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Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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Commodes and Chests of Drawers For Sale
19th Century Diminutive French Provincial Child’s Chest of Drawers
Located in Vero Beach, FL
19th century Diminutive French Provincial Child’s chest of drawers This child’s Baroque style French country chest of drawers has a finely ser...
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Fruitwood

English Pine Chest of Drawers
Located in Bradenton, FL
English Pine Chest of Drawers. This chest embodies the warmth, simplicity, and craftmanship associated with English furniture of the era. Built in solid pine with a time-softened ho...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Chests of Drawers Circa 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
A classic pair of 19th-century Gustavian-style chests of drawers, circa 1880-1890, crafted from solid pine and featuring a distinctive broken-front design. These elegant pieces are p...
Category

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Antique Louis Philippe Style Burl Walnut Chest of Drawers
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Louis Philippe style burl walnut chest of drawers with marble top, late 19th century. With a rectangular Saint Anne's marble top with canted corners, 4 matched burl walnut dr...
Category

Late 19th Century European Louis Philippe Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble

Henkel Harris Georgian Solid Mahogany Eight-Drawer Highboy Dresser, 1973
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style eight-drawer highboy chest of drawers By Henkel Harris USA, 1973 Solid mahogany, with original brass hardware. Measures: 37.25"W x 21.13"...
Category

1970s American Georgian Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Dresser Bachelors Chest
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated tailored design three drawer chest designed by T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb circa 1950/1960’s. The dresser features three deep drawers, each having a dowel form pull, and a picture frame molding cabinet...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Georgian Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A very good quality 18th century Chippendale Period Georgian mahogany chest of relative small proportion, having well figured top over two short & three long drawers retaining origin...
Category

Mid-18th Century English Chippendale Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Commode en pin Gautier vintage des années 70 80
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Commode vintage des années 70 80, attribuée à la marque Gautier, en bois de pin, 4 tiroirs : 2 grands et 2 plus petits, joli travail des poignées et des détails d’assemblage, intérie...
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

20th Catalan Spanish Baroque Carved Walnut Tuscan Chest of Drawers or Nightstand
Located in Miami, FL
From Northern Spain, constructed of solid walnut, the rectangular top with molded edge atop a conforming case housing six drawers paneled with solid walnut, raised on two plint legs....
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Century Furniture Georgian Carved Mahogany Bombay Dressers or Commodes, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful pair of Georgian or Chippendale style bombay form dressers, chests of drawers, or commodes By Century Furniture USA, Late 20th Century Carved mahogany, with original b...
Category

Late 20th Century American Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Danish Modern, Chest of Drawers in Mahogany, Frits Henningsen, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
A timeless Danish Modern chest of drawers crafted in rich mahogany, featuring clean lines and elegant proportions. Designed in the 1940s and attributed to renowned cabinetmaker Frits...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Striking Pair of Vintage Henredon Campaign Chests in Black Lacquer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautiful restored pair of black lacquer Campaign style bachelor chests by Henredon, circa 1975. Expertly crafted mahogany construction with handsome solid brass hardware marking t...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

1960s Jiri Jiroutek Oak Chest of Drawers, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefully refurbished - Minor signs of use - Wooden commode with drawers designed by Jiri Jiroutek, made in Czechoslovakia in the 1960's. - Made of oak and plastic. - Fully funct...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Oak

Italian Louis XIV Style Walnut 4-Drawer Commode, 1st Quarter 20th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having a serpentine shaped top above a case housing 4 conforming drawers, the case raised on bun feet, retaining original hardware
Category

1920s Italian Louis XIV Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Pierre Cardin night stands 1970s.
Located in bari, IT
The combination of glossy black lacquer, wood burl, and curved, sculptural lines are the hallmarks of Pierre Cardin's elegant and futuristic furniture design from the 1970s and 1980s...
Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

20th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers Circa 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
This early 20th-century Swedish chest of drawers, circa 1900, is a refined example of neoclassical Gustavian design. Crafted from pine, a staple material in Swedish furniture for its...
Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s / Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old drawer storage chest made in Japan. It dates back to the Meiji era (1860s–1920s) and is crafted from Japanese cedar wood. The metal fittings are made of iron. The...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Danish Art Deco Console Table with Drawers in Elm & Burl Wood, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
This Danish Art Deco small console table, crafted in the 1940s by a skilled Danish cabinetmaker, exudes timeless elegance and functionality. The table features a sturdy elm wood base...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Elm, Burl

