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Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

ART DECO STYLE

Art Deco furniture is characterized by its celebration of modern life. More than its emphasis on natural wood grains and focus on traditional craftsmanship, vintage Art Deco dining chairs, tables, desks, cabinets and other furniture — which typically refers to pieces produced during the 1920s and 1930s — is an ode to the glamour of the “Roaring Twenties.” 

ORIGINS OF ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGN

  • Bold geometric lines and forms, floral motifs
  • Use of expensive materials such as shagreen or marble as well as exotic woods such as mahogany, ebony and zebra wood
  • Metal accents, shimmering mirrored finishes
  • Embellishments made from exotic animal hides, inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory

ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

VINTAGE ART DECO FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

Few design styles are as universally recognized and appreciated as Art Deco. The term alone conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. The iconic movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design throughout the 1920s and ’30s, celebrating society’s growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship.

Widely known designers associated with the Art Deco style include Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, Maurice Dufrêne, Paul Follot and Jules Leleu.

The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925. “Art Deco design” is often used broadly, to describe the work of creators in associated or ancillary styles. This is particularly true of American Art Deco, which is also called Streamline Moderne or Machine Age design. (Streamline Moderne, sometimes known as Art Moderne, was a phenomenon largely of the 1930s, post–Art Nouveau.)

Art Deco textile designers employed dazzling floral motifs and vivid colors, and while Art Deco furniture makers respected the dark woods and modern metals with which they worked, they frequently incorporated decorative embellishments such as exotic animal hides as well as veneers in their seating, case pieces, living room sets and bedroom furniture.

From mother-of-pearl inlaid vitrines to chrome aviator chairs, bold and inventive works in the Art Deco style include chaise longues (also known as chaise lounges) and curved armchairs. Today, the style is still favored by interior designers looking to infuse a home with an air of luxury and sophistication.

The vintage Art Deco furniture for sale on 1stDibs includes dressers, coffee tables, decorative objects and more.

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Style: Art Deco
Creator: Gilbert Rohde
1930s Art Deco Brazilian Rosewood Chest Designed by Gilbert Rohde
Located in Buffalo, NY
1930s Art Deco Brazilian rosewood chest designed by Gilbert Rohde. Amazing quality and design, slightly bowed front design, five drawers behin...
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1930s American Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Nickel

Rare Pair Gilbert Rohde #3770 Six-Drawer Dressers
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This rare design for Herman Miller features a curved case in opulent tropical wood veneer with sold hardwood handles, in a masculine streamlined design, with the surprising addition ...
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1930s American Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Stainless Steel

Gilbert Rohde 4140 Dresser for Herman Miller 3 Available
Located in Hanover, MA
We have a total of three available of these beautifully refinished mahogany chests of three drawers by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller's 4140 collection with original off-white "leather cloth" (Fabrikoid) padded drawers. Top drawer is fitted with vide poche sliding and removable tray and has original label. See pages from original 1941 Herman Miller catalog...
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1940s American Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Faux Leather, Mahogany

Sublime Pair of Streamline Moderne Commodes by Gilbert Rohde, circa 1930
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. An exquisite rare pair of streamline moderne commodes by the esteemed Gilbert Rohde for Cavalier, circa 1930. Exceptionally crafted solid mahogany case construction with stunning curves and lines. Handsome solid brass accents highlight the drawer handles. A masterful example from the late period of the American Art Deco movement. Some of Mr. Rohde's most interesting and creative case designs were produced by this small Chattanooga, Tennessee furniture...
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1930s American Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Gilbert Rohde 4140 Tall Chest for Herman Miller
Located in Hanover, MA
Beautifully refinished mahogany tall boy chest of four drawers by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller's 4140 collection with original off-white "leather cloth" (Fabrikoid) padded drawers. Top drawer is fitted with vide poche sliding and removable tray. See pages from original 1941 Herman Miller catalog...
Category

1940s American Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Faux Leather, Mahogany

Sublime Streamline Moderne Commode by Gilbert Rohde, circa 1930- Pair Available
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exquisite rare streamline moderne commode by the esteemed Gilbert Rohde for Cavalier, circa 1930. There are a pair of these chests available. Exceptionally crafted solid mahogany case construction with stunning curves and lines. Handsome solid Brass accents highlight the drawer handles. A masterful example from the late period of the American Art Deco movement. Some of Mr. Rohde's most interesting and creative case designs were produced by this small Chattanooga, Tennessee furniture...
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1930s American Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

1930s Art Deco Brazilian Rosewood Six-Drawer Dresser by Gilbert Rohde
Located in Buffalo, NY
1930s Art Deco Brazilian rosewood six-drawer dresser designed by Gilbert Rohde,, Amazing quality and design, slightly bowed front design. Features six generous size drawers with simp...
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1930s American Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Nickel

Related Items
Pr Art Deco Art Moderne Dressers by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller c 1930's
Located in New York, NY
Chic pair of streamline Art Moderne dressers designed by Gilbert Rohde, for Herman Miller c 1936. The dressers feature opposing right and left c...
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1930s American Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Walnut

