French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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Place of Origin: French
Antique French Bombé Chest With Marble Top for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Classic French Bombé Two-Over-Two Chest in handsome Cherry Finish and having large Dramatic Drawer Pulls, Key Escutcheons and leg mounts. The Chest is topped with a fine and well grained Marble Top in Striated Brown and White with a lovely shaped Edge. The Antique Drawer Locks...
Category
19th Century French Provincial Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Bronze
18th c. Provencal Painted Commode
Located in Greenwich, CT
18th century baroque commode from Provence retaining wonderful dove grey painted surface. The shaped top with molded edge over three large paneled and shaped drawers retaining gold r...
Category
1730s Baroque Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Poplar
Commode chiffonnier vintage en rotin des années 70
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Commode chiffonnier vintage des années 70, en rotin, poignées en rotin, 6 tiroirs, très belles lignes. Très bon état.
Ref 241 025
Hauteur : 117 cm
Largeur : 54 cm
Profondeur : 52 cm
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Rattan
Louis XV - Louis XVI Transitional Style Commode
Located in Montreal, QC
Fine transitional Louis XV - Louis XVI style, three drawer commode d'apparat. Extensively inlaid with floral decoration and geometric marquetry, fitted with fine gilt bronze mounts a...
Category
19th Century Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Display Case / Vitrine
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 1930s Art Deco display case made in nickel plated with original matching adjustable four glass shelves, mirrored back and bottom shelf, f...
Category
1930s Art Deco Vintage French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Transition Style Marquetry And Gilt Bronze Commode
Located in BARSAC, FR
Elegant Transition style "Pantalonnière" Commode in rosewood marquetry in rosewood and amaranth frames delimited by Greek fillets.
Central and lateral projection,
Aleppo breccia marb...
Category
Late 19th Century Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Breccia Marble, Bronze
2-drawer coffee table in solid cherry wood, white-cream and gray lacquered
Located in Landivy, FR
This coffee table with 2 independent drawers belongs to our MELANIE collection that proposes handcraft modernized reinterpretated pieces of furniture from the French Directoire style...
Category
2010s Louis XVI French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Cherry
French Neoclassical Commode w/Marble Top & Brass Accents, Early 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French neoclassic painted wood chest, with its original marble top, from the early 19th century. This antique chest from France features its original white marble top, which rests ...
Category
Early 19th Century Neoclassical Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
Zebra and Elk Chest of Drawers
Located in Paris, FR
Chest of drawers Zebra and Elk with structure in solid beech wood
and covered with real zebra skin. With 3 drawers, with real zebu and
aries horns, with 2 real elk wood...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
$56,226 Sale Price
20% Off
French Louis XIV Period Commode
Located in Pembroke, MA
Beautifully carved French walnut commode (Louis XIV period, circa 1720) with three drawers in arbalete form, all four carved snail feet, nice foliate cartouche at the bottom, and ori...
Category
18th Century Regency Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
$23,000 Sale Price
20% Off
French 1930s Jean Pascaud Art Deco Chest Of Drawers in Birdseye Maple
By Jean Pascaud
Located in Ulm, DE
Discover the fascinating Jean Pascaud chest of drawers in bird's eye maple, an outstanding example of the unmistakable formal language and iconic design of this renowned artist. With...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
$12,014 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Spanish Walnut 2-Door Buffet
Located in Miami, FL
French two-door walnut wood buffet cabinet from the early 19th century. This antique cabinet from France features a rectangular shaped top with beveled edges, above a box housing a p...
Category
Late 19th Century Spanish Colonial Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Solid elm chest of drawers by Maison Regain – circa 1970 Maison Lecan presents
By Maison Regain
Located in LYON, FR
Solid elm chest of drawers by Maison Regain – circa 1970
Maison Lecan presents this superb solid elm chest of drawers by Maison Regain, crafted in the 1970s.An icon of French brutalist furniture...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Elm
Maison Regain Chest of Drawers in Solid Elm
By Maison Regain
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Maison Regain, chest of drawers, solid elm, France, 1970s
This charming chest of drawers or small commode is produced by the French furniture company Maison Regain. This item is wel...
