French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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Place of Origin: French
18th C. French Louis XV Commode Lyonnaise in Carved Cherry with Bronze Mounts
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in Lyon, France circa 1760, this elegant commode Lyonnaise exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of the Louis XV period. Built of solid cherrywood, the serpentine chest stands on graceful escargot feet over a scalloped apron, and features paneled sides and a molded top with a gentle serpentine front. The three hand-carved bombe drawers...
Category
Mid-18th Century Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
French Louis XV Style Fine Kingwood and Marquetry Ormolu Mounted Bombe Commode
Located in Miami, FL
French Louis XV style kingwood veneer commode, the shaped marble top above a bombe case with ormolu bronze mounts, highly decorated throughout with marquetry inlay with two drawers, ...
Category
Early 20th Century Louis XV French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
Vintage bamboo chest of drawers by maugrion, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Elegant wooden and bamboo chest of drawers with 3 large drawers.
Produced by Maugrion, delivering quality rattan and bamboo furniture and sold in high segment furniture shops such a...
Category
1970s Bohemian Vintage French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bamboo
French 18th century Louis XVI Demilune Commode by Schey
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A rare example from the atelier of furniture maker Fidelis Schey circa 1780, made in Paris. The demilune-commode is topped with dark, Saint Anne marble that is shaped specifically to...
Category
18th Century Louis XVI Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Brass
19th Century French Louis XV Style Commode
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An exquisite and finely constructed Louis XV style chest of three drawers, with original pink- veined marble top and fabulous floral marquetry inlay...
Category
19th Century Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
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
Pair of Superb Quality Satinwood Inlaid Marble Top French Louis XVI Commodes
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite pair of French Louis XVI style commodes represents the height of neoclassical elegance and craftsmanship. Constructed from richly figured satinwood, each commode featu...
Category
1920s Louis XVI Vintage French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Breccia Marble, Brass
$3,996 Sale Price / set
20% Off
18th Century French Louis XV Commode
Located in Houston, TX
18th century French Louis XV Commode.
Stunning period 18th century French Louis XV three-drawer commode, chest of drawers or credenza with bronze hardware. This shapely French commode or...
Category
18th Century Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
$12,980 Sale Price
41% Off
18th Century French Commode
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite 18th-century French commode epitomizes the timeless elegance and craftsmanship of the Louis XV period. Crafted from solid oak, the commode features a gracefully curved...
Category
18th Century Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Chest of Drawers Made of Bamboo, Rattan, Wood and Raffia, Audoux Minet
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice chest of drawers is made of bamboo, rattan, wood and raffia. This is a French work, unmarked, but probably by Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet (Audoux Minet). Circa 1950
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
18th Century French Louis XVI Carved and Painted Commode with Faux Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a bedroom or living room with this elegant antique chest of drawers. Crafted in France circa 1780, the Louis XVI commode stands on tapered and fluted legs beneath a straight...
Category
Late 18th Century Louis XVI Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak
French 19th-20th Century Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Marquetry Commode
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine French 19th-20th century Louis XV style gilt bronze mounted satinwood and tulipwood Bois Satiné and Bois de Bout floral Marquetry two-drawer commode of bombé serpentine form, ...
Category
Early 1900s Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
$14,850 Sale Price
25% Off
French Art Deco Commode
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
French Art Deco Commode
This stunning French Art Deco commode, a masterpiece from the 1930s that seamlessly blends functionality with timeless elegance. Crafted using exquisite Bubin...
Category
1930s Art Deco Vintage French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bubinga
$1,911
Impressive French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Gilt Bronze Mounted Server Commode
By Benneman and Stockel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A French Louis XVI style mahogany and gilt-bronze mounted "Marie Antoinette Style" Medallion Server Commode, after a model by Benneman & Stökel, The gilt-bronze panels after a model ...
Category
Early 1900s Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Bronze
$39,600 Sale Price
20% Off
Louis XVI Style French Chest of Drawers
Located in Austin, TX
Chest of drawers from France in the Louis XVI style. This piece is made of mahogany that has been finished with a lustrous French polish of museum quality. There are two dovetailed d...
Category
1890s Louis XVI Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Superb French Louis XV Style Ebonized French Coromandel Lacquer Commode
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This superb French Louis XV style commode is a stunning example of artistry, craftsmanship, and cross-cultural influence. The ebonized case is richly decorated in exquisite Coromande...
Category
1950s Louis XV Vintage French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Bronze
$2,396 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Antique Maison Jansen French Commodes With Original Marble Tops
By Maison Jansen
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Antique Maison Jansen French Commodes With Original Marble Tops
Category
Mid-20th Century Louis XVI French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
$5,200 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Exceptional Pair of Hand-Carved French Walnut Louis XV Night Stands Commodes
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exceptional pair of French Louis XV style nightstands showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of fine European furniture design. Each demilune-shaped bedside commode is masterf...
