Louis XV Provincial Style Serpentine Front Chest of Drawers
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Louis XV provincial style, beech wood, serpentine front, two drawer, chest of drawers with steel pulls, circa 1900.
Steel
18th Century Danish Serpentine Front Chest in Original Color
Located in Charleston, SC
An exceptional 18th century Danish chest in brilliant time worn original paint with beautifully carved serpentine drawer fronts on bun feet.
Bronze
John Widdicomb Georgian Flame Mahogany Serpentine Front Chest of Drawers
By John Widdicomb, Ralph Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Georgian style serpentine front commode or chest of drawers. Designed by Ralph Widdicomb for John Widdicomb Co.
Brass
Kindel Furniture Georgian Mahogany Serpentine Front Chest of Drawers, Refinished
By Kindel Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Georgian or Chippendale style serpentine front dresser, chest of drawers, or commode By Kindel Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Gorgeous carved mahogany, with original br...
Brass
Sold|$6,500
Georgian Serpentine Front Commode
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful Georgian mahogany serpentine front chest of drawers extensively inlaid with satinwood, sycamore and boxwood.
Antique Serpentine Fronted Burr Walnut Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
This antique burr walnut serpentine fronted chest of drawers is extremely high quality & has lovely proportions, plus a wonderful mellow color.
Walnut
18th Century French Neoclassical Chest with Floral Carved Serpentine Front
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French neoclassical carved serpentine-front chest of drawers from the 18th century.
Wood
Antique quality small Georgian revival mahogany serpentine chest of drawers
Located in Wisbech, England
Antique quality small Georgian revival flame mahogany serpentine front chest of drawers C1900. Lovely compact proportions.
Wood
Important George III Hepplewhite Period Serpentine Chest, C.1775
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A rare George III hepplewhite period serpentine fronted chest of drawers in Mahogany with a particularly fine color and patina.
Leather, Mahogany
Antique Georgian Style Flame Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
A beautifully made serpentine front chest of drawers, in the antique Georgian style.
Mahogany
Stunning Italian Walnut Serpentine Fronted Glass Topped Large Chest of Drawers
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this lovely solid Italian Walnut serpentine fronted chest of drawers with black cut glass top Please note the...
Glass, Walnut
Antique Mahogany George III Serpentine Chest Drawers 18th Century
Located in London, GB
This is beautifully crafted antique George III flame mahogany serpentine fronted chest of drawers, circa 1780 in date.
Mahogany
Lovely Pair of Vintage Serpentine Chest of Drawers in Very Decorative Timber
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this sublime pair of decorative hardwood serpentine fronted chests of drawers based on an early Georgian design These are a nicely size pair, th...
Hardwood
19th Century Small Serpentine Front Mahogany Chest
Located in Troy, MI
Circa 1890s mahogany chest of four drawers features a serpentine front, brass hardware, a curved apron and skeleton keyholes on each drawer.
Brass
Pair of Serpentine Front Mahogany Chest or Nightstand Commodes
By Hickory White
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of serpentine front Mahogany chest or nightstand commodes by the Hickory white furniture company.
French Period Rococo Serpentine Front Carved-Wood Chest with Elaborate Hardware
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French period Rococo commode, with subtle scalloped front, from the 18th century. This antique Rococo chest from France has a lightly-scalloped shape along its front, with top carv...
Wood
Italian Bleached Pine Late 18th Century Four-Drawer Chest with Serpentine Front
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian freshly bleached pine commode from the early 19th century with serpentine front. Born in Italy during the first years of the 19th century, this chest-of-drawers features a...
Pine
Sold|$6,400
18th Century French Serpentine Front Commode
Located in Charleston, SC
A handsome 18th century Serpentine front commode in trace of time worn original paint with beautifully carved serpentine drawers resting on ball feet. Alsace, France, circa 1780. ...
Oak, Paint
Sold|$7,484
18th Century French Serpentine Front Commode
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Exceptional 18th C French oak serpentine front commode. 1780. Dimensions 53 inches (135 cms) Wide 25 inches (64 cms) Deep 35.5 inches (90 cms) High.
Oak
Sold|$2,195
English Mahogany Serpentine Small Chest
Located in High Point, NC
Midcentury English serpentine-front mahogany chest. The top has a beveled and shaped edge following down to four drawers flanked by Chippendale-style carved quarter columns and suppo...
