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Small Bedside Commode
Small Bedside Commode

Small Bedside Commode

Located in Vista, CA

Small bedside commode. Louis XV style. circa 1860.

Category

Antique 1860s French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

18th century, Small French Veneered and Inlaid Wood Commode
18th century, Small French Veneered and Inlaid Wood Commode

18th century, Small French Veneered and Inlaid Wood Commode

Located in IT

This small commode was made in France around the mid-18th century.

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Small Louis XVI Style Commode
Small Louis XVI Style Commode

Small Louis XVI Style Commode

Located in Vista, CA

Small Louis XVI style commode.

Category

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

Materials

Wood

French Provinical LXV Period Fruitwood 3-Drawer Small Commode, mid 18th century
French Provinical LXV Period Fruitwood 3-Drawer Small Commode, mid 18th century

French Provinical LXV Period Fruitwood 3-Drawer Small Commode, mid 18th century

Located in Atlanta, GA

constructed entirely of cherrywood and having a serpentine shaped top above a conforming case housing a pull out writing surface above two small drawers over a larger drawer, the cas...

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cherry

Small Louis XV Commode Attibuted to Criard
Small Louis XV Commode Attibuted to Criard

Small Louis XV Commode Attibuted to Criard

By Matthieu Criaerd

Located in Berlin, DE

A small Louis XV commode attributed to Antoine Mathieu Criaerd, called “Criard“ (circa 1727-1787, maître from 1747), with two small drawers and one long drawer, with a serpentine sha...

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Breccia Marble

Small Glass Commode - Design From The 50s
Small Glass Commode - Design From The 50s

Small Glass Commode - Design From The 50s

Located in BARSAC, FR

Amusing little in-between chest of drawers in bevelled and chiseled glass, opening two drawers without crosspieces and resting on four elegantly arched stained wooden legs. French w...

Category

Vintage 1940s French Other Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Glass

Painted French Commode with Gilt Accents
Painted French Commode with Gilt Accents

Painted French Commode with Gilt Accents

Located in New York, NY

Charming small-scale French-style painted commode featuring a softly distressed pale blue finish with warm gilt detailing throughout.

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Small Walnut Chest Of Drawers Called Tombeau Commode - 18th Century
Small Walnut Chest Of Drawers Called Tombeau Commode - 18th Century

Small Walnut Chest Of Drawers Called Tombeau Commode - 18th Century

Located in Brussels, Brussels

lovely little chest of drawers in walnut from the 18th century called commode tombeau. The rarest and most soughtfull chest of drawers from the 18 century very beautiful rare model ...

Category

Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

small late 19th century English red lacquered Chinoiserie marble top commode
small late 19th century English red lacquered Chinoiserie marble top commode

small late 19th century English red lacquered Chinoiserie marble top commode

Located in Dallas, TX

A fine late 19th century to turn of the century English red lacquered small commode with Chinoiserie decoration and gilt bronze mounts. Marble top . Original locks and keys

Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th Century French Marble Topped Commodes
Pair of 19th Century French Marble Topped Commodes

Pair of 19th Century French Marble Topped Commodes

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Pair of 19th Century French marble topped small commodes or large pair of bedside cabinets.

Category

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

Materials

Marble

Small French 18th Century Chest
Small French 18th Century Chest

Small French 18th Century Chest

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A good quality 18th century Regence period bombe fronted commode. Marble topped, ormolu-mounted, the drawer fronts having quartered veneers and crossbanded, raised on out swept legs,...

Category

Antique 18th Century French Régence Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble

Early 20th Century French Chest of Small Drawers
Early 20th Century French Chest of Small Drawers

Early 20th Century French Chest of Small Drawers

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

An early 20th Century French low chest of small drawers incorporating a small cupboard. A quirky piece which could have been custom made. The old paint has been scraped and touched ...

Category

Early 20th Century French Rustic Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Late 18th C. French Smaller-Sized Two-Drawer Wooden Side Chest
Late 18th C. French Smaller-Sized Two-Drawer Wooden Side Chest

Late 18th C. French Smaller-Sized Two-Drawer Wooden Side Chest

Located in Atlanta, GA

This late 18th century French petite commode is the perfect piece where a smaller sized chest is needed; perhaps as a small nightstand, or used as an end table with storage next to y...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Dra...

