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Late 19th Century Biedermeier Chest of Drawers
Late 19th Century Biedermeier Chest of Drawers

Late 19th Century Biedermeier Chest of Drawers

Located in Altrincham, Cheshire

Late 19th century Biedermeier flame mahogany serpentine fronted chest of three drawers on bun feet - 36" W x 19" D x 32" H.

Category

Antique 1870s German Biedermeier Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Tooled Leather Italian Chest
Tooled Leather Italian Chest

Tooled Leather Italian Chest

Located in Stamford, CT

Circa 1940s tooled red leather covered serpentine front chest of drawers embossed in black and gold with brass swing handle pulls.

Category

20th Century Italian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal

English 19th Century Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers
English 19th Century Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers

English 19th Century Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers

Located in Poling, West Sussex

An excellent late 19th century mahogany serpentine fronted chest of drawers. Of very good construction in solid mahogany an attractive flame mahogany veneers.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Arthur Brett Chippendale Style Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers
Arthur Brett Chippendale Style Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers

Arthur Brett Chippendale Style Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers

By Arthur Brett

Located in London, GB

An impressive mahogany serpentine fronted chest of drawers in Chippendale style with a cross banded top and canted and fluted corners.

Category

Early 2000s British Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

George III Serpentine Mahogany Chest in the Manner of Henry Kettle
George III Serpentine Mahogany Chest in the Manner of Henry Kettle

George III Serpentine Mahogany Chest in the Manner of Henry Kettle

By Henry Kettle

Located in Knutsford, GB

A fine early George III figured mahogany serpentine fronted chest of compact dimensions and of excellent original color and patina.

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English George III Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Fine Serpentine Front Satinwood Commode Chest
Fine Serpentine Front Satinwood Commode Chest

Fine Serpentine Front Satinwood Commode Chest

Located in Folkestone, Kent

An exceptional quality late 18th century satinwood, serpentine fronted commode chest of drawers, the quarter veneered top with large central oval bordered with tulipwood banding, abo...

Category

Antique 1780s British Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Satinwood

18th Century Serpentine Fronted Mahogany Dressing Chest
18th Century Serpentine Fronted Mahogany Dressing Chest

18th Century Serpentine Fronted Mahogany Dressing Chest

Located in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire

18th Century Chippendale period mahogany serpentine fronted dressing chest of drawers.

Category

Antique 18th Century English Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Antique French Serpentine Front Three Drawer Chest
Antique French Serpentine Front Three Drawer Chest

Antique French Serpentine Front Three Drawer Chest

Located in Hudson, NY

A beautiful antique French serpentine front three drawer chest, in original painted finish with age expected wear and some chips to the painted finish. beautiful scale and details, w...

Category

Vintage 1920s Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Hardwood

A George III Serpentine Front Mahogany Chest

A George III Serpentine Front Mahogany Chest

Located in New York, NY

A George III serpentine front mahogany chest of exceptional color with original handles, having a brush slide with two drawers over three on bracket feet.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English George III Commodes and Chests ...

Materials

Mahogany

Hepplewhite Style Inlaid Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Hepplewhite Style Inlaid Mahogany Chest of Drawers

Hepplewhite Style Inlaid Mahogany Chest of Drawers

Located in Edinburgh, GB

Hepplewhite style, inlaid mahogany, serpentine fronted chest of drawers, circa 1850. The shaped top in figured mahogany has a boxwood inlaid cross-banded fore-edge and is over four i...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Hepplewhite Furniture

Materials

Boxwood, Mahogany

Walnut Hepplewhite Commode or Chest with Serpentine Front, circa 1790-1810
Walnut Hepplewhite Commode or Chest with Serpentine Front, circa 1790-1810

Walnut Hepplewhite Commode or Chest with Serpentine Front, circa 1790-1810

Located in Providence, RI

It is quite tall, and with its highly figured serpentine front, makes a most elegant statement, and could almost be used to serve as a commode.