Category
1940s Louis XV Vintage French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
French 19th Century Pair of Commodes
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Exquisite Pair of 19th century French pair of commodes. They are made of mahogany with brass around the drawers. They have it’s original marble top with a brass gallery around.
Category
Mid-19th Century Louis XVI Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Brass
$8,200 / set
Neoclassic Period French Marble-Top Commode w/Paw Feet & Lion's Head Pulls
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Neoclassic painted wood commode with marble top from the early 19th century. This antique chest from France features a rectangular-shaped white/gray marble top, above a case...
Category
Early 19th Century Neoclassical Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
Pair of Gilt Bronze Mounted 19th Century French Kingwood and Vernis Martin Petit
Located in Benington, Herts
A wonderful pair of gilt bronze mounted kingwood marble topped commodes with Vernis Martin painted panels, late 19th century.
Provenance...Cambridge, Esq.
Paris made circa 1880...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
18th Century French Walnut Commode
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A magnificent large and richly carved 18th century walnut commode with a shaped top. This chest of four drawers, is standing on elegantly carved feet. Distributed over three rows, ea...
Category
Mid-18th Century Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
$5,264 Sale Price
63% Off
Antique French Neoclassical Style Commode or Chest
Located in Houston, TX
Antique French Neoclassical Style Commode Or Chest.
Stunning 19th century French Neoclassical walnut commode or chest of drawers wit...
Category
19th Century Neoclassical Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
19th Century French Louis Phillipe Cherry Marble Top Chest of Drawers Commode
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
19th century Louis Philippe commode or chest of drawers from France in cherry. The entire case is made up from wonderfully grained book matched cherry veneer. Constructed of four dra...
Category
Mid-19th Century Louis Philippe Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
Antique Pair of French Louis XV Style Marble Top Inlaid Chests
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive pair of French 19th century chests crafted in exotic woods including mahogany and kingwood featuring the original beveled marble tops, two drawer cases with geometric inla...
Category
19th Century Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Brass
1900s French Faux Bamboo Chest of Drawers With Marble Top
Located in High Point, NC
This 1900s French faux bamboo chest of drawers features a beautifully grained wooden frame accented with carved faux bamboo details, giving the piece a refined yet relaxed character....
Category
Early 20th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
Antique Provincial French Country Chest Of Drawers
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An Antique Provincial French Chest with good size and fine traditional form. Oak construction on four carved Louis XV style feet. The chest with barbed and scalloped front features t...
Category
19th Century French Provincial Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
19th Century French Commode
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautiful 19th-century French commode, showcasing the elegance and craftsmanship of classic French design. This substantial piece features three spacious drawers, each framed with ...
Category
19th Century Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak
Antique French Louis XVI Style Commode with an Ebonized Finish 200-Years Old
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Louis XVI Commode restored with an Ebonized Finish over 200-years-old. Our French Louis XVI Ebonized Commode was hand-sanded to the bare wood and given an old Ebonized...
Category
1810s Louis XVI Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Furniture in Wood, 1930
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal.
Pushing the button that reads 'View All ...
Category
1920s Art Deco Vintage French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
$18,000
French 19th Century Empire Mahogany Semainier
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A 19th century French Empire mahogany semainier featuring artful neoclassical hardware. Hand-crafted in France circa 1810, this semainier is fitted with seven drawers to provide a dr...
Category
19th Century Empire Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Brass
Pair of Equestrian Inspired Trunk-Style Side Chests with Snaffle-Bit Hardware
Located in New Orleans, LA
Inspired by vintage travel trunks and classic riding motifs, these pieces combine function with distinctive decorative presence.
Wrapped in deep charcoal canvas-style fabric, these c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary International Style French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Nickel
19th Century French Louis Philippe Walnut Commode with Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
The 19th Century French Louis Philippe Walnut Commode is a luxurious and elegant piece of antique furniture. Its sturdy walnut construction with a marble top adds a touch of sophisti...
Category
19th Century Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
French Louis XVI Walnut Commode with 3 Drawers and Fluted Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
French Louis XVI Walnut Commode with 3 Drawers and Fluted Legs, Late 18th Century
Category
Late 17th Century Louis XVI Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Parisian Leather Clad Luggage Trunk Chest of Drawers
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Vintage Parisian Leather Clad Campaign Luggage Trunk Chest of Drawers
Category
1990s Campaign French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Leather
$1,462 Sale Price
55% Off
Exceptional Louis XV Style Marquetry Bombe Commode
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Marble Topped Louis XV Style commode in an impressive parquet design of kingwood, mahogany and rosewood. The serpentine shaped, beveled marble top rests above three bombe front drawe...
