lowboys

A lowboy is a low, long chest of drawers mounted on short legs. It is a form of storage furniture that originated in Europe and became common in English and American decorative arts during the 17th and 18th centuries. The lowboy is typically shorter in height than a highboy, making it suitable for use near a dressing area or as a stand-alone piece in a bedroom or living room.

Construction and design features commonly seen on lowboys include a rectangular or shallowly curved front, multiple drawers arranged in one or two rows, and hardware such as brass or bronze pulls. Woods frequently used include walnut, mahogany, maple, and oak, with veneers and fine joinery often present on higher-quality examples. Legs are commonly straight, turned, or cabriole in style, reflecting evolving tastes from the Baroque to the Rococo and early Neoclassical periods.

Function and use have varied over time. In many inventories, a lowboy was paired with a mirror or dressing piece placed above it, serving as a compact dressing or prep surface. In other contexts, it functioned as a general bedside or room-side chest, valued for its shallow depth and accessible storage. The lowboy is often contrasted with the highboy, a taller chest usually conceived as part of a two-part “high chest” set.

Historical significance and modern reception: the lowboy is appreciated for its proportion, craftsmanship, and versatility. Antique examples are found in museum collections and period interiors, and reproductions continue to be popular in related design schemes.