Skip to main content

Used Commodes

to
1,034
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
5,333
3,837
9,250
149
1,260
715
548
509
312
301
247
234
196
193
192
119
102
91
28
26
11
10
2,014
2,938
4,297
149
726
2,050
786
102
39
115
193
219
404
521
290
153
67
8,880
3,409
2,010
1,945
1,695
6,830
2,272
1,393
1,334
1,288
9,399
9,398
9,398
90
39
33
31
28
Jiří Jiroutek Commode, 1960s
Jiří Jiroutek Commode, 1960s

Jiří Jiroutek Commode, 1960s

$900Sale Price|20% Off

H 29.53 in W 43.31 in D 17.72 in

Jiří Jiroutek Commode, 1960s

By Jiri Jiroutek

Located in Praha, CZ

- 1960s, Czechoslovakia - Design: J. Jiroutek - Good original condition.

Category

1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Used Commodes

Materials

Wood

Jiří Jiroutek commode, 1960s
Jiří Jiroutek commode, 1960s

Jiří Jiroutek commode, 1960s

$900Sale Price|20% Off

H 29.53 in W 43.31 in D 17.72 in

Jiří Jiroutek commode, 1960s

By Jiri Jiroutek

Located in Praha, CZ

- 1960s, Czechoslovakia - Design: J. Jiroutek - Good original condition.

Category

1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Used Commodes

Materials

Wood

Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760
Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760

Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760

$7,300

H 35.5 in W 43.5 in D 20.5 in

Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760

Located in Huntington, NY

A Swedish Rococo bow front commode with two small drawers on top and two large drawers below. Base

Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Rococo Used Commodes

Materials

Brass, Iron

18th c. Provencal Painted Commode
18th c. Provencal Painted Commode

18th c. Provencal Painted Commode

$12,500

H 34 in W 52.5 in D 28 in

18th c. Provencal Painted Commode

Located in Greenwich, CT

18th century baroque commode from Provence retaining wonderful dove grey painted surface. The

Category

1730s French Baroque Used Commodes

Materials

Poplar

19th Century Louis XVI Commode
19th Century Louis XVI Commode

19th Century Louis XVI Commode

$3,600Sale Price|20% Off

H 32 in W 50 in D 20.75 in

19th Century Louis XVI Commode

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

19th Century Louis XVI Commode. gorgeous burl and hardware in great shape. See pics

Category

Early 18th Century French Louis XVI Used Commodes

Materials

Burl

French 18th Century Marquetry Commode
French 18th Century Marquetry Commode

French 18th Century Marquetry Commode

$3,995

H 32 in W 31.75 in D 19.5 in

French 18th Century Marquetry Commode

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A petite and impressive French marquetry commode from the 1700’s. The commodes top is in wonderful

Category

18th Century French Louis XV Used Commodes

Materials

Bronze

Small 18th Century Portuguese Commode
Small 18th Century Portuguese Commode

Small 18th Century Portuguese Commode

$3,352

H 32.5 in W 33 in D 19.5 in

Small 18th Century Portuguese Commode

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Pretty 18th century Portuguese commode crafted from mahogany and teak, showcasing a serpentine

Category

18th Century Portuguese Used Commodes

Materials

Mahogany, Teak

Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760
Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760

Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760

$9,600

H 32 in W 42.75 in D 20.25 in

Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760

Located in Huntington, NY

A Swedish Rococo commode with original brass pulls and keyhole covers and later locks. Later soft

Category

Early 18th Century Swedish Rococo Used Commodes

Materials

Brass

Pair of Swedish Painted Commodes
Pair of Swedish Painted Commodes

Pair of Swedish Painted Commodes

$6,847 / set

H 32.5 in W 32.5 in D 18.5 in

Pair of Swedish Painted Commodes

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Lovely pair of early 19th C Swedish painted commodes with faux marble tops. 1820. Reference: 8386

