Sold|$4,750
19th Century German Serpentine Painted Chest
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century German serpentine front polychrome painted chest having three drawers, each with a painted landscape vignette depicting castles on a river.
Wood, Paint
18th Century German Baroque Walnut Serpentine-Front Commode
Located in Bradenton, FL
A 18th century German baroque walnut serpentine-front commode. Three drawers, each with brass handles.
Walnut
Walnut Commode with Serpentine Front and Original Patina
Located in Wichita, KS
A beautiful chest of drawers with serpentine front, original hardware, bun feet, and raised, paneled sides.
Walnut
c1750 Stellar Original Antique Continental Serpentine Front Commode
Located in Highwood, IL
Incredible circa 1750 Continental 3 drawer commode with a dynamite serpentine front and spectacular hardware, too. A highlighted, warm and rich, slightly distressed patinated finish ...
Rococo Style Serpentine Front Commode in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
Rococo style commode with serpentine front. Original patina and hardware with three keys. Found in Provence.
Paint, Pine
Italian Rococo 3-Drawer Rosewood Serpentine Front Commode
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautifully Veneered and Inlaid with Rosewood, Walnut, and Fruitwood, Having Serpentine Front and Three Drawers, Ending in Claw Feet
Walnut, Fruitwood
Elegant French Rococo Carved Walnut Serpentine Front Commode
Located in San Francisco, CA
An elegant French Rococo carved walnut serpentine front commode; with conforming top over two small and two large drawers above a scalloped apron raised on scrolled supports.
19th Century Louis XV Style Serpentine Front Commode
Located in Winter Park, FL
Early 19th century Louis XV style serpentine front commode made of solid walnut. Curved legs ending in deer feet. Two dovetailed drawers lined in Provençal fabric. Polished grey St. ...
Swedish Gustavian Serpentine Painted Chest of Drawers
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Gustavian or French Country style serpentine front dresser or chests of drawer USA, Early 21st Century Carved wood, painted in an antique white finish, with original bra...
Brass
18th Century Swedish Oak Serpentine Front Three Drawer Commode
Located in London, England
The commode has a serpentine shaped front with three useful good size drawers with original handles and escutcheons ( it does not have a key ) A handsome addition to a traditional o...
Metal
Italian Neoclassical Inlaid Commode with Serpentine Front, circa 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian neoclassical inlaid commode in walnut, tulip and boxwood with serpentine front, three drawers, bronze doré mounts and shaped apron. William Word Fine Antiques: Atlanta...
Outstanding Pair of Adam Style Inlaid Serpentine Front Cabinets
Located in San Francisco, CA
An outstanding pair of Adam style fiddle back mahogany satinwood and boxwood banded and inlaid serpentine front commodes, the tops with urn and floral medallions above the conforming...
Mahogany, Satinwood, Boxwood
Serpentine Mahogany Inlaid Chest or Dresser by Kindel
By Kindel Furniture
Located in Toledo, OH
A serpentine front mahogany chest/dresser made by Kindel Furniture.
Mahogany
Sold|$5,995 / set
Swedish Gustavian Serpentine Painted Chests of Drawers, Pair
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous pair of Gustavian or French Country style serpentine front dressers or chests of drawers USA, Early 21st Century Carved wood, painted in an antique white finish, with or...
Brass
French Art Deco Walnut serpentine Chest of Drawers
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
Art Deco Chest of Drawers This stunning serpentine fronted French Art Deco walnut chest of drawers, a true masterpiece from the 1930s.
Walnut
An Italian Rococo Style Walnut Serpentine-Front 3-Drawer Commode
Located in San Francisco, CA
A richly-patinated Italian rococo-style walnut veneered serpentine-front 3-drawer commode; the well-figured serpentine top above a conforming tapering body fitted with 3 graduated dr...
Rare Early 18th Century Franco-Flemish Oak Serpentine Fronted Commode
Located in Benington, Herts
An unusual double serpentine fronted oak Franco Flemish commode on claw and bun feet dating to the early 18th Century. Franco - Flemish region, circa 1720. The moulded ...
Oak
Neoclassical Italian Walnut Commode with Serpentine Front, Late 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Late 18th century neoclassical walnut commode with serpentine front, three drawers, brass hardware, carved apron fluted legs. William Word Fine Antiques, Atlanta's source for anti...
Brass
Petite Italian 1930s Rococo Style Walnut Commode with Serpentine Front
Located in Atlanta, GA
A petite Italian Rococo style walnut commode from the mid-20th century, with butterfly veneer, serpentine accents and cabriole legs. Create in Italy during the midcentury period, thi...
