Oyster Veneered William and Mary Chest
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine William and Mary period oyster veneered chest of drawers, the top decorated in an unusual pattern of scrolls and hearts over an oyster patterned ground, in walnut and oak with o...
Walnut
William and Mary Oyster Veneer Chest of Drawers
Located in Bradenton, FL
18th century William and Mary burl cross-branded oyster veneered walnut chest of drawers.
Wood
$17,838Sale Price|20% Off
William & Mary Period Oyster Laburnum and Walnut Chest
Located in Lymington, GB
An English William & Mary-period oyster laburnum and walnut chest, circa 1700.
Walnut
William And Mary Oyster Veneer Chest On Stand
Located in Essex, MA
In two parts top and bottom. Rectangular top with moulded edge over two over two drawers with boxwood drawer borders. The base with one drawer and supported on barely twist legs join...
Brass
William And Mary Oyster Burl Walnut Chest Of Drawers
Located in Bradenton, FL
William and Mary oyster veneer Chest of Drawers, late 17th/early 18thc.
Burl
William and Mary Period Oyster Chest with Holly Banding
Located in Harrodsburg, KY
A William and Mary period chest of two short drawers over three long graduated drawers.
Brass
English Oyster Veneer Chest of Drawers – William and Mary Style
By Jonathan Charles
Located in Westwood, NJ
The classic bun feet, typical of William and Mary furniture, mark a shift from earlier turned-leg styles.
Brass
William and Mary Period Oyster Veneered Chest with Four Drawers
Located in Harrodsburg, KY
A William and Mary period oyster walnut veneered chest of drawers on bun feet.
Walnut, Holly
William and Mary Oysterwood Chest
Located in New Orleans, LA
This William and Mary-period chest is distinguished by oyster veneering and circular inlay.
Bronze
17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Chest, Circa 1690 England
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A 17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Chest of Drawers Circa 1690, England Rather attractive and unusual late 17th century olive oyster chest of drawers, circa 1685, England.
Ash, Boxwood, Oak, Olive, Holly
$25,876Sale Price|20% Off
Original 17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Chest, Circa 1690 England
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A 17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Chest of Drawers Circa 1690, England The two short over three long oak lined graduating drawers, veneered throughout in finely figured o...
Ash, Boxwood, Oak, Olive, Holly
William & Mary Oyster Veneered Walnut Chest Of Drawers - Circa 1680-1710
Located in Bridgeport, CT
William and Mary walnut chest having"oyster burl" veneers bound by circles of string inlay on the molded edge top which rests above two smaller side by side drawers over two graduate...
Brass
17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Chest on Stand or Table Box
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A fine and extremely rare 17th century William and Mary baroque olive oyster chest on stand or 'table box', circa 1675-1690.
Olive
17th Century William and Mary Blond Olive Oyster Chest of drawers, Circa 1690.
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A Rare Blond Olive Oyster William and Mary Chest of Drawers, Circa 1690, England.
Ash, Boxwood, Oak, Olive, Holly
William & Mary Oyster Veneer Chest on Stand
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality William and Mary oyster veneer chest on stand, having moulded feather banded top with a moulded edge and three long drawers, the base with further long dra...
Walnut
Early 20th Century Laburnam Oyster Chest on Stand in the Style of William & Mary
Located in Martlesham, GB
A superb and fine early 20th century laburnam oyster chest on stand in the style of William & Mary, the rectangular and crossbanded top with an ogee moulded edge with decorative shap...
Hardwood
17th Century William & Mary Walnut Chest of Drawers
Located in Hoddesdon, GB
A superb quality English William & Mary walnut and burr inlay chest of drawers, dating to the late 17th century (circa 1690s), beautifully inlaid throughout with geometric designs.
Walnut
Fine William And Mary Oyster Veneer Cabinet On Chest
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very fine quality late 17th century Oyster veneer cabinet on chest from the Queen Anne/William and Mary period with outstanding patina and nutty color, and of desirable proportions.
Olive
William and Mary Oysterwood Chest
Located in Skipton, GB
A fine and documented William and Mary period chest of drawers. The top is veneered in well chosen olive oysters laid in geometric patterns incorporating, concentric circles, roundel...
Olive, Sycamore
17th Century William and Mary Chest
Located in New Orleans, LA
Rare 17th century English walnut oyster veneered and crossbanded William and Mary five-drawer chest, circa 1695.
