Burled Walnut Reverse Serpentine Chest
Sold|$5,500
Burled Walnut Reverse Serpentine Chest
Located in Southampton, NY
Burled Walnut Chest, reverse serpentine front, very stylish
English Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut
Sold|$5,500
Burled Walnut Reverse Serpentine Chest
Located in Southampton, NY
Burled Walnut Chest, reverse serpentine front, very stylish
Walnut
Sold|$11,898
19c Louis XV Commode with Serpentine Front
Located in New Orleans, LA
19c Louis XV Commode with Serpentine Front
Antique Staffordshire pottery box with cover the finial the figure of a lion
Located in Woodstock, OXFORDSHIRE
A very rare Staffordshire pottery box in the form of a serpentine fronted chest of drawers.The cover of the box sports a finial figure of a standing Lion.
Sold|$5,242
George III Serpentine Chest of Drawers
Located in Bournemouth, GB
Fine quality George III serpentine fronted flame mahogany chest of drawers with a moulded edge top, four drawers with brass ring handles terminating on splayed bracket feet.
Brass
Voluptuous, Solid Hand-Carved Walnut Serpentine-Fronted Commode
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gorgeous and voluptuous, Italian Baroque style solid hand-carved walnut, serpentine fronted commode. The robust body is accented with hand-cast bronze hardware. The walnut's hand-c...
Quite Exceptional Early 20th Century Serpentine Fronted Mahogany Commode
Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire
A quite exceptional serpentine fronted mahogany commode of the finest quality. With canted corners and sunburst inlays to the top and the drawer fronts. Original cast gilt bronze han...
Mahogany
Dutch Satinwood Inlaid and Marquetry Walnut Serpentine Front Commode
Located in San Francisco, CA
Large scale Dutch satinwood inlaid and marquetry walnut serpentine front commode, circa 1760; star-shaped satinwood inlays on top and satinwood banding on four sides; four drawers wi...
Satinwood
An English Chippendale Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers
Located in Woodbury, CT
An exemplary figural mahogany, English George III serpentine front four drawer chest with brushing slide, molded edge top, canted corners with blind fretwork, original Rococo brasses...
Swedish Baroque Period Three-Drawer Grey Painted Commode with Serpentine Front
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish 18th century Baroque period three-drawer painted pine chest with serpentine front and bun feet. This swedish light grey painted chest of drawers features a shaped rectangul...
Pine
Inlaid Serpentine Italian Fruitwood Chest of Drawers, circa 1800
Located in San Francisco, CA
A very elegant fruitwood chest with serpentine front and sides. Standing on four gracefully shaped legs.
Brass
18th Century Painted Swedish or Dutch Commode with Serpentine Front
Located in Nashville, TN
This 18th century three-drawer commode is painted a creamy color yet the warm oak graining is still visible. The back is hand planed and the sides feature a lovely design.
Oak
French 19th Century Burled Walnut Two-Drawer Commode with Serpentine Front
Located in Atlanta, GA
This French burled walnut two-drawer commode from the 19th century features an exquisite serpentine front with canted corners. The delicately shaped walnut top with rounded edge sits...
Walnut, Burl
French Early 19th Century Painted Three-Drawer Commode with Serpentine Front
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French early 19th century painted three-drawer serpentine commode with classical painted motifs. This French painted commode was born in the early years of the 19th century, after ...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Serpentine Teak Six-Drawer Chest, circa 1950
Located in BOSTON, MA
A Mid-Century Modern serpentine front tall chest featuring six dovetailed drawers with integrated shaped pulls, a locking top drawer with key, softly beveled teak self-banding edge...
Teak
Pair of Italian Petite Walnut Inlaid Commodes with Serpentine Front, circa 1890
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Italian walnut veneered three-drawer commodini with serpentine front and geometric inlay from the late 19th century. Born in the 1890s, each of this pair of Italian petite ...
Walnut
French Louis XV Style 1900s Walnut Two-Drawer Commode with Serpentine Front
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XV style walnut two-drawer commode from the early 20th century, with scalloped skirt, cabriole legs and brass hardware. Born in France at the turn of the century durin...
Brass
George III Period Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers with Ebony Inlay
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Good shape chest with serpentine front and ebony and box wood stringing made of particularly well figured mahogany, circa 1790 45" wide 22 1/2" deep 39" high
Mahogany
Very Fine 18th Century George III Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers
Located in Woodbury, CT
A George III mahogany serpentine front four drawer chest with molded edge top, canted stop fluted corners on original channel incised bracket feet.
