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Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Pair John Widdicomb Chests
Located in New York, NY
Pair John Widdicomb Walnut and Brass Chests. The chests are walnut with four pull-out drawers. The handles have brass trim. Well made and sturdy.
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Thin Edge Walnut Five-Drawer Dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller
Located in Dorchester, MA
This gorgeous dresser is part of George Nelson's 1950s Thin Edge collection for Herman Miller, which takes its name from the elegant, slim profile. Tapered trestle legs elevate the w...
Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Italian Midcentury Chest of Drawers in Wood, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century Chest of drawers in wood, 1960s Chest of drawers with rectangular base entirely in wood. On the front it has 5 rectangular drawers with wooden handles. The first...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Unique Ovoid Walnut Desk with 3 Drawers
Located in Kensington, MD
Unique Ovoid Walnut Desk with 3 Drawers Additional information: Material: Walnut Unique ovoid-shaped desk top provides visual interest and pl...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Set of Two Bedside Tables, Made in Cane Rattan and Beech Wood, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Pair of bedside tables equipped with an door and a drawer decorated with a splendid knob in intertwined natural fibers. Datable around the 70s and of probable Italian production, they have a massive beech wood structure (visible along the perimeter) and plywood, externally covered with honey -colored...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Cane, Rattan, Beech

1960s Danish Teak Highboard or Bookcase
Located in Praha, CZ
- Item has been carefully refurbished.
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Midcentury Tall Dresser by Paul McCobb Planner Group #1501 Maple Brass Knobs
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful midcentury tall dresser 4-drawer dresser by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group #1501 with 4 center drawers. Solid maple construction has a beautiful Medium Blonde origina...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Italian Mid-Century Modern Wood and Black Metal Chest of Drawers, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern wood and black metal chest of drawers, 1960s. Wooden chest of drawers, with 10 drawers, arranged on two column...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Teak Wall Console by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, 1960s
Located in Köln, DE
Hochwertig und mit Liebe zum Detail produzierter Teakholz Nachttisch zur Wandmontage (zwei Schrauben) Zwei flache Massivholz Schubladen mit filigranen Alugriffen.
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Vintage Faux Burnt Bamboo and Grasscloth Chest of Drawers or Dresser
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British Colonial style midcentury chest with six drawers crafted with a faux burnt bamboo frame and painted grasscloth panels on the top, sides and front and five legs with Asian Sty...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo

George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Basic Cabinet Series' Dresser, c. 1955, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic chest of drawers was designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, part of the 'Basic Cabinet Series' and also called 'Primavera', t...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Vintage Chest of Drawers, Czechoslovakia, 1950s
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Midcentury chest of drawers, it was made in Czechoslovakia in the 1950s. Made of solid wood, it has chrome handles, laminate surface on the top, colored lacquered doors. The cabinet ...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Paul McCobb Perimeter Group Black Lacquered Highboy Dresser, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern seven-drawer highboy dresser By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Perimeter Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid birch, with original sculpte...
Category

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

Materials

Birch, Rosewood, Lacquer

George Nakashima 'Origins' Dresser or Sideboard for Widdicomb, c. 1960, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous 'Sundra' twelve drawer dresser by George Nakashima for Widdicomb, circa 1960, features beautiful Indian Laurel wood and dramatic large brass handles, which is a much more rare and sought-after variation of this design. Refinished and ready for immediate use. Signed in three places on this cabinet, 'Sundra' stamped underneath the solid wood top, Widdicomb label in one drawer, and "George Nakashima' stamped signature in one drawer. Incredible and rare option for design enthusiasts, and art and design investors and collectors but also ideal for interior designers looking to add some sophisticated refinement into an interior project. Nakashima designed the Origins Collection for Widdicomb in 1959 featuring rare woods such as Carpathian Elm, Indian Laurel wood, Walnut and Rosewood and was noted for the fine craftsmanship and attention to the natural beauty of the wood. Nakashima and Widdicomb described the collection as “a subtle elimination of straight lines; almost all pieces have edges that are beveled back ten degrees; many tops overhang substantially more than is usual; and upholstered pieces achieve a “forward thrust” due to the canting of the legs.” The only finish offered on the Indian Laurel wood in the collection was the Sundra finish, sanskrit for “thing of beauty,” a nod to Nakashima’s time in India. This gorgeous George Nakashima 'Sundra' chest of drawers or side board cabinet...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair of American Modern Chest of Drawers/ Nightstands, Sligh Furniture
Located in Charleston, SC
Midcentury pair of Sligh Furniture/Grand Rapids Chair Co. chests from their Cross Country line, designed by Herbert Ten Have. Advertisements for this line date back as far as 1950, b...
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Thomasville Tall Tower Shape Highboy Dressers W/ Drawer Compartment Burl Wood
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Thomasville tall tower shape highboy dressers w/ drawer compartment burl wood brass pulls mint! Featuring laminated pull out trays shelves and drawers inside the double door...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Nightstand / Small Chest in the style of Widdicomb
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A taller nightstand or thin small chest having four drawers the top one with dividers and a small moveable tray . The turned brass pulls and backing pl...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