Category
Early 19th Century Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pair of French Louis XV Inlaid Marble Top Semainier Lingerie Chests Circa 1910
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Pair of French Louis XV Inlaid Marble Top Semainier Lingerie Chests Circa 1910
Dimensions : 55" Tall X 15" Wide X 13" Deep
These gorgeous Semainier chests were made in France in t...
Category
1910s Louis XV Vintage French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
Early 20th Century French Empire Marble Top Carved Walnut Four-Drawer Chest
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a living room or den with this elegant antique chest of drawers. Crafted in France, circa 1930, the traditional commode sits on carved columnar supports over a straight bott...
Category
Early 20th Century Empire French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Early 20th Century Louis XV Style Chinoiserie Lacquer and Ormolu Commode
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant early 20th century Louis XV Style Chinoiserie Commode designed in the mid 18th century style with marble topped ebonized ...
Category
Early 20th Century Louis XV French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
18th Century French Louis XV Chest of Drawers, stamped COULON, Paris circa 1750
By Jean-Francois Coulon
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Louis XV chest of drawers with fire-gilt fittings
Paris around 1750
Dimensions: H x W x D: 85 x 132 x 64 cm
Description:
Very beautif...
Category
Mid-18th Century Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Antique French Provincial Louis XV Style Painted Chest of Drawers Commode
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning French Provincial crème painted chest of drawers commode with beautifully aged original patina and interesting provenance!
Exquisitely hand-crafted in France in the late 18th / early 19th century, exceptionally executed in elegant, sophisticated and luxurious King Louis 15th taste, topped with the original rouge red Pyrenees marble top with striking white veining, serpentine-shaped front and molded edge, over a conforming solid wood case fitted with a secret hidden storage compartment and four dovetailed drawers, each with ornate gilt-bronze handles and escutcheons. When you remove the top left drawer, the center panel with faux escutcheon can slide over and reveal a concealed wooden drawer for valuables.
Elegantly decorated, the drawer fronts and rounded corner posts adorned with subtle carvings, paneled sides, scalloped apron with hand carved Rocaille shell and scroll motif, rising on short cabriole legs. In the original cream paint finish with distressed chippy paint patina perfection!
PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION:
Private collection of Floyd and Beverly Sherman (1939-2024) who purchased it for $35,519 in 2001 (paperwork included)
Beverly was an iconic owner, exhibitor and breeder of the Tennessee Walking Horse...
Category
Late 18th Century Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Brass
Early 20th century scrubbed oak chest of drawers / commode
Located in Budleigh Salterton, GB
Charming early 20th century scrubbed oak chest of drawers in the Louis XVI style
French circa 1910 with Large original wrought iron handles
This piece has been washed and scrubbe...
Category
Early 1900s Louis XVI Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak
Commode Style Boulle of French 19th Century Napoleon III Period
Located in Warsaw, PL
French antique Boulle cabinet.
Boulle one of France’s leading cabinetmakers, whose fashion of inlaying, called boulle, or buhl, work, swept Europe and was heavily imitated during th...
Category
19th Century Napoleon III Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
An Exceptional French Ormolu and Vernis Martin Kingwood Commode, Attr. to Dasson
By Henry Dasson
Located in Queens, NY
An Exceptional French Ormolu and Vernis Martin Kingwood Commode, Attributed to Henry Dasson, C. 1870
This remarkable commode cabinet epitomizes the elegance and craftsmanship of the...
Category
19th Century Napoleon III Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
18th Century Louis XVI Marquetry Commode
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An exceptionally beautiful marquetry inlaid commode 'à Ressaut' opening with two wide drawers, and crafted in the Louis XVI style.
This very decorative late 18th century chest of dr...
Category
18th Century Louis XVI Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Small 19th Century Louis XVI Style Chest of Drawers, Marquetry, Marble
Located in Greven, DE
Chest of drawers with marquetry in Louis XVI style
France
Marble, exotic woods
End of 19th century
Dimensions: H x W x D: 87 x 94 x 50 cm
Description:
Two-tiered and unusually del...
Category
1870s Louis XVI Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
French Bombe Commode Creme Peinte And Parcel Gilt
Located in Manhasset, NY
French bombe commode, creme peinte and parcel-gilt, the shaped top over a conforming case fitted with two large drawers, oak secondary, overall decorated with scrolls, raised on shor...
Category
20th Century Louis XV French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
19th Century Small Louis XVI–Style Walnut Chest with Two Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
This small Louis XVI–style walnut chest features two front-opening drawers, the upper fitted with a functioning lock and key and the lower with a simple brass knob. The proportions a...
