$3,078
H 29.93 in W 37.41 in D 17.72 in
Art Deco Swedish Biedermeier Flame Golden Birch Chest of Drawers Commode A
Located in Lewes, England
This antique swedish biedermeier chest of drawers has lovely and elegant curved feet and ring pull handles on the drawers.
Wood
Swedish Biedermeier 19th century inlaid birch chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish 19th century inlaid birch chest of drawers circa 1830. Fine quality swedish commode, with inlay, stringing and contrasting stained birch. Matched veneer top surface, with s...
Birch
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers
Located in New York, NY
A petite chest of drawers, crafted of solid mahogany and fir, the piece is veneered with light mahogany with birch banding and marquetry. Bone escutcheons line the keyholes. The lock...
Birch
$21,208 / set
H 38 in W 43.5 in D 23.25 in
Pair of early 19th century mahogany Biedermeier secretaire chests
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of early 19th century mahogany Biedermeier secretaire commodes circa 1830. Rare pair of biedermeier period swedish chest of drawers. 4 drawers, each top drawer with a fully fi...
Mahogany
19th century Swedish birch 3 drawer chest
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Swedish birch chest of drawers circa 1870. We are pleased to offer this chest of drawers, which showcases stunning timbers and that rich golden colour birch should be o...
Birch
Swedish 19th century birch chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish 19th century birch chest of drawers circa 1880. Simple but elegant Scandinavian chest of drawers, veneered in quarter sawn birch to allow the striking grain to show through....
Birch
Swedish 19th century carved birch chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish 19th century carved birch chest of drawers circa 1870. We are pleased to offer this fine quality 5 drawer chest of drawers from Scandinavia. 3 plank top surface with rounde...
Birch
19th century Swedish birch caddy top chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Swedish birch caddy top chest of drawers circa 1870 Good quality Biedermeier influenced Scandinavian birch chest of drawers. 3 plank birch top surface with a shaped mo...
Birch, Pine
$9,920 / set
H 38.25 in W 43.25 in D 21.5 in
Pair of mid 19th century Swedish carved elm chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine quality pair of 19th century Swedish carved elm commodes circa 1850. Rectangular tops in book marked veneered elm, solid moulded edges and rounded corners which form the top of...
Elm
19th century Swedish Biedermeier secretaire chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Swedish Biedermeier secretaire chest of drawers circa 1860.
Birch, Pine
$2,596
H 58.67 in W 34.65 in D 23.23 in
Corner mahogany chest of drawers, Northern Europe, late 19th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
An antique corner chest of drawers from around 1880, Northern Europe. The piece of furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation. Dimensions: height 149 cm / w...
Mahogany
$3,092
H 56.7 in W 25.6 in D 20.08 in
Antique chest of drawers - post, Northern Europe, late 19th century
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique chest of drawers from around 1880, Northern Europe. Furniture in good condition, professionally renovated, finished with high gloss polish. Dimensions: height 144 cm / widt...
Walnut
Early 19th century birch Biedermeier vanity chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 19th century birch biedermeier vanity dressing cabinet circa 1830. Stunning piece of Biedermeier period furniture made in karelian birch. Comprising of two main parts, althou...
Mirror, Birch
Antique chest of drawers, Northern Europe, around 1870.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique chest of drawers from the mid-nineteenth century in the Biedermeier style. The style is characterized by a simple design, corresponding to comfort and functionality. A ches...
Walnut
Unavailable
H 61.78 in W 40.24 in D 20.56 in
19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Chest of Drawers Serpentine Tallboy Mahogany
Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, GB
A stunning 19th century Swedish Biedermeier flamed mahogany serpentine chest of drawers.
Mahogany
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers Swedish Flamed Mahogany
Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, GB
A stunning 19th century Swedish Biedermeier flamed mahogany chest of drawers.
Mahogany
Unavailable
H 32.29 in W 41.34 in D 22.45 in
Early 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Cherrywood Commode Chest of Drawers
Located in Santander, ES
Early 19th century Biedermeier commode with beautifully matched cherrywood veneers of Swedish origin. One small drawer above 2 large ones flanked by black lacquered Doric style colum...
Cherry
Antique Gustavian Biedermeier Swedish Mirror and Dresser
Located in Miami, FL
This piece retains the original label from the shop where it was purchased in Miami, Florida. The label reads a Gustavian Biedermeier, circa 1820, Sweden. The dresser houses four dra...