Materials

Wood

Antique small chest of drawers with a marble top, France.
Antique small chest of drawers with a marble top, France.

Antique small chest of drawers with a marble top, France.

Located in Chorzów, PL

A small French-style chiffonier chest of drawers from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries is a charming piece of furniture combining elegance and functionality. The chest of draw...

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis Philippe Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble, Brass

Early 19th Century Small Empire Chest of Drawers, France, 3 Drawers
Early 19th Century Small Empire Chest of Drawers, France, 3 Drawers

Early 19th Century Small Empire Chest of Drawers, France, 3 Drawers

Located in Atlanta, GA

This charming Small Empire Chest of Drawers showcases the understated elegance and practical craftsmanship of the early 19th century. Crafted in warm-toned wood with a beautifully ag...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Small Napoleon III Chest of Drawers, France 19th century
Small Napoleon III Chest of Drawers, France 19th century

Small Napoleon III Chest of Drawers, France 19th century

Located in Belmont, MA

This exquisite little Napoleon III dresser stands on four curved legs. It has three drawers. It is decorated with a beautiful rosewood veneer and is embellished with bronze fittings....

Category

Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble

A Pair of Small French Golden Oak Chests of Drawers
A Pair of Small French Golden Oak Chests of Drawers

A Pair of Small French Golden Oak Chests of Drawers

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

A Pair of Small French Golden Oak Chests of Drawers These are wonderful little chests, they appear to have 3 drawers to the front, the bottom 2 drawer fronts have a combined fall fr...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Provincial Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Small French Inlaid Marquetry Bombe Chest with Fossil Limestone Top
Small French Inlaid Marquetry Bombe Chest with Fossil Limestone Top

Small French Inlaid Marquetry Bombe Chest with Fossil Limestone Top

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A stunning vintage French Bombe chest of drawers of small proportions. Beautiful Satin wood with marquetry inlay of rosewood and other exotic timbers. The top is a most gorgeous foss...

Category

20th Century French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Limestone

Small Rococo Style Chest of Drawers or Nightstand, France, 19th Century
Small Rococo Style Chest of Drawers or Nightstand, France, 19th Century

Small Rococo Style Chest of Drawers or Nightstand, France, 19th Century

Located in Belmont, MA

Small Rococo style chest of drawers or nightstand, France 19th century. This beautiful small dresser has a gorgeous kingwood veneer and is decorated with Rococo Style bronze fittings...

Category

Antique 1860s French Rococo Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Kingwood

18th Century French Small Louis XV Marquetry Side Table or Table Chiffonnière
18th Century French Small Louis XV Marquetry Side Table or Table Chiffonnière

18th Century French Small Louis XV Marquetry Side Table or Table Chiffonnière

Located in Berlin, DE

18th Century French Small Louis XV Marquetry Side Table or Table Chiffonnière A small Louis XV transition period side table or commode, a so-called "table chiffonière" with a rectan...

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Tulipwood

Excellent small chest of drawers, Louis Philippe, high craftsmenship 1830 France
Excellent small chest of drawers, Louis Philippe, high craftsmenship 1830 France

Excellent small chest of drawers, Louis Philippe, high craftsmenship 1830 France

Located in Wien, AT

This excellent chest of drawers was manufactured in France, in the 1830s under Louis Philippe I. It is a piece of outstanding craftsmanship, the traces of the old tools can be seen...

Category

Antique 1830s French Louis Philippe Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

Small chest with four drawers, by Joseph-André Motte, Paris, France, circa 1960
Small chest with four drawers, by Joseph-André Motte, Paris, France, circa 1960

Small chest with four drawers, by Joseph-André Motte, Paris, France, circa 1960

By Joseph-André Motte, Atelier Charron

Located in Paris, FR

Four-drawer chest by Joseph André Motte, Charron editor. This chest is veneered in red wood and the legs are in solid red wood. Width: 90 cm (35.4 inches) Depth: 52 cm (20.5 inches) ...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Small Regency period marquetry in-between chest of drawers, France circa 1715/23
Small Regency period marquetry in-between chest of drawers, France circa 1715/23

Small Regency period marquetry in-between chest of drawers, France circa 1715/23

Located in Paris, FR

Attractive LXIV-Regence period (1715 / 1723) in-between chest of drawers in several species of precious wood on an solid oak core. Original top in Aleppo breccia marble and original ...