Category
1970s Post-Modern Vintage French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Elm
19th Century Louis Philippe French Chest Commode
Located in Houston, TX
Discover the timeless elegance of a 19th-century Louis Philippe French chest commode crafted from rich cherrywood. Featuring clean lines and a war...
Category
19th Century Louis Philippe Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Cherry
Louis XVI Style Fruitwood Marquetry Commode Modeled After Jean-Henri Reisener
By Jean-Henri Riesener
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional French Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted, Mahogany and Fruitwood Marquetry and Parquetry, Armorial Commode with original Marble Top, aft...
Category
Late 19th Century Louis XVI Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
Chest of Drawers "Losange" in Zebrano Open Is Tow Drawers
By Aymeric Lefort
Located in SENLIS, OISE
Chest of drawers in Zebrano
Build with 13 scares Zebrano marquetry open in tow big drawers.
Leg are in black painted metal. the frame is built in oak and...
Category
Early 2000s Modern French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
1730s French Period Louis XV Walnut Two-Drawer Commode with Bombé Side Panels
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French period Louis XV walnut two-drawer commode from the first half of the 18th century. Born in the early years of the reign of King Louis XV, This French walnut commode features...
Category
Early 18th Century Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Early 19th Century Empire Commode
Located in London, GB
France, c. 1820
An early 19th century Empire mahogany commode with finely chased ormolu mounts, retaining the original marble top.
Height 88.50cm
Width 130.00cm
Depth 57.00cm
Category
Early 19th Century Empire Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
Louis XV Period Marquetry Commode by Jean-Francois Hache
By Jean-Francois Hache
Located in Montreal, QC
Louis XV period kingwood and marquetry commode inlaid with flowers and with panels of burl walnut with original handles and on splayed feet
Category
18th Century Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Superb Inlaid French Louis XV Bronze Mounted Marble Top Commode
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a truly gorgeous marble top inlaid marquetry commode made in France during the 1940s era and has a wonderful slab of purple lace marble and incredible intracate inlay and bro...
Category
1940s Louis XV Vintage French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Breccia Marble, Bronze
$2,156 Sale Price
20% Off
Industrial chest of drawers, 1950's
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Industrial chest of drawers from the 1950s. The cabinet is made of pine wood with an iron base. All drawers are made with dovetail joints.
Category
1950s Industrial Vintage French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Art Deco French Burled Inlaid Dresser or Bureau
Located in Westport, CT
Elegant ,French Art Deco burled dresser or bureau with inlaid birch wood, handmade , signed interior , illegible in pencil and number branded, with off...
Category
Mid-20th Century Art Deco French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Burl, Walnut
Chocolate Louis XV Style Commode
Located in Houston, TX
A vintage French Louis XV style commode newly painted in a super high gloss dark chocolate finish. This "lacquer-like" cabinet has a grey marble top, two drawers and bronze ormolu de...
Category
Mid-20th Century Louis XV French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
Signed Claude Charles Saunier Brech D' Alep Marble Top French Louis XV Commode
By Claude Charles Saunier
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a rare and of the period, French Louis XV commode of remarkable quality and pedigree. The piece dates to the late 1700s and is in very good condition for its advanced age wit...
Category
1790s Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Breccia Marble, Bronze
French Art Deco Walnut & Mirror Dresser or Commode Attributed to Rene Drouet
By René Drouet
Located in New York, NY
A Stylish French Late Art Deco / Mid-Century Modern commode, dresser or chest of drawers attributed to Rene Drouet, France, circa 1940-1950. This cabinet is outfitted with warm, matc...
Category
1940s Art Deco Vintage French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
French Provincial Louis XV style carved walnut commode 18 th century
Located in Houston, TX
This fine louis XV Style carved walnut commode has a shaped
Top, over three drawers with scrolled foliate accents, rising on
Fluted bracket feet. It is 18 th century and hand carved.
Category
Late 18th Century Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
$6,000 Sale Price
20% Off
French Painted Oak Commode
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Good early 19th century French painted three drawer oak commode with oversized brass handles. 1820.