1940s Italian Art Deco MidCentury Modern Walnut Burl Brass Sideboard Credenza
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern sideboard or credenza, in beautiful veneer walnut briar burl wood, two drawers and two doors with shelves completed by nicely carved ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Italian Burl Wood Commode / Chest of Drawers
Located in Pomona, CA
An Italian burlwood Three-Drawer Commode / Chest of Drawers. Serpentine front. Mixed woods with inlaid center panels to the drawers and sides with crossbanding. Pear-drop hardware. S...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Antique French Provincial Louis XV Carved Serpentine Commode
Located in Forney, TX
A fine French Provincial Louis XV style chest of drawers commode, early 20th century, having a serpentine shaped wooden top with molded edge, over conforming high quality solid wood case fitted with three drawers, each with dovetail joinery, ornate scrolling brass pulls, and floral carvings, flanked rounded corners and paneled sides, scalloped apron with foliate shell reliefs, rising on acanthus leaf carved knee low cabriole legs ending in whorl feet. As warm and attractive as it is useful, having the ideal size and proportions for a variety of different uses, including bedroom dresser, dining sideboard server, credenza, or oversized console...
Category

Early 20th Century Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Two Tone Mid Century Chest of Drawers by Basic Witz
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Mid Century Highboy, Chest on Chest, dresser made by noted American maker Basic Witz. The dresser features a two drawer top section, under which are three larger drawer...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Small Drawer 1860s-1920s / Tansu Nightstand Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is a small drawer storage made in Japan. It was made between the Meiji and Taisho periods (1860s-1920s) and is made of cedar wood. The handles are made of iron. The lean, linea...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Baker Furniture French Provincial Louis XV Oak and Burl Wood Chest of Drawers
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style chest of drawers or commode By Baker Furniture USA, circa 1980s Carved oak, with burl wood top and original brass hardware. ...
Category

Late 20th Century American French Provincial Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Louis Phillipe North German Fall-Front Secretary in Flame Mahogany, circa 1855
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A captivating one of a kind Louis Phillip secretary in book-matched, flame mahogany with shaped, curvi-linear drawer fronts and faux drawer fronts on the fall-front and the sides. Of...
Category

Mid-19th Century German Louis Philippe Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Late 18th Century Cherrywood Commode with Brass Mounts, circa 1790
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This late 18th century cherrywood commode, dating from around 1790, reflects the refined elegance of the Classical period. Crafted in solid cherrywood, the commode features three ful...
Category

Late 18th Century German Louis XVI Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cherry, Pine

Henredon Georgian Inlaid Mahogany Serpentine Bachelor Chests or Nightstands
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Georgian style serpentine front bachelor chests or bedside chests By Henredon USA, Circa 1950s Mahogany, with satinwood string inlay and original brass hardware...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

1750 Venezia Italy Blue and Green Lacquered Wooden Engraved Commode with Flowers
Located in Brescia, IT
There are a few pieces that can be called rare and extraordinary and this piece it can be. This is one-of-a-kind and unobtainable commode coming out from an Italian gentleman privat...
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Rococo Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

British Military Officer's Campaign Chest or Dresser of Brass-Bound Mahogany
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome British military officer’s Campaign Ware chest of drawers or dresser, from the 19th century, featuring a patinated mahogany exterior over four drawers with brass escutcheo...
Category

19th Century English Campaign Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal, Brass

1860s Japanese antique Tansu Medicine chest of drawers & sword storage wabi sabi
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Medicine Tansu chest of drawers with Katana (Samurai sword) storage, Made of Kiri (Paulownia wood). From Shonai district, Yamagata pref., Tohoku area, Japan. This is an unique type...
Category

1860s Edo Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Antique 18th Century Quality Figured Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique George lII 18th Century quality figured mahogany serpentine chest of drawers having a quality figured mahogany serpentine shape top crossbanded in mahogany above four mahoga...
Category

18th Century English George III Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Other

Late 18th Century French Louis XIV Style Hand Carved Walnut Commode or Chest
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late-eighteenth century Louis XIV style hand carved walnut commode or chest of drawers was found in the region of Normandy, France. This piece features three drawers of dovetail...
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XIV Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

