What is the difference between a chest of drawers and a commode?

In this period, the term commode often refers to lower cabinets, bedside pieces, or close stools, whilst chests of drawers provide stacked horizontal storage. Both share similar construction methods and timber choices, but their intended domestic uses varied within the bedroom or dressing room.

Are these pieces suitable for modern bedrooms?

Their compact proportions and durable timber construction make them practical for contemporary storage needs. Chest of drawers and bedside cabinet formats integrate easily beside modern beds or within hallways.

What woods were commonly used?

Mahogany is the most frequent timber seen, followed by oak, walnut, and elm for earlier items. Cabinetmakers also applied satinwood and burr walnut as decorative veneers on drawer fronts.