa 1880

Located in Atlanta, GA

A beautifully detailed Swedish chest of drawers in the Gustavian style, dating to circa 1880. This

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Carved Commode
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Carved Commode

Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Carved Commode

Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire

Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian well carved commode. With three drawers and original hardware

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Pair of Gustavian Grey Painted Dressers
Pair of Gustavian Grey Painted Dressers

Pair of Gustavian Grey Painted Dressers

Located in Westwood, NJ

Pair of Gustavian Grey Painted Dressers, The Swedish Neo Classic style Gustavian commode with a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Commodes and Chests o...

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Commode, circa 1820
Swedish Gustavian Commode, circa 1820

Swedish Gustavian Commode, circa 1820

Located in Huntington, NY

A Swedish Gustavian commode with original brass hardware and locks. Featuring canted and fluted

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Spectacular Antique Gustavian Style Painted Gray Commode
Spectacular Antique Gustavian Style Painted Gray Commode

Spectacular Antique Gustavian Style Painted Gray Commode

Located in Boca Raton, FL

. Serpentine front, handcarved apron. Painted gray and gold trim in Gustavian style.

Category

Antique Early 1900s Belgian Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Late 18th Century Gustavian-Style Painted Commode
Late 18th Century Gustavian-Style Painted Commode

Late 18th Century Gustavian-Style Painted Commode

Located in Stahnsdorf, DE

Gustavian-Style Painted Commode A Swedish commode in the Gustavian style, featuring a gently

Category

Antique 1790s Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Swedish Gustavian Period Bow-front Commode
Swedish Gustavian Period Bow-front Commode

Swedish Gustavian Period Bow-front Commode

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A very unusual Swedish Gustavian period painted demilune commode/chest of drawers from the late

Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Antique Stylish Swedish Stockholm Gustavian Commode
Antique Stylish Swedish Stockholm Gustavian Commode

Antique Stylish Swedish Stockholm Gustavian Commode

Located in Kramfors, SE

Antique stylish gustavian commode from Stockholm made around 1790. The commode is from the Swedish

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Limestone, Brass

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Blue Painted Breakfront Commodes
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Blue Painted Breakfront Commodes

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Blue Painted Breakfront Commodes

Located in Kastrup, DK

Elegant pair of Gustavian-style breakfront commodes from Sweden, circa 1840–1860. Each is painted

Category

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

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Celadon Three Drawer Dresser
Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Celadon Three Drawer Dresser

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Celadon Three Drawer Dresser

Located in Locust Valley, NY

A Swedish Gustavian style three drawer chest hand painted celadon green with fluted edges to each

Category

Late 20th Century Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Pair of Gustavian Bedside Table wuth Marble Top
Pair of Gustavian Bedside Table wuth Marble Top

Pair of Gustavian Bedside Table wuth Marble Top

Located in Crowthorne, Surrey

Gustavian style bedside tables with white marble top. Made in second half of 20th century. Greay

Category

Vintage 1950s European Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Period 18th Century Painted Commode
Swedish Gustavian Period 18th Century Painted Commode

Swedish Gustavian Period 18th Century Painted Commode

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

tactile, scraped finish so iconic of the Gustavian style. The ruddy complexion is interrupted by small

Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commode with 3 Drawers
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commode with 3 Drawers

Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commode with 3 Drawers

Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire

Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian commode. For those sourcing a decorative commode to fit that

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Mahogany box with Domed Lid
Swedish Gustavian Mahogany box with Domed Lid

Swedish Gustavian Mahogany box with Domed Lid

Located in New York, NY

A curved mahogany chest with a dark marble finishing and untapped legs. Bronze decorations includes

Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Gray Painted Bench Settee
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Gray Painted Bench Settee

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Gray Painted Bench Settee

Located in Round Top, TX

19th century Swedish Gustavian bench crafted in pine. Decorative hand-carved Greek key meander

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Fabric, Pine, Paint

Swedish Gustavian Bedside Table / Cabinet with Original Blue Paint
Swedish Gustavian Bedside Table / Cabinet with Original Blue Paint

Swedish Gustavian Bedside Table / Cabinet with Original Blue Paint

Located in Kastrup, DK

Small Gustavian bedside cabinet in pine with light blue paint and a beautiful patina. The piece has

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal

Gustavian Grey Painted Chatol With Four Drawers From 1790s
Gustavian Grey Painted Chatol With Four Drawers From 1790s

Gustavian Grey Painted Chatol With Four Drawers From 1790s

Located in Lejre, DK

Gustavian Chatol with four drawers and built-in drawers inside. The Chatol is painted gray and from

Category

Antique 1790s Danish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Antique Swedish Gustavian Painted Sideboard Buffet Commode White C.1850
Antique Swedish Gustavian Painted Sideboard Buffet Commode White C.1850

