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Commodes and Chests of Drawers For Sale
Style: Neoclassical
Style: Arts and Crafts
North Italian Carved And Painted Neoclassical Period Commode, 18th Century
Located in Free Union, VA
A fine two over three drawer Italian Neoclassical commode of oak, with refined low relief carved ornament of rinceaux, flower baskets, bell flower carved moldings and pearl rondels. ...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
19th Century Pair French Neoclassic Mahogany Drum Cabinets
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
19th Century Pair French Neoclassic Mahogany Drum Cabinets
Two round neoclassical small furniture, drum cabinets mahogany veneered on softwood. Both of them marble topped. Inside on...
Category
1830s French Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
Walnut Three Drawer Chests
Located in Westwood, NJ
Burl Walnut Three Drawer Chest is a modern dresser with three long drawers and an exotic burl wood veneer. With modern antiqued brass ring pu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
19th C. Neoclassic French Painted Commode W/Marble Top & Lion's Head Ring Pulls
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French four-drawer Neoclassic commode with its original marble top from the 19th century. This antique chest from France retains its original marble top which sits atop a Neoclassical case that has been designed in clean/linear lines, and raised upon spaded legs at front and squared legs at rear. The four drawers have elaborate lion's head ring bail hardware, and are flanked at each end with set-back column side posts, with beautifully embellished tops. The gray, black and white marble top is complimented with a the case having a sophisticated vintage white/gray wash, with charcoal and brass accents. This 19th century French Neoclassical commode...
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
Italian Neo Classic Painted Commode
Located in Westwood, NJ
Northern Italian Neo Classic Painted Commode with a grey painted finish and ivory accents, this hand-painted two drawer commode has a simple modern look and roots in Northern Italy in the 19th century.
Two long drawers with antique key...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
19th C. Neoclassical French Commode w/Marble Top & Brass Lion Head Drawer Pulls
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Neoclassical commode with four drawers and marble top from the 19th century. This antique chest from France features a rectangular-shaped marble top, over case which houses four drawers (upper drawer is disguised within the top frieze), designed in clean and linear lines with straight skirt, and presented upon four block style feet. Each of the lower three dove-tailed drawers is adorn with their original hardware; a pair of brass lion...
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
19th C. French Neoclassic Commode w/Original Marble Top & Brass Trim/Hardware
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Neoclassical commode with its original marble top from the 19th century. This antique chest from France features a rectangular-shaped marble top, with pronounced rounded fro...
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Brass
18th Century Italian Neoclassical Inlaid Chest of Drawers with Marble Top
Located in Pasadena, CA
An 18th century Italian neoclassical style marble chest of drawers featuring contrasting marquetry inlay throughout the exterior as well as decorative rose colored paper lines throug...
Category
18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Giuseppe Maggiolini Style Inlaid Mahogany Bombay Commode by Charles & Charles
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Giuseppe Maggiolini Style Inlaid Mahogany Bombay Commode by Charles & Charles. Made by Charles & Charles in the manner of Giuseppe Maggiolini. It is an outstanding example with amazi...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Satinwood
Neoclassic Period French Commode W/Hidden Butler's Secretary & Writing Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Neoclassical commode, with hidden secretary and original hardware, from the turn of the 18th and 19th century. This antique commode from France gives the appearance of being a three drawer chest at first glance. However, discreetly hidden behind the upper "drawer" is in fact a fall-front, which opens to reveal a small writing desk with three open cubbies for organization within. The lower portion of the chest houses two full-sized drawers. The rectangular-shaped top has pronounced and rounded front corners, which carry through down the side posts and are flute-carved. Each drawer front is adorn with brass trim and retains the original brass (and really great) hardware; a pair of rectangular bail pulls with a beautiful Neoclassic escutcheon set at center. This commode is presented upon conical legs with exaggerated tops that canopy over their tapered feet. The rich fruitwood has a wonderful old patina throughout. Note that there have been some prior repairs to the top. This late 18th century French...
Category
Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Italian Neoclassic Painted Commode
Located in Essex, MA
With demilune white and grey faux marble top over a conforming case section with two drawers with brass ring handles and stylized mounted giltwood acanthus leaves ,the case sides wit...
Category
Early 1800s Italian Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Swedish Neoclassical Style 19th Century Chests with Painted Greek Keys
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Neoclassical style chests from the 19th century with marbleized tops, painted Greek Key friezes and three drawers each. Indulge in the timeless allure of Swedish design with this pair of 19th-century Neoclassical-style painted wood chests. Flaunting rectangular marbleized tops with protruding and canted corners in the front, each piece is a harmonious blend of function and artistry, exemplifying the grace of Neoclassical aesthetics.