Code: 8684
Dimensions:
W: 49.5" (125.7 cm)
H: 34" (86.4 cm)
D: 24.5" (62.2 cm)
Category
19th Century Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak
18th Century Carved Walnut Marble-Top Commode
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A shaped case with three long drawers carved with angular frames with rosettes. Each with new added compartments. Carved side panels, carved lower frame with leafy vines raised on ca...
Category
Early 19th Century French Provincial Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
Louis Philippe Marble Top Chest
Located in Wilson, NC
Louis Philippe marble top chest, the gray and white marble with beautiful veining, especially the unusual large white area near the back(see...
Category
1840s Louis Philippe Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Brass
$2,275 Sale Price
30% Off
Antique French Louis XVI Marble-Top Walnut Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Louis XVI marble top walnut commode was hand-crafted in the neoclassical style and features truly timeless architecture. The gracefully and subtly bowed front blends i...
Category
Early 20th Century Louis XVI French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Bronze
An Empire Ormolu-Mounted Mahogany Commode, Marble Top, French, ca. 1820
Located in Banner Elk, NC
An Empire Commode in figured mahogany with a Belgian black fossilized marble top above a frieze drawer and three uniform drawers flanked by two squared columns, each with ormolu moun...
Category
1820s Empire Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century French Directoire Black Lacquered Chest with Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
This item is a gorgeous 19th Century French Directoire Black Lacquered Chest with Marble. The chest showcases a French style with a black color and a marble top, adding elegance and ...
Category
19th Century Directoire Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
Antique French Provincial Commode Circa 1800
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Provincial Commode Circa 1800
Category
Early 19th Century Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
18th Century French Louis XV Marble Top Inlaid Commode with Bronze Ormolu Mounts
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 36in W: 60in D: 22in
This 18th C. French Louis XV Style Bronze Ormolu Mounted Marble Top Commode or Chest of Drawers is a museum quality piece that is an incredible ...
Category
18th Century Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Louis XVI Style Commode after the Model by Leleu by François Linke, circa 1910
By François Linke
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An important Louis XVI style gilt bronze-mounted commode, after the model by Jean-Francois Leleu by François Linke.
French, circa 1910.
Linke index number: 1127.
Linke title: 'Commode Louis XVI, Bois d'amarante et de rose.'
Signed ‘Linke’ to the right-hand side chute.
This distinguished commode is quarter veneered in mahogany with bois de violette banding and boxwood stringing. It is furnished with finely cast gilt-bronze mounts and surmounted by a brèche violette marble top.
It appears that Linke bought the rights to make this commode from the Vente Cueunières in 1902, although there is no trace of it being made by him until the summer of 1908 and there is no entry in the Blue Daybooks for this model. The green registres have two pages devoted to the making of the commodes, the first at a cost of 1,540 and 40 centimes, with eight more made in the intervening years, the last, a pair, in 1927 with the cost price escalating to 8,529 francs. The registre is not entirely clear, but it appears that Clément Linke, father and son, made the locks for this model. The cabinetmaking was exclusively by Guntren who took 496 hours per commode, paid 85 centimes in 1908 rising to 5 francs 75 cents for the last pair. Linke priced this commode at 3,000 French francs, noting in his book 'original est de Leleu est à Trianon.'
The original commode by Leleu, on loan from the Petit Trianon, is shown in a line engraving in the retrospective part of the Exposition de l' Union Centrale des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, 1882, De Champeau & Others, 'Les arts du bois,' pub. Quantin, 1883, p. 80. The commode entered the Petit Trianon in 1867 on the occasion of an earlier exhibition dedicated to the memory of Marie-Antoinette, organised under the patronage of the Empress Eugénie.
Jean-François Leleu
A pupil and later collaborator with Jean-François Oeben, Jean-François Leleu became maître on the latter’s death in 1763. His work can be divided into two concurrent but distinct styles: the first owing more to the legacy of Oeben, being of large, solid forms, more noble in style; the second, although retaining the clean, definite lines of the first, being an exercise in elegance and understatement. It is this second style for which Leleu is chiefly remembered and which the present commode, with its lightly bombé form and restrained frieze mounts, is a principal example.