Antique Swedish Gustavian Painted Sideboard Buffet Commode White C.1850

Located in Lewes, England

Circa 1850 antique Swedish Gustavian White painted Sideboard Buffet commode in gustavian style with

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Antique Swedish Gustavian Painted Sideboard Buffet Commode White C.1860
Antique Swedish Gustavian Painted Sideboard Buffet Commode White C.1860

Antique Swedish Gustavian Painted Sideboard Buffet Commode White C.1860

Located in Lewes, England

Circa 1860 antique Swedish Gustavian White painted Sideboard Buffet commode in gustavian style with

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Gustavian 19th Century Grey Painted 3 Drawer Dresser
Gustavian 19th Century Grey Painted 3 Drawer Dresser

Gustavian 19th Century Grey Painted 3 Drawer Dresser

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Late Swedish 19th century painted chest of drawers. This 3 drawer dresser has a charming break

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

Antique Swedish Gustavian Pedestals, Light-Grey Pinewood, Circa 1790
Antique Swedish Gustavian Pedestals, Light-Grey Pinewood, Circa 1790

Antique Swedish Gustavian Pedestals, Light-Grey Pinewood, Circa 1790

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A white-grey, antique pair of Swedish Gustavian pedestals, cabinets made of light-grey painted

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Gustavian, Louis XVI Style, Swedish Commode, Mahogany, Marble, Sweden, 1950s
Gustavian, Louis XVI Style, Swedish Commode, Mahogany, Marble, Sweden, 1950s

Gustavian, Louis XVI Style, Swedish Commode, Mahogany, Marble, Sweden, 1950s

Located in Stamford, CT

Gustavian, Louis XVI Style, Swedish Commode, Mahogany, Marble, Sweden, 1950s Gustavian dresser or

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble, Brass

Gustavian, Swedish Commodes, Beige Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 19th C.
Gustavian, Swedish Commodes, Beige Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 19th C.

Gustavian, Swedish Commodes, Beige Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 19th C.

Located in Stamford, CT

Gustavian, Swedish Commodes, Beige Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 19th C. Stunning pair of step

Category

Antique Early 1900s Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Superb Pair Cottage Chic Paint Decorated Soft White Swedish Gustavian Commodes
Superb Pair Cottage Chic Paint Decorated Soft White Swedish Gustavian Commodes

Superb Pair Cottage Chic Paint Decorated Soft White Swedish Gustavian Commodes

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This superb pair of Swedish Gustavian style commodes embodies the timeless elegance and rustic

Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Swedish 1780s Gustavian Period Four-Drawer Commode with Chamfered Side Posts
Swedish 1780s Gustavian Period Four-Drawer Commode with Chamfered Side Posts

Swedish 1780s Gustavian Period Four-Drawer Commode with Chamfered Side Posts

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Swedish period Gustavian four-drawer commode from the late 18th century with its old hardware

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Serpentine Chest
18th Century Swedish Serpentine Chest

18th Century Swedish Serpentine Chest

Located in Faversham, GB

A fabulous 18th century Gustavian serpentine chest of arc-en-arbelet form. The generous molded top

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine, Paint

Gustavian Style Distressed Painted Commode
Gustavian Style Distressed Painted Commode

Gustavian Style Distressed Painted Commode

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This charming Gustavian style distressed painted commode captures the understated elegance of

Category

20th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

18th–19th Century Swedish Gustavian Two-Part Pinewood Bureau in Grey
18th–19th Century Swedish Gustavian Two-Part Pinewood Bureau in Grey

18th–19th Century Swedish Gustavian Two-Part Pinewood Bureau in Grey

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A 18th-19th century, light-grey, white antique Swedish Gustavian two part bureau made of hand

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Late Gustavian Swedish Commode, early 1800s
Late Gustavian Swedish Commode, early 1800s

Late Gustavian Swedish Commode, early 1800s

Located in Farsta, SE

Late Gustavian Swedish Commode, early 1800s Retains its original English red marbled painted

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Ches...