The façade of each chest is elegantly composed of three drawers, the uppermost adorned with a classic Greek Key painting, a symbol of eternal flow and unity. Complemented by classical brass hardware, these chests add a touch of antiquity to any room.
Canted side posts showcase simple diamond motifs in the upper section, descending into fluted motifs, further enhancing the Neoclassical charm. The Greek Key pattern continues on side panels, offering a visual treat from all perspectives. Each chest is unfinished at the back, underscoring its rustic appeal.
Raised on tapered legs, angled subtly at the front, the chests carry the weight of their heritage with grace. Dressed in a soft color palette typical of Scandinavian design, they infuse any space with understated elegance. This pair of Swedish Neoclassical chests...
Category
19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Walnut Commodes with Foliage Design, 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Italian neoclassical Walnut Commodes with Foliage Design, early 19th century.
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Painted Italian Commode
Located in Vista, CA
19th century painted Italian commode. An Italian polychrome faux-marble top neoclassic commode 19th century the faux-marble top above three drawers all resting on tapering legs. Deco...
Category
19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Dutch Transitional Painted Commode
Located in Westwood, NJ
The Transitional Painted Commode is fitted with three long drawers and has an antiqued painted finish. With brass molded trim, the design featur...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Antique Arts & Crafts Quarter Sawn Oak 31-Compartment Filing Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Arts & Crafts 31-compartment file cabinet
By The Federal Equipment Co.
USA, early 20th century
Quarter sawn oak, with brass hardware.
Measures: 19....
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
1950s Italian Neo-Classical Style Walnut Chest / Commode / Side Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 1950s Italian neo-classical style walnut chest. It has ebonized and gilt columns and the original brass hardware. The drawers are lined in paper, and the label is on the ba...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
19th Century Venetian Neoclassical style Hand Painted Commode
Located in London, Park Royal
A Late 19th Century Venetian commode, hand painted in the Neoclassical style featuring fine scroll work in hues of brick pinks, yellow ochres, olive greens and blues on an old white ...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Early 19th Century French or Baltic Neoclassical Marble Top Cabinet
Located in Charleston, SC
Beautiful early 19th century French or Baltic neoclassical walnut and marble top 2 door cabinet with canted corners and turned legs. This cabinet came from an incredible apartment in...
Category
19th Century European Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
Italian Neo Classic Three Drawer Commode
Located in Westwood, NJ
Italian Neo Classic Three Drawer Commode inlaid and crossbanded, with walnut, mahogany and kingwood. A Classic Louis XVI style with three locking drawers...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
19th Century Italian Commode
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Finely inlaid Italian commode of small size. In excellent condition. Most likely the backing has been replaced. Commode comes with 3 keys.
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
10 Drawer Tiger Oak Card Catalogue, Late 19th Century
Located in Madison, WI
Arts & Crafts Mission Oak Antique 10 Drawer Card Catalogue / Cabinet Original Tiger Oak Finish 1920
This is such an adorable small set of handsome Ar...
Category
Late 19th Century Arts and Crafts Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak
Italian Neoclassical Inlaid Walnut Chest, circa 1780
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rectangular top with molding edge above three long drawers and shaped apron below, raised on cabriole legs.
Category
18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Maple, Olive, Walnut
Pair of Light Oak Parquetry Dressers
Located in Westwood, NJ
A light oak parquetry chest of drawers in dawn finish. It has mirrored herringbone oak parquetry drawers, classically tapered legs, and six Verde Bronz...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
French Neoclassical Painted Wood Breakfront Raised Chest w/Marble Top 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Neoclassical carved and painted wood commode with marble top from the 19th century. This antique chest from France features a subtle break-front design that carries through from the marble top to the wood cabinet below. The charcoal top with white veining rests upon a case which houses two drawers, flanked within canted front side posts, and fitted with ornate Neoclassical hardware. The front skirt is also adorn in elaborate Neoclassical hardware at center. The chest is raised on four shapely cabriole legs, with front feet embellished with metal leaves. The wood has a new custom finish primarily a light blue/gray color with darker accent trim along door fronts. This 19th century French Neoclassical...
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
Antique Carved Oak Dresser with Mirror, circa 1900
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts carved oak dresser with mirror.
By Estey manufacturing Co.
USA, circa 1900
Measures: 42.5" W x 21" D ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mirror, Oak
Vintage Italian Walnut Miniature Commodini Chest Commode Nightstand
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage neoclassical miniature chest of drawers / commodini made of walnut with a string inlay of satinwood on the top and front. The case, finished on all sides, holds a shallow fri...
