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Commodes and Chests of Drawers For Sale
Period: Mid-20th Century
Color:  Silver
Elegant Vintage Silver Painted French Chest of Drawers
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Traditional French chest given a new glam look with shimmering silver paint. There are 3 drawers for storage, original drawer pulls and key entry hardware...
Category

1960s French Hollywood Regency Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cherry

Elegant Vintage Silver Painted French Chest of Drawers
Elegant Vintage Silver Painted French Chest of Drawers

Elegant Vintage Silver Painted French Chest of Drawers

Mid-Century Modern Silver Cerused Oak Cabinet by John Stuart Inc.
By John Stuart Inc.
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern cabinet was realized by the esteemed maker John Stuart Inc. in the United States, circa 1950. The piece offers a rectil...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Modern Silver Cerused Oak Cabinet by John Stuart Inc.
Mid-Century Modern Silver Cerused Oak Cabinet by John Stuart Inc.

Mid-Century Modern Silver Cerused Oak Cabinet by John Stuart Inc.

Related Items
Mid Century John Stuart Walnut 2 Doors 4 Drawers Gentleman's High Chest Dresser
By Kipp Stewart, John Stuart Inc.
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern John Stuart walnut 2 doors 4 drawers gentleman's high chest dresser MINT!.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century John Stuart Walnut 2 Doors 4 Drawers Gentleman's High Chest Dresser
Mid Century John Stuart Walnut 2 Doors 4 Drawers Gentleman's High Chest Dresser

Mid Century John Stuart Walnut 2 Doors 4 Drawers Gentleman's High Chest Dresser

H 46 in W 46 in D 19 in
Elegant Neoclassical Black Lacquer Chest of Drawers, France, 1940
By Maison Jansen
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

Elegant Neoclassical Black Lacquer Chest of Drawers, France, 1940
Elegant Neoclassical Black Lacquer Chest of Drawers, France, 1940

Elegant Neoclassical Black Lacquer Chest of Drawers, France, 1940

H 31.5 in W 40.56 in D 19.69 in
1950s Mid-Century Modern 2 Woven Cane Doors Wood Cabinet Brass Knobs American
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Charming 1950s Mid-Century Modern Chest, cabinet in Wood with 2 handwoven Doors. The Interior features one shelf with plenty of storage space and the knobs are made out of Brass. T...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Cane

1950s Mid-Century Modern 2 Woven Cane Doors Wood Cabinet Brass Knobs American
1950s Mid-Century Modern 2 Woven Cane Doors Wood Cabinet Brass Knobs American

1950s Mid-Century Modern 2 Woven Cane Doors Wood Cabinet Brass Knobs American

H 30 in W 29 in D 17.25 in
Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Dresser
By John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful vintage dresser is part of a four-piece set by John Stuart that features a wonderful light natural finish, tapered brass legs,...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Dresser
Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Dresser

Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Dresser

H 32 in W 47.75 in D 19.25 in
Handsome Pair Asian Style John Widdicomb Bachelors Chests Mid-Century Modern
By John Widdicomb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome pair of John Widdicomb Asain style bachelors chests. These are fine examples of the level of craftsmanship and the standards of the John Widdicomb Furniture Company. These p...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Handsome Pair Asian Style John Widdicomb Bachelors Chests Mid-Century Modern
Handsome Pair Asian Style John Widdicomb Bachelors Chests Mid-Century Modern

Handsome Pair Asian Style John Widdicomb Bachelors Chests Mid-Century Modern

H 32.5 in W 36.25 in D 21 in
Pair of Danish Mid-Century Cabinets by John Stuart, Circa 1950
By John Stuart
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of mid-century two door Cabinets by John Stuart. Made in Denmark. Stamped in the back. 1950's.
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Pair of Danish Mid-Century Cabinets by John Stuart, Circa 1950
Pair of Danish Mid-Century Cabinets by John Stuart, Circa 1950

Pair of Danish Mid-Century Cabinets by John Stuart, Circa 1950

H 32.75 in W 35.25 in D 19 in
Tall Midcentury Highboy Dresser by John Stuart Inc
By John Stuart Inc.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This tall midcentury dresser by John Stuart Inc. features warm walnut tones accented by aluminium trim and chrome drawer pulls. This substantial mid-ce...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Chrome

Tall Midcentury Highboy Dresser by John Stuart Inc
Tall Midcentury Highboy Dresser by John Stuart Inc

Tall Midcentury Highboy Dresser by John Stuart Inc

H 56 in W 36 in D 20 in
John Stuart Mahogany Dressers
By John Stuart Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of neoclassical meets midcentury mahogany chest of drawers with a sinuous front and featuring 4 ample drawers each with detailed brass pulls. Restored with a satin finis...
Category

20th Century American Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

John Stuart Mahogany Dressers
John Stuart Mahogany Dressers

John Stuart Mahogany Dressers

H 37 in W 37 in D 20 in
Vintage Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Hand-Painted Birch Wood Cabinet, 1960s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This modernist, high cabinet was made in Scandinavia in the 1960s. The cabinet has been finished with birch with an irregular, strong and intricate grain and a brown-earth color. Thi...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Birch