Category

Antique 18th Century French Regency Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Breccia Marble, Bronze

Small leather chest of drawers, c. 1960
Small leather chest of drawers, c. 1960

Small leather chest of drawers, c. 1960

Located in MILL, NL

Vintage chest of drawers / bedside table. From France. Circa 1960. Fully upholstered in green leather. Some signs of wear and sun-fading all over. See photos. Dimensions: 86H x 41W...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Leather

Art Deco Small Chest of Drawers
Art Deco Small Chest of Drawers

Art Deco Small Chest of Drawers

Located in New York, NY

A small Art Deco chest of drawers. Amboyna and ebonized fruitwood with fluted leg details and patinated brass pulls.

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Ebony, Amboyna

Small Italian Chest of Drawers Patinated with a Trompe-L'Oeil Painting
Small Italian Chest of Drawers Patinated with a Trompe-L'Oeil Painting

Small Italian Chest of Drawers Patinated with a Trompe-L'Oeil Painting

Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France

This very nice and decorative small chest of drawers with two drawers is made of a trompe-l'oeil checkerboard patina. This is an Italian work. Circa 1850

Category

Antique 1850s French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Paint

18th C. French Raised Side Chest w/ Original Marble Top
18th C. French Raised Side Chest w/ Original Marble Top

18th C. French Raised Side Chest w/ Original Marble Top

Located in Atlanta, GA

This antique smaller-sized commode from France features a rectangular-shaped marble top that rests above the case which houses two drawers, has a lovely scallop-carved skirt along th...

Category

Antique 18th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble

Petite French Wood Chest with Original Marble-Top from the 19th C.
Petite French Wood Chest with Original Marble-Top from the 19th C.

Petite French Wood Chest with Original Marble-Top from the 19th C.

Located in Atlanta, GA

A French small-sized commode with original marble top, from the 19th century.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble, Metal

19th Century French Painted Wood Side Chest with Black Marble Top & Faux Front
19th Century French Painted Wood Side Chest with Black Marble Top & Faux Front

19th Century French Painted Wood Side Chest with Black Marble Top & Faux Front

Located in Atlanta, GA

This smaller-sized commode from France has a black marble top, with case below which houses a single recessed-panel drawer above a pair of "faux-drawers" that are in fact a single do...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble

French Louis XV Style Slender Lingerie Chest w/Marble Top, 19th Century
French Louis XV Style Slender Lingerie Chest w/Marble Top, 19th Century

French Louis XV Style Slender Lingerie Chest w/Marble Top, 19th Century

Located in Atlanta, GA

This antique small-sized commode from France features its original marble top, walnut wood case which houses five drawers set in vertical fashion, and raised on carved cabriole legs.

Category

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

Materials

Marble

19th Century Biedermeier Side Table or Small Commode
19th Century Biedermeier Side Table or Small Commode

19th Century Biedermeier Side Table or Small Commode

Located in Houston, TX

19th century Biedermeier commode made out of cherrywood with ebonised details. Key included.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Biedermeier End Tables

Materials

Cherry

Pair of 19th Century French Louis-Philippe Carved Painted Commodes Nightstands
Pair of 19th Century French Louis-Philippe Carved Painted Commodes Nightstands

Pair of 19th Century French Louis-Philippe Carved Painted Commodes Nightstands

Located in Dallas, TX

Pair of 19th Century French Louis-Philippe painted nightstands or small commodes, crafted in France circa 1890 and built of pine, reflecting the restrained elegance of Louis-Philippe...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis Philippe Night Stands

Materials

Pine

French Small Commode, Bordeaux circa 1730
French Small Commode, Bordeaux circa 1730

French Small Commode, Bordeaux circa 1730

Located in Isle sur la Sorgue, Provence

Small french commode, Bordeaux circa 1730 Small chest port, Bordeaux 1730 Small chest of "boudoir" in solid mahogany and walnut opening with two drawers.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of ...