Brass
18th Century German Serpentine Front Bleached Commode
Located in Charleston, SC
Handsome 18th century serpentine front bleached commode with original hardwares. Germany, circa 1780.
Bronze
18th Century Dutch Rococo Period Serpentine Front Painted Commode
Located in Bradenton, FL
This is a beautiful Dutch Rococo commode, circa 1760 in white wash paint with original bronze hardware. The commode has a double serpentine front, shaped top, and scalloped apron. Th...
Pine
Italian Paint and Parcel Gilt Decorated Serpentine Front Rococo Style Commode
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This charming Italian paint and parcel gilt serpentine front rococo style two drawer commode, dating to the mid 20th century, features a shaped top above two long drawers. The drawer...
Bronze
Antique Serpentine Front Dresser Painted White With Green French Line Motif
Located in Centennial, CO
An absolutely charming antique hand painted serpentine front walnut dresser with distressed white paint and green French line motif. The four drawers glide smoothly and offer plenty ...
Brass, Copper
Pair Italian Late Rococo Walnut & Veneer Serpentine Front Commodini, ca. 1780
Located in Atlanta, GA
Each with a shaped top with diagonally paired veneered sections with a thin banded inlay, the rounded edges and fronts of tops comprised of small pieces of veneer atop conforming cas...
Walnut
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...
Pair of Italian Burl Walnut Bedside Commodes with Serpentine Front, circa 1890
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Italian small burl walnut commodes from the late 19th century, with serpentine front and banding. Born in Italy during the last decade of the 19th century, each of this pai...
Walnut, Burl
circa 18th Century Swedish Baroque Serpentine Fronted Walnut Commode on Bun Feet
Located in London, England
Wonderful late 18th century Swedish baroque commode. The decorative serpentine front is in two tones of muted and pale walnut. It has three deep useful drawers with the original ha...
Walnut
FINE HALLETT & SON'S PAIR OF BURL & BURR YEW WOOD SERPENTINE CHEST OF DRAWERs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this fine pair of larger than normal, serpentine fronted, Burr & Burl yew wood chests of drawers stamped and...
Yew
Chinese Chippendale Serpentine Bow Front Flame Mahogany Tall Chest Dresser
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Chinese Chippendale Serpentine bow front flame mahogany tall chest dresser.
Mahogany
Matching Pair of Serpentine Front Four Drawer Bedside Chests, Cabinets
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Pair of Matching Yew wood serpentine front four drawer bedside chest of drawers on bracket feet.
Yew
Sold|$5,600
Pair of Mahogany Bachelors Chests
Located in North York, ON
A pair of serpentine fronted, flamed mahogany chest of drawers.
Brass
Banded Top Serpentine Front 5 Drawers Petite Commode Bachelor Chest Dresser
By Maitland Smith
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Flame mahogany serpentine from banded top and drawers petit dresser bachelor chest.
Mahogany
Sold|$1,750
Louis Philippe Fruit Wood Chest of Drawers
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Louis Philippe serpentine front fruitwood chest of drawers, circa 1835.
Brass
1930s Chippendale Serpentine Front Mahogany Chest of Drawers with Pull Out Tray
Located in Germantown, MD
1930s Chippendale Serpentine front mahogany chest of drawers with pull out tray.
Brass
French Louis XV 18th Century Walnut Commode Chest
Located in Dallas, TX
French Louis XV 18th century walnut commode chest. Serpentine front with two short and one secret drawer over two full width drawers, having original locks and brass hardware.
Walnut
Early 20th Century Italian Period Baroque Sepentine Chest with Marquetry
Located in Miami, FL
An exquisite early 20th century Italian period Baroque three-drawer chest with serpentine front and drawers and beautiful bronze mounts.
Bronze
Rare 19th Century Walnut Marble Top Chest of Drawers Commode Thomas Chippendale
By Thomas Chippendale
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and exceptionally rare serpentine fronted 19th century walnut chest of drawers commode with marble after Thomas Chippendale A very...
Marble
Sublime Quality R Fryer & Son Stamped Burr Walnut Chest of Drawers Lion Handles
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this sublime quality serpentine fronted Victorian burr walnut chest of drawers stamped R Fryer & Son This is one of the best quality chests of d...