Vintage Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Hand-Painted Birch Wood Cabinet, 1960s
Vintage Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Hand-Painted Birch Wood Cabinet, 1960s

Vintage Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Hand-Painted Birch Wood Cabinet, 1960s

H 56.7 in W 43.31 in D 13.39 in
Pair of Painted Bedside Chest of Drawers
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Pair of custom made small painted pine bedside chest of drawers. Dimensions 26.5 inches (67 cms) Wide 15.5 inches (39 cms) Deep 28 i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Pair of Painted Bedside Chest of Drawers
Pair of Painted Bedside Chest of Drawers

Pair of Painted Bedside Chest of Drawers

H 28 in W 26.5 in D 15.5 in
Cerused Oak Mid-Century Modern Long Dresser
By Paul Frankl
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice American Mid-Century Modern cerused oak long dresser.
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Cerused Oak Mid-Century Modern Long Dresser
Cerused Oak Mid-Century Modern Long Dresser

Cerused Oak Mid-Century Modern Long Dresser

H 31 in W 64 in D 20 in
Antique Gray Painted Oak Chest of 3 Drawers from France
Located in Round Top, TX
The soft gray paint adds a romantic touch to this serpentine oak chest of drawers. While the paint was added later, the carved panel drawers, curved front, cabriolet feet and scalloped skirt are gently distressed adding to the vintage feel of the dresser. Expected age-related separation of wood is seen in the top and drawers, but does not impact the strength nor functionality of the dresser. The three long drawers all function and each have 2 (newer) pulls but due to age not all close flush to the frame. This lovely large French chest of drawers...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Paint, Wood, Oak

Antique Gray Painted Oak Chest of 3 Drawers from France
Antique Gray Painted Oak Chest of 3 Drawers from France

Antique Gray Painted Oak Chest of 3 Drawers from France

H 36 in W 48.25 in D 27.5 in
Previously Available Items
Mid-Century Modern Silver Cerused Walnut 8-Drawer Low Chest by John Stuart Inc.
By John Stuart Inc.
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Mid-Century Modern pair of nightstands/ end tables were realized by the celebrated American firm, John Stuart Inc., circa 1950. The piece...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Modern Silver Cerused Walnut 8-Drawer Low Chest by John Stuart Inc.
Mid-Century Modern Silver Cerused Walnut 8-Drawer Low Chest by John Stuart Inc.

Mid-Century Modern Silver Cerused Walnut 8-Drawer Low Chest by John Stuart Inc.

H 30.5 in W 66 in D 20 in
Mid-Century Modern Silver Cerused Oak Chest by Kittinger
By Kittinger
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Mid-Century Modern chest was realized by the legendary design firm, Kittinger, in the United States, circa 1950. It offers a rectilinear body with faceted pulls; and fo...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Modern Silver Cerused Oak Chest by Kittinger
Mid-Century Modern Silver Cerused Oak Chest by Kittinger

Mid-Century Modern Silver Cerused Oak Chest by Kittinger

H 34.25 in W 42.25 in D 21.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Silver Cerused Oak High Chest by Kittinger
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Mid-Century Modern high chest was realized by the legendary design firm, Kittinger, in the United States, circa 1950. It offers a rectilinear body with faceted pulls; a...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Modern Silver Cerused Oak High Chest by Kittinger
Mid-Century Modern Silver Cerused Oak High Chest by Kittinger

Mid-Century Modern Silver Cerused Oak High Chest by Kittinger

H 46.5 in W 36 in D 19.75 in
High Chest in Silver Cerused Oak with Nickel "X" Fittings by Paul Frankl
By John Stuart Inc., Paul Frankl
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated high chest was designed by Paul Frankl for the Johnson Furniture Company circa 1950. The chest is a first-rate example of Frankl's midcentury work, which was influ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

High Chest in Silver Cerused Oak with Nickel "X" Fittings by Paul Frankl
High Chest in Silver Cerused Oak with Nickel "X" Fittings by Paul Frankl

High Chest in Silver Cerused Oak with Nickel "X" Fittings by Paul Frankl

H 44.5 in W 40 in L 44.5 in
James Mont style Silverleafed Cabinet USA 1950s
By James Mont
Located in Donhead St Mary, Wiltshire
A James Mont style Silverleafed cabinet with custom made Brutal sculpted bronzed resin handles after Paul Evans USA 1950s, Talisman Edition This cabinet is a superb example of Tal...
Category

1950s American Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Silver Leaf

James Mont style Silverleafed Cabinet USA 1950s
James Mont style Silverleafed Cabinet USA 1950s

James Mont style Silverleafed Cabinet USA 1950s

H 35.04 in W 71.46 in D 19.3 in
Pair of Painted and Silver Gilt Commodes
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of three-drawer soft green painted and silver parcel-gilt commodes with silver metal leaf hardware.
Category

1930s French Other Vintage Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Vermeil

Pair of Painted and Silver Gilt Commodes
Pair of Painted and Silver Gilt Commodes

Pair of Painted and Silver Gilt Commodes

H 28 in W 34 in D 19 in

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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