Mahogany
French Serpentine Fronted Miniature Chest, circa 1850
Located in Windsor, Berkshire
This is a French serpentine fronted miniature chest, circa 1850. It measures: 12cm by 12cm and stands 18.5 cm in height.
Satinwood
Pair of Ebonized Mahogany Chests with Serpentine Fronts
Located in New York, NY
A well-constructed pair of bedside chests in the manner of Dorothy Draper; price is for the pair.
Sold|$23,000
Chest/commode
Located in Atlanta, GA
Serpentine front 4-drawer commode/chest of drawers with satinwood stringing and satinwood panel and ebony stringing in chamfer corners.
Mahogany, Satinwood
Sold|$4,200
Shagreen Chest
Located in Stamford, CT
Custom designed three-drawer shagreen chest with serpentine front and nickel hardware on bun feet.
Shagreen, Wood
Sold|$1,600
Chest of Drawers
Located in Stamford, CT
4 Drawer Serpentine Front Dutch Chest of Drawers.Painted pale gray with nice detailing.
Wood
Late 19th Century Kingwood Parquetry Serpentine Commode with Brass Inlay
Located in Uppingham, Rutland
This is a really superb quality and condition French 19th century serpentine front commode chest of drawers in kingwood and walnut geometric parquetry and all original brass mounts a...
Brass
Sold|$6,850
Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Southampton, NY
Painted Chest of Drawers, Wonderful presence with greige wash, and serpentine front, stunning chest
Beech
Sold|$11,000
English Mahogany Georgian Chest
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Georgian Mahogany Serpentine front small scaled chest with well defined scalloped chippendale bracket feet.
Mahogany
Sold|$12,750
18th Century English Georgian Chest
Located in New York, NY
18th century Georgian, Mahogany, serpentine fronted, four drawer chest
Mahogany
Sold|$11,995
Southern Federal-style Bachelor's chest
Located in Mobile, AL
An incredible 1840 Tennessee made bachelor's chest with serpentine front. This whimsical late Federal piece features eye-catching bird's eye maple with walnut banding and splayed feet.
Sold|$3,450
19th Century English Chippendale Style Chest
Located in New Orleans, LA
Late 19th century Chippendale English mahogany serpentine shaped front. Four drawer chest very good quality and warm patina.
Brass
Sold|$3,975
19th Century Walnut Chest of Drawers
Located in Bournemouth, GB
A superb 19th century Dutch serpentine fronted walnut veneered and crossbanded chest of drawers of small proportions with brushing slide.
Brass
Sold|$18,000
Mahogany Chippendale Style Chest of Drawers
Located in New York, NY
Mahogany Chippendale Style Serpentine Front Fretted Chest of Drawers with Gentleman's Brushing Slide, England, Circa 1875 48 inches long x 23 inches deep x 33 inches high
Brass
Sold|$4,900 / set
Pair of Hand -Painted Regency Style Chests
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
The pair are hand-painted and adorned with dramatic dolphin motif drawer handles as well as dolphin motif side handles. The chests feature serpentine fronts and nicely scalloped apr...
Metal
Antique Chest of Drawers Dresser Victorian Mahogany, 19th Century
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
A beautiful antique 19th century Victorian serpentine fronted mahogany chest of drawers of small proportions, the serpentine shaped top over three graduating drawers all with brass o...
Mahogany
Antique Louis XV Style Chest of Drawers Kingwood Bombe Commode
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
A beautiful Louis XV style ’serpentine' fronted bombe commode chest of drawers, two large drawers with kingwood veneers with floral marquetry, ormolu mounts to the sides and legs wit...
Marble
Antique Louis XV Style Chest of Drawers Kingwood Bombe Commode
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
A beautiful Louis XV style ’serpentine' fronted bombe commode chest of drawers, two large drawers with kingwood veneers with floral marquetry, ormolu mounts to the sides and legs wit...
Marble
Antique Chest of Drawers Dresser George IV Mahogany, Early 19th Century
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
Early 19th century George IV serpentine fronted mahogany chest of drawers, circa 1820, rectangular top over two short and three graduating long drawers all with original brass ring h...
Mahogany
Venetian style serpentine front bedside table/stand
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
An early 20th century Venetian style serpentine front bedside table/stand/ small chest hand painted with garlands and flower bouquets on a deep yellow background.
Sold|$7,500
PAIR OF PARCHMENT COVERED COMMODES
Located in Solebury, PA
FOUR DRAWER CHEST WITH SERPENTINE FRONT IN THE STYLE OF SAMUEL MARX.