Category

19th Century Swedish Used Commodes

Materials

Pine

1920s Danish two drawer painted commode
1920s Danish two drawer painted commode

1920s Danish two drawer painted commode

$3,903

H 26.38 in W 33.47 in D 16.93 in

1920s Danish two drawer painted commode

Located in London, GB

A nice painted Danish commode from the 1920s. Later painted in a light grey it has decorative

Category

1910s Danish Art Deco Used Commodes

Materials

Oak

18th Century Continental Inlaid Commode
18th Century Continental Inlaid Commode

18th Century Continental Inlaid Commode

$5,885

H 33 in W 44.25 in D 21 in

18th Century Continental Inlaid Commode

Located in Atlanta, GA

18th Century Continental Inlaid Commode

Category

18th Century Used Commodes

Materials

Wood

19thC French Ebonised Walnut Commode
19thC French Ebonised Walnut Commode

19thC French Ebonised Walnut Commode

$6,779

H 37.8 in W 47.64 in D 22.05 in

19thC French Ebonised Walnut Commode

Located in Staffordshire, GB

circa 1880 19thC French Ebonised Walnut Commode (past repaired cracked top) sku 699 W121 x D56 x

Category

19th Century Used Commodes

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Painted Italian Commode
19th Century Painted Italian Commode

19th Century Painted Italian Commode

$9,995

H 38 in W 49 in D 19 in

19th Century Painted Italian Commode

Located in Vista, CA

19th century painted Italian commode. An Italian polychrome faux-marble top neoclassic commode 19th

Category

19th Century Italian Neoclassical Used Commodes

Materials

Wood

Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760
Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760

Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760

$7,400

H 32 in W 36.5 in D 22.25 in

Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760

Located in Huntington, NY

A three drawer Rococo commode with original cherub adorned brass hardware and iron locks. Featuring

Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Rococo Used Commodes

Materials

Brass, Iron

18th Century Serpentine Front Commode
18th Century Serpentine Front Commode

18th Century Serpentine Front Commode

$5,752

H 34.65 in W 50.4 in D 22.05 in

18th Century Serpentine Front Commode

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Fine quality 18th century Serpentine commode in mahogany and satinwood inlay. This commode stands

Category

18th Century French Neoclassical Used Commodes

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century George III Commode
19th Century George III Commode

19th Century George III Commode

$4,622

H 32 in W 22 in D 18 in

19th Century George III Commode

Located in Dublin 8, IE

19th Century George III mahogany commode with tray top and brass handles. Of the late Georgian

Category

1830s Irish Georgian Used Commodes

Materials

Mahogany

Fine Eighteenth Century Serpentine Commode
Fine Eighteenth Century Serpentine Commode

Fine Eighteenth Century Serpentine Commode

$16,434

H 41.74 in W 55.91 in D 26.58 in

Fine Eighteenth Century Serpentine Commode

Located in London, England

A fine fruitwood serpentine commode, the shaped top with cross banded veneers and two central

Category

Late 18th Century Maltese Baroque Used Commodes

Materials

Other

Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760
Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760

Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760

$8,100

H 33.75 in W 34.75 in D 22.25 in

Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760

Located in Huntington, NY

A Swedish Rococo commode repainted in faint pale grey with original brass hardware and locks. Three

Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Rococo Used Commodes

Materials

Brass

19th Century Walnut Biedermeier Commode
19th Century Walnut Biedermeier Commode

19th Century Walnut Biedermeier Commode

$9,800

H 33.5 in W 46 in D 23 in

19th Century Walnut Biedermeier Commode

Located in Dallas, TX

Beautiful 19th century German walnut Biedermeier commode. Gorgeous wood grain with lots of movement

Category

Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Used Commodes

Materials

Walnut

19th c. German Biedermeier Walnut Commode
19th c. German Biedermeier Walnut Commode

19th c. German Biedermeier Walnut Commode

$8,800

H 34 in W 46 in D 24 in

19th c. German Biedermeier Walnut Commode

Located in Dallas, TX

This product is a 19th century German Biedermeier walnut commode, making it a valuable antique

Category

19th Century German Biedermeier Used Commodes

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Italian Walnut Commode
18th Century Italian Walnut Commode