Materials

Pine

Late 18th Century High-Gustavian Commode with Intarsia by Gustaf Foltjern
Late 18th Century High-Gustavian Commode with Intarsia by Gustaf Foltjern

Late 18th Century High-Gustavian Commode with Intarsia by Gustaf Foltjern

By Carl Gustaf Foltjern

Located in Ljungby, SE

A distinguished high-Gustavian commode, crafted in Stockholm by Gustaf Foltjern (master 1771-1804

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

Swedish Late 18th Century Painted Captain's Chest
Swedish Late 18th Century Painted Captain's Chest

Swedish Late 18th Century Painted Captain's Chest

Located in Atlanta, GA

A striking Swedish captain’s chest from the late 18th century, crafted in pine and finished in an

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

20th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers Circa 1900
20th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers Circa 1900

20th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers Circa 1900

Located in Atlanta, GA

This early 20th-century Swedish chest of drawers, circa 1900, is a refined example of neoclassical

Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Pair of 20th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers
Pair of 20th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers

Pair of 20th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers

Located in Atlanta, GA

This elegant pair of Gustavian-style chests, crafted circa 100 years ago, embodies the refined

Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Pair of Chest of Drawers
19th Century Swedish Pair of Chest of Drawers

19th Century Swedish Pair of Chest of Drawers

Located in Round Top, TX

A pair of Gustavian pine chest of drawers painted in shades of antique white and soft gray, fitting

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

18th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers Circa 1760
18th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers Circa 1760

18th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers Circa 1760

Located in Atlanta, GA

aesthetics typical of the Gustavian period. The chest features three spacious drawers, each framed with

Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

19th Century Swedish Painted Chest of Drawers
19th Century Swedish Painted Chest of Drawers

19th Century Swedish Painted Chest of Drawers

Located in Houston, TX

The 19th Century Swedish Painted Chest of Drawers is a charming piece of furniture that exudes

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Paint

18th Century Scandinavian Painted Baroque Chest of Drawers
18th Century Scandinavian Painted Baroque Chest of Drawers

18th Century Scandinavian Painted Baroque Chest of Drawers

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

19th century Scandinavian painted baroque chest of drawers Fine quality solid oak chest of drawers

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Danish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Early 19th Century French Oak Painted Chest of Drawers
Early 19th Century French Oak Painted Chest of Drawers

Early 19th Century French Oak Painted Chest of Drawers

Located in Round Top, TX

Early 19th-century French oak chest of three drawers with newer professionally layered painted

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Oak

Antique Painted Scandinavian Chest of Drawers, circa 1790
Antique Painted Scandinavian Chest of Drawers, circa 1790

Antique Painted Scandinavian Chest of Drawers, circa 1790

Located in INTERLAKEN, NY

An 18th century Scandinavian chest with a painted white/grey finish consisting of five drawers

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Scandinavian Gustavian Commodes and Chests of ...

Materials

Pine

Late 19th Century Black Swedish Serpentine 4 Drawer Chest
Late 19th Century Black Swedish Serpentine 4 Drawer Chest

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

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Scandinavian Gustavian Commodes and Chests of ...

Materials

Brass

Swedish 19th century painted chest of drawers
Swedish 19th century painted chest of drawers

Swedish 19th century painted chest of drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

19th century painted chest of drawers circa 1870. Substantial baroque revival swedish chest of

Category

Antique 1870s Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak, Paint

Vintage Swedish Painted Chest
Vintage Swedish Painted Chest

Vintage Swedish Painted Chest

Located in Dallas, TX

Vintage Swedish Gustavian carved and painted chest. A vintage Swedish Gustavian carved and painted

Category

Vintage 1940s Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Vintage Swedish Painted Chest
Vintage Swedish Painted Chest

Vintage Swedish Painted Chest

Located in Dallas, TX

Vintage Swedish Gustavian painted 3 drawer chest. Swedish painted chests—whether Gustavian, country

Category

Vintage 1940s Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Gustavian, Swedish Commode, Gray Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 1900s
Gustavian, Swedish Commode, Gray Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 1900s

Gustavian, Swedish Commode, Gray Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 1900s

Located in Stamford, CT

Gustavian, Swedish Commode or Dresser, Grey Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 1900s Gustavian

Category

Antique Early 1900s Swedish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Paint

19th Century Walnut Swedish Writing Commode / Chest of Drawers
19th Century Walnut Swedish Writing Commode / Chest of Drawers

19th Century Walnut Swedish Writing Commode / Chest of Drawers

Located in Barcelona, ES

19th century Swedish writing commode / chest of drawers Date: 1800 Material: Walnut Structure

Category

Antique Early 1800s Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

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Gustavian Chest For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal gustavian chest for your home. Each gustavian chest for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, softwood and pine. If you’re shopping for a gustavian chest, we have 798 options in-stock, while there are 2 modern editions to choose from as well. There are many kinds of the gustavian chest you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. A gustavian chest made by Neoclassical designers — as well as those associated with Rococo — is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one gustavian chest that is appealing in its simplicity, but André-Charles Boulle, Tara Shaw Maison and Carl Gustaf Foltjern produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Gustavian Chest?

Prices for a gustavian chest can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $499 and can go as high as $48,000, while the average can fetch as much as $5,202.

A Close Look at Gustavian Furniture

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.

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.