Walnut
Kindel Furniture Georgian Solid Mahogany Serpentine Front Nightstands, Pair
By Kindel Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Georgian or Chippendale style serpentine front three-drawer bedside chests or bachelor chests with pull-out writing tablet By Kindel Furniture USA, Circa 1980s ...
Brass
Diminutive Giltwood Three-Drawer Dresser Made in Italy for Florentine Furniture
By Florentine
Located in New York, NY
The case is shaped with Bombay sides and a serpentine front, making this chest even sexier. Made by Florentine Furniture, marked Made in Italy.
Wood
Sold|$3,893
Pair of Italian Semainiers
Located in Highwood, IL
Wonderful pair of original antique Italian painted semainiers (7 drawer chests) with serpentine fronts, sides and aprons.
Wood
Mid Century Modern Ebonized Bachelor Chest of Drawers Concave Front
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice curved serpentine front dresser bachelor chest.
Walnut
Fine Italian Mobili Bertelè Germany Rococo Chinoiserie Mirrored Chest Of Drawers
Located in Forney, TX
Finely hand-crafted of European solid oak, the contemporary antique reproduction features a fine distressed painted black and gilt gold trim finish, having a scrolled crest rail mold...
Brass
19th Century Italian Antique Bombe Louis XV Style Venetian Pair of Night Stands
Located in Encinitas, CA
Both nightstands are accentuated with one ornate brass pull handle on the front-facing surface. This commode features a crossbow chest serpentine front, with simplified stylized ca...
Walnut
Sold|$12,500
Pair of Chests by Grosfeld House
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of whitewashed serpentine front chests with brass ribbon pulls.
Brass
Sold|$11,950
English Serpentine Front Chest
Located in Dallas, TX
English Serpentine Front Chest with three drawers & writing slide.
Mahogany
Sold|$1,995
Walnut Serpentine Front Chest on Chest
Located in Millwood, VA
Burled walnut serpentine front chest on chest of diminutive proportions .The brass handles and bracket feet are original.
Walnut
Late 18th Century English George III Serpentine Fronted Chest
Located in New York, NY
Late 18th Century English George III, Satinwood and Mahogany Crossbanded, Serpentine Fronted Chest With Three Drawers and Later Bracket Feet
Mahogany, Satinwood
George III Period Serpentine Front Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
A particularly fine George III period fiddle back mahogany serpentine front chest of drawers. The overhanging cross banded top above a brushing slide and four long graduated drawers ...
Mahogany
Sold|$3,800
Serpentine Front Chest
Located in Stamford, CT
Three drawer walnut chest with a serpentine front and burl walnut inlay.
Walnut
George III Period Mahogany Serpentine-Fronted Chest of Drawers
Located in Cambridge, GB
George III period mahogany serpentine-fronted chest-of-drawers of finely-figured and richly-coloured timber; with four oak-lined drawers, the top one fitted with a baize-lined slide ...
English Burr Walnut Serpentine Fronted Chest of Drawers
Located in Poling, West Sussex
A charming Edwardian period burr walnut serpentine fronted chest of drawers. Of good construction in walnut with attractive burr walnut veneers.
Walnut, Burl
English Burr Walnut Serpentine Fronted Chest of Drawers
Located in Poling, West Sussex
A charming burr walnut serpentine fronted chest of drawers. Well constructed in solid walnut with attractive burr walnut veneers.
Walnut, Burl
George III Period Mahogany Serpentine-Fronted Chest of Drawers
Located in Cambridge, GB
George III period mahogany serpentine fronted chest-of-drawers; the boldly-shaped front with lively grained flame veneers, the drawers lined with oak and softwood and fitted with ori...
Chippendale Style Mahogany Serpentine Fronted Chest on Chest
Located in Poling, West Sussex
A splendid flame mahogany serpentine fronted chest on chest, or tallboy, in the manner of Thomas Chippendale.
Mahogany
English Burr Walnut Serpentine Fronted Chest of Drawers
Located in Poling, West Sussex
A charming burr walnut serpentine fronted chest of drawers. Well-constructed in solid walnut with attractive burr walnut veneers.
Walnut, Burl
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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