Antique Commodes & Chests
Fireside Antiques offers antique chests and commodes. We source many of our vintage commodes and chest of drawers on buying trips to England and France. Here, you will find a vast selection of French and English 19th Century antique storage.
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Swedish Gustavian Painted Cabinet
$8,600.0082.75"H x 49.50"W x 18.75"D
Dimensions: 82 ¾” H x 49 ½” W x 18 ¾” D
A Gustavian style painted cabinet made in Sweden circa 1860. This buffet over chest has its original dry scraped painted finish on its exterior. The top cabinet doors open to reveal a rogue interior with three fixed shelves at 13”D. The top shelf is shaped to house your everyday spoons. There is one key for the working lock. Below are four drawers, all easy-to-use with patinated brass handles and escutcheons. Cleaned and tightened, this antique is ready for your immediate use. Be sure to view the detailed images to see the current condition of this painted cabinet.
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French Parisian 18th Century Rosewood Commode
$9,500.0036.38"H x 53"W x 25.13"D
Dimensions: 36 ⅜” H x 53” W x 25 ⅛” D
This fantastic Parisian solid rosewood and walnut commode was crafted in 18th century France circa 1740. In great antique condition- the original marble top with a modeled edge is shaped according to the body of the piece. The rosewood and walnut body has a great patina that compliments the bold brass drop pulls and elaborate scrolling escutcheons. No key is present. Three large drawers showcase a shaped front and scrolling scalloped trim. A decoratively carved and shaped skirt is attached to cabriole legs that end in fabulous hoof feet. Cleaned and polished with French wax paste. Make sure to view the detailed images for a closer look at the quality craftsmanship of this rare commode.
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French 19th Century Solid Oak Sacristy Cabinet
$9,500.0037.75"H x 74.25"W x 38.13"D
Dimensions: 37 ¾ “ H x 74 ¼ “ W x 38 ⅛” D
In 18th and 19th century Europe, sacristy or vestment cabinets were used to store liturgical garments, robes, wine and other articles associated primarily with the Christian religion. This superb and rare vestment cabinet made of solid oak is composed of 10 three foot drawers. These large drawers were used to store vestments from the priests. Each long drawer across the front has two pulls each and all drawers slide easily. The smaller faced drawers are the same depth as the longer ones. Beautifully figured with trim around the drawers and side panels that showcases the high quality craftsmanship of this historic church piece. Shield brass escutcheon plates adorn the keyholes, no keys included. Heavy, solid and sturdy with a beautiful rich oak patina this piece is raised on block feet to stand at counter height. There are so many versatile uses with this piece for today’s home or business. It would be perfect for an artist or seamstress or photographer, as office, study, or library storage, linen storage, or as an entry or foyer “statement piece”. Make sure to view the detailed images for a closer look.
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French 18th Century Painted Parisian Commode
$7,800.0031.5"H x 49.88"W x 25.25"D
Dimensions: 31 1/2″ H x 49 7/8″ W x 25 1/4″ D
An exceptional Parisian commode, with painted finish, from 18th century, France. This four-drawer antique case piece features a shapely form and an outstandingly well-patinated finish. All drawers are equipped with large, decorative bronze pulls. The three keyholes are surrounded by asymmetrically formed bronze escutcheons. The top has been painted to resemble a darker gray marble and has aged marvelously with the rest of the finish. A shaped skirt completes this sinuously conceived commode. c.1780.
Antique Commodes & Chests From Fireside Antiques
Some of the best antiques are those that perform double-duty in your home, acting as both a decorative conversation piece and a functional piece of furniture. With our antique commodes and chests, you’ll have just that: a sturdy, handcrafted piece built to last and an eye-catching conversation starter for any guest who sees it.
Our antique chests range in age from as early as the 17th century all the way to 20th-century pieces and reproductions, each with its own unique history to share. The chest of drawers was common across Europe and the US for hundreds of years, so antique models come in numerous shapes and finishes. With enough patience, you’ll be able to find one to match any modern style.
Because they come in so many different designs, a good chest of drawers can fit into any room, both from a stylistic perspective and a logistical perspective. The right-sized chest can fit in a corner, under a table, or even in a hallway, making the most of any unused space.
Fortunately, rustic and antique furniture options are currently very trendy, so there’s no need to hide your chest of drawers away in a bedroom or basement. Feel free to put it on display in your family room, dining room, or kitchen if you so desire.
One of the most significant aspects of antique dressers, in fact, is their flexibility and reusability in any design. As a storage device, antique commodes can hold anything from fine china and dishes to various loose items, not just the usual clothing we tend to use them for nowadays.
History of the Chest
Believe it or not, while it doesn’t feel like we can live without them today, antique commodes and chests weren’t very common until the late 19th century. This was because long-distance, intercontinental travel became common (and accessible to the everyday person) around the same time.
When people traveled, they would use a permanent chest of drawers to store away any belongings they didn’t want to take with them. A smaller, portable trunk (or what we better know today as a suitcase) became popular to transport a few outfits on long journeys.
Over time, these chests and trunks became more ornate, both as a sign of wealth for the owner and to double as a decorative piece in the home. Today, while even the simplest antique chests have their own unique charms, the most intricate ones make particularly exceptional statement pieces. To find the perfect fit, you can browse Fireside’s selection of antique commodes.