Late 18th Century Veneered Louis XVI Chest Of Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautiful and refined Louis XVI period chest of drawers, crafted in Italy in the late 18th century and veneered in rich walnut with exquisite inlay work. This elegant piece features three drawers—two deep and one narrow—expertly rebated into the frame for a seamless appearance. The chevron-patterned walnut veneer is framed with geometric inlaid borders in contrasting wood species, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to proportion typical of the Louis XVI style. The facade is adorned with classical detailing, including original brass hardware and escutcheons, all intact and beautifully aged. The chest rests on slender tapered legs, lending a sense of lightness to its otherwise stately form. Completely original and in excellent overall condition, it requires only minor conservative restoration. This piece represents a high-quality example of 18th-century Italian neoclassical...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Large Catalan Spanish Baroque Carved Oak Tuscan Credenza or Buffet
Located in Miami, FL
From Northern Spain, constructed of solid oak, the rectangular top with molded edge atop a conforming case housing four drawers over four doors, the doors paneled with solid walnut, ...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

English Console or Hall Table of Mahogany from the Georgian Era
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English console or hall table of mahogany from the Georgian era, featuring a moulded top over a frieze of what appear to be four beaded drawers but is actually a top long draw...
Category

Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair Victorian Style Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Dressers / Chests of Drawers
Located in New York, NY
Pair Victorian Style Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Dressers / Chests of Drawers
Category

20th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Antique English Blue Painted Dresser With Pulls Inset With Mother-of-Pearl
Located in Centennial, CO
A stunning antique circa 1920 English mahogany and pine dresser that has been painted in a beautiful pale blue and lightly distressed. The mahogany was left to create a notched Frenc...
Category

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Ash, Mahogany, Pine, Paint

Cool Palm Tree Motif Rattan & Bamboo Retro Small Chest of Drawers
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Very unusual stylish small rattan and bamboo chest of drawers having embossed decoration on the top and 3 drawers with palm trees. Would be great in a bathroom or as a night stand.
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Early 1900's Chippendale Mahogany Highboy Chest of Drawers
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautiful and patinated Early 1900's Chippendale genuine Mahogany highboy chest of drawers in good condition. Beautiful mahogany grain. Doveta...
Category

Early 20th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Middle Eastern Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Marble-Top Chest of Drawers
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique Middle Eastern Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Marble-Top Chest of Drawers, Early 20th Century. Luxury Antique Levantine Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Marble-Top Chest of Drawers Moorish Mo...
Category

Late 19th Century Lebanese Moorish Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Kindel Furniture Georgian Mahogany Bow Front Highboy Dresser, circa 1960s
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style seven-drawer highboy dresser or chest of drawers By Kindel Furniture USA, circa 1960s Mahogany, with original brass hardware. Mea...
Category

1960s American Georgian Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

19th Century English Pine Chest of Drawers
Located in High Point, NC
19th century pine chest of drawers from England. The top is made from a single plank, which has a banded edge, and follows down to paneled sides. the front of the case has two smal...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Pair of Venetian Glass and Gilt Matching Commodes or Dressers from Europe
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
Pair of Incredible Venetian Glass Gilt Commodes or Dressers from Europe. After importing from Europe for over 34-years, you would think you've seen pretty much most designs, that is ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Gold, Gold Leaf

Antique French Louis XVI Commode Chest Of Drawers, Marble & Bronze
Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire
Antique French, Louis XVI style chest of drawers topped with a white Carrara marble, fluted legs finished with golden bronze clogs. Three dovetailed drawers with bronze and brass de...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Carrara Marble

French Louis XVI Style Light Walnut Commode with Three Drawers and Fluted Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XVI style light walnut commode from the 20th century with three drawers, fluted side posts and legs, ornate hardware. This French Louis XVI style light walnut commode ...
Category

20th Century French Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Shagreen Chest of Drawers with Brass Accents by Kifu Paris
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Henredon Fruitwood Bombe Dresser with Pickled Finish and Protective Glass Top
Located in Germantown, MD
Magnificent Henredon Bombe dresser with picked finish. Bookmatched top. Dovetailed drawers working smoothly. Original French handles. Protective glass t...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Fruitwood

Mid 19th century Swedish birch chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century Swedish birch chest of drawers circa 1860. Good quality Swedish commode, fitted with 3 near equally sized drawers that open on the key. Rectangular top with moulde...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Empire Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Birch