18th Century Italian Walnut Commode

$7,600

H 42 in W 63 in D 29 in

18th Century Italian Walnut Commode

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Stunning 18th C Italian carved Walnut commode with carved head handles, carved figures and large

Category

18th Century Italian Used Commodes

Materials

Walnut

French 19th Century Petite Walnut Commode
French 19th Century Petite Walnut Commode

French 19th Century Petite Walnut Commode

$2,995

H 32 in W 31.5 in D 17.88 in

French 19th Century Petite Walnut Commode

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A petite walnut commode from circa 1840 France, it is a multipurpose storage piece scaled down to

Category

19th Century French Empire Used Commodes

Materials

Brass

Early 19thC French Walnut Commode
Early 19thC French Walnut Commode

Early 19thC French Walnut Commode

$6,840

H 32.68 in W 39.38 in D 19.69 in

Early 19thC French Walnut Commode

Located in Staffordshire, GB

circa 1830 Early 19thC French walnut commode - a two drawer commode with hoof feet detail and

Category

1820s French Used Commodes

Materials

Walnut

Swedish Gustavian Commode, circa 1820
Swedish Gustavian Commode, circa 1820

Swedish Gustavian Commode, circa 1820

$8,200

H 31.5 in W 35.75 in D 20 in

Swedish Gustavian Commode, circa 1820

Located in Huntington, NY

A Swedish Gustavian commode with original brass hardware and locks. Featuring canted and fluted

Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Used Commodes

Materials

Brass

18th Century Walnut Serpentine Commode
18th Century Walnut Serpentine Commode

18th Century Walnut Serpentine Commode

$4,861

H 37.5 in W 52 in D 26.5 in

18th Century Walnut Serpentine Commode

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

18th C Northern European walnut serpentine commode. 1770. Reference: 8174 Dimensions 52 inches

Category

18th Century German Used Commodes

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Italian Walnut Commode
18th Century Italian Walnut Commode

18th Century Italian Walnut Commode

$2,191

H 25 in W 23.5 in D 13.5 in

18th Century Italian Walnut Commode

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Small 18th C two drawer Italian walnut commode. 1790. Reference: 8184 Dimensions 23.5 inches (60

Category

18th Century Italian Used Commodes

Materials

Walnut

Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760
Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760

Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760

$7,300

H 28.5 in W 36 in D 21.5 in

Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760

Located in Huntington, NY

A diminutive bow front Swedish Rococo commode. Three drawers over a carved skirt; sits atop

Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Rococo Used Commodes

Materials

Brass

Napoleon III Empire REvival Commode
Napoleon III Empire REvival Commode

Napoleon III Empire REvival Commode

$4,535

H 35.44 in W 50.4 in D 22.05 in

Napoleon III Empire REvival Commode

Located in Kent, Dover

A French Napoleon III, Empire Revival four drawer commode in pickled mahogany. With good bronze

Category

1860s French Empire Revival Used Commodes

Materials

Marble, Bronze

18th Century Italian Original Painted Commode
18th Century Italian Original Painted Commode

18th Century Italian Original Painted Commode

$5,272

H 33.5 in W 48 in D 24 in

18th Century Italian Original Painted Commode

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Late 18th C Italian original painted two drawer commode 1780

Category

18th Century Italian Used Commodes

Materials

Pine

Exquisite French 18th Century Oak Commode
Exquisite French 18th Century Oak Commode

Exquisite French 18th Century Oak Commode

$5,800

H 37.5 in W 52.5 in D 24.5 in

Exquisite French 18th Century Oak Commode

Located in Charleston, SC

An exquisite French Louis XV period bleached oak commode with richly Liege carved drawer fronts

Category

18th Century French Louis XV Used Commodes

Materials

Bronze

18th Century Burr Ash Commode
18th Century Burr Ash Commode

18th Century Burr Ash Commode

$6,245

H 38.59 in W 57.88 in D 27.56 in

18th Century Burr Ash Commode

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Wonderful 18th century burr ash commode. This commode is in a typical country house style. This