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Light Oak Parquetry Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
A light oak parquetry chest of drawers in dawn finish. It has mirrored herringbone oak parquetry drawers, classically tapered legs, and six Verde Bronz...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Arts and Crafts Golden Walnut Chest of Drawers
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Arts and Crafts golden walnut chest of drawers
This is a good solid chest, there are 2 short drawers over 2 graduated longdrawers with superb arts and crafts brass handles
The c...
Category
1880s Arts and Crafts Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Custom Mirrored Neoclassical Style 3-Drawer Chest
By Venfield
Located in New York, NY
Made to order, custom mirrored three drawer chest with faceted crystal drawer pulls. Designed by Venfield, NYC. Custom dimensions and hardware available. Please inquire with Venfield...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Crystal
1920s Faux Bamboo and White Carrera Marble Dressing Table with Central Mirror
Located in London, GB
A 1920s faux bamboo and white Carrera marble dressing table with central hinged mirror with brass acorn fixings above a central drawer and shelf,...
Category
1920s French Arts and Crafts Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Mirrored Neoclassical Style Highboy Dresser with Silver Trim
By Venfield
Located in New York, NY
Chic mirrored 8-drawer highboy dresser with painted silver trim and crystal ball knobs. All drawers are 17.5" wide and 9" deep in height. The interior is finished in maple. Designed ...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Chrome
Swedish Painted Commode, Antiqued Grey
Located in Westwood, NJ
Large 48" wide Swedish painted commode, this neoclassic painted commode in an antiqued grey finish with three long lockable drawers, canted cor...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
French 1820s Neoclassical Fruitwood Veneered Side Table with Diamond Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A petite French neoclassical fruitwood four-drawer commode from the early 19th century. This small size French commode from the 1820s features a three-quarter wooden gallery sitting ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Fruitwood
French Walnut Commode, circa 1780
Located in Madison, MS
This stunning Walnut French commode, crafted in 1780, is in pristine condition and would make a huge statement in any room. It features beautiful curvatures and wood carved details. ...
Category
Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Antique Remington Rand Quartersawn Oak Library Bureau Double File Cabinets
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Remington Rand Library Bureau Division side by side file cabinet. Made of tiger oak featuring eight file drawers, one side for legal size doc...
Category
Early 20th Century American Classical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak
Charles Meeking & Co London Victorian Mirrored Chiffonier Hall Stand
By Charles Meeking & Co
Located in Torquay, GB
Late 19th Century antique ebonised chiffonier cupboard by Charles Meeking & Co. London EC, renown furniture makers of Victorian era.
Well made solid mahogany antique furniture...
Category
1870s British Arts and Crafts Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mirror, Wood
18th Century Serpentine Front Commode
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Fine quality 18th century Serpentine commode in mahogany and satinwood inlay.
This commode stands well and is beautifully proportione...
Category
18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
19th C. French Neoclassical Commode w/Marble Top and Brass Trimmings
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French neoclassical style commode with marble top from the 19th century. This antique chest from France features its original ...
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
Rue De Beaune Chest-of-drawers by Pierre Gonalons
Located in PARIS, FR
Géranium lacquered beech chest-of-drawers with two drawers with polished brass frame handle.
It is a piece of furniture made by hand by the craftsmen of Moissonnier, French cabinetm...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Beech
19th Century Serpentine Inlaid Commode
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 19th century European. Austrian? 3-drawer serpentine chest of drawers. Newly French polished.
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Pair of Dark Oak Parquetry Dressers
Located in Westwood, NJ
A dark oak parquetry chest of drawers in Dusk finish. It has mirrored herringbone oak parquetry drawers, classically tapered legs, and six Verde Bronze...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
18th Century Pair of Neoclassical Commodes. Vienna, c. 1800.
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello,
This elegant pair of neoclassical commodes is the best example of top-quality Viennese pieces from circa 1800.
Viennese Neoclassi...
Category
18th Century Austrian Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Dark Oak Parquetry Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
A dark oak parquetry chest of drawers in Dusk finish. It has mirrored herringbone oak parquetry drawers, classically tapered legs, and six Verde bronze...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
19th Century Italian Commodinis
Located in Los Angeles, CA
NIcely inlaid. Little chests have been French polished. They are strong and sturdy. Three keys.
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Brass
18th Century Italian Comodino with Elegant Marquetry
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian period Neoclassical small-sized comodino embellished with stunning marquetry, from the 18th century. This antique cabinet from Italy has been elaborately-crafted marquetry inlays about its top and three sides in various designs of mythological creatures, leafy garlands, and highly depictive landscapes with farmers and shepherds lounging with their animals. The case houses a single drawer with single door beneath which opens to reveal a shelf for storage (and a small hole which has been previous drilled at lower backside should you wish to hide electronics within). This piece is presented upon four squared legs which gently taper to their feet. Please note that there is some slight bowing to the top. This 18th century Italian Neoclassical chest...
