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Commodes and Chests of Drawers For Sale
Item type: Antique and Vintage
Color: Black
Pair Available- Breathtaking Restored Art Deco Commode by Widdicomb, circa 1938
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent commodes are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready.
...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Collection Ebonized 32", 38" or 48" Chests
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Singles of Edward Wormley for Drexel chests from the Precedent Collection with brass tone hardware, circa 1947.
Size shown in photos is 32" W , also have 38"w and 48" W available
...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Daniel Cottier A Rare and Early Anglo-Japanese Ebonized Tall Chest of Drawers
By Daniel Cottier
Located in London, GB
A rare and early Anglo-Japanese ebonized tall chest of drawers, designed by Daniel Cottier with gilt painted swallow, stylized bamboo and plant forms with rosettes with a later black...
Category
Late 19th Century Anglo-Japanese Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
Swedish 19th Century Black Painted Four Drawer Dresser
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish 19th century four drawer black painted chest of drawer.
EUR 175 front door delivery to most areas of London UK, The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden and Northern Germany.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Pine
Antique French, Louis XVI Chest of Drawers Commode, Carrara 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.
Four dovetailed drawers with brass details, and t...
Category
1940s French Louis XVI Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Carrara Marble
Handsome Restored Pair of Vintage Henredon Campaign Chests in Espresso Lacquer
By Henredon
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent commodes are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready.
A beautiful pair of Henredon Campaign chests...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
French Louis Philippe Painted Safe With Marble Top
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Group of eleven Wiener Werkstatte side chairs by Gebruder Thonet. Each have rounded rectangular backs with interlocking circle and ball designs over upholstered paisley seats, all on...
Category
Late 19th Century Czech Biedermeier Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Iron
Elegant Neoclassical Black Lacquer Chest of Drawers, France, 1940
Located in Brussels, BE
Black lacquered neoclassical chest of drawers with brass pull rings handles and four bronze stars on the front.
Four drawers, the top one with his original brass key and lock.
Fren...
Category
1940s French Neoclassical Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass, Bronze
19th Century French Black Lacquered Louis Philippe Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful 19th century French black lacquered Louis Philippe commode. Featuring a lovely hand painted design including flowers and birds. So...
Category
19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Dorothy Draper American Midcentury 3-Drawer Black and Gilt Chest
Located in New York, NY
American midcentury chest of drawers painted in black, with 3-drawers with raised gold painted decorative molding on the drawer fronts surro...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal, Brass
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Grey/ White Painted Commode/ Chest of Drawers
Located in Miami, FL
A lovely Swedish painted chest of drawers in oak with dental molding along ridge of top and half-corner columns extending from original turned feet to underside of molding. Has origi...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak
Japanese Antique Black Chests of Drawers, 1800s-1860s / with Sliding Door
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is an old Japanese drawer.
It is an item from the Edo period (1800s-1860s).
It is made of cedar trees.
A simple and beautiful drawer.
There is no waste.
This is black and...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cedar
Antique French Louis XVI Mahogany Buffet Vitrine, Marble Top, Bronze & Brass
Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire
French bookcase vitrine buffet bar Louis XVI style, topped with a white Carrara marble, elegantly decorated by gilt brass elements.
Two glazed doors, fluted legs finished with golde...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Carrara Marble
Vintage Honeycomb Wine Rack on Galvanized Metal
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Great design and very practical. Can be table mounted or wall mounted.
Beautiful large crystalline structures in the galvanization process that is seldom seen today. Dated 9/9/70 on...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal, Sheet Metal, Zinc
Pair of Jean-Claude Mahey Dark Blue Lacquered Brass Commodes, 1970s
Located in Paris, IDF
With a shining dark ocean blue lacquer finish, and brass standing and details between the ten drawers, this beautiful pair of chest of drawers carries a stellar French mid-century ae...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Japanese Cabinet with Drawers, So Called Tansu, Late 19th C
Located in Stockholm, SE
A high quality Japanese Tansu. The motives goes all around and is meant to be used as a free standing piece. The motives with a base of black lacquer with motives of cranes and phoen...
