Kommode

Kommode is a chest of drawers designed for storage. In German, Kommode refers to a freestanding cabinet with multiple drawers, usually on short legs. In English the term is dresser or chest of drawers. Kommoden are commonly placed in bedrooms or living spaces to store clothing, linens, and small items.

The form emerged in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, evolving from earlier chests. The name derives from the French commode, meaning convenient. In 18th-century workshops, the Kommode became a staple of intimate furniture, often decorated with veneers, marquetry, or inlays. In the 19th century, mass production broadened access.

Typical features include a tall or low body, a front with several drawers of varying sizes, and decorative hardware such as brass pulls. Drawers are usually dovetailed; interiors may include dividers. Finishes range from plain wood to veneered surfaces with marquetry, lacquer, or painting.

Styles range from Baroque and Rococo to Neoclassical, Empire, Art Deco, and modern minimalism. In German-speaking regions the piece is called Kommode, with qualifiers like Standschrank or Sideboardkommode. The terms lowboy and tallboy describe different heights.

Today the Kommode remains a versatile storage solution in homes and can be made from wood, plywood, or metal. Some designs feature soft-close drawers or modular components.