Category
19th Century Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Chest of Drawers with Bedside 1970 Chid Design
By Paul Evans
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Chest of drawers with bedside 1970 chid design, elm burl veneer with brass fixtures and mirrors, schic design and great elegance. The very Paul Evans remembers style. Bedside height ...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
$1,627 Sale Price / set
77% Off
Pair Of French Marquetry Bombe Commodes With Specimen Marble Tops
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of French commodes with conforming specimen marble tops and two drawers with large cartouche form bronze mounts with trailing leaves and vines and handles that are part of the v...
Category
Early 20th Century Louis XV French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Metal
Antique French Louis XV Style Marble Top Chest
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique French marble top chest. This was made in France and dates from around the 1950’s.
It is of great quality and is a lovely size, perfect for use as a bedside ches...
Category
1950s Louis XV Vintage French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Louis XVI Secretary Desk, France, 1780-1800
Located in Belmont, MA
Exquisite Louis XVI Secretary Desk – France, c. 1780-1800
This stunning Louis XVI secretary desk, crafted in France between 1780 and 1800, is a masterpiece of 18th-century craftsman...
Category
1780s Louis XVI Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Kingwood, Rosewood
19th Century Louis XV Marble Top Marquetry Commode
Located in Norwood, NJ
A beautiful 19th century Louis XV–style bombe commode, finely crafted with rich walnut and mahogany veneers and crowned with a beautifully veined marble top. The front and sides are ...
Category
Late 19th Century Louis XV Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
French Louis XVI Style Commode in Walnut with Bronze Trim
Located in Atlanta, GA
French Louis XVI style Walnut commode with a bronze trim.
This commode features fluted side posts and tapered legs. Its brass hardware evokes a neoclassical style.
31 1/4"h x 43 1...
Category
Late 19th Century Louis XVI Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Louis-philippe Chest Of Drawers In Burr Walnut, Saint-anne Marble, Mid-19th Cent
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-LA-PLACE, FR
Louis-Philippe Chest of Drawers in Burl Walnut, Original Saint-Anne Marble, Mid-19th Century This Louis-Philippe chest is more than a piece of furniture; it carries the soul of a bou...
Category
1840s Louis Philippe Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
French Deco Era Four Drawer Mahogany Chest
Located in Troy, MI
Circa 1940s French four drawer chest in mahogany features brass trim and hardware, turned front legs with brass capped feet. Unknown maker.
Category
Mid-20th Century Art Deco French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
19C French Empire Style Complete Bedroom Set - Outstanding
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING AN ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING 19C French Empire Style Style Complete Bedroom Suite/Set.
HIGHLY, IMPORTANT AND UNIQUE Empire Style Bedroom Suite or Set from circa 1880.
The Suite/Set is almost completely original, save the bed, which was originally twin size, but professionally commissioned to be customized and converted into a Euro King Size for modern practicality. The quality of the conversion matches the quality of the suite/set.
All pieces have gilt bronze mounted fittings; beautiful patina, beautiful parquetry; beautiful carrara marble tops, simply stunning!
About 10 years ago, I saw the ‘identical twin’ of the Commode in an Antique Store on Central Park in New York, however it had a less desirable green marble top (IMHO), and they were looking for 30k USD for the Commode, on its OWN!
This Suite/Set is SO GOOD that it is the main exhibit in our rear Showroom.
Not marked but under the marble top of the commode there are 2 signatures in pencil (1) M. Le Youters (?) and (2) M. Daneels.
You will NOT find another complete suite/set like this ANYWHERE!
AS A BONUS: We have curated and sourced (recently) a Pair of Monumental French Empire Wall Sconces which are a ‘PERFECT’ match for this bedroom set! (See pics)
These sconces are being sold separately BUT they really COMPLETE the entire bedroom!
The Suite/Set includes:
European King Size Bed (Headboard, Baseboard, side panels and central support bracket).
2 Matching Bedside...
Category
Late 19th Century Empire Revival Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Ormolu
$82,000 Sale Price / set
31% Off
French Louis XV Style Cherry Wood Commode Semainier Chest of Drawers c. 1980
Located in Labrit, Landes
French commode chest of drawers in the Louis XVI style.
Cherry Wood and brass.
This chest of drawers with seven drawers is called a semainier (week in french). Each drawer correspon...
Category
1980s Louis XV Vintage French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
19th Century French Chest W/White Marble Top
Located in Nashville, TN
This is a beautiful mid 19th century French commode they would call it. We typically call them chest somehow another commode that doesn't sound fitting. This one is all original, wit...
Category
1860s Antique French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble
Antique French Louis XVI Style Ormolu-Mounted Commode after Benneman
Located in London, GB
Antique French Louis XVI style ormolu-mounted commode after Benneman
French, Early 20th Century
Height 93cm, width 179cm, depth 69cm
This outstanding commode à vanteaux is after a ...
Category
Early 20th Century Louis XVI French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
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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