Category
1870s Japanese Edo Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Lacquer
Asian Motive Scene Drawer Decorated Faux Bamboo 4 Drawers Dresser Bachelor Chest
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Asian motive scene drawer decorated faux bamboo 4 drawers dresser bachelor chest by Drexel.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bamboo
Antique French Country Chest of Drawers Nightstand Painted Black
Located in Round Top, TX
This delightful antique chest of drawers has been given new life with a recent black painted finish. Note in the photos the slight distressing which compliments its age and brings out touches of the natural oak wood beneath. The graceful cabriolet feet, paneled sides, serpentine front and lower carved medallion all reflect its French country styling. This small dresser may also be used as a nightstand, with two short top drawers over the two longer lower drawers which all function smoothly. This chest of drawers has been restored so it is strong and stable. Any nicks, scratches, separation, etc are simply signs of age and do not detract from the beauty nor function of this chest.
** In light of current affairs and fluctuating fuel prices shipping quotes and timelines are estimates only. Buyer is required to notify us upon purchase if there are interior or exterior stairs, steps, or freight elevators...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Paint, Wood
Indian Silver Mounted and Semi-Precious Stone Encrusted Large Wood Chest
Located in Gardena, CA
Indian silver mounted and semi-precious stone encrusted large wood chest
2nd Half 20th century. Silver mounts to the exterior with various semi-pre...
Category
Late 20th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Silver
Unusual Octagon Mini Chest in Black Laquer 1970's
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Unusual octagon (eight sided) miniature chest in black lacquer. Measures 13" deep and 40.5" high, with gratuated drawers and brass hardware. Perfect for storing jewelry, etc-1970's s...
Category
1970s American Chinoiserie Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Lacquer
Tall Painted Pine Chest of Drawers, England, circa 1800
Located in Culver City, CA
Tall Painted Pine Chest of Drawers, England, circa 1800
Weathered painted surface with original brass pulls
Measures 37”w x 17.25”d x 54”h.
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Black Lacquer and Brass Large Scale Chest or Credenza
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant midcentury chest, designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern, American, circa 1950s. It has been completely restored, refinished in black lacquer and the brass hardware hand...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal, Brass
Pair of Commodes by Maison Jansen
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare pair of commodes by Maison Jansen, In original and perfect conditions. Circa's 1980.
Category
1980s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Pair of American Modern Rosewood Three-Drawer Chests, Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
Pair of American Modern Rosewood Three-Drawer Chests, Gilbert Rohde.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Florence Knoll Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Chest of Drawers, Refinished
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern black lacquered three-drawer dresser chest
By Florence Knoll for Knoll Associates
USA, Circa 1970s
Black lacquered walnut, with original ch...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Chrome
David Lange 70s Black Sideboard Commode, Lacquered, Signed
By David Lange
Located in Valladolid, ES
Stunning mid-century black chest of drawers or cabinet from the David Lange house. Since 1969 this company has been a benchmark in design furniture, specia...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Vintage Industrial Storage Cabinet
Located in Praha, CZ
Unique vintage industrial shelf cabinet This piece will add that now so modern industrial touch to any interior.
We have a second similar cab...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
Vintage Georgian Mahogany Nightstand / 4 Drawer Silver Chest
Located in Wilmington, DE
Vintage Georgian mahogany nightstand /4 drawer silver chest.
Offered is a Vintage Georgian mahogany nightstand/ 3 drawer silver chest. We...
Category
1980s North American Georgian Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Industrial Storage Cabinet, 1950s
Located in Praha, CZ
Unique vintage industrial shelf cabinet This piece will add that now so modern industrial touch to any interior.
We have a second similar cab...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
Pair of Black Lacquered Two-Drawer End Tables or Nightstands Asian Inspired
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a pair of black lacquered wood end tables or nightstands
Have two drawers in each table and are well constructed
They have an Asian inspired look.
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Michael Taylor for Baker Hollywood Regency Black Lacquered Campaign Dresser
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Campaign style four-drawer lowboy dresser or chest of drawers
By Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture, "Far East" Collection
U...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Hollywood Regency Black Lacquer Dresser, Chest, Sideboard, Maison Jansen Style
Located in Stamford, CT
Hollywood Regency Black Lacquer Dresser, Chest, Sideboard, Maison Jansen Style
Recently lacquered in a fine Steinway Piano finish, this rich ebony dress...
Category
1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern American Designer Black Lacquer Cabinets / Nightstands, Brass
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern American designer black lacquer cabinets / nightstands, brass.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
1970s Mastercraft Black Lacquer & Brass Chest of Drawers or Dresser
By Mastercraft
Located in St. Louis, MO
Hollywood Regency 1970s Mastercraft black lacquered chest, dresser or large nightstand with brass base, handles and trim. Original black lacquer has some minor scuffs, and a few mino...