Category

Antique 19th Century American Hepplewhite Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Serpentine

Serpentine-Front Mahogany Chest of Drawers, c. 1810
Serpentine-Front Mahogany Chest of Drawers, c. 1810

Serpentine-Front Mahogany Chest of Drawers, c. 1810

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Regency period mahogany chest of drawers, with an attractive serpentine front with correspondingly-shaped drawers and feet.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Mahogany Serpentine Front Small Chest Bedside Table Nightstand
Mahogany Serpentine Front Small Chest Bedside Table Nightstand

Mahogany Serpentine Front Small Chest Bedside Table Nightstand

Located in Atlanta, GA

The flame mahogany has a warm color that will look great in any room. The unique serpentine front shape makes this chest a little more interesting.

Category

Vintage 1960s English Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

George III Serpentine Fronted Mahogany Chest of Drawers
George III Serpentine Fronted Mahogany Chest of Drawers

George III Serpentine Fronted Mahogany Chest of Drawers

Located in Wiltshire, GB

George III serpentine fronted mahogany chest of drawers in excellent original condition Dimensions: Height 34” (87cm) Width 43" (109cm) Depth 23" (53cm) All of the items tha...

Category

Antique 18th Century English George III Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

French Louis XVI  Two Drawer Serpentine Front Bombe Chest
French Louis XVI  Two Drawer Serpentine Front Bombe Chest

French Louis XVI Two Drawer Serpentine Front Bombe Chest

Located in Middleburg, VA

Fine French tulipwood Louis XVI two drawer serpentine front Bombe chest with fine inlay around the drawers and on the sides.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal

Mahogany 1950s English serpentine front 'tall boy' chest of drawers
Mahogany 1950s English serpentine front 'tall boy' chest of drawers

Mahogany 1950s English serpentine front 'tall boy' chest of drawers

Located in London, GB

A vintage 1950s mahogany veneered serpentine fronted, seven drawer 'tall boy' chest of drawers on a solid mahogany base with brass fittings.

Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Rare Georgian Serpentine-Front Mahogany Chest of Drawers, c. 1800
Rare Georgian Serpentine-Front Mahogany Chest of Drawers, c. 1800

Rare Georgian Serpentine-Front Mahogany Chest of Drawers, c. 1800

By George Hepplewhite

Located in Tonbridge, Kent

Discover a rare gem of Georgian craftsmanship with this stunning serpentine-front mahogany chest of drawers, dating to circa 1800.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century British George III Commodes and Chests of Dra...

Materials

Mahogany

English Serpentine Chest on Chest
English Serpentine Chest on Chest

English Serpentine Chest on Chest

Located in Roswell, GA

Mahogany Serpentine bow front chest on chest with 'brushing slide' original green base slightly discolored.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Dutch 19th Century Serpentine Fronted Commode
Dutch 19th Century Serpentine Fronted Commode

Dutch 19th Century Serpentine Fronted Commode

Located in Pulborough, GB

Delightful 19th century Dutch painted Walnut 4 drawer Serpentine fronted commode, with original ornate brass drop handle.  

Category

Antique 19th Century Dutch Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

19th Century Fine French Louis XV Marble-Top Three-Drawer Commode Nightstand
19th Century Fine French Louis XV Marble-Top Three-Drawer Commode Nightstand

19th Century Fine French Louis XV Marble-Top Three-Drawer Commode Nightstand

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A refined French Louis XV style in perfect scale, three-drawer serpentine front chest with parquetry inlay kingwood and satinwood veneers with a period rouge marble top.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Dressers

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century French Serpentine Front Rococo Commode
19th Century French Serpentine Front Rococo Commode

19th Century French Serpentine Front Rococo Commode

Located in Round Top, TX

Gorgeous 19th century French Serpentine front Rococo commode green lacquered with Chinese decor details.