Unavailable
H 65.44 in W 40.01 in D 20.56 in
Biedermeier Cabinet Chest Swedish Walnut Mahogany Dresser, 19th Century
Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, GB
An impressive 19th century Danish Biedermeier secretaire chest. Boasting fine quality flamed mahogany marquetry work throughout. The distinctive Biedermeier pagoda top a pair o...
Mahogany
Sold
H 43.71 in W 42.52 in D 18.9 in
Swedish Biedermeier Chest of Drawers Writing Desk Chiffonier Tallboy, Mid-1800s
Located in Lewes, England
Rare Swedish Biedermeier chest of drawers writing desk chiffonier in top grade golden birch veneers in good structural condition, circa mid-1800s in age. 3 drawers and drop down w...
Birch
Swedish Biedermeier Chest of Drawers
Located in Long Island City, NY
Perhaps this Karl Johan-era chest of drawers, with its Art Deco personality, was ahead of its time. The details express the elegant sensibility of the maker: the row of "pearls" appl...
Birch
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Chest of Drawers from Sweden
Located in Round Top, TX
The evocative burled birch is captivating in this remarkable Biedermeier chest of drawers. Please enlarge photos to appreciate the finish, barley twist columns, and beaded detail of ...
Wood, Birch
Sold
H 33.5 in W 36 in D 18.5 in
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Chest of Drawers with Pull Out Desk, circa 1840
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique Swedish Biedermeier chest of drawers with pull out desk, circa 1840.
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, circa 1830
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique Biedermeier chest of drawers from Sweden, circa 1830.
Birch
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Satin Birch Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
Very stylish antique Swedish Biedermeier chest of drawers in satin birch, with ebonized columns and feet.
Birch
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Satin Birch Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
Very stylish antique Swedish Biedermeier chest of drawers in satin birch, with ebonized columns and feet.
Birch
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Satin Birch Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
Very stylish antique Swedish Biedermeier chest of drawers in satin birch, with ebonized columns and feet.
Birch
Sold
H 36.5 in W 35 in D 20 in
Swedish Biedermeier / Empire Chest of Drawers in Quilted Birch, circa 1820
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A very handsome and small Swedish Biedermeier chest of drawers in book-matched quilted birch that is of a golden honey-color.
Birch
Swedish Biedermeier Secrétaire Mahogany Wood Chest, circa 1830
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish mahogany secretary chest from the 1830s. This antique Swedish Biedermeier case piece has the appearance of being a four drawer chest at first glance.
Metal
Swedish Biedermeier Serpentine Commode, c. 1830
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Biedermeier Chest with four drawers, dating from the early 1800's.
Sold
H 34.26 in W 40.56 in D 19.49 in
19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Birch Veneer Commodes, Set of 2
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
A set consisting of 2 Swedish Biedermeier chests from the 19th century of the same model but different sizes.
Pine, Birch
Sold
H 29.93 in W 37.41 in D 17.72 in
Art Deco Swedish Biedermeier Flame Golden Birch Chest of Drawers Commode A
Located in Lewes, England
This antique swedish biedermeier chest of drawers has lovely and elegant curved feet and ring pull handles on the drawers.
Wood
Sold
H 29.93 in W 37.41 in D 17.72 in
Art Deco Swedish Biedermeier Flame Golden Birch Chest of Drawers Commode A
Located in Lewes, England
This antique swedish biedermeier chest of drawers has lovely and elegant curved feet and ring pull handles on the drawers.
Wood
Sold
H 29.93 in W 37.41 in D 17.72 in
Art Deco Swedish Biedermeier Flame Golden Birch Chest of Drawers Commode A
Located in Lewes, England
This antique swedish biedermeier chest of drawers has lovely and elegant curved feet and ring pull handles on the drawers.
Wood
Sold
H 33.27 in W 40.16 in D 22.84 in
Swedish Biedermeier Cherry Wood Chest of Drawers, Ebonized Pillars, circa 1850
By Biedermeier
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Swedish Biedermeier cherry wood chest of drawers circa 1850 Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, for an accurate quote...
Cherry
Sold
H 39.77 in W 42.72 in D 20.87 in
Rare Antique Swedish Biedermeier Satin Birch, circa 1840-1860 Chest of Drawers
By Biedermeier
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning circa 1840-1860 Biedermeier satin birch chest of drawers A very rare and good looking piece, the condition is good for the period,...