Metal
Unavailable
H 31.5 in W 34.26 in D 22.05 in
William & Mary Olivewood Oyster Veneered Chest of Drawers of Elegant Proportions
Located in Bradford on Avon, GB
The rectangular top is laid with a central circular geometric pattern of cut oyster veneers bordered with inlaid boxwood stringing with a heart shaped pattern to each corner and is c...
William & Mary Olivewood Chest of Drawers
By Gerrit Jensen
Located in London, GB
A William & Mary olivewood oyster veneered chest of drawers, the top inlaid with geometric lines in holly above two short and three long drawer fronts similarly inlaid.
Olive
A George I/ William and Mary Oyster Veneer Chest of Drawers
Located in Woodbury, CT
An early Georgian, George I oyster veneered chest of drawers. The geometric line inlaid top with oyster veneers and molded edge top above two split drawers and three graduated drawer...
William & Mary Oyster Veneered Miniature Chest
Located in Folkestone, Kent
An exceptionally rare William and Mary period miniature chest of applied oyster-cut olive wood.
Olive
William & Mary Chest of Drawers
Located in Salisbury, GB
A William & Mary chest of drawers. Inlaid with various woods, including walnut , holly, olivewood oysters on sides, boxwood, ebony, bog oak, cedar and boxwood.
Boxwood, Cedar, Ebony, Holly, Oak, Walnut
Oyster Veneered Chest
Located in Bantam, CT
A fine quality William and Mary period walnut and oyster veneered chest of drawers small size on bun feet.
Walnut
Unavailable
H 31.5 in W 34.26 in D 22.05 in
Late 17th Century William & Mary Olivewood & Holly Oyster Veneered Chest of Draw
Located in Bradford on Avon, GB
The rectangular top is laid with a central circular geometric pattern of cut oyster veneers bordered with inlaid Holly stringing with a heart shaped pattern to each corner and is cro...
Olive
17th Century Oyster Olivewood Chest
Located in London, GB
A Classic oyster olivewood chest of drawers of the William and Mary period in a very original state of preservation.
Olive
William and Mary Period Miniature Walnut Chest
Located in Kansas City, MO
Very unusual William and Mary period miniature chest of applied oyster-wood veneer of English walnut.
Fruitwood, Oak, Walnut
Oyster Veneered Chest of Drawers
Located in Nettlebed, Oxfordshire
The original William and Mary.
Blickling Oyster Veneer Credenza
By Beau Studio
Located in Atlanta, GA
The credenza version of our blickling oyster veneer chest.Cut from the root or branches of the Yew tree, these oyster veneers look like they are 300 years old.
Antique William And Mary Oyster Chest
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Wonderful William And Mary Period Laburnum Oyster Veneered Chest Of Two Short And Three Long Drawers With Geometric And Banded Inlay Decoration Standing On Replaced Bun Feet
Late 17th Century Oyster Chest of Drawers
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Rare, late 17th century 'William and Mary' oyster chest of drawers having an interesting geometrical design of interlaced circles and nice patination and colour.
Sycamore
Sold
H 29.14 in W 31.89 in D 20.67 in
Small William & Mary Oyster Olive Wood and Walnut Chest - RESERVED
By William & Mary
Located in Lymington, GB
A small English William & Mary period oyster olive wood and walnut chest (1689-1702), circa 1690.
Walnut
William And Mary Oyster Veneer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Essex, MA
A choice diminutive chest with an oyster veneer top { oyster veneer was highly prized cross sections of tree limbs offering a highly figured design with boxwood stringing to divide t...
Walnut
William and Mary Oyster Veneer Chest on Stand
Located in Essex, MA
With an elaborately inlaid top with wonderful oyster decoration over two short over two long drawers, raised on a separate barley twist base. With overall oyster veneers. Bun feet li...
Walnut
William and Mary Oyster Veneer Chest of Drawers
Located in Essex, MA
With a rectangular top with satinwood outer band and inner pattern of circles defined with boxwood stringing with overall oyster, over two over two long drawers , raised on bracket f...
Walnut
William And Mary Oyster Veneer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Essex, MA
Made in two parts to be able to go up a narrow stairway. The rectangular top with oyster veneer rings and compass rose.With two drawers over three long drawers. Brass ring handles. B...
Brass
William And Mary Oyster Veneer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Essex, MA
With a rectangular top with rounded edge and a top inlaid with rings of cross cut branch veneers forming a pattern of rings. The conforming case with repeating oyster decoration with...
Kingwood, Olive, Walnut
17th Century William & Mary Oyster Laburnum and Walnut Chest
Located in Lymington, GB
Refs: Christie’s sold a very similar William and Mary period chest @ £18,750 “with restorations and replacements”, 21 January 2010, lot 26.