Sold|$1,307
18th Century French Walnut Commode
Located in Wembley, GB
A serpentine-fronted walnut commode or chest of two short over two long drawers.
Walnut
Late 19th Century Italian Marquetry Bombe Commode
Located in Wembley, GB
A serpentine-fronted bombe commode or chest of two long drawers with decorative marquetry inlay.
Walnut
Sold|$3,200
Painted French Commode
Located in Charlottesville, VA
The mid-20th century three-drawer gently serpentined and block front chest has a stately and Classic presence which is reinforced by a breathtaking conforming ogee edged terracotta m...
Chinoiserie Mirror Shaving Dressing Table small Chest w/ Drawers
Located in Stamford, CT
Offered here is a Chinoiserie Mirror Shaving Dressing Table small Chest with drawers. Highly decorated and stylized serpentine front small chest.
French Ebonised and Brass Inlaid Secretaire A Abbatant
Located in Bournemouth, GB
A 19th Century French ebonised and brass inlaid serpentine fronted secretaire chest of exquisite proportions
Brass
Sold|$1,205
Walnut Serpentine Front Chest of Drawers
Located in Stutton, GB
Walnut serpentine front chest of drawers,with a lovely walnut top,brushing slide,three graduated drawers with original brass handles,standing on original bracket feet Lovely colour ...
Walnut
George III Period Mahogany Serpentine Fronted Chest of Drawers
Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire
A George III period mahogany serpentine fronted chest of drawers with fine oak linings.
Queen Anne Style Burr Walnut Serpentine Fronted Chest of Drawers
Located in Poling, West Sussex
A charming burr walnut serpentine fronted chest of drawers in the Queen Anne style.
Walnut
Mahogany Serpentine Front Chest of Drawers
Located in Buckinghamshire, GB
Mahogany chest of four drawers having a serpentine front with brass drop handles and raised on bracket feet.
Early 20th Century Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers
Located in Altrincham, Cheshire
Early 20th century mahogany serpentine fronted chest of drawers, with brass drop handles with circular backplates and all raised on ogee bracket feet Measures: 40" W x 22" D x 32" H.
Mahogany
Sold|$5,786
Chest on Chest English Mahogany, circa 1800
Located in Honiton, Devon
Attractive mahogany serpentine fronted chest on chest with brushing slide.
Mahogany
German Rococo Style Walnut Inlaid Miniature Chest of Drawers or Jewelry Box
Located in Hudson, NY
German Rococo-style walnut inlaid miniature serpentine-fronted chest of drawers, with locking device and key.
Walnut
Late 19th Century Serpentine Fronted Burr Walnut Chest on Chest
Located in Poling, West Sussex
A splendid George I style, serpentine fronted, burr walnut chest on chest, or tallboy.
Walnut
Adams Painted Dressing Mirror, England circa 1795
Located in Alexandria, VA
Exceptional Adam decorated dressing mirror, in mahogany, extensively handpainted with swags of flowers and a central cartouche of a seated couple with a lyre; having an oval mirror p...
Wood
Serpentine Front Woven Rush Chest of Drawers by Maitland-Smith
By Maitland Smith
Located in Pasadena, CA
The body of this rush chest of drawers is made entirely in the woven material. A painted wooden frame peeks out from the feet and at the corners and define the design. Each drawer ha...
Rush, Wood
Sold|$6,200
Louis XV Serpentine Front Commode
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
An elegant mid-18th century Louis XV serpentine front three drawer commode with later rose colored granite top. The elaborately inlaid exotic wood is accented with brass inlay betwee...
Wood
Pair of Italian Baroque Style Serpentine Front Commodes
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A nice large pair of chests, or commodes, with serpentine fronts. The pair are paint decorated, and have nice drawer pulls.
Wood
Vintage 4-Drawer Serpentine Front Lingerie Chest, Dresser, Scotland 1930, B1381
Located in Vancouver, BC
Vintage walnut 4-drawer serpentine front lingerie chest, dresser, Scotland, 1930 Scotland, 1930 Solid walnut and veneers Original finish Serpentine top Four graduating dovetai...
Walnut
Art Deco Chest in Black Lacquer with Bronze Handles
Located in Paddock Wood, Kent
Art Deco chest in black lacquer with bronze handles A serpentine shaped front Art Deco chest, with three long drawers with dovetail joint construction polished bronze handles and ...
Wood
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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