Category
1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Gilded Black Chinoiserie Georgian Style Antique Two Door Cabinet Commode Server
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is an antique and beautifully painted georgian style cabinet. This piece can be used as a server, a commode or just for a beautiful way to provide extra storage in any room. The...
Category
1920s English Chinoiserie Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Rare 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dresser, Black
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century Modern dresser features a dark painted finish, round brass pulls, cone-shaped legs and brass sabots, circa 1960.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Raymond Loewy for Mengel Black Lacquered Bedside Chests, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern four-drawer nightstands
By Raymond Loewy for Mengel Furniture
USA, 1950s
Black lacquered oak, with original aluminum hardware.
Measures: 16" W x 19" D x 31.63" H.
Professionally refinished. Excellent condition.
Matching chest of drawers...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Aluminum
Italian Midcentury Pair of 80's Lacquered Night Stands
Located in bari, IT
Set of two night stands cabinets with three drawers in dark brown lacquered wood, Italian production from the 1980s.
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Lacquer
Vintage Chinese Tall Black Lacquered Elmwood Chest with Six Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A tall vintage Chinese black lacquered elm wood chest from the late 20th century with six drawers and wooden pulls. Created in China during the second half of the 20th century, this tall chest, made of recovered elmwood, exhibits a thoroughly contemporary design. The chest features a rectangular top with beveled accents, slightly overhanging a perfectly organized façade. Six drawers (two small ones over four larger ones) with wooden pulls, make up that façade. The dark lacquer covering the elmwood creates a robust and radiant patina reminding us of the centuries old traditional Chinese mastery in lacquered wood. The sides are made of recessed panels while the back is sans black lacquer. The ensemble is raised on a simple rail base. Thanks to its great combination of contemporary design and traditional technique, this large Chinese vintage dark lacquered elmwood chest...
Category
20th Century Chinese Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Elm
Raymond Loewy for Mengel Black Lacquered Highboy Dresser, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern six-drawer highboy dresser or chest of drawers
By Raymond Loewy for Mengel Furniture
USA, 1950s
Black lacquered oak, with original aluminum har...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Aluminum
Parchment Secretary Desk in the Style of Aldo Tura, Italy 20th Century
By Aldo Tura
Located in Chicago, IL
A stunning Italian secretary desk in the style of Aldo Tura. This desk features a lacquered parchment finish in a deep brown hue with subtle col...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Pair of Sleek Matt Black Lacquered Biedermeier Chests
Located in Westport, CT
An early pair of original and classic Biedermeier three drawer chests in mahogany. We can add a small pull to the top drawer if so desir...
Category
1830s Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Lacquer
Marble Top Black Lacquer Brass Mounts 4 Drawer Bombay Dresser Chest Drawers Mint
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Marble top black lacquer brass mounts 4 drawer Bombay dresser chest drawers mint!.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Super Design Black Shellac Chest of Drawers, 1970
Located in Rome, IT
Unmistakable design, and super polishing with dyed dark mahogany shellac. It absolutely cannot be missing in your home.
A beautiful dresser with a surprising design, the commode is ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
George I/II Lacquered and Japanned Chest of Drawers 18th Century, Stunning
Located in Buchanan, MI
A George I/II Lacquered and Japanned chest of drawers
18th Century. An amazing chest that came out of a prominent Chicago estate.
Measures: Height 32 ...
Category
Early 18th Century English George I Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Vintage Georgian Mahogany Nightstand/3 Drawer Silver Chest
Located in Wilmington, DE
Vintage Georgian Mahogany nightstand/3 drawer silver chest
Offered is a vintage Georgian Mahogany nightstand/3 drawer silver chest. We be...
Category
1980s North American Georgian Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
Gold Leaf Chest / Commode by John Widdicomb
Located in Dallas, TX
This gorgeous Louis XV chest by John Widdicomb has incredible French style with a classic serpentine Bombay silhouette, elegant French styled details, and raised design with gold lea...
Category
Mid-20th Century Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Burl Wood Art Deco Vanity
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice Art Deco Mid-Century Modern vanity with large round mirror.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Horizontal and vertical curved French 1930s Art Deco Sideboard in Black Lacquer
Located in Ulm, DE
Sideboard with curved sides in typical shape.