1960s Jiri Jiroutek Upcycled Chest of Drawers, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- newly lacquered body in black mat finish - Drawers in original condition with minors signs of use (has been repolished only ) - The iron hairpin legs were added afterwards.
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Italian midcentury cest of drawers by Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Walnut low chest of drawers designed by Gianfranco Frattini manufactured by Bernini. Iconic piece of Gianfranco Frattini, this elegant sideboard present five drawers for each side,...
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Walnut

1960s Omann Jun Palisander Upcycled Cabinet, Denmark
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good / very good original condition with minor signs of use. - The iron hairpin legs were added afterwards.
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Edward Wormley Ebonized Dresser for Dunbar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c.1970s, USA. The mahogany dresser has been newly refinished and ebonized. It features three smaller drawers along the top of the dresser and four full len...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Bamboo/Rattan and Brass Chest of Drawers by Dal Vera, Italy, 1970s
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
Beautiful rattan and bamboo vintage chest of drawers made by Dal Vera in Italy in the 1960s. It has a double opening doors to hanging space. Brass handles complete the look. A great ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

1950s Italian Chest of Drawers with Iron Legs and Brass Details
Located in Rome, IT
Chest of drawers of modern design, manufactured in Italy during the 1950s. This cabinet is lacquered with very dark brown shellac An elegant and modern piece, rich in details. ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

Midcentury Cream Color Glass and Brass Commode, 1980
Located in Rome, IT
Very elegant Italian chest of drawers covered entirely in glass and brass, features its legs in a micro fusions of brass, very precious workmanship. The chest of drawers is composed...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Jiri Jiroutek U 450 Type Chest of Drawers for Interier Praha, Czechoslovakia 196
Located in Zohor, SK
Iconic mid-century chest of drawers produced as a U450 Model by Interier Praha in 1960s. Designed by Jiri Jiroutek. This is an original piece produced in 1960s. The chest of drawers ...
Category

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

Materials

Plastic, Fiberglass, Oak

Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Desk Organizer
Located in Saint Paul, MN
Paul McCobb Planner group desk organizer by Winchendon Furniture. Made in the 1950s.
Category

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

Materials

Iron

1960s Portable Oak Bookcase by Uluv, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Item has been carefully refurbished.
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Pair of Vintage Chest of Drawers from José Espinho for Olaio, 1970's
Located in Lisboa, PT
ChatGPT Step into the timeless elegance of 1970s Portuguese design with this stunning pair of chest of drawers, meticulously crafted by José Espinho and produced by Olaio. Each piec...
Category

1970s Portuguese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal

Early Production 3 Drawer Chests Designed by Florence Knoll / Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic architectural design. Early production dresser or chest of drawers designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International.Retains original KNOLL label. Beautiful walnut grain ...
Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel

Early Production Florence Knoll 3-Drawer Chest/ Dresser / Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic architectural design ,, Early production dresser or chest of drawers designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International.Retains original KNOLL label.. Beautiful walnut gr...
Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel

1960s Danish Chest of Drawers
Located in Praha, CZ
- very good original condition with minor signs of use.  
Category

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

Materials

Wood

1950s Oak Chest of Drawers, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Item has been carefully refurbished -quality craftsmanship work.
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Oak

