In English, a 'commode' refers to a sturdy chest of drawers or a bureau. In French "commode" refers to a piece of furniture with drawers. For antique collectors, an antique commode is almost always a chest of drawers. An antique commode is one of the most ornately decorated pieces of antique furniture and it represents sheer luxury and class. In Victorian England, the term commode described a bedside cupboard or a lavishly decorated chest of drawers or a low cabinet. In the 18th century France, a commode was the most important piece of provincial furniture. Found in a salon or drawing room, a highly decorated antique commode can be a status and lifestyle symbol of the owner. Antique commodes can be chosen according to their provenance. They have certain designs and styles that may help you make the right choice. Despite having come to stay as a permanent feature in English homes since the 1740's, antique commodes are still referred to as the 'French commodes'. These chests of drawers with ornately decorated curved fronts and designs later came to be more popular as the French Commode Tables. The commodes had serpentine shapes and many had bow fronts. By the early 1800's the antique commodes took a rectangular shape. An antique commode decoration includes marquetry and gilt-metal mounts. An antique commode as a painted ornament became a feature around 1870. Some antique commodes have ornate tops, drawers and doors. The drawers in antique commode are concealed. Commodes were popular throughout the 1800's. An antique commode has a form and decoration that were copied from the 18th century commodes. Antique commodes can be chosen according to the material used in them: Antique commodes in dark wood: Dark wood was used in the antique commodes to emphasize the magnificence of the gilt-bronze mounts. Antique commodes are a symbol of the skill of the French cabinet-makers. Antique commodes have gilt-bronze bands set to link the front corner mounts with the foliate hoof feet that serve to protect their edges. Antique commodes with marble tops: Many antique commodes from Europe are found with marble tops. Antique commodes from England come usually with wooden tops. As compared to wooden tops, marble topped commodes can certainly add a touch of greater luxe to any living room. You may find that some of the antique commodes are available with their original marble top, from the 18th century. In many instances, the antique commodes may be fixed with replacements when the originals were broken. It is also possible that the previous owner of the antique commodes replaced the marble tops to suit his fancy. Whatever maybe the reason, the replacement of the marble top does not necessarily alter the value of an antique commode. How to establish the quality and the authenticity of an antique commode: A genuine antique commode has metallic embellishments or the ormolu mounts created to contrast the darkness of the wood used. The best pieces have bold and heavy ormolu mounts with finely embossed detail, while those of lower quality tend to be lighter with a less finish A genuine antique commode has original drawer handles or non-original replacements A genuine antique commode may show signs of termite damage and sawdust With a bit of creativity, you can soon be adding a touch of elegant antique French design into your home decor to showcase your taste in antique furniture. Antique commode styles: Antique commode styles often changed gradually Antique commode can bear in them an unglamorous decorative style characterized by simple lines and beautiful wood, but with a ridged marble top Antique commode styles may be available in rounded opulence The plain design of commodes make them far less valuable than those of earlier periods Antique commode styles with a single chest of drawers are expensive Antique commodes from Europe have shaped marble tops Antique commodes from England usually have wooden tops tops As compared to wooden tops, marble topped antique commodes add a touch of greater luxe to any living room Antique commodes add a touch of elegance to your home decor and showcases your taste in antique furniture.
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