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Antique Storage Chest

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18thC Oak Lancashire Mule Chest
Located in Altrincham, GB
18thC Oak Lancashire Mule Chest with Panelled Front and Sides Two with Brass Handles and a Lift up
Category

Mid-18th Century English Country Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Brass

Antique 18thC Oak Lancashire Mule Chest
18thC Oak Lancashire Mule Chest

18thC Oak Lancashire Mule Chest

$3,358
Blanket Chest - Red Floral Painted 1800
Located in Vo , Veneto
Painted Chest dated 1800 Technical information: Period: Dated 1800 Origin: Alpine / Central
Category

Early 1800s Italian Other Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Fir

Antique Blanket Chest - Red Floral Painted 1800
Blanket Chest - Red Floral Painted 1800

Blanket Chest - Red Floral Painted 1800

$2,731
17th Century Oak Marriage Chest
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality mid 17th century oak marriage chest, having a three panel top with
Category

17th Century Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Oak

Antique 17th Century Oak Marriage Chest
17th Century Oak Marriage Chest

17th Century Oak Marriage Chest

$2,049
Italian Renaissance Walnut Chest - Circa 1600
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb and rare Italian Renaissance chest from the end of the 16th century/beginning of the 17th
Category

Early 17th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Walnut

Antique Italian Renaissance Walnut Chest - Circa 1600
Italian Renaissance Walnut Chest - Circa 1600

Italian Renaissance Walnut Chest - Circa 1600

$5,700
Grain Painted Blanket Chest, Pennsylvania
Located in Savannah, GA
A grain painted blanket chest, Pennsylvania circa 1850. 31 ¾ inches wide by 17 ¾ inches deep by 23
Category

Mid-19th Century American Folk Art Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique Grain Painted Blanket Chest, Pennsylvania
Grain Painted Blanket Chest, Pennsylvania

Grain Painted Blanket Chest, Pennsylvania

$990
French Blanket Chest circa 1830
Located in Denton, TX
Rustic country French coffer used for storage of linens and blankets. Beautiful French oak with
Category

Early 19th Century French Country Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Iron

Antique French Blanket Chest circa 1830
French Blanket Chest circa 1830

French Blanket Chest circa 1830

$1,500
Monumental Antique Indian Dowry Chest
Located in Forney, TX
proportions for a variety of different uses, including as a massive blanket chest or storage coffer, place a
Category

19th Century Indian Rustic Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Iron

Monumental Antique Indian Dowry Chest
Monumental Antique Indian Dowry Chest

Monumental Antique Indian Dowry Chest

$6,500
18th Century Antique Travel Chest
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
18th century antique travel chest. Solid wood with tin cladding. Baroque lock fully functional with
Category

18th Century Austrian Campaign Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Tin

18th Century Antique Travel Chest
18th Century Antique Travel Chest

18th Century Antique Travel Chest

$2,375
Swat Valley Hand Painted Chest
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Wonderful hand painted swat valley chest. The colors are great on this piece. There is a sliding
Category

Early 1900s Pakistani Folk Art Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Wood

Antique Swat Valley Hand Painted Chest
Swat Valley Hand Painted Chest

Swat Valley Hand Painted Chest

$2,950
Vintage Boho Knotty Pine Blanket Chest
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Celebrate the beauty of rustic craftsmanship with this charming Vintage Knotty Pine Blanket Chest
Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Metal

Vintage Boho Knotty Pine Blanket Chest
Vintage Boho Knotty Pine Blanket Chest

Vintage Boho Knotty Pine Blanket Chest

$2,450
Biedermeier Walnut Miniature Blanket Chest
Located in Darmstadt, DE
The miniature chest was made of walnut and dates back to the early Biedermeier period at the
Category

Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Spruce, Walnut

Biedermeier Walnut Miniature Blanket Chest
Biedermeier Walnut Miniature Blanket Chest