Literature:
Payne, Christopher. François Linke, 1855-1946, The Belle Epoque of French Furniture, (woodbridge, UK), 2003; p. 502, for the black and white cliché of index number 1127
Meyer, Jonathan. Great Exhibitions, Antique Collectors club, (Woodbridge, UK), 2006; p. 298 - 300.
Pradère, Alexandre. French Furniture Makers; p. 340, fig. 398; and P.
Arizzoli-Clementel. Versailles Furniture...
Category
Early 20th Century Louis XVI French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
Fine Quality Bronze Mounted Marble Top Inlaid Louis XV Commode Circa 1930
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a truly exceptional commode. Made of the finest satinwood, walnut, and tulipwood and inlaid with sprays of flowers and a gorgeous slab of luxurious plum colored and white mar...
Category
1930s Louis XV Vintage French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Breccia Marble
$3,996 Sale Price
20% Off
Louis XVI Commode by Pierre Roussel
By Pierre Roussel
Located in New Orleans, LA
Matchless style and high-quality craftsmanship are the hallmarks of Pierre Roussel's furniture, and this exceptional Louis XVI-era commode epitomizes this master craftsman's skill. Crafted of rosewood veneer with a violet wood frame and intricate parquetry inlay, the cabinet's graceful design is also highly practical. The compact form holds two drawers, one of which can be locked for added security. A specimen of marble provides the perfect surface, while bronze ormolu mounts add an additional hint of luxury to the drawers and body. Elegantly curved cabriole legs with bronze ormolu shoes complete this impeccable piece.
Known for his superior craftsmanship, Roussel was a highly respected maître ébéniste of the 18th century. His furniture pieces were favoured by grand patrons such as the Prince de Condé and the Princess of Monaco...
Category
18th Century Louis XVI Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Louis Philippe Maple Chest Of Drawers W/ Marble Top
Located in Astoria, NY
Elegant late-19th-century French Louis Philippe-style chest of drawers with marble. Beautifully handcrafted from solid maple, it features a naturally aged warm patina. The commode is...
Category
Late 19th Century Louis Philippe Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
Pair of Large, Early 19th C. Chinoisserie Chests from Paris. C.1820.
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Never in the 35+ years that we’ve been in business have we ever had anything like these rare matched chests. From Paris, this incredible pair of early 19th Century (C.1800) are in ex...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinoiserie Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
19th Century French Directoire Commode or Chest of Drawers
Located in Winter Park, FL
An early 19th Century French Directoire Period commode made of solid cherry wood with yellow pine as a secondary wood. Unusual form with serpentine sides. Rounded fluted front corner...
Category
Early 19th Century Directoire Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Pair of 20th Century French Ebonised Commodes
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of 20th Century French XV style commodes with stunning marble tops and good ormolu mounts.
Category
20th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
$9,610 / set
20th Century Directoire-Style Chest of Seven Drawers with Bronze Pulls, France
Located in Miami, FL
Seven-drawered French chest of drawers or Semainiere, dresser. The chest shows fluted three-quarter columns on the corners and a beautiful walnut.
Category
Early 20th Century Georgian French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
Louis XV Marquetry Bombe Commode / Chest of Drawers, French, 19th Century
Located in New Orleans, LA
This beautiful Louis XV Bombe commode dates back to the 19th century and features elaborately inlaid marquetry work with a floral design that covers the two front drawers as well as ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Chic Louis XVI Style Neoclassical Commode by Maison Jansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chic Louis XVI style neoclassical commode by Maison Jansen. Elegant and simple.
The last picture gives an example of how this commode could look in situ.
Category
1940s Louis XVI Vintage French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze
17th Century Leather Trunk, 17th Century Chest
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Very unique piece,this 17th century trunk features brown leather and a wonderful job of flowers drawing made with little brass studs.
It has got 2 iron side handles and an iron lock...
