What are the characteristics of Louis XVI Revival furniture?

Originating in the late 19th century, Louis XVI Revival furniture draws inspiration from classical antiquity, featuring symmetrical lines, turned legs, neoclassically moulded drawer fronts, and refined brass or bronze mounts.

What materials were traditionally used to construct 19th-century French commodes?

These commodes were typically crafted using solid hardwoods or softwoods such as oak, pine, or fruitwood, often finished with painted distressed distemper or milk paint and fitted with cast brass hardware.

How can you identify an authentic 19th-century painted chest of drawers?

Authentic period pieces exhibit hand-cut dovetail joints, variable drawer lining thickness, authentic wear patterns along painted edges, and genuine patination or oxidisation on hardware.

How do you style a French painted commode in modern interiors?

Position the piece as a focal point in a hallway, bedroom, or living room, contrasting its historical texture against contemporary artwork, neutral wall palettes, or sleek modern lighting.

How should painted antique wood furniture be cleaned and maintained?

Dust regularly with a dry microfibre cloth and avoid using chemical solvents or water-based cleaners that could damage historic paint layers; maintain consistent indoor humidity to prevent wood movement.

for sale €1,697 $1,842

£1,450

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Blue Chest of Drawers

Painted Timber Commode

Id #SA1228581

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Late 19th Century French Louis Xvi Revival Painted Chest of Drawers | Four Drawer Commode

Name: Late 19th Century French Louis Xvi Revival Painted Chest of Drawers | Four Drawer Commode
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1228581
Price: 1450 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Whites Antiques

Description

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Revival Painted Chest of Drawers | Four Drawer Commode

Short Description

A handsome late 19th-century French Louis XVI Revival chest of drawers, later finished in a beautifully mottled distressed blue paint. Featuring four generous drawers, elegant brass ring handles, and refined classical detailing, this decorative commode offers timeless French style with practical everyday storage.

Full Description

A beautifully proportioned French Louis XVI Revival chest of drawers, dating from the late nineteenth to early twentieth century, circa 1890–1910. Later finished in a sophisticated mottled blue paint with a gently distressed patina, this elegant commode perfectly balances period craftsmanship with a relaxed decorative finish suited to modern interiors.

Constructed with four full-width drawers, the chest displays the restrained classical detailing associated with the Louis XVI Revival. Each drawer is framed by finely moulded elongated oval panels and fitted with decorative brass ring handles centred by ornate escutcheons, lending a refined architectural rhythm across the façade. The understated moulded cornice and elegant turned feet complete the balanced proportions that have made French furniture of this period so enduringly popular.

The specialist painted finish has been carefully applied to create a soft, layered appearance with subtle tonal variation throughout. Gentle distressing around the mouldings and edges allows traces of the underlying timber to emerge naturally, enhancing the chest's depth and character without overwhelming its original form. The muted blue tone evokes the relaxed elegance of French château interiors and complements both traditional and contemporary decorative schemes.

Beyond its decorative appeal, the chest offers generous and practical storage within four spacious drawers, making it equally suited to a bedroom, sitting room, hallway, or dining space. Its versatile scale allows it to function as both a practical storage piece and an attractive focal point.

Furniture inspired by the Louis XVI style enjoyed a significant revival during the closing decades of the nineteenth century, when French cabinet makers reinterpreted the restrained classical forms of the eighteenth century for fashionable Belle Époque interiors. Today these pieces remain highly sought after for their elegant proportions, exceptional craftsmanship, and versatility within both period and contemporary homes.

A timeless French commode that combines classical elegance, generous storage, and a beautifully aged painted finish.

Details

Origin: France

Date: Circa 1890–1910

Style: Louis XVI Revival

Material: Solid timber

Finish: Later specialist mottled distressed blue painted finish

Features:

Four full-width drawers

Moulded oval drawer panels

Decorative brass ring handles

Original-style brass escutcheons

Turned feet

Distressed painted finish

Excellent storage capacity

Dimensions

Height: 101 cm

Width: 116 cm

Depth: 55 cm

Condition: Excellent antique condition. Later professionally applied painted finish with an attractively aged distressed patina. Minor marks and wear consistent with age and use. Structurally sound and ready for everyday use.

Styling Notes

Ideal as a bedroom chest or elegant hallway commode.

Complements French country, château, Gustavian, and contemporary interiors.

Beautiful styled with antique mirrors, lamps, ceramics, and natural linens.

The muted blue finish pairs effortlessly with oak, limestone, brass, and neutral colour palettes.

Delivery

Delivery is not included. Please use the Request Delivery Quote option before completing your purchase.