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Small 18th Century French Cherry Commode
Small 18th Century French Cherry Commode

Small 18th Century French Cherry Commode

Located in Husbands Bosworth, Leicestershire

Small French 18th century cherry commode with very nice patina.

Category

Antique 18th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cherry

19th century French marquetry inlaid small commode
19th century French marquetry inlaid small commode

19th century French marquetry inlaid small commode

Located in Tacoma, WA

A fine and charming 19th century French marquetry inlaid and ormolu mounted commode of wonderful size and proportion with a small "secret" drawer on the apron and with its original m...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Ormolu

SMALL WALNUT COMMODE
SMALL WALNUT COMMODE

SMALL WALNUT COMMODE

Unavailable|$3,995

SMALL WALNUT COMMODE

Located in New Orleans, LA

EARLY 18TH CENTURY FRENCH SMALL WALNUT COMMODE.

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Esquisite small mirror-covered commode.
Esquisite small mirror-covered commode.

Esquisite small mirror-covered commode.

Located in L'Isle Sur La Sorgue, -

This delicious mirror-covered commode is a charming little piece of furniture, easy to integrate in most decorations. 4 drawers.

Category

Vintage 1940s French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mirror

Small Three Drawer Mirrored Commode
Small Three Drawer Mirrored Commode

Small Three Drawer Mirrored Commode

Located in Charleston, SC

A small three drawer commode, base and façades all mirrored with chrome metal ball handles, interior has been painted in off white.

Category

20th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Chrome

French Antique Louis XVI Style Chest of Drawers / Small Marble Commode
French Antique Louis XVI Style Chest of Drawers / Small Marble Commode

French Antique Louis XVI Style Chest of Drawers / Small Marble Commode

Located in Alcester, GB

The Piece: A beautiful grey blue Louis XVI style chest. Stood on tall fluted legs this medium sized chest has been refinished in a calming blue grey. He cool finish contrasts aga...

Category

20th Century French Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble

Small Louis XVI Walnut Three-Drawer Commode
Small Louis XVI Walnut Three-Drawer Commode

Small Louis XVI Walnut Three-Drawer Commode

Located in New Orleans, LA

Small brass trimmed three-drawer French Louis XVI walnut 19th century commode.

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Louis XVI Period Commode of Small Proportions
Louis XVI Period Commode of Small Proportions

Louis XVI Period Commode of Small Proportions

Located in Sydney, NSW

LXVI Period Commode Of Small Proportions With Fine Patina The Paneled Drawers With Drop Saddle Handles On Tapered High Legs

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

A Small Scale Period Louis XVI Commode
A Small Scale Period Louis XVI Commode

A Small Scale Period Louis XVI Commode

Located in New Orleans, LA

A fruitwood, neo-classically styled three drawer commode, with fluted columns over tapered feet. Lovely scale for bed or table side.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Neoclassical Commodes and Chests...

Materials

Marble

French Fine 18th Century Small Commode Stamped J.F Leleu, Paris, circa 1765
French Fine 18th Century Small Commode Stamped J.F Leleu, Paris, circa 1765

French Fine 18th Century Small Commode Stamped J.F Leleu, Paris, circa 1765

By Jean-François Leleu

Located in Isle sur la Sorgue, Provence

Small commode "à la Grecque"" Transition period 1765-1770 by JF Leleu and JME.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Ormolu

Bookmatched Burl Art Deco Commode or Small Sideboard
Bookmatched Burl Art Deco Commode or Small Sideboard

Bookmatched Burl Art Deco Commode or Small Sideboard

Located in Senden, NRW

Wonderful original Art Deco commode or small sidebaord with curved doors and a bookmatched walnut wood veneer.

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut, Burl

18th Century French Walnut Bombe Commode
18th Century French Walnut Bombe Commode

18th Century French Walnut Bombe Commode

Located in Husbands Bosworth, Leicestershire

Great proportion, small, 18th century French walnut bombe commode.   