Category
18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Commode Minature Long Walnut Maltese Cross Ebonised Fruitwoo
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
An exceptionally rare, museum quality Maltese, Neoclassical walnut chest of drawers with ebonised & fruitwood inlaid maltese cross on the top and drawer fronts
Maltese furniture of this period is exceptional reflecting the status and affluence of the island.
Given the size of the island relatively little Maltese furniture was made in comparison to Europe & American mainland.
Minature furniture is rare made either as a model or an apprentice's piece so it is extremely rare to find a minature piece from Malta bearing the Maltese cross.
This minature commode is highly original with beautiful proportions, ornamentation and patination.
The 'H' shaped top with a large centered inlaid Maltese Cross and a border of stringing. The breakfront fitted with three drawers each with stringing and inlaid six point stars centrally positioned behind the wooden knobs. The uprights with two continuous vertical bands of stringing ebonised and fruitwood from the top to the bottom of the drawers in walnut to match the front of the chest and then reverting to ebonising and fruitwood down the feet. Terminating in tapering feet. The panelled sides with a repeat of the double banding on the uprights and rectangular borders within the panels. The oak lined drawers with the original 18th century blue paper lining.
Measures: length 27 cm 10 1/2", height 24 cm 9 1/2", depth 20 cm 8".
Maltese Cross:
The Maltese cross is a symbol that is most commonly associated with the Knights of Malta (also known as the Knights Hospitallers...
Category
18th Century Maltese Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Fruitwood, Walnut
18th Century Cherrywood Chest of Drawers, Josephinism Period, Austria circa 1790
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Beautiful cherrywood chest of drawers with inlay works from the late 18th century in Austria around 1790. This over 230 year old commode from the so-called...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Pair of Louis XVI Style Antiqued Black Commodes
Located in Westwood, NJ
Louis XVI Style Antiqued Black Commodes with an antiqued and distressed rub through black painted finish. With canted corners, dental molding, an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Venetian Hand Painted and Gilt Figural Pagoda Two Drawer Commode, Circa 1780
Located in Hollywood, SC
Venetian hand painted and gilt figural pagoda two-drawer commode with scalloped edge top, gilt carved shell form handles, and resting on a scalloped edge floral skirt with the origin...
Category
1780s Italian Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Late 20th-C. Custom French Neo-Classical Style Painted Chests / Side Tables - 2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These have timeless appeal! This is a pair of French neo-classical style chests or side tables. These could work from livingroom to bedroom. They are custom bench made piece. The che...
Category
1990s American Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany, Paint
19th Century Italian Neo-Classical Curved Front Painted Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely 19th century Italian curved front Neo-Classical painted commode. Beautiful patina and design on this piece. So pretty!!
Category
19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Wellesley Guild Hand-Carved Hand-Crafted Arts and Crafts Style Fruitwood Commode
By Guild
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite, hand-carved hand-crafted arts and craft mixed with Provincial Style Fruitwood Commode by Wellesley Guild. Beautiful hand-carved flower bo...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Arts and Crafts Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Fruitwood
Swedish White Painted Commode
Located in Westwood, NJ
Swedish white painted commode, this neo-classic painted commode with three long lockable drawers, canted corners with fluted stiles, and brass ri...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Pair of 'Palm Beach Blue' Lacquered Commodes with Natural Coquina Stone
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of 'Palm Beach Blue' lacquered commodes with natural coquina stone.
European, purchased in France in 1980s.
A stunning pair of Neoclassical st...
Category
Late 20th Century French Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Limestone, Metal
Pair Don Ruseau Chests
By Don Ruseau
Located in Norwalk, CT
A pair of small chests, perfect for bedside or other side tables. Each has 3 drawers stylishly lined in the Ruseau signature style with vintage wa...
Category
1950s Neoclassical Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
Italian Fruitwood Commode, Late 18th Century
Located in London, GB
Italian fruitwood commode, Late 18th Century
Italian Neoclassical fruitwood commode with a black marble top, detailed with outset rounded corners above three long drawers flanked ...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Fruitwood
French Period Neoclassical Commode w/Beautiful Wood Grain & Neoclassic Hardware
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French neoclassic carved-wood commode from the 19th century. This antique chest from France features a top with rounded/cove-edges at four corners, atop a neoclassical case with rounded and flute-carved side posts, three full sized drawers, and raised on conical legs which taper to their peg feet. The recessed panel and dovetailed drawers, are each fitted with Neoclassical hardware with wreath & bow motif, including the pair of handles flanking the escutcheon at center. This piece is has rich and beautiful wood grain...
Category
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Antique and Vintage Chests of Drawers and Commodes for Sale on 1stDibs
Is it 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 a 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.
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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