Satin, Birch
Sold
H 40.56 in W 37.21 in D 18.51 in
Lovely Handmade Victorian circa 1850 Biedermeier Walnut Chest of Drawers
By Biedermeier
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning walnut circa 1850 Biedermeier chest of drawers A very good looking and well made substantial piece of furniture, the walnut finish...
Walnut
Sold
H 37.41 in W 51.58 in D 22.25 in
Stunning circa 1850 Solid Walnut Biedermeier Chest / Bank of Drawers Patina
By Biedermeier
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning Biedermier flamed walnut chest of drawers, circa 1850 A magnificent looking and well-made piece in lovingly restored condition thr...
Walnut
Sold
H 41.34 in W 51.97 in D 25.79 in
Huge 19th Century Walnut Biedermeier Chest of Drawers Drop Front Desk Secretaire
By Biedermeier
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning large 19th century Swedish Biedermeier walnut chest of drawers with sliding drop front Secretaire desk A very good looking and fun...
Walnut
Swedish Biedermeier Maple Chest of Four Drawers
Located in Queens, NY
Swedish Biedermeier maple chest of four drawers with black trim on legs and inlaid medallion on drawers (19th century).
Maple
Biedermeier Period Swedish Mahogany Secretaire Chest of Drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Biedermeier period Swedish mahogany secretaire chest of drawers, circa 1810.
Mahogany
c.1900 Swedish Cherry Biedermeier Chest
Located in Highwood, IL
Turn of the century, Swedish Biedermeier,cherrywood chest that actually has 3 doors and no drawers.
Cherry
A Biedermeier Chest
Located in New York, NY
Crafted of Nordic birch and fir, this locking three drawer chest is simply adorned in the elegant yet restrained taste of the period, with inlaid shield shaped escutcheons as the sol...
19th Century Biedermeier Swedish Birch Fitted Chest of Drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Late biedermeier fine birch chest of drawers circa 1850. 3 drawer chest with 3 fitted drawers in the top drawer. Ebonised elements to edging and half moon on the middle drawer. St...
Birch
Swedish Biedermeier/Empire Chest of Drawers in Birch, c. 1825
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A fine Biedermeier or Empire Chest in birch with the first of three graduated drawers offering lidded compartments, Sweden, c. 1825-30.
Sold
H 32.75 in W 28 in D 18.5 in
Swedish Transitional Empire Biedermeier Chest of Drawers in Mahogany
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
28" wide x 18.5" deep x 32.75" high An elegant Empire Commode in Cuban Mahogany with Inlays in Birch and Ebony depicting a rinceau of waves and a mythological figure riding a hors...
Mahogany, Birch, Ebony
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers
Located in New York, NY
A birch four drawer locking chest with original brass escutcheons with handles, and a twisted rope edge.
A Petite Biedermeier Chest
Located in New York, NY
A two drawer locking chest, with inlaid fan details embellishing the keyhole escutcheons, empire style brass ringed pulls (added later for ease of use), resting on sabre legs.
Fir, Ash
Flame Mahogany Biedermeier Chest
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and restrained with four drawers, the upper and lower of which splay outwardly at the base, the chest is adorned with flame mahogany veneers which carry from the ebonized bev...
Fir, Mahogany
Sold
H 37.125 in W 37.625 in D 22.25 in
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Golden Birch Ebonized Chest of Drawers Dresser, 1820
Located in Portland, OR
An elegant antique Swedish Biedermeier golden birch and burlwood chest of drawers, circa 1820.
Birch, Burl
A Biedermeier Chest of Drawers
Located in New York, NY
Constructed of solid Nordic birch and fir and discretely adorned with hand-cut Karelian birch veneers, the chest exhibits the solid simplicity of form and function cherished during t...
A Warmly-Patinated Swedish Biedermeier 3-Drawer Birchwood Chest
Located in San Francisco, CA
A warmly-patinated Swedish biedermeier 3-drawer birchwood chest; the rectangular top with rounded corners and stylized floral stem inlay; above a conforming body fitted with 3 long d...
Sold
H 37.5 in W 33.75 in D 18.75 in
Biedermeier or Empire Small Chest of Drawers and Secretary, Sweden, circa 1820
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
Karl Johan chest of drawers and secretaire, Sweden, circa 1820.
Ormolu
Biedermeier Birch Secretaire Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
A Biedermeier birch veneered chest of drawers, the top drawer revealing a secretaire, fully fitted with 14 drawers adorned with bone knobs Sweden, circa 1840.