Biedermeier Walnut Miniature Blanket Chest

$2,731 Sale Price
20% Off
Early 18th Century Brazil Colonial Chest
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Early 18th-Century Brazilian Colonial Chest - A Rare and Authentic Masterpiece A striking example
Category

Early 18th Century Brazilian Other Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Wrought Iron

Early 18th Century Brazil Colonial Chest
Early 18th Century Brazil Colonial Chest

Early 18th Century Brazil Colonial Chest

$6,280
Antique English 17th Century Jacobean Oak Mule Chest Blank Chest Trunk, C.1660
Located in London, GB
A Jacobean oak mule chest Antique English 17th century Jacobean Oak Mule Chest circa 1660 A
Category

17th Century English Charles II Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Oak

Antique English 17th Century Jacobean Oak Mule Chest Blank Chest Trunk, C.1660
Antique English 17th Century Jacobean Oak Mule Chest Blank Chest Trunk, C.1660

Antique English 17th Century Jacobean Oak Mule Chest Blank Chest Trunk, C.1660

$7,882
George III Period Mahogany Silver Chest
Located in Harrodsburg, KY
A solid mahogany silver chest with large brass lifting bales on the sides and standing on
Category

Mid-18th Century English George III Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Brass

George III Period Mahogany Silver Chest
George III Period Mahogany Silver Chest

George III Period Mahogany Silver Chest

$4,500
19th Century Italian Chest Circa 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century Italian chest, circa 1800, is a beautifully crafted piece that reflects the
Category

Early 1800s Italian Rustic Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Iron

19th Century Italian Chest Circa 1800
19th Century Italian Chest Circa 1800

19th Century Italian Chest Circa 1800

$1,995
19th Century Mahogany Collectors Chest
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
19th Century Mahogany Collectors chest with low gallery to the top and four drawers with knob
Category

19th Century European Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Mahogany Collectors Chest
19th Century Mahogany Collectors Chest

19th Century Mahogany Collectors Chest

$753
Rustic Rural Chest, France, 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
This 19th-century rustic wooden chest exudes rustic charm with its timeworn patina and sturdy
Category

19th Century French Rustic Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Wood

Rustic Rural Chest, France, 19th Century
Rustic Rural Chest, France, 19th Century

Rustic Rural Chest, France, 19th Century

$2,250
Gothic Period Oak Chest 15 Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
exceptional late 15th century/early 16th century carved oak Gothic period chest from Northern of
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Gothic Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Oak

Gothic Period Oak Chest 15 Century
Gothic Period Oak Chest 15 Century

Gothic Period Oak Chest 15 Century

$4,988
Rural Primitive Chest, France, 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
history, making it a truly unique piece. The chest offers a spacious storage compartment, perfect for
Category

19th Century French Rustic Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Wood

Rural Primitive Chest, France, 19th Century
Rural Primitive Chest, France, 19th Century

Rural Primitive Chest, France, 19th Century

$3,600
American Federal Blanket Chest, c.1820
Located in Savannah, GA
A Federal painted blanket chest, circa 1820. 48 inches wide by 20 ½ inches deep by 26 ½ inches
Category

1820s Federal Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Wood

American Federal Blanket Chest, c.1820
American Federal Blanket Chest, c.1820

American Federal Blanket Chest, c.1820

$1,800
Large Oriental Carved Camphor Wood Chest
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Oriental Carved Camphor Wood Chest This Beautiful Carved Chest is made from Camphor Wood
Category

1920s Chinoiserie Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Fruitwood

Large Oriental Carved Camphor Wood Chest
Large Oriental Carved Camphor Wood Chest

Large Oriental Carved Camphor Wood Chest

$1,507
Swat Valley Hand Carved Chest
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
A great vintage hand carved chest from the Swat Valley. This turn of the century piece has carved
Category

Early 1900s Pakistani Rustic Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Wood

Swat Valley Hand Carved Chest
Swat Valley Hand Carved Chest

Swat Valley Hand Carved Chest

$2,950
17th Century Spanish Carved Walnut Chest
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
This 17th-century Spanish carved walnut chest is an exquisite example of Baroque furniture
Category