Walnut
Swedish Rococo Serpentine Block-Front Commode in Original Blue Paint
Located in Chireno, TX
Swedish rococo serpentine block-front commode in original blue paint. Rococo period commode (circa 1760-1779). Hand carved in pine. Mortise and tenon joints. Original painted finish ...
Iron
French Regence Black Lacquer Ormolou Mounted Gilded Serpentine Front Commode
Located in Bradenton, FL
A large 18th Century French Ormolou Mounted Gilded Serpentine Front Commode. A black lacquered French Régence commode is a striking piece of furniture characterized by its elegant an...
Lacquer, Wood
Beautiful Pair Flame Mahogany Serpentine Front Sheraton Style Dressers Commodes
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
These two Canadian made serpentine commodes are absolutely beautiful and made of flame mahogany and are in good vintage condition. The commodes have minor signs of age and use and wi...
Mahogany
18th Century George III Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Each with brass ring handles and original escutcheons. The chest of drawers also has a very nice deep serpentine front.
Mahogany
18th C. German Baroque Period Serpentine Front Commode in Original Patina
Located in Wichita, KS
Serpentine front, four bun feet, and original hardware.
Wood
18th c. Dutch Louis Philippe Period Serpentine Front Walnut Parquetry Commode
Located in Wichita, KS
An 18th c. Dutch chest of drawers from the Louis Philippe period with an elegant serpentine front.
Bronze, Copper
Baker Furniture Chippendale Carved Mahogany Serpentine Dresser Chests, Pair
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Georgian or Chippendale style serpentine front dressers or chests of drawers By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston Collection" USA, Late 20th Century ...
Brass
Fancher Furniture Georgian Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers, Refinished
By Fancher Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Georgian or Chippendale style serpentine front dresser, chest of drawers, or commode By Fancher Furniture USA, Mid-20th Century Gorgeous figured mahogany, with inla...
Brass
c.1910 Painted Serpentine Front 3 Drawer Commode w/Faux Marble
Located in Highwood, IL
This delightful antique Continental 3 drawer serpentine front commode has outrageous paint, spectacular carvings, a very realistic faux marble top, and an incredible pierced front ap...
Wood
18th Century Italian Walnut Commode with Serpentine Front and String Inlays
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
1780s Italian walnut commode with beautiful string inlays. Shaped serpentine front and wonderful hardware.
Walnut
Serpentine Front Marble Top Commode with Gilt Detail and Bronze Mounts
Located in Locust Valley, NY
Serpentine curved front ebonized commode with bronze mounts, gilt inlaid design on three sides and rouge marble top.
Wood
Pair of Fine Late 18th Century Serpentine Front Walnut Parquetry Commodes
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This pair of Italian late 18th century serpentine front commodes with 'caddy' style tops feature diagonal walnut parquetry sectioned by banding on the top and three sides. They have ...
Bronze
French Louis XIV Lacquered Green Double Serpentine Front Brass Handles Dresser
By Maison Jansen, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Houston, TX
French Louis XIV lacquered green double serpentine front brass handles dresser. Circa 1930's, in the style of Baker furniture. Bold stunning look in any room. Fresh restoration.
Lacquer
18th Century German Baroque Period Serpentine Front Commode in Original Patina
Located in Wichita, KS
A beautiful German commode from the Baroque period with serpentine front and traces of original, soft gray-green paint. The shaped drawers are spacious and move easily. Original hard...
Iron
Italian Rococo 1820s Walnut Commode with Serpentine Front and Single Drawer
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian Rococo walnut single drawer commode from the early 19th century, with serpentine front and cabriole legs. Born during the second decade of the buoyant 19th century, this I...
Walnut
18th Century Swedish Rococo Serpentine Front Commode with Gilt Bronze Hardware
Located in Wichita, KS
Swedish period Rococo elm wood commode, circa 1760 with original gilt bronze hardware, serpentine front, shaped top, and scalloped apron. There is a pull-out tray above three spaciou...
Bronze
French Louis XV Walnut Bombé Commode with Serpentine Front, circa 1760
Located in Atlanta, GA
This French Louis XV walnut bombé four-drawer commode (commode en tombeau) from the mid-18th century features a serpentine front made of two drawers over two larger ones. Each drawer...
Walnut
Vintage Serpentine Art Deco Mirrored Commode Chest, 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a stunning serpentine fronted mirrored chest of drawers in fabulous 1920s Art Deco style, dating from the late 20th century.