Declaration

Whites Antiques has dated this French Blue Painted Commode to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1228581

Dealers Notes

We do not include delivery in our prices as this is dependent upon many factors such as whether it is mainland or overseas. The following options are available to you:-

• You can arrange your own collection from our address

• You can fill in the delivery request option

• You can email us for further information if there is more than one item

• Proovia Delivery offer a 2 man delivery system

Description

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Revival Painted Chest of Drawers | Four Drawer Commode

Short Description

“

A handsome late 19th-century French Louis XVI Revival chest of drawers, later finished in a beautifully mottled distressed blue paint.

Whites Antiques

Featuring four generous drawers, elegant brass ring handles, and refined classical detailing, this decorative commode offers timeless French style with practical everyday storage.

fig 1. A late 19th-century French Louis XVI Revival chest of drawers painted in slate blue with four drawers featuring decorative brass hardware. — fig 1. Late 19th Century French Louis Xvi Revival Painted Chest of Drawers | Four Drawer Commode

Full Description

A beautifully proportioned French Louis XVI Revival chest of drawers, dating from the late nineteenth to early twentieth century, circa 1890–1910. Later finished in a sophisticated mottled blue paint with a gently distressed patina, this elegant commode perfectly balances period craftsmanship with a relaxed decorative finish suited to modern interiors.

fig 2. A late 19th-century French Louis XVI Revival chest of drawers painted in slate blue with four drawers featuring decorative brass hardware. — fig 2. Late 19th Century French Louis Xvi Revival Painted Chest of Drawers | Four Drawer Commode

Constructed with four full-width drawers, the chest displays the restrained classical detailing associated with the Louis XVI Revival. Each drawer is framed by finely moulded elongated oval panels and fitted with decorative brass ring handles centred by ornate escutcheons, lending a refined architectural rhythm across the façade. The understated moulded cornice and elegant turned feet complete the balanced proportions that have made French furniture of this period so enduringly popular.

fig 3. A late 19th-century French Louis XVI Revival chest of drawers painted in slate blue with four drawers featuring decorative brass hardware. — fig 3. Late 19th Century French Louis Xvi Revival Painted Chest of Drawers | Four Drawer Commode

The specialist painted finish has been carefully applied to create a soft, layered appearance with subtle tonal variation throughout. Gentle distressing around the mouldings and edges allows traces of the underlying timber to emerge naturally, enhancing the chest's depth and character without overwhelming its original form. The muted blue tone evokes the relaxed elegance of French château interiors and complements both traditional and contemporary decorative schemes.

fig 4. A late 19th-century French Louis XVI Revival chest of drawers painted in slate blue with four drawers featuring decorative brass hardware. — fig 4. Late 19th Century French Louis Xvi Revival Painted Chest of Drawers | Four Drawer Commode

Beyond its decorative appeal, the chest offers generous and practical storage within four spacious drawers, making it equally suited to a bedroom, sitting room, hallway, or dining space. Its versatile scale allows it to function as both a practical storage piece and an attractive focal point.

fig 5. A late 19th-century French Louis XVI Revival chest of drawers painted in slate blue with four drawers featuring decorative brass hardware. — fig 5. Late 19th Century French Louis Xvi Revival Painted Chest of Drawers | Four Drawer Commode

Furniture inspired by the Louis XVI style enjoyed a significant revival during the closing decades of the nineteenth century, when French cabinet makers reinterpreted the restrained classical forms of the eighteenth century for fashionable Belle Époque interiors. Today these pieces remain highly sought after for their elegant proportions, exceptional craftsmanship, and versatility within both period and contemporary homes.

fig 6. A late 19th-century French Louis XVI Revival chest of drawers painted in slate blue with four drawers featuring decorative brass hardware. — fig 6. Late 19th Century French Louis Xvi Revival Painted Chest of Drawers | Four Drawer Commode

A timeless French commode that combines classical elegance, generous storage, and a beautifully aged painted finish.

Details

Origin: France

Date: Circa 1890–1910

Style: Louis XVI Revival

Material: Solid timber

fig 7. A late 19th-century French Louis XVI Revival chest of drawers painted in slate blue with four drawers featuring decorative brass hardware. — fig 7. Late 19th Century French Louis Xvi Revival Painted Chest of Drawers | Four Drawer Commode

Finish: Later specialist mottled distressed blue painted finish

Features:

Four full-width drawers

Moulded oval drawer panels

Decorative brass ring handles

Original-style brass escutcheons

Turned feet

Distressed painted finish

fig 8. A late 19th-century French Louis XVI Revival chest of drawers painted in slate blue with four drawers featuring decorative brass hardware. — fig 8. Late 19th Century French Louis Xvi Revival Painted Chest of Drawers | Four Drawer Commode

Excellent storage capacity

Dimensions

Height: 101 cm

Width: 116 cm

Depth: 55 cm

Condition: Excellent antique condition. Later professionally applied painted finish with an attractively aged distressed patina. Minor marks and wear consistent with age and use. Structurally sound and ready for everyday use.