Walnut
William and Mary Style Oyster Veneer Chest of Drawers
Located in San Francisco, CA
William and Mary style walnut oyster veneer chest of drawers.
Brass
A William and Mary Oyster-Veneered Chest of Drawers
Located in Shipston-On-Stour, GB
An extremely fine William & Mary olive, walnut and fruit wood chest of drawers.
Olive, Walnut
William And Mary Walnut And Oyster Veneer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular top with central oval inlay with matching inlays at corners. Over two over three graduated drawers all with inlays complementing the top. Sides with central inlaid panels...
Boxwood, Walnut
William & Mary Labumum Oyster Chest
Located in New Orleans, LA
A magnificent and extremely rare William and Mary-period laburnum oyster-veneered chest.
Sold
H 10.24 in W 11.03 in D 7.88 in
Miniature William and Mary Diminutive Olive Oyster Chest, C.1688-1702
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
From the reign of King William & Queen Mary (1688-1702), England. The finely holly-banded and cross-grain moulded top is beautifully veneered in roundels of hand-cut olive oysters...
Olive
William & Mary Style English Oyster Veneer Chest, 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
The William & Mary style English walnut oyster veneer chest with boxwood string inlay, satinwood crossbanding, 2 short drawers above 3 long drawers and terminating in bun feet.
Brass
Sold
H 11.42 in W 12.01 in D 11.42 in
Miniature William and Mary 17th Century Diminutive Olive Oyster Chest, C.1690
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A Fine Miniature William and Mary 17th Century Diminutive Olive Oyster chest.
Olive
Sold
H 12.21 in W 13.59 in D 9.06 in
Diminutive 17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Miniature Chest of Drawers
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
From the reign of King William & Queen Mary (1688-1702) England. The finely crossbanded and cross-grain moulded top is beautifully veneered in roundels of handcut olive oysters a...
Olive
Sold
H 44.49 in W 41.34 in D 24.02 in
17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Chest of Drawers on Stand
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A superb example of well-chosen handcut olive oyster veneers, combined with the finesse of a highly skilled craftsman, from the reign of William & Mary (1689-1702). The rectangular...
Olive
Late 17th Century William & Mary Oyster Veneered Chest Of Drawers
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Very Attractive Late 17th Century William And Mary Period Chest, Of Rare Small Proportions, Having Wonderful Laburnum Oyster Cut Veneers To The Top, Sides And Drawers Fronts, The T...
Wood
William And Mary Walnut And Oyster Veneer Chest
Located in Essex, MA
Top inlaid with string inlay in a scrolling pattern. Sides similarly inlaid oyster veneers. Originally had bun feet but now have bracket feet. Provenance, Phipps Estate, Long Island, NY
18th Century William & Mary Chest of Drawers with Oyster Inlays
Located in New York, NY
This outstanding William & Mary chest of drawers has been well-cared for over the centuries.
Brass
Sold
H 34.26 in W 37.41 in D 22.05 in
17th Century William & Mary Period Marquetry Inlaid Oyster Chest of Drawers
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
Very Fine 17th-Century William and Mary Period Marquetry Inlaid Oyster Walnut Chest of Drawers This exquisite chest of drawers exemplifies the craftsmanship of the late 17th century...
Walnut
Sold
H 45.08 in W 38.98 in D 21.46 in
William and Mary 17th Century Olive Oyster Chest on Stand, circa 1680-1690
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A superb and fine olive oyster chest on stand from the reign of King William & Queen Mary (1689-1702) England.
Brass
William And Mary Oyster Veneer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular top over a pair of drawers over three graduated drawers raised on bun feet. Provenance ; Club El Morocco NYC.
Sold
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Chest of drawers, Circa 1690. England
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
This exquisite William and Mary period chest of drawers, crafted in the late 17th century, showcases outstanding artistry in both form and material.
Ash, Boxwood, Oak, Olive, Holly
William and Mary Walnut Chest on Bun Feet .
Located in Nashville, TN
A fine Queen Anne period antique patinated, walnut chest of drawers. The chest has a rectangular moulded top with contrasting feather banding. In the centre is an Oyster cut 4 panels...
Walnut
A fine William and Mary walnut oyster veneer chest of drawers
Located in San Francisco, CA
A fine William and Mary cross-banded oyster-veneered walnut chest of drawers, circa 1690, with 2 short and 3 long drawers, the top and front with oyster cut wood and pear wood string...