18th c. Swedish Rococo Period Serpentine Front Commode in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
This is a beautiful Swedish commode from the Rococo period, circa 1760 in original scraped paint with original bronze hardware. The commode has a serpentine front, shaped top, and s...
Wood, Paint
18th Century Italian Carved Rococo Two-Drawer Serpentine Front Walnut Commode
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This charming commode features the Italian romantic version of the Louis XV style that was blooming in France at the time. The two delicately profiled serpentine drawers, mounted wit...
Bronze
Early 19th Century French Commode W/Subtle Serpentine Front and Slender Depth
Located in Atlanta, GA
This antique chest from France has been designed with a subtle serpentine-shaped body, with skirt carved on three sides, and raised on four petitely-carved cabriole legs.
Wood
French Two-Drawer Commode with Serpentine Front from the Early 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite French early 19th century commode features a serpentine front made of two drawers. Each drawer is decorated with geometrical motifs surrounding the hardware of bail ha...
Wood
18th Century French Louis XV Fruitwood Commode with 3 Drawers & Serpentine Front
Located in Atlanta, GA
18th Century French Louis XV Fruitwood Commode with 3 Drawers & Serpentine Front
Fruitwood
Pair of Georgian Style Banded Mahogany Serpentine Front Commodes by Fancher Furn
Located in Stamford, CT
Finest pair of stunning Georgian style banded mahogany serpentine front commodes by Fancher Furniture Co. These stunning bow front commodes have been recently hand rubbed French poli...
Mahogany
Danish Mid-18th Century Three-Drawer Painted Wood Commode with Serpentine Front
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Danish serpentine front three-drawer painted wood commode from the mid 18th century with pull-out shelf.
Wood
18th Century French Louis XV Walnut Serpentine Front Commode with Marble Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
Louis XV period 4-drawer walnut tall commode with serpentine front, shaped apron, cabriole feet, and gray marble top.
Marble
French 1890s Painted Pine, Serpentine Front Three-Drawer Commode with Bun Feet
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French painted pine commode from the late 19th century with three drawers, serpentine front, rustic appearance and bun feet. Created in France during the last decade of the 19th ce...
Pine
French Serpentine Front Marble Top Petite Commode from the Late 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French serpentine front marble top commode from the late 19th century. This petite commode is a charming object of levity. It features a front made of three drawers, two of which a...
Marble
Louis XV Ormolu Mounted Serpentine Front Kingwood and Tulipwood Commode, 18th C
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This period small size Louis XV serpentine front commode, dating to circa 1765, features a shaped and molded marble top above three parquetry kingwood and tulipwood drawers mounted w...
Marble, Ormolu
Antique Pair Italian Burr Walnut Serpentine Bedside Chests 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a stunning pair of Antique Italian burr walnut and ormolu mounted serpentine fronted Petite Commodes, or bedside chests, circa 1830 in date.
Ormolu
Hand Painted Baroque Commode with Three Drawers and a Serpentine Front 18th C
Located in Greding, DE
hand painted Baroque commode with three drawers and a serpentine front 18th century.
Wood, Softwood
Sold|$2,350
Baroque Style Parquetry Three Drawer Chest
Located in Astoria, NY
Baroque Style Parquetry Three Drawer Chest in the Italian style, with shaped rectangular top and serpentine front with chamfered corners, the chest all over inlaid with geometric par...
Serpentine
Sold|$2,200 / set
Pair Serpentine Fronted Chippendale Bachelors Chests Nightstands
By Century Furniture
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautiful pair of Century Furniture bachelors chests. The chests are designed in the Chippendale style and made of mahogany and oak secondaries. The chests are in good cond...
Brass
Magnificent 18th Century French Serpentine Commode
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An 18th-century French Louis XV Epoque serpentine-fronted fruitwood commode chest of four drawers, standing on elegantly carved feet.
Fruitwood
Late 18th Century Baroque Painted Chest Of Drawers
Located in Westport, CT
A wonderful serpentine fronted three drawer oak chest finishing on bun feet and adorned with Baroque brass escutcheons and reeded carved drawer fronts.
Serpentine, Brass
Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Chippendale Mahogany Serpentine Dresser
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Georgian or Chippendale style serpentine front dresser or chest of drawers By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston Collection" USA, Late 20th Century Carved mahoga...
Brass
Sold|$3,881
Baroque Chest of Drawers
Located in Greding, DE
Three-drawer Baroque chest of drawers with a slightly serpentine front.
Sold|$3,750
Italian Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Italian Louis XVI style serpentine front painted chest of drawers, circa 1920.
Brass
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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