1650s Spanish Baroque Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Walnut

17th Century Spanish Carved Walnut Chest
17th Century Spanish Carved Walnut Chest

17th Century Spanish Carved Walnut Chest

$8,700
Baroque Domed Chest, Oak, Dated 1717
Located in Greding, DE
An impressive Baroque domed chest crafted from oak and adorned with intricate iron fittings. The
Category

1710s European Baroque Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Iron

Baroque Domed Chest, Oak, Dated 1717
Baroque Domed Chest, Oak, Dated 1717

Baroque Domed Chest, Oak, Dated 1717

$1,900
Italian Renaissance Walnut Chest - 16th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb and rare Italian Renaissance chest from the end of the 16th century in walnut Very
Category

16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Walnut

Italian Renaissance Walnut Chest - 16th Century
Italian Renaissance Walnut Chest - 16th Century

Italian Renaissance Walnut Chest - 16th Century

$5,107
18th Century Chippendale Mule / Blanket Chest
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very fine example of an early to mid 18th century New England Chippendale Mule or Blanket Chest
Category

Mid-18th Century Chippendale Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Pine

18th Century Chippendale Mule / Blanket Chest
18th Century Chippendale Mule / Blanket Chest

18th Century Chippendale Mule / Blanket Chest

$1,495
19th Century Camphor Wood Marine / Campaign Chest
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb small navy chest or called campaign chest from the 19 century in camphor wood English navy
Category

19th Century British Campaign Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Wood

19th Century Camphor Wood Marine / Campaign Chest
19th Century Camphor Wood Marine / Campaign Chest

19th Century Camphor Wood Marine / Campaign Chest

$1,959
18th Century carved oak mule chest
Located in Martlesham, GB
A fabulous quality early 18th Century carved oak mule chest, having a four panel hinged top opens
Category

1740s British Georgian Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Oak

18th Century carved oak mule chest
18th Century carved oak mule chest

18th Century carved oak mule chest

$1,754
Antique Wooden Chest, Scandinavia, c. 1700s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Antique wooden chest from the 1700s. Crafted in solid wood with original iron fittings and a
Category

18th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Pine

Antique Wooden Chest, Scandinavia, c. 1700s
Antique Wooden Chest, Scandinavia, c. 1700s

Antique Wooden Chest, Scandinavia, c. 1700s

$3,491
Antique Weapon Chest, Scandinavia, c. 1700s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Antique weapon chest from the 1700s. Crafted in solid wood with original iron fittings and a
Category

18th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Pine

Antique Weapon Chest, Scandinavia, c. 1700s
Antique Weapon Chest, Scandinavia, c. 1700s

Antique Weapon Chest, Scandinavia, c. 1700s

$4,287
Red Painted Dower Chest, circa 1800
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Nice painted pine OG bracket foot dower chest or blanket chest with original red paint. Two nice
Category

Early 1800s American Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Pine

Red Painted Dower Chest, circa 1800
Red Painted Dower Chest, circa 1800

Red Painted Dower Chest, circa 1800

$2,050
English Chinoiserie Painted Pine Chest
Located in Stamford, CT
An English pine chest with painted chinoiserie decoration added in the mid 19th century.
Category

19th Century English Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Wood

English Chinoiserie Painted Pine Chest
English Chinoiserie Painted Pine Chest

English Chinoiserie Painted Pine Chest

$3,200
19thc Original Blue Painted blanket Chest
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19thc original; pine painted blanekt chest from Ohio. Very good condition with a missing till lid
Category

Mid-19th Century American Adirondack Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Wood

19thc Original Blue Painted blanket Chest
19thc Original Blue Painted blanket Chest

19thc Original Blue Painted blanket Chest

$1,516 Sale Price
20% Off
Baroque Painted Flat-Lid Chest, 18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Large rural flat-lid chest in fir wood, featuring a shaped apron, profiled front panels, and a flat
Category

18th Century German Baroque Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Fir