The front is also curved both horizontally and vertically
Furniture in Black Lacquer, high g...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Simon Russell for Kartell 8 Drawer Stacking File Cabinet, 1970s
By Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Simon Russell for Kartell 8 drawer stacking file cabinet, 1970s. Incredible, eight drawer, stacking file cabinet, by Simon Russell for Kartell, circa 197...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Acrylic
Louis XV Style Bombé Commode Wrapped in Olive Green Faux Snakeskin
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Stylish Louis XV style Bombé commode or console that is wrapped in olive green faux snakeskin fabric. Brass French style hardware on pair of drawers. T...
Category
Late 20th Century American Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Fabric
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Nightstands
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern three-drawer bachelor chests or nightstands
By John Van Koert for Drexel, "Profile" Collection
USA, 1950s
Black lacquered walnut, with ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
19th Century Swedish Empire Style Painted Black Chest
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful 19th century Swedish Empire style painted black chest with decorative bronze hardware. This piece has nice carvings as well. Gorgeous for a variety of decors!
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
Spectacular Late 17th Early 18th Century Ebonized Commode with Boulle Decoration
Located in Buchanan, MI
Spectacular late 17th early 18th century Ebonized commode with Boulle decoration. Great scale and color. Very good condition with all brass inlay intact. Very dramatic piece which co...
Category
Late 17th Century French Régence Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century George Nelson for Herman Miller Dresser
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Dresser by George Nelson, circa 1950. This stunning piece boasts ebonized drawer fronts, maple casings, and unique circular pulls. A sleek mid-century design that makes the perfect a...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Maple
Charles X Chest of Drawers in Mahogany and Black Marble, France, C. 1820
Located in Kastrup, DK
Charles X mahogany chest of drawers with top in Belgian black marble.
4 Drawers flanked by free columns with gilded bronze capitals.
Top drawer characterized by simplicity without ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Charles X Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
Brown 'Boby' trolley by Joe Colombo for Bieffeplast, Italy 1970's
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This “Boby” trolley or portable storage system was designed by Joe Colombo in 1969. A very handy trolley made of ABS plastic. It has many storage options such as the fold-out shelves...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Plastic
Joe Colombo ''Boby 3'' Italian Portable Storage System for Bieffeplast, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Designed in 1969, Joe Colombo’s iconic "Boby 3" portable storage system was produced by Italian manufacturer Bieffeplast makes savvy use of space with its swivel design.
This compact caddy is featured in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, but it’s perfect at home in domestic settings, offering ample storage with swing-out drawer trays provide and cubby holes for taller items.
A one-of-a-kind piece that will complete a studio or a midcentury office.
Measures (cm):
height - 74
depth - 41
width - 43
Born in Milan in 1930, designer Cesare Colombo—who went by Joe—was the second of three brothers. His father, Giuseppe, was an industrialist who inherited a ribbon factory and turned it into an electrical conductor manufacturer. Colombo came to design relatively late, having spent most of his twenties pursuing painting and sculpture. He studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Brera, Milan, in the early 1950s. While there, he joined the Movimento Nucleare, an avant-garde art movement founded by Enrico Baj and Sergio Dangelo in 1951. Spurred on by international anxiety surrounding the nuclear bomb, this group of painters aimed to break free of the static boundaries of traditional painting.
In 1953, Colombo made his first foray into design by creating a decorative ceiling for a Milan jazz club. In 1954, he made a series of television shrines for the Milan Trienniale. Inspired by these experiences, Colombo enrolled as an architecture student at Milan Polytechnic. When his father became ill in 1958, Colombo abandoned painting altogether; he and his younger brother, Gianni, took over the family business, using the factory as an experimental space for the latest production techniques and materials, including fiberglass, PVC, and polyethylene.
In 1962, Colombo opened a design studio in Milan, from which he worked primarily on architectural commissions—including several ski lodges and mountain hotels—as well as product design. His furniture designs were characterized by optimistically bold, round forms, and he championed the notion of using modern technologies to create new design solutions.
Colombo’s design career was cut tragically short in 1971 when he died of heart failure at age 41. However, he was remarkably prolific during his near decade as a designer. Notable projects include some of the most iconic designs of the 1960s, such as his 1963 Elda Armchair, made completely of fiberglass; the 1964 Ragno outdoor light, which doubled as a seat; the stackable Universale chair (1965/67), which came in varying heights and was created completely from polypropylene; his 1967 modular furniture series known as the Additional Living System, which was composed of different-size curved pieces that could be pinned together in various configurations to form chairs, sofas, or entire living areas, and which ultimately included the famous 1969 Tubo lounge chair; and the Optic alarm clock and Bobby trolley...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Plastic
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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