Mid Century Six Drawer Dresser by Distinctive Furniture by Stanley 1950/1960’s
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional mid century dresser made by the noted American manufacturer Distinctive Furniture by Stanley, circa 1950/1960’s. The dresser features two banks of three deep drawers, whi...
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Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal

Art Deco Palladio Fall Front Desk by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller c. 1940’s
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and sophisticated drop front desk designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller as part of the much sought after Palladio series, circa 1940’s. The desk features a burl veneer ...
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Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Burl

Pair of Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple Six Drawer Double Dressers
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Pair of Paul McCobb planner group maple & black six drawer dressers, 1950's. Featuring classic Paul McCobb modular design including four rectangula...
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1950s American Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Enamel

George Nelson Thin Edge Double Dresser, Chest, Santos Palisander, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
George Nelson thin edge double dresser, chest, Santos Palisander, Herman Miller. In 1944, Life magazine published an extensive article...
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Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Palisander

Midcentury George Nelson Three Drawer Cabinet for Herman Miller
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Gorgeous BCS chest of drawers in original brown ash designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This is a very early version with plated metal pulls not aluminum and unusual finished back. This versatile unit is a perfect small dresser, nightstand, or end table. George Nelson, Alexander Girard, and Charles and Ray Eames headed the Herman Miller department for many ground breaking...
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Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

1930s Art Deco Commode in Burl Walnut by Osvaldo Borsani Per Atelier Di Varedo
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Majestic and elegant chest of drawers by Osvaldo Borsani produced in the Varedo Atelier of his father Gaetano Borsani , original in every part, with bakelite handles, 1930s Art Deco chest of drawers, commode , in burl walnut with mirror, polished to wax. Excellent condition. Measures cm: D 53, W 120, H 100. mirror cm: W 90 H 75. About Osvaldo Borsani Osvaldo Borsani (born 1911, Varedo, Italy–died 1985, Milano, Italy) was an Italian designer and architect, born into a family of furniture makers with along and well established artisanal tradition. His father, Gaetano Borsani, owned his own furniture shop, the Atelier di Varedo, where the 16-year-old Osvaldo received his first training. At that time, the designer of the atelier was the architect Gino Maggioni, who brought with him influences of the early 20th century Jugendstil movement from Vienna and who instilled in the young Borsani an appreciation for the arts and crafts and furniture making. Osvaldo Borsani first studied fine arts at Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera in Milan, graduating in 1931, and then pursued studies in architecture at Politecnico di Milano, where he graduated in 1936. In 1933, two years before graduating as an architect, Borsani designed the Casa Minima project for the V Triennale di Milano (Milan Triennial), along with architects Cairoli and Varisco. This project earned him a silver medal for its Rationalist code and geometries, and he received positive reviews from the critic Edoardo Persico of Casabella magazine. Villa Borsani And Other Prominent Architectural Work In 1937, Osvaldo Borsani designed Villa Presenti in Forte dei Marmi, a sea town in Tuscany where the Italian aristocracy and industrial elite would build their houses, a project that displayed the same rationalistic rigor displayed in Casa Minima, but softened by the use of mediterranean finishes and materials. Villa Borsani designed by Osvaldo Borsani. Varedo, Italy Villa Borsani. Varedo, Italy In 1943, Osvaldo designed and built his own house, the Villa Borsani, in Varedo, which, despite being conceptualized under strict Rationalist principles, incorporated objects and art of younger artists that communicate a freer approach to the human expression. The Villa Borsani project involved artists such as Adriano Spilimbergo, Fausto Melotti, Lucio Fontana (who made the ceramic fireplace and the ceramic Madonna), and Agenore Fabbri (who made the bronze statue in the staircase). To this day, Villa Borsani has been preserved with most of its original furniture and it remains with Osvaldo Borsani’s family along with the extensive archives of his work. Osvaldo Borsani As a Successful Product and Furniture Designer After Villa Borsani, Osvaldo continued to develop many projects for the Milanese bourgeoisie, frequently with many of the same artists whom he employed for his villa. A particularly strong relationship was the one that Osvaldo developed with artist Lucio Fontana, a close friend since the time of the Accademia de Belle Arti di Brera, and whom Borsani assigned to make a large metal balcony for the Tecno company in 1956. Osvaldo Borsani’s design work, just as his larger architectural projects, which he also considered design work, very often incorporated elements created by other artists and designers such as: Roberto Crippa, Arnaldo and Giò Pomodoro, Agenore Fabbri, Fausto Melotti, Andrea Cascella...
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1920s Italian Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mirror, Walnut, Burl

6-Drawer Silver Trim Mirrored Dresser
Located in New York, NY
Custom 6-drawer silver trim mirrored dresser with Lucite knobs. Customization is available in different sizes, finishes, and hardware.
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2010s American Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Silver Leaf

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 Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Maple

Swedish Art Deco Chest of Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Swedish Art Deco chest fitted with three spacious drawers in beautiful mahogany with flame birch sides and legs. This chest has nickel pulls. Pe...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Birch, Mahogany

