What is a bachelors chest of drawers?

A bachelor’s chest of drawers is a relatively short and shallow chest, usually with three or four drawers. The name refers to their historical use as multi-purpose, space-saving fixtures that are perfect for a bachelor sharing a friend’s flat. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique and modern bachelor’s chests from some of the world’s top sellers.

What is a chest of drawers called?

A chest of drawers is also sometimes known as a dresser or a bureau. It is a cabinet with several parallel horizontal drawers stacked on top of one another. A chest of drawers is frequently used to store clothing and a variety of personal items. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary chests of drawers from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

How do I identify an antique chest of drawers?

To identify an antique chest of drawers, look inside and beneath drawers and on the back and bottom for any type of maker's marking. Researching these marks using trusted online resources may allow you to determine who produced your chest and roughly date your piece. If your chest is at least 100 years old, it is an antique. Should you be unable to locate the maker's marks, look at the hardware. Rose head nails, one-piece cast brass pommels on the drawer handles and circular rather than hexagonal bolts may all indicate that a piece is an antique. Keep in mind that hardware may have been replaced at some point and that there are many reproductions of antique furnishings. As a result, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer complete the identification process if you're unable to identify your chest via the maker's markings. Find a range of antique chests of drawers on 1stDibs.

What is a men's chest of drawers called?

A man’s chest of drawers is also known as a gentleman’s chest. It is characterized by its tall cabinet section that hangs clothes like suits and pants, and also features a column of drawers. Shop a collection of gentleman’s chests from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

When was the first chest of drawers made?

The first chest of drawers was invented by Chinese physician Hua Tuo during the 3rd century. In the west, chests of drawers began to appear during the 17th century and rose in popularity from there. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique chests of drawers from some of the world’s top sellers.

What is a low chest of drawers called?

A low chest of drawers is called a lowboy. A lowboy sits at waist height and was a prominent piece of bedroom furniture in the 18th century. These low chests of drawers were a clothing storage solution before tallboys and highboys came into fashion. On 1stDibs, there is a variety of antique and vintage low chests of drawers available for sale.

What is a tall chest of drawers called?

A tall chest of drawers is known as a standard chest of drawers and also as a vertical chest. These are tall and narrow storage pieces. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage tall chests of drawers.

What is a large chest of drawers called?

What a large chest of drawers is called depends on its proportions. In the United States, a wide piece about waist-high is usually called a dresser. A tall, thin chest of drawers is typically referred to as a highboy. On 1stDibs, you can find a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary chests of drawers.

What is a chest of drawers with a mirror called?

A chest of drawers with a mirror attached is called a bureau. This type of case piece is usually waist-high with a mirror that rests on the top of the structure. They are mainly used in bedrooms. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary chests of drawers from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

What is a dresser versus a chest of drawers?

Dressers are designed to offer a place for you to dress, with the top functioning as a table on which to place your clothing. It will offer space for a mirror, whereas chests of drawers are typically exactly that — they provide ample storage while taking up little floor space. A dresser is usually wide and short, while a chest of drawers is narrow and tall. Both types of furniture are commonly used to store clothing and other items in drawers. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary dressers and chests of drawers from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Is there a difference between a dresser and a chest of drawers?

Yes, there is a difference between a dresser and a chest of drawers . 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.Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing , dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This type of case piece was originally a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. Find antique and vintage dressers for sale on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a bureau, a chest of drawers and a dresser?

The difference between a bureau, a chest of drawers and a dresser comes down to shape and function. Dressers and chests of drawers are both types of bedroom furniture that feature storage drawers. However, bureaus tend to be wider and shorter, while chests of drawers are narrower and taller. Often used for storage outside of bedrooms, bureaus are usually about the same height as dressers but are shorter than chests of drawers. Find a wide range of casegoods on 1stDibs.

Can you use a chest of drawers as a bedside table?

Yes, a chest of drawers can be used as a bedside table, provided that you have enough space beside your bed to accommodate it. If you want to be able to easily reach items on the top of the chest, choose a piece that is about 2 to 4 inches taller than your mattress. Shop a variety of bedroom furniture on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a dresser, a bureau and a chest of drawers?

The difference between a dresser, a bureau and a chest of drawers is where you place these furnishings and their overall shapes and designs. Usually positioned in a bedroom, a dresser is a wide, low casegood consisting of two or more columns of drawers. When this type of furniture is placed in a living room, office, library or other space beyond the bedroom, people normally refer to it as a bureau. Another type of bedroom furnishing is a chest of drawers, which is a tall vertical column of drawers stacked one above the other. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of dressers, bureaus and chests of drawers.

What's the difference between a mid-century modern dresser and a chest of drawers?

"Dresser" and "chest of drawers" are generally interchangeable; mid-century modern dressers specifically feature tapered or hairpin legs, minimal hardware and warm wood tones.