Walnut, Oak, Pine, Pearwood
William and Mary Oysterwood Chest on Stand
Located in New Orleans, LA
Furnishings from this period are extremely rare and highly collectible, as is the case with this exceptionally fine William and Mary period walnut oyster veneered chest.
Stone
17th Century William and Mary Chest or Commode
Located in Stamford, CT
Finest example of a two over three drawer period William and Mary chest of drawers or commode. Fine walnut with oysters inlays.
Late 17th Century William And Mary Walnut And Marquetry Chest Of
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
LATE 17TH CENTURY WILLIAM AND MARY WALNUT AND MARQUETRY CHEST OF DRAWERS THIS KIND OF QUALITY DOES NOT COME UP OFTEN, A WELL BALANCED ENGLISH CHEST OF DRAWERS, IN WALNUT OYSTER VE...
Walnut
Important 18th Century William & Mary Chest on Stand
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
Superb Walnut William & Mary chest on stand with oyster veneer.
17th Century English Oyster-Veneered Chest
Located in New Orleans, LA
This magnificent and extremely rare laburnum oyster-veneered chest dates to the William and Mary period.
Bronze
Early 18th century inlaid oyster veneered English chest
Located in Richmond, VA
Gorgeous early 18th century inlaid oyster veneered William and Mary period English chest.
Walnut, Bog Wood
Pair of Oyster Shell Veneer Chests of Drawers
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of English oyster shell veneer chests of drawers. Fruitwood, feather band inlay on top and drawer fronts. The top is crossbanded. Bracket feet. May be sold separately.
Fruitwood
A Fine 17th Century Charles II Olive Oyster Chest, Circa 1690 England
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
This exquisite William and Mary period chest of drawers, crafted in the late 17th century, showcases outstanding artistry in both form and material.
Ash, Boxwood, Oak, Olive, Holly
Sold
H 34.45 in W 34.65 in D 22.64 in
A Fine 17th Century Charles II Olive Oyster Chest, Circa 1680 England
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
The cross-grain ovolo moulded top is veneered in well-chosen olive oysters laid in geometric patterns incorporating a large central floral motif, roundels, corner arc quadrants and a...
Olive, Ash, Boxwood, Oak, Holly
Sold
H 61.62 in W 42.52 in D 18.51 in
17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Marquetry Escritoire, circa 1680
By Thomas Pistor
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A remarkable and extremly rare William and Mary olive oyster and floral marquetry escritoire, concealing eight secret drawers, circa 1680.
Walnut, Bone, Oak, Olive, Pine
Fine Charles ll Oyster Laburnum and Walnut Chest on Stand
Located in Lymington, GB
Christie’s sold a similar William and Mary period chest @ £18,750 “with restorations and replacements”, 21 January 2010, lot 26.
Walnut
Sold
H 5.52 in W 22.64 in D 17.72 in
18th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Arabesque Marquetry Lace Box, C.1690
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
An extremely rare late 17th-century arabesque marquetry and olive oyster lace box of large scale, from the reign of William and Mary, circa 1690.
Olive
Charles II Olive Oyster Floral Marquetry Table
By Gerrit Jensen
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
In 1689, Jensen was appointed royal cabinetmaker to King William III and Queen Mary – ‘Cabinet maker in Ordinary’ to the Crown; and he retained his royal appointment throughout the r...
Bone, Ebony, Holly, Olive
Tiffany & Co. Chrysanthemum Flatware Set, Service for 12
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Carpenter, Jr. and Mary Grace Carpenter Tiffany Silver Flatware 1845-1905: When Dining Was an Art, 1995, William P.
Silver
Tiffany & Co. Chrysanthemum Flatware Set, Service For 12
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Carpenter, Jr. and Mary Grace Carpenter Tiffany Silver Flatware 1845-1905: When Dining Was an Art, 1995, William P.
Sterling Silver
219-Piece Chrysanthemum Flatware Service by Tiffany & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
References: Tiffany Silver, 1978, Charles H. Carpenter, Jr. and Mary Grace Carpenter Tiffany Silver Flatware 1845-1905: When Dining Was an Art, 1995, William P.
Sterling Silver
William And Mary Inlaid Oyster Veneered Chest
Located in Bradenton, FL
A William and Mary burl cross-branded oyster veneered walnut chest of drawers.