Alain Richard Sideboard 802 TV
Located in Brussels , BE
Alain Richard sideboard 802 TV.   
Category

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

Materials

Wood

1960s Upcycled Oak and Glass Cabinet, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
-Very good original condition -The hairpin iron legs were added afterwards.
Category

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

Materials

Glass, Oak

1960s Georgetown Galleries Magogany Serpentine Triple Dresser
Located in Germantown, MD
Here is an extremely solid, well made piece of furniture. Made from solid mahogany with 12 dovetail drawers and brass hardware. Hardware original. Seprentine front, bracket feet. Nic...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Other

Mid Century Chest of Drawers UP Závody, Czechoslovakia, 1960's
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Multi-purpose glazed cabinet or chest of drawers, made for ÚP Závody in the 1960s. Made in a combination of ash, elm, maple, walnut, birch and poplar wood. It´s in good Vintage condi...
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Ash, Birch, Elm, Maple, Poplar, Walnut

Paul McCobb Planner Group Credenza or Chest of Drawers for Winchendon
Located in Berlin, DE
Very special McCobb credenza with a metallic copper surface on the doors. Classic aluminium rings and solid maple all around. Four drawers in total.
Category

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

Materials

Maple

Mid-Century Modern Oak Dresser 1950's
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A 1950s Jack Van der Molen 5-drawer dresser made by Jamestown Lounge Company from the American Casual line. The drawers with integrated handles   
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Italian Midcentury Ebonized Parchment Chest of Drawers
Located in New York, NY
Italian midcentury ebonized parchment chest of drawers.
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Borge Mogensen Chests of Drawers, 1960s
Located in Dallas, TX
Teak and oak chests or nightstands. Beautiful condition. Look new.
Category

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

Materials

Oak, Teak

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Pair of Bedside Tables / Chests in Walnut, 1950s 'Signed'
Located in New York, NY
Pair of bedside tables / chests in walnut, chests with brushed nickel pulls, by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, American 1950s (label in drawer). These bedside chests are extre...
Category

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

Materials

Nickel

English 1950s Vintage Painted Three-Drawer Commode with Yellow Painted Finish
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English vintage painted three-drawer commode from the mid-20th century, with muted yellow finish and painted cartouches. This mid-20th-century English vintage commode, with its so...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Tall Oiled Walnut Two Doors Beveled Glass Bookcase Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Oiled walnut Mid-Century Modern bookcase shelves cabinet on hair pin legs.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Dresser
Located in New York, NY
Stylish chest on chest form gentleman's dresser, having folding doors on top which open to revel four large interior drawers, and three oversized drawers on the bottom. This chest ha...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Chests by Paul McCobb for Calvin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful vintage modern pair of dressers feature plenty of room for storage within its eight hefty drawers combined. Elegant maple wood grain, unique brass pulls and a finished back...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair of Parchment and Convex Mirror Chest of Drawers
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Great pair of commodes three drawers each cover with goatskin and nine convex mirrors. Solid steel frame. (High gloss polyester resin filled finish).
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Steel

Mid Century Modern Walnut High Chest Dresser
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Nice Mid-Century Modern gentlemen's high chest on chest. Dark walnut low gloss finish.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Matching Pair of Three-Drawer Chests by Harvey Probber
Located in Dallas, TX
Matching pair of three-drawer chests by Harvey Probber. Priced per item.
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Walnut High Chest or Dresser w/ Drawers and Two Doors Compartment
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Nice curved front doors walnut gentleman's high chest.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Modern Credenza Designed by Harvey Probber
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modern Credenza designed by Harvey Probber, American, circa 1960's. It is a versatile size and can be used as a credenza, bar, or media cabinet in a living area, or as a chest or dre...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Two Modern Chests or Credenzas designed by Jens Risom
Located in Atlanta, GA
Two Modern Chests or Credenzas designed by Jens Risom, American, circa 1960's. The price noted below is for each chest.
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Mid-century Modern commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern 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 Mid-Century Modern commodes and chests of drawers made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe 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 Lawson-Fenning, Paul McCobb, Edward Wormley, and Widdicomb Furniture Co.. 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 $130 and tops out at $128,000 while the average work can sell for $4,174.

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