Swedish Drawer Chest

Louis Xvi Swedish

Gustavian Chest

Carved Wood Storage Chest

3 Drawer Commode Cabinet

Black Swedish Cabinet

Dentil Molding

Vintage 1960s Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Fine Swedish Chest of Drawers with Gustavian Style Framed Drawer Fronts

Unavailable

H 30 in W 16.5 in D 47 in

Fine Swedish Chest of Drawers with Gustavian Style Framed Drawer Fronts

Located in New York, NY

Superlatively crafted chest with seven drawers, each framed with contrasting veneer in the Gustavian Style, with oak case and legs and drawer fronts in amboyna (burl walnut) surround...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Burl, Mahogany, Oak, Amboyna

Swedish Three-Drawer Commode

Unavailable

H 30 in W 27.5 in D 17 in

Swedish Three-Drawer Commode

Located in Houston, TX

Swedish three-drawer commode in a desirable small style. Blue-gray paint. Intricate decorative details (brackets at the feat), circa 1790.

Wood

Painted Three Drawer Commode

Unavailable

H 35.04 in W 46.46 in D 21.26 in

Painted Three Drawer Commode

Located in London, GB

Grey Three Drawer Commode with Black painted top,
Swedish 19th C

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Walnut Gentleman's Chest on Chest by Edmond Spence

Unavailable

H 47.63 in W 42 in D 21.75 in

Walnut Gentleman's Chest on Chest by Edmond Spence

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Hudson, NY

Companion 12-drawer long chest available as well.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Baker Furniture Swedish Bombe Style 2 Over 2 Drawer Gilt Accented Chest

Unavailable

Sold

H 40.5 in W 46.5 in D 16.5 in

A Swedish 5-Drawer Chest

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Swedish Chest with 3 large Drawers and 2 Small Ones. Custom Paint

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Paint

Swedish Three Drawer Chest

Sold

H 32.75 in W 34.75 in D 21.5 in

Swedish Three Drawer Chest

Located in New Orleans, LA

Swedish Three Drawer Chest

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Swedish Three Drawer Chest

Sold

H 32.75 in W 34.75 in D 21.5 in

Swedish Three Drawer Chest

Wood

Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Four-Drawer Chest

Sold

H 33.5 in W 29.5 in D 15 in

Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Four-Drawer Chest

Located in Atlanta, GA

Swedish Mid-Century modern four drawer chest of drawers of light birch.

A Handsome Swedish Karl Johan Mahogany 3-Drawer Chest

Sold

H 34.25 in W 29.5 in D 18.5 in

A Handsome Swedish Karl Johan Mahogany 3-Drawer Chest

Located in San Francisco, CA

A handsome Swedish Karl Johan mahogany 3-drawer chest; the rectangular top above a conforming body fitted with 3 drawers; the middle drawer with half-moon inset reserve; raised on a ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

18th Century Swedish Rococo Painted Three-Drawer Chest

Sold

H 31.7 in W 48 in D 25 in

18th Century Swedish Rococo Painted Three-Drawer Chest

Located in Round Top, TX

This has a really pretty shape with its curved wood drawers. Imported from Sweden it's from the late 18th century and has refreshed paint over the original.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Rococo Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Paint

A Warmly-Patinated Swedish Biedermeier 3-Drawer Birchwood Chest

Sold

H 35 in W 41.325 in D 16.5 in

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...

Birch, Oak

1950s, Cabinet/Buffet 'Nordens Flora' by Carl Axel Magnus Lindman

$10,033

H 53.15 in W 63 in D 19.69 in

1950s, Cabinet/Buffet 'Nordens Flora' by Carl Axel Magnus Lindman

By Carl Axel Lindman

Located in Silvolde, Gelderland

A striking 1950s teak and beech cabinet or buffet, richly decorated with illustrations from Nordens Flora by Carl Axel Magnus Lindman, Sweden. The botanical prints give the piece a l...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Cabinets

Materials

Beech, Teak, Paper

Country House Library Chair

$5,782

$954 / item

H 19.69 in Dm 16.93 in

Fidji Side Table in Rattan and Kaki Green Cotton Velvet by POPUS EDITIONS

By Popus Editions

Located in Geneve, CH

Fidji Side Table in Rattan and HR Foam by POPUS EDITIONS. Dimensions: Ø 43 x H 50 cm. Materials: rattan and HR foam. Fabric: Dolce vita 4848 Available in COM. Please contact us for...

Category

2010s French Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Foam, Rattan

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Swedish Drawer Chest For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal Swedish drawer chest for your home. A Swedish drawer chest — often made from wood, metal and softwood — can elevate any home. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect Swedish drawer chest — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A Swedish drawer chest, designed in the Neoclassical, Mid-Century Modern or Rococo style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Many designers have produced at least one well-made Swedish drawer chest over the years, but those crafted by Edmond J. Spence, Bodafors and Dux of Sweden are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Swedish Drawer Chest?

A Swedish drawer chest can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $4,333, while the lowest priced sells for $495 and the highest can go for as much as $18,500.