Swedish Art Deco Chest of Drawers
Swedish Art Deco Chest of Drawers
H 27 in W 42 in D 18.5 in
Swedish Art Deco Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Handsome Art Deco chest of drawers. Original painted finish and golden elm top. Detailed with brass pulls, decorative centerpiece and uniquely shaped legs.
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1940s Swedish Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Elm

Gilbert Rohde 4140 Vanity for Herman Miller
Located in Hanover, MA
Beautifully refinished mahogany vanity/coiffeuse by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller with original off-white "leather cloth" (Fabrikoid) top and padded drawers. Kneehole: 26" high x 22" wide x 17.5" deep See our separate listings for other pieces from this same collection. See pages from original 1941 Herman Miller catalog.
Category

1940s American Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Faux Leather, Mahogany

Previously Available Items
Pair of Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Chests of Drawers
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of Herman Miller model number 4140 dressers designed by Gilbert Rohde from their Modern Bedroom Group. Constructed of a walnut top, sides, frame and legs with a dark gloss piano mahogany veneer, beautifully refinished. There are three large drawers with padded off-white "leather cloth" (fabrikoid) upholstery squares on the faces. Top drawers are fitted with vide poche sliding and removable tray. Both have the original label. See page from original 1941 Herman Miller catalog...
Category

1940s American Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Faux Leather, Mahogany, Walnut

Rare Early Art Deco Gilbert Rohde Chest of Drawers for Herman Miller
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare birdseye maple and mahogany dresser by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, circa 1940's. This asymmetrical dresser has the perfect balance of mi...
Category

1940s American Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Mahogany

Gilbert Rohde Elegant Sapele High Dresser Chest Lucite Pulls & Flared Legs 1940s
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Dresser Gilbert Rohde rare Art Deco dresser in sapele wood with Lucite pulls and sculptural flared legs. Sweet simplicity. Dimensions are: 47 H x 35 W x 20 D Original unrestored preo...
Category

1940s American Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Lucite, Wood

Pair of Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Padded Front American Art Deco Chests
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Machine Age era upholstered drawer bedroom chests. Designed by Gilbert Rohde an icon of American Art Deco and moderne furniture. Manufactured by Herman Miller. Nicely restored cabinets with original upholstered drawers.
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Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Bachelor Chest or Large Nightstand, Restored
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Art Deco or Mid-Century Modern three-drawer bachelor chest or large nightstand By Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller USA, circa 1930s Mahogany case, with Naugahy...
Category

1930s American Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Naugahyde, Mahogany

Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Bachelor Chests or Large Nightstands, Restored
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Art Deco or Mid-Century Modern three-drawer bachelor chests or large nightstands By Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller USA, circa 1930s Mahogany cases, w...
Category

1930s American Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Naugahyde, Mahogany

Pair of Herman Miller Gilbert Rohde Machine Age Padded Front Art Deco Dressers
Located in Hudson, NY
Beautifully 1940s refinished mahogany cabinets with original naugahyde padded drawer fronts by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller. Very nice condition with a tear of the original pads o...
Category

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

Materials

Naugahyde, Mahogany

Rohde for Herman Miller Dresser as is
Located in New York, NY
Classic Art Deco dresser, Cadet designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller. This example is selling as is, as found. It has been painted, in antique red, and wi...
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Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Ash, Walnut

Rohde for Herman Miller Dresser as is
Rohde for Herman Miller Dresser as is
H 32.5 in W 48 in D 19.25 in
Art Deco Small 3-Drawer Chest by Gilbert Rohde for Cavalier Furniture
Located in San Diego, CA
A very rare piece designed by Gilbert Rohde for Cavalier, circa 1940s freshly refinished retains label, can be used as a night table, or side table beautiful combination of woods mah...
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20th Century American Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Art Moderne Low Boy Dresser Set by Gilbert Rohde
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Art Moderne dresser set of two by Gilbert Rohde. This low boy dresser features a walnut finish with a black lacquer floating base completed with de...
Category

1930s American Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Gilbert Rohde Paladin Cabinet Art Deco Chest 1940s American
Located in New York, NY
An original 1940s American Art Deco burl wood cabinet with large decorative bronze pulls by fame designer, Gilbert Rohde. A great small or medium size.Located in our New York City Ch...
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1940s American Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

Rare Gilbert Rohde Five-Drawer Mirrored Cabinet for Cavalier, circa 1931
Located in Camden, ME
A rare mahogany cabinet with two mounted mirrors, five drawers and a upper cabinet designed by Gilbert Rohde for the Tennessee Furniture Company Ca...
Category

1930s American Vintage Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Art Deco commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Art Deco commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage commodes and chests of drawers created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, more furniture and collectibles, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Art Deco commodes and chests of drawers made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original commodes and chests of drawers, popular names associated with this style include R & Y Augousti, Kifu Augousti, Gilbert Rohde, and Donald Deskey. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for commodes and chests of drawers differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $388 and tops out at $275,000 while the average work can sell for $6,220.

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