Baroque Painted Flat-Lid Chest, 18th Century
Baroque Painted Flat-Lid Chest, 18th Century

Baroque Painted Flat-Lid Chest, 18th Century

$4,038
17th Century Jacobean Oak Blanket Chest
Located in New York, NY
Made in the 17th Century, this Jacobean blanket chest was handcrafted from oak. The wood has a warm
Category

17th Century English Jacobean Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Oak

17th Century Jacobean Oak Blanket Chest
17th Century Jacobean Oak Blanket Chest

17th Century Jacobean Oak Blanket Chest

$2,800
18th century Dutch chest of drawers
Located in MADRID, ES
Dutch chest of drawers from the 18th century with its original patina and three bombé drawers with
Category

Early 1700s Dutch Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Wood

18th century Dutch chest of drawers
18th century Dutch chest of drawers

18th century Dutch chest of drawers

$3,123
Painted Folk Art Farmhouse Bridal Chest 1790
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Large, weathered, painted bridal chest from southern Germany. The chest has a very rustic
Category

1790s German Folk Art Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Pine, Paint

Painted Folk Art Farmhouse Bridal Chest 1790
Painted Folk Art Farmhouse Bridal Chest 1790

Painted Folk Art Farmhouse Bridal Chest 1790

$603
Nineteenth Century Irish Mahogany Chippendale Chest
By Thomas Chippendale
Located in London, GB
An Irish carved mahogany chest, a nineteenth century interpretation of a mid-eighteenth century
Category

19th Century European Georgian Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Mahogany

Nineteenth Century Irish Mahogany Chippendale Chest
Nineteenth Century Irish Mahogany Chippendale Chest

Nineteenth Century Irish Mahogany Chippendale Chest

$12,063
Antique Eastern European Natural Pine Blanket Chest
Located in Centennial, CO
A charming and functional antique circa 1900 Eastern European natural pine blanket chest. Beautiful
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Rustic Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Pine

Antique Eastern European Natural Pine Blanket Chest
Antique Eastern European Natural Pine Blanket Chest

Antique Eastern European Natural Pine Blanket Chest

$1,080
Antique Solid Wood Chest with Turned Columns, 1920s
Located in BÉTERA, ES
and traditional construction, this chest combines practical storage with a bold, timeless aesthetic
Category

1920s Spanish Rustic Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique Solid Wood Chest with Turned Columns, 1920s
Antique Solid Wood Chest with Turned Columns, 1920s

Antique Solid Wood Chest with Turned Columns, 1920s

$2,719
16th Century Gothic Carved Oak Chest, France
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 16th century / Chest / oak / Gothic A remarkable French Gothic oak chest dating from the
Category

16th Century French Gothic Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Oak

16th Century Gothic Carved Oak Chest, France
16th Century Gothic Carved Oak Chest, France

16th Century Gothic Carved Oak Chest, France

$3,266
Small Indian Spice Chest - 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely little spice chest in teak from the 19th century from India Beautiful carving work on its
Category

19th Century Indian Aesthetic Movement Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Teak

Small Indian Spice Chest - 19th Century
Small Indian Spice Chest - 19th Century

Small Indian Spice Chest - 19th Century

$1,187
Large Green Painted Danish Folk Chest
Located in London, GB
stunning forest green with a delicate white and purple floral design, this chest is a truly beautiful piece
Category

Early 1800s Danish Mid-Century Modern Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Wood, Paint

Large Green Painted Danish Folk Chest
Large Green Painted Danish Folk Chest

Large Green Painted Danish Folk Chest

$5,195
English 17thC Oak Marriage Coffer Chest
Located in Staffordshire, GB
circa 1690 English 17thC Oak Marriage Coffer Chest sku 1876 W80 x D32 x H57 cm Weight 17 kg
Category