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.

Questions About Swedish Drawer Chest

What is a bachelors chest of drawers?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A bachelor’s chest of drawers is a relatively short and shallow chest, usually with three or four drawers. The name refers to their historical use as multi-purpose, space-saving fixtures that are perfect for a bachelor sharing a friend’s flat. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique and modern bachelor’s chests from some of the world’s top sellers.
What is a chest of drawers called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
A chest of drawers is also sometimes known as a dresser or a bureau. It is a cabinet with several parallel horizontal drawers stacked on top of one another. A chest of drawers is frequently used to store clothing and a variety of personal items. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary chests of drawers from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
How do I identify an antique chest of drawers?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
To identify an antique chest of drawers, look inside and beneath drawers and on the back and bottom for any type of maker's marking. Researching these marks using trusted online resources may allow you to determine who produced your chest and roughly date your piece. If your chest is at least 100 years old, it is an antique. Should you be unable to locate the maker's marks, look at the hardware. Rose head nails, one-piece cast brass pommels on the drawer handles and circular rather than hexagonal bolts may all indicate that a piece is an antique. Keep in mind that hardware may have been replaced at some point and that there are many reproductions of antique furnishings. As a result, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer complete the identification process if you're unable to identify your chest via the maker's markings. Find a range of antique chests of drawers on 1stDibs.
What is a men's chest of drawers called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A man’s chest of drawers is also known as a gentleman’s chest. It is characterized by its tall cabinet section that hangs clothes like suits and pants, and also features a column of drawers. Shop a collection of gentleman’s chests from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
When was the first chest of drawers made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The first chest of drawers was invented by Chinese physician Hua Tuo during the 3rd century. In the west, chests of drawers began to appear during the 17th century and rose in popularity from there. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique chests of drawers from some of the world’s top sellers.
What is a low chest of drawers called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
A low chest of drawers is called a lowboy. A lowboy sits at waist height and was a prominent piece of bedroom furniture in the 18th century. These low chests of drawers were a clothing storage solution before tallboys and highboys came into fashion. On 1stDibs, there is a variety of antique and vintage low chests of drawers available for sale.
What is a tall chest of drawers called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
A tall chest of drawers is known as a standard chest of drawers and also as a vertical chest. These are tall and narrow storage pieces. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage tall chests of drawers.
What is a large chest of drawers called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
What a large chest of drawers is called depends on its proportions. In the United States, a wide piece about waist-high is usually called a dresser. A tall, thin chest of drawers is typically referred to as a highboy. On 1stDibs, you can find a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary chests of drawers.
What is a chest of drawers with a mirror called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
A chest of drawers with a mirror attached is called a bureau. This type of case piece is usually waist-high with a mirror that rests on the top of the structure. They are mainly used in bedrooms. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary chests of drawers from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
What is a dresser versus a chest of drawers?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
Dressers are designed to offer a place for you to dress, with the top functioning as a table on which to place your clothing. It will offer space for a mirror, whereas chests of drawers are typically exactly that — they provide ample storage while taking up little floor space. A dresser is usually wide and short, while a chest of drawers is narrow and tall. Both types of furniture are commonly used to store clothing and other items in drawers. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary dressers and chests of drawers from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
Is there a difference between a dresser and a chest of drawers?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 1, 2024
Yes, there is a difference between a dresser and a chest of drawers. 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.

Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This type of case piece was originally a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period.

Find antique and vintage dressers for sale on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a bureau, a chest of drawers and a dresser?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
The difference between a bureau, a chest of drawers and a dresser comes down to shape and function. Dressers and chests of drawers are both types of bedroom furniture that feature storage drawers. However, bureaus tend to be wider and shorter, while chests of drawers are narrower and taller. Often used for storage outside of bedrooms, bureaus are usually about the same height as dressers but are shorter than chests of drawers. Find a wide range of casegoods on 1stDibs.
Can you use a chest of drawers as a bedside table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
Yes, a chest of drawers can be used as a bedside table, provided that you have enough space beside your bed to accommodate it. If you want to be able to easily reach items on the top of the chest, choose a piece that is about 2 to 4 inches taller than your mattress. Shop a variety of bedroom furniture on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a dresser, a bureau and a chest of drawers?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a dresser, a bureau and a chest of drawers is where you place these furnishings and their overall shapes and designs. Usually positioned in a bedroom, a dresser is a wide, low casegood consisting of two or more columns of drawers. When this type of furniture is placed in a living room, office, library or other space beyond the bedroom, people normally refer to it as a bureau. Another type of bedroom furnishing is a chest of drawers, which is a tall vertical column of drawers stacked one above the other. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of dressers, bureaus and chests of drawers.
What's the difference between a mid-century modern dresser and a chest of drawers?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
"Dresser" and "chest of drawers" are generally interchangeable; mid-century modern dressers specifically feature tapered or hairpin legs, minimal hardware and warm wood tones.

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