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Oak

French Walnut Serpentine Front Commode, circa 1740
French Walnut Serpentine Front Commode, circa 1740

French Walnut Serpentine Front Commode, circa 1740

Located in San Francisco, CA

French walnut serpentine front commode, circa 1740. Original hardware.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Louis XV Serpentine Front Commode
19th Century Louis XV Serpentine Front Commode

19th Century Louis XV Serpentine Front Commode

Located in Fairhope, AL

Beautiful Louis XV commode with wonderful carvings and simple white washed finish. This piece is perfect for many different design spaces.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Mahogany Serpentine Front Chippendale Bureau, Boston, circa 1750
Mahogany Serpentine Front Chippendale Bureau, Boston, circa 1750

Mahogany Serpentine Front Chippendale Bureau, Boston, circa 1750

Located in Providence, RI

This is a most impressive piece, the best of what came out of Boston in the last quarter of the 18th century. It is exceptional in the proportion of the elegant serpentine aristocrat...

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Dra...

George III Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers
George III Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers

George III Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers

By Thomas Sheraton

Located in Altrincham, Cheshire

George III mahogany serpentine front and top chest of drawers with shaped apron and satinwood string inlay, lion mask handles, reeded columns leading to splayed feet, circa 1790.

Category

Antique 1790s English Sheraton Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century George III Period Mahogany Antique Serpentine Chest of Drawers
18th Century George III Period Mahogany Antique Serpentine Chest of Drawers

18th Century George III Period Mahogany Antique Serpentine Chest of Drawers

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Elegant and unusual antique chest of drawers with serpentine front. This chest of drawers has a very good color and patina.

Category

Antique 18th Century British George III Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Hepplewhite Mahogany Serpentine Bureau, Providence, RI Attributed to Rawson, Sr
Hepplewhite Mahogany Serpentine Bureau, Providence, RI Attributed to Rawson, Sr

Hepplewhite Mahogany Serpentine Bureau, Providence, RI Attributed to Rawson, Sr

Located in Providence, RI

Interestingly, serpentine chests took longer to make and cost considerably more than one of straight or even bowed front.

Category

Antique 19th Century American Hepplewhite Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Serpentine

19th Century Three-Drawer Chest
19th Century Three-Drawer Chest

19th Century Three-Drawer Chest

Located in Houston, TX

19th century three-drawer chest, serpentine front with scraped finish.

Category

Antique 19th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Serpentine

Swedish Chest

Swedish Chest

Unavailable|$5,100

Swedish Chest

Located in New Orleans, LA

3 Drawer Painted Swedish Chest with Serpentine Front

Category

20th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Rare French Metal Chest
Rare French Metal Chest

Rare French Metal Chest

Unavailable|$5,239

Rare French Metal Chest

Located in London, GB

Rare Early 20th Century Double Serpentine fronted, metal two door chest.

Category

Early 20th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

French Provincial Style Chest of Drawers
French Provincial Style Chest of Drawers

French Provincial Style Chest of Drawers

Located in Stamford, CT

Beautiful French provincial style, serpentine front painted-teal chest of drawers with ornate brass pulls.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French French Provincial Commodes and Ches...

Materials

Hardwood

Late 19th Century Kingwood Veneered and Satinwood Marquetery Mahogany Chests
Late 19th Century Kingwood Veneered and Satinwood Marquetery Mahogany Chests

Late 19th Century Kingwood Veneered and Satinwood Marquetery Mahogany Chests

Located in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

A pair of good quality late 19th century serpentine fronted marquetry mahogany chests of five graduating drawers.

Category

Antique 1890s English Edwardian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Kingwood, Mahogany

Shallow depth 18c. commode
Shallow depth 18c. commode

Shallow depth 18c. commode

Unavailable|$7,900

Shallow depth 18c. commode

Located in New Orleans, LA

A three drawer chest with serpentine front and scalloped apron with a finely carved scallop shell crest and unusual, elaborate and finely wrought bronze drawer pulls.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

German Miniature Decoupage Chest
German Miniature Decoupage Chest

German Miniature Decoupage Chest

Located in Bantam, CT

A rare and unusual German rococo serpentine front laca povera (decoupage) miniature chest having floral appliques to the front, pomegranate and hearts to the top.

Category

Antique 1740s German Baroque Models and Miniatures

Materials

Paper

Serpentine Front Chest
Serpentine Front Chest

Serpentine Front Chest

Located in Chireno, TX

Serpentine front chest of drawers, hand carved in the 19th century, France.