Wood, Walnut
$3,499Sale 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
$24,950Sale Price|47% Off
H 37 in W 63 in D 27 in
Fine French 19th-20th century Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Inlaid Commode
By François Linke
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine French 19th-20th century Louis XV style gilt bronze-mounted kingwood, amaranth, satinwood and Tulipwood Bois Satiné and Bois de Bout Floral Marquetry - Inlaid - Two-Drawer Com...
Marble, Bronze
English George I Walnut Chest of Drawers, 18th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Classic traditional English George I period chest of drawers with solid walnut sides and highly figural walnut veneers on the drawer fronts and top surface. Having very old if not or...
Brass
$14,850Sale Price|25% Off
H 34.25 in W 53.25 in D 23.25 in
French 19th-20th Century Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Marquetry Commode
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine French 19th-20th century Louis XV style gilt bronze mounted satinwood and tulipwood Bois Satiné and Bois de Bout floral Marquetry two-drawer commode of bombé serpentine form, ...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century English Chinoiserie Ladies Secretaire Writing Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Extraordinary 19th century English ladies secretaire desk or writing table. The two part desk was made in the Chinoiserie revival period of Europe in the mid-19th century. The desk f...
Brass
$49,850Sale Price|33% Off
H 36.25 in W 54.25 in D 22.75 in
Fine French Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Bombe Commode Manner of François Linke
By François Linke
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine French 19th-20th century Louis XV style burr walnut, kingwood and satinwood floral marquetry and finely chased ormolu-mounted two-drawer bombé commode, in the manner of F...
Marble, Bronze
$38,360Sale Price|20% Off
H 37 in W 54 in D 23.5 in
French 19th-20th Century Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Commode
By François Linke
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine French Belle Époque 19th-20th century Louis XV style superb quality ormolu-mounted kingwood bombé commode with a Brêche d'Alep marble top, attributed to François Linke an...
Marble, Ormolu
$26,231
H 45.67 in W 66.93 in D 18.12 in
19th C. Napoleon III Tortoiseshell Boulle Marquetry Commode, Gilt Bronze Details
By Nicolas Sageot, André-Charles Boulle
Located in Madrid, ES
An opulent 19th century French Napoleon III (nephew of Bonaparte I) style commode, with Boulle style red-orange tortoiseshell and brass marquetry, ormolu detailing and marble top. Th...
Marble, Ormolu
French 18th Century Transitional Marquetry Commode
Located in Pembroke, MA
French Louis XV-XVI transitional period commode with lovely marquetry in satinwood, rosewood and tulipwood, Gris Sainte Anne marble top and three drawers. The commode features a cent...
Marble
Liceu de Artes e Ofícios. 19th Century Daybed
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This recamier/daybed was conceived and executed with utmost quality and expertise, showing a style that incorporates many influences from the eigtheenth and ninetheenth century. Made...
Wood
$162,167
H 90.95 in W 61.03 in D 77.56 in
IMPORTANT BISHOP JAMES STANLEY 1508 KING HENRY VII ENGLiSH OAK TUDOR TESTER BED
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare and highly important, Museum quality, English Tudor King Henry VII Oak tester bed made for an...
Oak
$139,850Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 35.75 in W 56 in D 23.5 in
Fine Pair of 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze-Mounted Commodes
By François Linke
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine and impressive pair of French 19th century Louis xv style gilt bronze-mounted kingwood, satinwood and tulipwood floral marquetry two-drawer bombé commodes attributed to F...
Marble, Bronze
$3,750
H 28.25 in Dm 20.5 in
Austrian Biedermeier 1820s Guéridon Side Table with Burl Veneer and Iron Frame
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Austrian Biedermeier period guéridon side table with burl veneer and iron base from the early 19th century. This Biedermeier guéridon features a circular top made of burl veneer, ...
Iron
$22,000
H 88 in W 47 in D 14 in
19th Century English Black and Gold Chinoiserie Bookcase with Glass Doors
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English black and gold bookcase from the 19th century with Chinoiserie décor and glass doors. This exquisite English black and gold bookcase from the 19th century epitomizes refin...
Glass, Wood
17th Century Style Yew Oyster Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
This stunning and beautifully ornate 3 drawer 17th century style yew oyster chest has been traditionally hand constructed from 18th century materials, with hand cut oyster veneer cop...
Brass
$1,650,000
H 30.57 in W 20 in D 13.13 in
Pair of Carrara Marble Busts of the Emperor Napoleon and Empress Marie Louise
Located in New Orleans, LA
"I am a true Roman Emperor; I am of the best race of the Caesars—those who are founders." –Napoleon Bonaparte, 1812 Among the most iconic and celebrated figures in history, Napoleon...
Marble
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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