Category

18th Century Country Used Commodes

Materials

Ash

French Neoclassic Commode, Cornflower Blue
French Neoclassic Commode, Cornflower Blue

French Neoclassic Commode, Cornflower Blue

$4,760

H 31.75 in W 39.25 in D 17.75 in

French Neoclassic Commode, Cornflower Blue

Located in Atlanta, GA

A French Neoclassical style painted wood commode from the mid 20th century. This mid-century chest

Category

Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Used Commodes

Materials

Marble

French Parquetry Commode with Ormolu
French Parquetry Commode with Ormolu

French Parquetry Commode with Ormolu

$9,600

H 34.5 in W 50 in D 22.5 in

French Parquetry Commode with Ormolu

Located in Los Angeles, CA

French parquetry commode with ormolu and marble top.

Category

Early 1900s French Used Commodes

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century French Inlaid Commode
19th Century French Inlaid Commode

19th Century French Inlaid Commode

$4,848

H 33.86 in W 41.34 in D 18.51 in

19th Century French Inlaid Commode

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

French 19th century Marquetry two-drawer commode with a wonderful marble top. Featuring wonderful

Category

19th Century French Empire Used Commodes

Materials

Wood

Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760
Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760

Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760

$7,300

H 30.25 in W 41.5 in D 24.25 in

Swedish Rococo Commode, circa 1760

Located in Huntington, NY

A Swedish Rococo commode with a slide-out tray over three bow front drawers. Decoratively carved

Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Rococo Used Commodes

Materials

Brass

Ebonized and Brass Inlaid Commode
Ebonized and Brass Inlaid Commode

Ebonized and Brass Inlaid Commode

$14,500

H 32.5 in W 49.5 in D 21 in

Ebonized and Brass Inlaid Commode

Located in Greenwich, CT

Ebonized and brass inlaid commode having shaped top with brass molded edge over three shaped

Category

1850s French Used Commodes

Materials

Wood

18th Century French Serpentine Commode
18th Century French Serpentine Commode

18th Century French Serpentine Commode

$7,600

H 34 in W 51.5 in D 26 in

18th Century French Serpentine Commode

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Exceptional 18th C French fruitwood serpentine three drawer commode with a wonderful 1.25" thick

Category

18th Century French Used Commodes

Materials

Marble

French Louis Philippe I Walnut Commode
French Louis Philippe I Walnut Commode

French Louis Philippe I Walnut Commode

$4,492

H 35.83 in W 52.37 in D 23.63 in

French Louis Philippe I Walnut Commode

Located in Faversham, GB

A substantial Continental chest of drawers or commode in burr walnut with a gently over sailing

Category

Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Used Commodes

Materials

Marble

18th Century Dutch Painted Commode
18th Century Dutch Painted Commode

18th Century Dutch Painted Commode

$4,040

H 29.5 in W 35 in D 18 in

18th Century Dutch Painted Commode

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Small 18th C Dutch serpentine front 3 drawer painted oak commode with a faux marble top. 1790

Category

18th Century Dutch Used Commodes

Materials

Oak

19th Century English Serpentine Front Commode
19th Century English Serpentine Front Commode

19th Century English Serpentine Front Commode

$4,451

H 34.5 in W 47.5 in D 23 in

19th Century English Serpentine Front Commode

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Pretty early 19th C English painted serpentine 3 drawer commode with a brushing slide and later

Category

19th Century English Georgian Used Commodes

Materials

Oak, Pine

19th Century German Biedermeier Walnut Commode
19th Century German Biedermeier Walnut Commode

19th Century German Biedermeier Walnut Commode

Located in Dallas, TX

This product is a 19th century German Biedermeier walnut commode. This antique piece of furniture

Category

19th Century German Biedermeier Used Commodes

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Georgian Mahogany Commode
19th Century Georgian Mahogany Commode

19th Century Georgian Mahogany Commode

$11,851

H 35 in W 45 in D 22 in

19th Century Georgian Mahogany Commode

Located in Dublin 8, IE

19th Century Georgian mahogany commode. Two small drawers sit above three large drawers each with