Pair 1940's Tall Hollywood Regency Dark Walnut Chiffoniers/ Tall Boys/ Wardrobes
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1940's Pair Hollywood Regency Carved Walnut Tall Chiffoniers/ Bachelors Chests/ Tall Boys/ Wardrobes. Many drawers, lots of storage space. Brass lattice fronts with pleated fabric ba...
Category

1940s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique BK Small Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese small drawer. This furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made of cedar wood. The drawer is tasteful, rustic, simple and beautiful. There is no wa...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cedar

Italian Louis XVI 19th Century Walnut Two-Drawer Commode with Inlay
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian Louis XVI style walnut commode from the 19th century with two drawers and inlaid banding. This exquisite Italian Louis XVI style walnut commode from the 19th century showcases timeless elegance and superb craftsmanship. Crafted from various types of walnut, this commode features two drawers adorned with delicate inlaid banding that beautifully surrounds both the drawers and the rectangular top. The dovetail drawers, equipped with classical brass hardware, reflect meticulous attention to detail and historical authenticity. The commode stands gracefully on tapered legs, enhancing its refined silhouette. The natural aging expected in a piece from the 19th century adds to its character and charm, making it a captivating addition to any interior space. The warm tones of the walnut, combined with the inlaid designs, create a piece that is both functional and decorative. Ideal for use in a bedroom, living room, or hallway, this Louis XVI style commode offers ample storage while serving as a striking focal point. Its timeless design complements both classic and contemporary interiors, allowing it to blend seamlessly with a variety of décor styles. Whether used to store linens, clothes, or cherished keepsakes, this antique Italian walnut commode...
Category

19th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Antique c.1915 Mahogany Wellington Chest of 8 Drawers – Fine Quality
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique c.1915 Mahogany Wellington Chest of 8 Drawers – Fine Quality A fine mahogany Wellington chest, dating from circa 1915. With its elegant clean lines and warm patina, this tal...
Category

1910s British Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Drexel Bicentennial Chippendale Mahogany Four Drawers Bedside Chest of Drawers
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautiful bed side chest of drawers / nightstand from the prestigious Drexel's Bi Centennial Collection. Very good vintage condition with few signs of use. Measures 23.5" in widt...
Category

Late 20th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Louis XVI Chest in Mahogany Elegant Danish
Located in Kastrup, DK
Louis XVI chest of drawers, crafted in fine mahogany. Featuring a gently bowed front with four drawers — the top drawer slightly narrower and adorned with refined fluted detailing, w...
Category

Late 18th Century Danish Louis XVI Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Brutalist Italian Ash Tree and Brass Chests of Drawers, Two
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Brutalist-style chest of drawers in ash wood and brass. With its harmonious, geometric lines, the piece is further enhanced by the brass band underneath. The price is for a single c...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Brutalist Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

19th Century English Campaign Chest
Located in High Point, NC
19th century mahogany campaign chest from England. This style of chest is so wonderful in its simplicity. It can be blended with many different styles and in that way is very versa...
Category

19th Century English Campaign Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

18th Century Italian Walnut and Briarwood Inlaid Commode
Located in Carmine, TX
Commode hand-made in Italy in the mid 1700s using walnut and pine and decorated with walnut veneer and briarwood. The chest of drawers features three inset drawers that are opened wi...
Category

Mid-18th Century European Neoclassical Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut, Burl

Italian or Venetian Pastel Painted Commode Carved in Relief
Located in Nashville, TN
A commode in transitional from rococo to neoclassical style. Most likely custom made to order early to mid 20th century..Presents well and has strong presence. Highly decorative. Hea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Early 19th Century Biedermeier Cherrywood Half Cabinet / Commode
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This exquisite Biedermeier half cabinet, crafted around 1820, is a fine example of Central European craftsmanship. Made from beautifully grained cherrywood with a warm, honey-toned f...
Category

Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Spruce, Cherry

Pair of Italian Rococo Style 1900s Marble Top Bombé Commodes with Marquetry
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Rococo style walnut and mahogany bombé commodes from circa 1900 with marble tops and bronze hardware. This exquisite pair of Rococo style bombé commodes, crafted around 190...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Rococo Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique and Vintage Chests of Drawers and Commodes for Sale: Find Art Deco Commodes and Mid-Century Modern Chests of Drawers on 1stDibs

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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