17th Century Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Oak

English 17thC Oak Marriage Coffer Chest
English 17thC Oak Marriage Coffer Chest

English 17thC Oak Marriage Coffer Chest

$3,358
1822 Blue Floral Painted Alpine Chest
Located in Vo , Veneto
1822 Painted Tyrolean Chest Measurements: H. 52 cm – W. 125 cm – D. 60 cm Period: 1822 Origin
Category

1820s Italian Neoclassical Revival Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Fir

1822 Blue Floral Painted Alpine Chest
1822 Blue Floral Painted Alpine Chest

1822 Blue Floral Painted Alpine Chest

$3,206
Edwardian Oak Blanket Chest, circa 1900
Located in High Point, NC
circa 1900-1910 English Edwardian blanket chest from England. The top is paneled, and follows down
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Oak

Edwardian Oak Blanket Chest, circa 1900
Edwardian Oak Blanket Chest, circa 1900

Edwardian Oak Blanket Chest, circa 1900

$1,895
Walnut And Burl Walnut Chest - 18th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb and rare walnut and burl walnut chest from the first part of the 18th century. Superb work
Category

18th Century French Louis XIV Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Walnut

Walnut And Burl Walnut Chest - 18th Century
Walnut And Burl Walnut Chest - 18th Century

Walnut And Burl Walnut Chest - 18th Century

$3,563
Irish Georgian Mahogany Blanket Chest
Located in Essex, MA
With a rectangular hinged top with molded edge over a conforming case with deep well over a long drawer. The base with two drawers over a central carved scallop shell , raised on cab...
Category

1780s Irish Georgian Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Mahogany

Irish Georgian Mahogany Blanket Chest
Irish Georgian Mahogany Blanket Chest

Irish Georgian Mahogany Blanket Chest

$9,500
Painted Pine European Blanket Chest
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century European painted trunk with original painted surface. There is exposed dovetail construction. Original iron lock. Latch missing. Wonderful old patina.
Category

19th Century Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Pine

Painted Pine European Blanket Chest
Painted Pine European Blanket Chest

Painted Pine European Blanket Chest

$1,600
18th Century Italian Baroque Cassone or Chest
Located in Winter Park, FL
A fine 18th century Italian Rennaissance style Baroque cassone, or marriage chest, made of solid
Category

18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Italian Baroque Cassone or Chest
18th Century Italian Baroque Cassone or Chest

18th Century Italian Baroque Cassone or Chest

$5,500
Early 20th century American steamer fitted chest
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century american steamer fitted chest circa 1915. We are pleased to offer this example
Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Oak, Pine

Early 20th century American steamer fitted chest
Early 20th century American steamer fitted chest

Early 20th century American steamer fitted chest

$1,850
Early 19th Century Grain Painted Chest
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good early 19th Century New England grain painted pine blanket chest with original whimsical
Category

Early 19th Century American Country Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Poplar, Pine, Paint

Early 19th Century Grain Painted Chest
Early 19th Century Grain Painted Chest

Early 19th Century Grain Painted Chest

$2,900
18th Century English Oak Blanket Chest
Located in High Point, NC
Early 18th century oak blanket chest from England. the top has three panels, surrounded by a frame
Category

Early 18th Century English William and Mary Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Oak

18th Century English Oak Blanket Chest
18th Century English Oak Blanket Chest

18th Century English Oak Blanket Chest

$2,495
Antique 17th Century Quality Oak Mule Chest
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique 17th century quality oak mule chest having a quality moulded panelled lift up top opening
Category

17th Century English Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Oak

Antique 17th Century Quality Oak Mule Chest
Antique 17th Century Quality Oak Mule Chest

Antique 17th Century Quality Oak Mule Chest

$2,584
Amazing Chest, Italy, late 16th century
Located in Madrid, ES
Amazing Chest, Italy, late 16th century 93 x 214 x 74 cm Rectangular shaped chest, in walnut wood
Category

16th Century Italian Gothic Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Wood

Amazing Chest, Italy, late 16th century
Amazing Chest, Italy, late 16th century

Amazing Chest, Italy, late 16th century

$8,907
Antique 17th Century Panelled Oak Coffer/Chest
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique 17th Century antique panelled oak coffer/chest with three panels to the front, two panels
Category