Category

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

Materials

Pine

Georgian Mahogany Serpentine Front Chest
Georgian Mahogany Serpentine Front Chest

Georgian Mahogany Serpentine Front Chest

Located in New York, NY

A mahogany four-drawer serpentine front chest with a pull-out tray, raised on bracket feet.

Category

Antique 19th Century English George IV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

19th Century Danish Serpentine Front Chest
19th Century Danish Serpentine Front Chest

19th Century Danish Serpentine Front Chest

Located in Charleston, SC

A handsome 19th century Danish serpentine front chest strapped to its original time worn original paint with beautifully carved serpentine drawers.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Danish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Early Banded Inlaid Walnut Serpentine Front Chest
Early Banded Inlaid Walnut Serpentine Front Chest

Early Banded Inlaid Walnut Serpentine Front Chest

Located in Bradenton, FL

19th Century Italian early banded walnut inlay serpentine front chest. Chest has four drawers, each with original brass hardware supported by bracket feet.

Category

Antique 19th Century European Baroque Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Georgian Style Serpentine Front Chests
Pair of Georgian Style Serpentine Front Chests

Pair of Georgian Style Serpentine Front Chests

Located in Stamford, CT

Pair of Georgian style serpentine front chests. A fine pair of crotch mahogany chests.

Category

Vintage 1940s American Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Figured Walnut Serpentine Fronted Chest of Drawers
Figured Walnut Serpentine Fronted Chest of Drawers

Figured Walnut Serpentine Fronted Chest of Drawers

Located in Cheshire, GB

Figured walnut serpentine fronted chest of drawers of small proportions the bow-fronted top with moulded edge above four long draws fitted with brass drop handles.

Category

Early 20th Century British Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Mirror Veneered Serpentine Front Chest by Campbell Glass
Mirror Veneered Serpentine Front Chest by Campbell Glass

Mirror Veneered Serpentine Front Chest by Campbell Glass

Located in Palm Desert, CA

Beautiful and striking antique sick mirror veneered serpentine front chest of drawers with ornate brass hardware and tapering legs custom made by Campbell Glass, Los Angeles.

Category

Vintage 1930s American Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Tall serpentine front chest of drawers with tapered legs
Tall serpentine front chest of drawers with tapered legs

Tall serpentine front chest of drawers with tapered legs

Located in St. Louis, MO

Elegant serpentine front chest of drawers with tapered horn shaped legs

Category

Vintage 1940s American Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Georgian Style Mahogany Serpentine Fronted Chest Drawers
Antique Georgian Style Mahogany Serpentine Fronted Chest Drawers

Antique Georgian Style Mahogany Serpentine Fronted Chest Drawers

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

Antique Georgian style mahogany serpentine fronted chest drawers in good condition having been recently polished by hand.

Category

Mid-20th Century European George III Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Georgian Style Serpentine Fronted Chest on Chest
Antique Georgian Style Serpentine Fronted Chest on Chest

Antique Georgian Style Serpentine Fronted Chest on Chest

Located in London, GB

A beautiful antique serpentine fronted chest on chest, made in England & dating from around the 1920-1930’s period.

Category

Early 20th Century English Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Antique George III Quality Mahogany Serpentine Fronted Chest of Drawers
Antique George III Quality Mahogany Serpentine Fronted Chest of Drawers

Antique George III Quality Mahogany Serpentine Fronted Chest of Drawers

Located in Suffolk, GB

Antique George III quality mahogany serpentine fronted chest of drawers having a quality figured mahogany serpentine shaped top with a moulded edge above four long graduating figured...

Category

Antique 18th Century English George III Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Serpentine, Other

19th Century George III Serpentine Front Chest of Drawers
19th Century George III Serpentine Front Chest of Drawers

19th Century George III Serpentine Front Chest of Drawers

Located in Hixson, TN

19th century George III serpentine front chest of drawers This chest of drawers is a fine piece of furniture.

Category

Antique 1840s English George IV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Serpentine Front Chests in Black and White Lacquer
Pair of Serpentine Front Chests in Black and White Lacquer

Pair of Serpentine Front Chests in Black and White Lacquer

Located in Atlanta, GA

Pair of Serpentine Front Chests in Black and White Lacquer, custom made circa 1990's.