Category

Antique Early 18th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

French Louis XV Style, Small Bomb Shaped Late 19th Century Commode, circa 1880
French Louis XV Style, Small Bomb Shaped Late 19th Century Commode, circa 1880

French Louis XV Style, Small Bomb Shaped Late 19th Century Commode, circa 1880

Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire

This is an extremely attractive late 19th century French Louis XV style small walnut bomb shaped commode.

Category

Antique 1880s Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble

small 1740's bombee curved rosewood commode chest louis XIV
small 1740's bombee curved rosewood commode chest louis XIV

small 1740's bombee curved rosewood commode chest louis XIV

Located in Lyon, RH-Alps

1740's bombee curved rosewood small commode chest louis XIV with 3 drawers If you have visited our website (www.marceauantiques.com) and you want more information, please contac...

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Small French Chest of Drawers
Small French Chest of Drawers

Small French Chest of Drawers

Located in Seaford, GB

A lovely French bedside chest or ideal lamp table in a room. Made from kingwood with excellent gilded mounts and handles. The front is serpentine in form and the 4 drawers all run sm...

Category

Early 20th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Kingwood

French Small Chest of Drawers
French Small Chest of Drawers

French Small Chest of Drawers

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful, Louis XVI style chest of drawers. Made of fruitwood woth brass inlay/pulls.

Category

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

Elegant Small French Chiffonniere Table
Elegant Small French Chiffonniere Table

Elegant Small French Chiffonniere Table

Located in Paris, FR

Tulipwood, kingwood and amaranth. Opening by three drawers.

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

French Marquetry Chest of Drawers of Small Proportions
French Marquetry Chest of Drawers of Small Proportions

French Marquetry Chest of Drawers of Small Proportions

Located in Applyby Magna, Staffordshire

A very good kingwood bombe shaped chest of three drawers with marquetry panels , ormolu mounts and handles, superb rogue marble, in excellent original condition, excellent color. ...

Category

Vintage 1910s French Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Kingwood

Small French Marble Topped Inlaid Chest of Drawers, circa 1880
Small French Marble Topped Inlaid Chest of Drawers, circa 1880

Small French Marble Topped Inlaid Chest of Drawers, circa 1880

Located in Worcester, Worcestershire

Complete with key Attractive inlaid French commode. Heavy shaped rouge marble top.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Small 19th Century Bombay Two Drawer Chest
Small 19th Century Bombay Two Drawer Chest

Small 19th Century Bombay Two Drawer Chest

Located in Brooklyn, NY

French two drawer chest of drawers with great color and silver colored ormolu.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Silver

Louis XV period tomb chest of drawers stamped (small Parisian chest of drawers)
Louis XV period tomb chest of drawers stamped (small Parisian chest of drawers)

Louis XV period tomb chest of drawers stamped (small Parisian chest of drawers)

Located in Somme-Leuze, BE

magnificent tomb chest of drawers small Parisian model Louis XV period 18th century stamped Jean Charles Ellaume (1714-1763) received master on November 6, 1754 very pretty chest of ...

Category

Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Rosewood

Small French Walnut Serpentine Commode with Sevres Plaques, circa 1880
Small French Walnut Serpentine Commode with Sevres Plaques, circa 1880

Small French Walnut Serpentine Commode with Sevres Plaques, circa 1880

Located in Worcester, Worcestershire

No key present Elegant small French two drawer commode Pine carcass with walnut veneer.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Small French Commode with Three Drawers
Small French Commode with Three Drawers

Small French Commode with Three Drawers

Located in Atlanta, GA

Small French commode with 3 drawers and serpentine top.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

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Small French Commode For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the small French commode you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each small French commode for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and stone. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer small French commode, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. When you’re browsing for the right small French commode, those designed in Louis XV, Louis XVI and Art Deco styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made small French commode over the years, but those crafted by Jean Claude Mahey, Léon Jallot and Maison Romeo are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Small French Commode?

The average selling price for a small French commode at 1stDibs is $3,250, while they’re typically $550 on the low end and $18,900 for the highest priced.

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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From Brooklyn townhouses to Maine campgrounds, Trattie Davies and Jonathan Toews relish a challenge, like transforming a former warehouse space into the new 1stdibs Gallery.