17th Century English Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Oak

Antique 17th Century Panelled Oak Coffer/Chest
Antique 17th Century Panelled Oak Coffer/Chest

Antique 17th Century Panelled Oak Coffer/Chest

$2,584
19th Century Grain Painted Blanket Chest
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th century pine blanket chest with traces of blue-green and grain paint as well as original gilt
Category

Late 19th Century North American Antique Storage Chest

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century Grain Painted Blanket Chest
19th Century Grain Painted Blanket Chest

19th Century Grain Painted Blanket Chest

$2,000
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Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets Under $3,000
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Antique Storage Chest For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the antique storage chest you’re looking for. Frequently made of wood, metal and walnut, every antique storage chest was constructed with great care. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer antique storage chest, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. An antique storage chest made by Georgian designers — as well as those associated with Louis XVI — is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one antique storage chest that is appealing in its simplicity, but Maison Jansen, Gillows of Lancaster London and Europa Antiques produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Antique Storage Chest?

An antique storage chest can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $4,759, while the lowest priced sells for $1 and the highest can go for as much as $845,000.

Finding the Right Commodes-chests-of-drawers for You

Shopping for a commode or a 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. 

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.

When shopping for the right chest of drawers for your home, there are a few key things to consider: What will you be storing in it? How big a chest will you need?

Speaking of size, don’t dream too big. If your space is on the smaller side, a more streamlined vintage mid-century modern chest of drawers, perhaps one designed by Paul McCobb or T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, may best suit your needs.

At 1stDibs, we make it easy to add style and storage to your home. Browse our collection of antique and vintage commodes and chests of drawers today.

Questions About Antique Storage Chest
  • How can you tell if a chest is antique?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
    To tell if a chest is antique, first examine its materials and details carefully. An antique chest is one produced 100 years ago or more. This generally predates the use of engineered wood, particleboard, plastics and other synthetic materials. As a result, an antique chest usually features solid wood construction.

    In addition, antique chests are likely to be handmade, so you should be able to spot subtle signs that indicate this, such as tool marks and small irregularities in any carvings. If a piece looks flawless and regular, it is unlikely to be antique. Locating a maker's mark and then researching when the manufacturer was active can also help you date your chest. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer to learn more about your chest.

    On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique chests.
  • How do I identify an antique chest of drawers?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify an antique chest of drawers, look inside and beneath drawers and on the back and bottom for any type of maker's marking. Researching these marks using trusted online resources may allow you to determine who produced your chest and roughly date your piece. If your chest is at least 100 years old, it is an antique. Should you be unable to locate the maker's marks, look at the hardware. Rose head nails, one-piece cast brass pommels on the drawer handles and circular rather than hexagonal bolts may all indicate that a piece is an antique. Keep in mind that hardware may have been replaced at some point and that there are many reproductions of antique furnishings. As a result, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer complete the identification process if you're unable to identify your chest via the maker's markings. Find a range of antique chests of drawers on 1stDibs.

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Italian studio DimoreMilano mustered great ingenuity when crafting these sculptural shelves, which are built without any screws.

Ask an Interior Designer: Work-from-Home Edition

Leaping into a design project, whether it's refreshing the bedroom or redoing the whole house, can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know more than a few interior designers. You asked questions on Instagram, and now they're answering.

Collected and Eclectic, ‘Wunderkammern’ Are Back in a Big Way

Introduced nearly 500 years ago, curiosity cabinets are finding new fans among today's collectors and designers.

Meet the Incredible Woman Transforming Fallen Trees into Sleek Furniture

In the hands of New York Heartwoods cofounder Megan Offner, unwanted local trees become works of design art.

These New York Architects Love a Complicated Project

From Brooklyn townhouses to Maine campgrounds, Trattie Davies and Jonathan Toews relish a challenge, like transforming a former warehouse space into the new 1stdibs Gallery.

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