Category

Late 20th Century American Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Mahogany Serpentine Fronted Chest on Chest
Mahogany Serpentine Fronted Chest on Chest

Mahogany Serpentine Fronted Chest on Chest

Located in Cheshire, GB

Mahogany chest on chest of small proportions the serpentine fronted with four drawers to the upper section, to the centre fitted with brush in slide and three drawers below all h...

Category

Early 20th Century English Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

19th Century Kingwood Serpentine-Fronted Chest of Drawers in the Louis XVI Taste
19th Century Kingwood Serpentine-Fronted Chest of Drawers in the Louis XVI Taste

19th Century Kingwood Serpentine-Fronted Chest of Drawers in the Louis XVI Taste

Located in Cheshire, GB

19th Century Kingwood serpentine fronted chest of draws in the Louis XVI taste, the white marble top over an arrangement of a six short draws all fitted with Rococo style gilt me...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers

American Tiger Maple Serpentine-Front Chest
American Tiger Maple Serpentine-Front Chest

American Tiger Maple Serpentine-Front Chest

Located in Banner Elk, NC

Tiger maple serpentine front three drawer chest on bracket feet, American, ca. mid 19th century.

Category

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

Materials

Maple

Mahogany Serpentine Fronted Chest of Drawers
Mahogany Serpentine Fronted Chest of Drawers

Mahogany Serpentine Fronted Chest of Drawers

Located in Cheshire, GB

Mahogany chest of drawers the large serpentine fronted top with molded edge above brush in slide and four graduated drawers.

Category

Early 20th Century British Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Late 19th Century Serpentine Front Chest
Late 19th Century Serpentine Front Chest

Late 19th Century Serpentine Front Chest

Located in Charlottesville, VA

A nice form for this French commode

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

18th Century Serpentine Front Chest of Drawers
18th Century Serpentine Front Chest of Drawers

18th Century Serpentine Front Chest of Drawers

Located in Charleston, SC

18th century chest of drawers from late Baroque period in richly carved curvaceous serpentine drawer fronts, shaped top and ball feet, Germany, 18th century.

Category

Antique 18th Century German Baroque Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Antique Mahogany Serpentine Fronted Chest of Drawers
Antique Mahogany Serpentine Fronted Chest of Drawers

Antique Mahogany Serpentine Fronted Chest of Drawers

Located in London, GB

This antique serpentine fronted mahogany chest of drawers is superb quality and has a great look.

Category

Antique 1890s English Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Danish Blue-Gray Serpentine Front Chest
Antique Danish Blue-Gray Serpentine Front Chest

Antique Danish Blue-Gray Serpentine Front Chest

Located in Kastrup, DK

Danish 18th century baroque chest of drawers painted in bluish-gray. Front with beautifully carved serpentine drawers adorned with original bronze fittings in the form of crowns on ...

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

18th Century Serpentine Front Chest of Drawers
18th Century Serpentine Front Chest of Drawers

18th Century Serpentine Front Chest of Drawers

Located in Charleston, SC

Handsome 18th century German Baroque chest of drawers with elegantly proportioned detailed drawer fronts, with original hardware’s, tapered feet all in wonderful hand rubbed later pa...

Category

Antique 18th Century German Baroque Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

flame mahogany serpentine fronted chest of draws
flame mahogany serpentine fronted chest of draws

flame mahogany serpentine fronted chest of draws

Located in Cheshire, GB

large mahogany chest of draws the large shaped top having rounded corners above two short and three long graduated drawers with turned wooden knob handles, all draws having ash li...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

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Serpentine Front Chest For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the serpentine front chest you’re looking for. Each serpentine front chest for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, mahogany and walnut. Your living room may not be complete without a serpentine front chest — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right serpentine front chest, those designed in Georgian, Louis XV and Rococo styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made serpentine front chest over the years, but those crafted by Bevan Funnell Ltd., Empire Furniture and Hickory White are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Serpentine Front Chest?

Prices for a serpentine front chest can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $540 and can go as high as $72,000, while the average can fetch as much as $6,252.

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.

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