Category

19th Century English Georgian Used Commodes

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century Empire Commode
Early 19th Century Empire Commode

Early 19th Century Empire Commode

$6,245Sale Price|20% Off

H 34.85 in W 51.19 in D 22.45 in

Early 19th Century Empire Commode

Located in London, GB

France, c. 1820 An early 19th century Empire mahogany commode with finely chased ormolu mounts

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Used Commodes

Materials

Marble

Louis XV Period Sauteuse Commode
Louis XV Period Sauteuse Commode

Louis XV Period Sauteuse Commode

$4,977

H 33.86 in W 50.4 in D 23.23 in

Louis XV Period Sauteuse Commode

Located in Charmes, FR

veneered wood chest of drawers opening with three drawers in two rows, gilded and chiseled bronze ornamentation, marble top generally in good house condition

Category

Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Used Commodes

Materials

Wood

Architectural 19th Century Biedermeier Commode
Architectural 19th Century Biedermeier Commode

Architectural 19th Century Biedermeier Commode

$13,147Sale Price|31% Off

H 35.04 in W 50.79 in D 20.08 in

Architectural 19th Century Biedermeier Commode

Located in London, GB

Austria, circa 1840 A rare early nineteenth century Biedermeier commode, of architectural form

Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Used Commodes

Materials

Wood, Cherry

18th Century Bleached Oak Commode
18th Century Bleached Oak Commode

18th Century Bleached Oak Commode

$6,094

H 32 in W 46 in D 24.5 in

18th Century Bleached Oak Commode

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

18th C French serpentine front bleached oak commode. 1770. Reference: 7907 Dimensions 46 inches

Category

18th Century French Used Commodes

Materials

Oak

18th Century North Italian Yew Commode
18th Century North Italian Yew Commode

18th Century North Italian Yew Commode

$20,543

H 31.89 in W 44.89 in D 25.2 in

18th Century North Italian Yew Commode

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

A fine 18th Century Northern Italian burr yew wood serpentine three drawer commode with canted

Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XV Used Commodes

Materials

Yew

18th Century Dutch Serpentine Front Commode
18th Century Dutch Serpentine Front Commode

18th Century Dutch Serpentine Front Commode

$6,245

H 33.08 in W 33.86 in D 19.69 in

18th Century Dutch Serpentine Front Commode

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Beautiful 18th Century Dutch commode in original timeworn paint.  Serpentine front with four

Category

18th Century Dutch Used Commodes

Materials

Wood

18th Century French Provincial Walnut Commode
18th Century French Provincial Walnut Commode

18th Century French Provincial Walnut Commode

$4,250

H 24.5 in W 51 in D 24.5 in

18th Century French Provincial Walnut Commode

Located in Houston, TX

This exceptional 18th century French provincial commode embodies the warmth, craftsmanship, and

Category

Mid-18th Century French French Provincial Used Commodes

Materials

Walnut

Painted Italian Marble Top Commode
Painted Italian Marble Top Commode

Painted Italian Marble Top Commode

$14,700Sale Price|30% Off

H 34.5 in W 34 in D 15.75 in

Painted Italian Marble Top Commode

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A charming, painted 2 drawer commode with original bronze hardware and Brocatello di Spagna marble

Category

18th Century Italian Baroque Used Commodes

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair of Neoclassical Demilune Commodes
Pair of Neoclassical Demilune Commodes

Pair of Neoclassical Demilune Commodes

$55,000 / set

H 38 in W 48 in D 24 in

Pair of Neoclassical Demilune Commodes

Located in Greenwich, CT

A very fine pair of early 19th Century Northern European neoclassical demilune commodes, the

Category

Early 19th Century Scandinavian Directoire Used Commodes

Materials

Marble

Nine Drawer Maple Commode / Nightstand
Nine Drawer Maple Commode / Nightstand

Nine Drawer Maple Commode / Nightstand

$6,800

H 22.75 in W 30 in D 17.5 in

Nine Drawer Maple Commode / Nightstand

Located in Queens, NY

American Mid-Century maple bedside table / commode with nine small drawers with square brass drawer