Category
17th Century Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Leather, Wood
A Louis XV Style Marble Top Commode, French, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Louis XV Style Marble Top Commode, French, 19th Century
Height: 89.5 cm Width: 123 cm Depth: 64 cm
Provenance: Private Melbourne Collection.
Category
19th Century Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
Louis XV Style Two-Drawer Commode with Marble Top, 20th Century
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a useful Louis XV style mixed-wood two-drawer commode with gilt metal mounts and variegated marble top with mounded edge, 20th century.
Category
Mid-20th Century Louis XV French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
French Linke Quality Antique Mahogany Commode with Dore' Bronze Putti Mounts
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb, absolutely spectacular commode with the finest possible bronze ormolu and gold dore' finishing on all of it. Look at the quality of the casting and finish of the br...
Category
1890s Louis XVI Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Breccia Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Commode
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century French commode is a stunning example of the Louis XV style, featuring a graceful serpentine front and sides crafted from solid oak. The commode's elegant curves, in...
Category
19th Century Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak
Large Bank Of Hardware Drawers
Located in Ongar, GB
The most amazing set of drawers from a French hardware store. They have the most wonderful patina giving them a great look and character.
Made from pine, they are in good solid cond...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Pine
1900s Louis XV Style French Petite Commode
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A fine, Parisian Louis XV style, marquetry-inlaid petite commode or bedside table, featuring four curved sides and gently tapering legs. Fitted with fine gilt bronze escutcheons and ...
Category
20th Century Louis XV French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Louis XVI Style Demi-Lune Two-Drawer Commode with Marble Top
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A charming, French Louis XVI transitional style demi-lune two-drawer commode, with an intricate inlay of cross-banded patterns across the facade...
Category
20th Century Louis XV French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
18th Century French Walnut Commode
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A really good example of an 18th Century French walnut commode from the Louis XIV period.
With arbalète shaping to the front and having three drawers with original brass handles.
Fea...
Category
1730s Louis XIV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Early 19th Century Louis XVI Gilt Bronze-Decorated Mahogany Commode / Server
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exceptional Louis XVI-style commode, crafted in France around 1820, embodies the elegance and craftsmanship of the early 19th century. Designed to impress, this piece features a...
Category
1820s Louis XVI Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
Louis XVI Style Commode Ormolu Bronze, Wood and Marble Top
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very fine late 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Commode mounted with ornate ormolu bronze fittings along the edges of drawers and sides. Features three small drawers over two la...
Category
Late 19th Century Louis XVI Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Ormolu
Antique French Louis XVI Carved Walnut, Kingwood & Marble Zinc Lined Chest 19thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique French Louis XVI style chest offers shaped marble top over kingwood chest having bookmatched sides, single drawer over zinc lined cabinet over th...
Category
19th Century Louis XVI Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Zinc
$1,320 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Turquoise Lacquered Commodes with Natural Coquina Stone
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Pair of Turquoise Lacquered Commodes with Natural Coquina Stone lacquered commodes with natural coquina stone.
European, purchased in France in 1980s.
A stunning pair of Neo...
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Limestone, Metal
$10,200 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Southwestern French 1760s Louis XV Buffet à Deux-Corps with Chicken Wire Doors
Located in Atlanta, GA
A southwestern French Louis XV period painted buffet à deux-corps from the mid-18th century with chicken wire and pantalonnière. Born in the southwestern region of France that includ...
Category
Mid-18th Century Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wire
Exquisite French 18th Century Oak Commode
Located in Charleston, SC
An exquisite French Louis XV period bleached oak commode with richly carved drawer fronts, very decoratively carved apron and paneled sides on short cabriole legs.
circa 1775.
Category
18th Century Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
Antique French Commodes for Sale on 1stDibs
Shopping for an antique French commode or 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.
During Louis XIV's reign, the commode replaced the chest as a storage device, with drawers and a surface that could double as a desk. 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.
At 1stDibs, find antique and vintage French commodes and chests of drawers for sale — shop Rococo-style commodes, Empire-style commodes, Louis XVI-style commodes and other antique furniture today.
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