Chests | Commodes

Lolo French Antiques et More has a wonderful selection of commodes, the French name for a low chest of drawers with a wood or marble top that is raised on legs. Intended to be set against a wall, commodes were created in late 17th century France and became a prominent piece of furniture during the 18th century Rococo period. These functional pieces provided convenient storage and also had a surface on top for placing additional items. They've undergone many variations in an effort to blend elegance with practicality. At first heavy in appearance, the commode evolved into a more curvilinear form with decorative carving and hardware while lifting higher from the floor on cabriole legs. This look remained in fashion until the Louis XVI period introduced a refined and restrained symmetry of form. The decorative quality of 19th century French Country commodes are still very much in demand.