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers in Birch
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
Swedish Biedermeier or Karl Johan chest with four drawers in birch, circa 1820.
Birch
Sold
H 38.5 in W 39.5 in L 38.5 in
Antique Swedish Biedermeier Secretary Bureau Birch Chest of Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
This stunning chest of drawers is made of birch wood with shellac finish that brings the wood to life.
Wood, Birch
Period Swedish Biedermeier Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
19th c period Biedermeier birch commode
Wood
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers
Located in New York, NY
Crafted of solid birch and fir with book-matched flame birch veneers. Simple inset brass escutcheons are the only adornment on the four locking drawers which are flanked by a pair ...
Chest of Drawers, Biedermeier Chiffon from Around 1860
Located in Chorzów, PL
Chest of drawers - Biedermeier chiffon from around 1860. Very good condition, after professional renovation, finished in polish. Wood: mahogany Origin : Northern Europe D...
Walnut
Birch and Fir Biedermeier Chest of Drawers
Located in New York, NY
Crafted of birch and fir the four deep drawers are expertly veneered with hand-cut, book matched Nordic birch veneers and lock with original locks, keys and inset escutcheons. This m...
Birch, Fir
A Biedermeier Chest of Drawers
Located in North Miami, FL
Spectacular Biedermeier chest of drawers with naturally stained birch, and recessed drawers. Each drawers has an acorn adorned key and lock. The chest is flanked on each side with ...
Birch
19th Century Biedermeier Birch Chest of Drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th Century Biedermeier birch chest of drawers circa 1830. Swedish Biedermeier commode with plenty of character.
Birch
19th Century Biedermeier Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century biedermeier mahogany chest of drawers circa 1840. Elegant piece of scandinavian biedermeier furniture with flame mahogany drawer fronts. Good quality 4 drawer ches...
Mahogany
19th century Biedermeier mahogany chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Biedermeier mahogany chest of drawers circa 1840. Elegant piece of Scandinavian Biedermeier furniture with flame mahogany drawer fronts. Good quality 4 drawer chest, 1...
Mahogany
Sold
H 60.63 in W 25.6 in D 15.75 in
Biedermeier pillar chest of drawers, Northern Europe, circa 1860.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique pillar chest of drawers in the Biedermeier style, manufactured in Scandinavia around 1860. Made of walnut wood with beautiful rich grain. The chest of drawers has been reno...
Walnut
Sold
H 58.27 in W 18.9 in D 18.51 in
Biedermeier bollard chest of drawers, Northern Europe, circa 1860.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier bollard chest of drawers, Northern Europe, circa 1860. Currently under renovation. Wood: Mahogany h. 148 cm w. 48 cm d. 47 cm sms Ask about the product
Mahogany
Biedermeier Commode, Chest of Drawers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Four drawer chest in solid birch, not veneer! Has ebonized columns, legs and diamond shaped escutcheons.
More detailed photos available upon request.
Biedermeier Oval Chest of Drawers, circa 1860, Northern Europe
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier chest of drawers, circa 1860, Northern Europe. Very good condition. Wood: mahogany Measures: H. 140 cm, W. 60 cm, D. 38 cm.
Mahogany
Sold
H 64.57 in W 23.63 in D 15.75 in
Biedermeier pillar chest of drawers, Northern Europe, circa 1860.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier pillar chest of drawers, Northern Europe, circa 1860. Very good condition. Wood: mahogany dimensions: height 164 cm width 60 cm depth 40 cm
Mahogany
Sold
H 56.7 in W 25.2 in D 15.75 in
Biedermeier pillar chest of drawers, Northern Europe, around 1850.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier pillar chest of drawers, Northern Europe, around 1850. Very good condition. Wood: mahogany dimensions: height 144 cm width 64 cm x depth 40 cm
Mahogany
Sold
H 34.65 in W 34.65 in D 18.51 in
Chest of Drawers, Biedermeier Style, Northern Europe, circa 1860
Located in Chorzów, PL
Chest of drawers with mirror, Biedermeier style, Northern Europe, circa 1860. Very good condition. Wood: Mahogany Dimensions: Height 88 cm, width 88 cm, depth 47 cm.