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Used Commodes

Materials

Metal, Brass

Satinwood antique demi-lune commode
Satinwood antique demi-lune commode

Satinwood antique demi-lune commode

$29,787

H 35 in W 58 in D 23 in

Satinwood antique demi-lune commode

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

Victorian satinwood demi-lune commode in the Sheraton revival taste, with a central door showing a

Category

1870s English Victorian Used Commodes

Materials

Satinwood, Silk, Boxwood

19thc French Ebonised & Marble Commode
19thc French Ebonised & Marble Commode

19thc French Ebonised & Marble Commode

$4,724

H 41.15 in W 44.49 in D 20.08 in

19thc French Ebonised & Marble Commode

Located in Staffordshire, GB

Circa 1890. 19thc French ebonised & marble commode Sourced from the South of France

Category

Late 19th Century French Used Commodes

Materials

Wood

Moorish Style Inlaid Bombe Commode
Moorish Style Inlaid Bombe Commode

Moorish Style Inlaid Bombe Commode

$5,800

H 29.5 in W 47.5 in D 16.5 in

Moorish Style Inlaid Bombe Commode

Located in Bradenton, FL

Camel bone and mother of pearl inlaid three drawer commode with ball turned pulls and geometric

Category

Late 20th Century Moorish Used Commodes

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

18th Century Dutch Serpentine Commode
18th Century Dutch Serpentine Commode

18th Century Dutch Serpentine Commode

$4,314

H 33 in W 35 in D 21 in

18th Century Dutch Serpentine Commode

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

18th C Dutch painted serpentine commode. 1780. Dimensions 35 inches (89 cms) Wide 21 inches

Category

18th Century Dutch Used Commodes

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Empire Commode
19th Century French Empire Commode

19th Century French Empire Commode

$4,444

H 35.04 in W 51.19 in D 23.23 in

19th Century French Empire Commode

Located in Madrid, ES

XIX Century Empire Commode 19th CENTURY EMPIRE CHEST. LARGE FRENCH EMPIRE CHEST IN MAHOGANY AND

Category

19th Century French Empire Used Commodes

Materials

Mahogany

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Used Commodes", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Used Commodes For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of used commodes available for sale. Frequently made of wood, metal and walnut, all used commodes available were constructed with great care. There are all kinds of used commodes available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Used commodes are generally popular furniture pieces, but Mid-Century Modern, Louis XVI and Georgian styles are often sought at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made used commodes over the years, but those made by Baker Furniture Company, Paul McCobb and T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Used Commodes?

Prices for used commodes start at $1 and top out at $962,699 with the average selling for $4,496.

Finding the Right Commodes And 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.

Read More

37 Cheerful Home Bars, Where Everybody (Literally) Knows Your Name

Simple or sophisticated, equipped with console, cart or custom cabinetry, these stylish bar areas deserve a toast.

The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home

Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.

What Exactly Is a Secretary Desk, and What Is It Used For?

The furniture equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, it's the multifunctional piece you didn't know you needed.

This Shelving System with Oxidized Brass Tubes Is Retro and Futuristic at Once

Italian studio DimoreMilano mustered great ingenuity when crafting these sculptural shelves, which are built without any screws.

Ask an Interior Designer: Work-from-Home Edition

Leaping into a design project, whether it's refreshing the bedroom or redoing the whole house, can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know more than a few interior designers. You asked questions on Instagram, and now they're answering.

Collected and Eclectic, ‘Wunderkammern’ Are Back in a Big Way

Introduced nearly 500 years ago, curiosity cabinets are finding new fans among today's collectors and designers.

Meet the Incredible Woman Transforming Fallen Trees into Sleek Furniture

In the hands of New York Heartwoods cofounder Megan Offner, unwanted local trees become works of design art.

These New York Architects Love a Complicated Project

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.