Mahogany
$1,650 / item
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Textile
Smoked Murano Glass Wall Sconces with Central Brass Plate
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Wall sconces made of a piece of curved and wavy Murano glass with a central brass plate. Two lights per sconce. Price per sconce
Brass
Classic Empire Center Table, Oatmeal
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Classic Empire style grey cerused oak oatmeal stained center table with a carved ogee edge, raised on an octagonal pedestal base. Dimensions: 42" W x 42" D x 30" H. Clearance: 27"
Wood
Pair of 70s Style Italian Bamboo and Brass Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Monumental size Bamboo lamps. Crafted in Italy and made to order, these lamps are modern and chic. Production lead time 2-4 weeks. Base diameter 8 inches, hat diameter 20 inches, he...
Brass
$3,543Sale Price|24% Off
H 32.49 in W 34.45 in D 17.92 in
Small Biedermeier Walnut Half Cabinet with Drawer, South Germany circa 1830
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Elegant small Biedermeier half cabinet from Southern Germany, circa 1830. The charming piece is veneered in richly grained walnut on a solid spruce body, displaying the warm tones an...
Walnut, Spruce
19th Century Biedermeier Blond Cherrywood Chest of Drawers
Located in San Francisco, CA
A 19th century blond cherrywood Biedermeier three drawer chest with black lacquer accent. Excellent hand made quality. Has an Art Deco Modern looking appeal. The Art Deco period was...
Cherry, Fruitwood
$5,842Sale Price|27% Off
H 36.62 in W 44.89 in D 23.63 in
Biedermeier Chest of Drawers in Walnut, Germany, circa 1830
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This fine Biedermeier chest of drawers was crafted in Southern Germany around 1830 and is distinguished by its richly figured walnut veneer with beautiful book-matched grain. The fro...
Walnut, Spruce
$5,425 / item
H 42.01 in W 25.99 in D 1.19 in
Mid century style Ceiling Suspended Mirror with Bronze Patina Frame, Vintage N.4
By Alguacil & Perkoff Ltd.
Located in London, London
Mid-century style Vintage N.4 ceiling suspended mirror with a high quality pure brass full frame with a bronze patina finish. This piece is part of our original and fully customisabl...
Brass, Bronze
$8,616 / set
H 24.01 in Dm 13.78 in
Pair of Constant Night Stands in Poplar Burl wood by Master for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Envisioned by designer Yaniv Chen, the Constant nightstand exudes an air of refined luxury, celebrating the inherent splendor of Poplar burl wood. Meticulously crafted with impeccabl...
Burl, Poplar
$342,071
H 100.6 in W 66.93 in D 24.81 in
Rare Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim & Pauly Cie Et Venice Antique Carved Armoire
By Guggenheim Museum, Pauly et Cie
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare one of a kind Pauly CIE Et stamped hand carved walnut armoire made by the genius that was Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim 1837-1910 W...
Walnut
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Chest of Drawers
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Chest of Drawers A beautifully proportioned mid 19th-century Biedermeier chest of drawers, crafted in richly figured walnut and displaying the elegan...
Walnut
Mawu Chair in Snow by Laura Gonzalez
By laura gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
Original chair in golden oak, satin finish. Flared legs, backrest and seat upholstered in a textured cream fabric by Dedar.
Oak, Fabric, Bouclé
$32,000 / set
H 33.9 in W 51.2 in D 24.8 in
Pair of Large Biedermeier Chests of Drawers, Italy, Circa 1820
Located in New York, NY
Impressive pair of large Biedermeier chests of drawers, each with three drawers and chamfered corners. The top drawer projects slightly forward, accentuating the classic structure of...
Walnut
$11,213
H 41.74 in W 51.97 in D 17.72 in
Scandinavian Modern cabinet '2661' by Mjölby Intarsia, Sweden, 1940s
By Erik Mattsson 1, Mjölby Intarsia
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Exceptional cabinet or sideboard model '2661' by unknown designer and executed by Mjölby Intarsia in Sweden during the 1940s. Beautiful wooden inlay on doors. Key included. One of...
Beech, Oak, Teak, Walnut
$12,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 63.39 in W 38.19 in D 21.66 in
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, South German, 1820
Located in Belmont, MA
Biedermeier secretary desk, South German 1820. This unique and very beautiful secretary desk dates back to the early phase of the Biedermeier style. It has a beautiful walnut veneer ...
Elm, Walnut
French Deco Era Four Drawer Mahogany Chest
Located in Troy, MI
Circa 1940s French four drawer chest in mahogany features brass trim and hardware, turned front legs with brass capped feet. Unknown maker.
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.