Walnut Bombe Commode
A walnut bombe commode brings serpentine curves and dramatic swelling drawer fronts into a room.
What They Are
A walnut bombe commode is a distinctively swelling chest of drawers defined by its convex fronts and sides that curve outward before sweeping inward toward the feet. These pieces originate across various European centres, with French and Italian examples appearing most frequently on this page.
The form spans several centuries, ranging from eighteenth-century originals to nineteenth-century revivals such as Victorian and Louis XV style pieces. Buyers encounter both single chests and matching pairs, occasionally accompanied by broader bedroom suites.
Forms vary from grand marble-topped cabinets with elaborate marquetry to simpler chests finished in burr walnut or fruitwood veneers. Each piece relies on its swelling profile to dominate a room without needing excessive ornament.
How They Were Made
Cabinetmakers constructed these pieces over sturdy carcases of secondary timber, applying choice veneers of walnut, burr walnut, kingwood and fruitwood across the swelling surfaces. Marquetry patterns and inlaid details were carefully fitted by hand to follow the complex curvature of the bombe shape.
Mounts in brass, ormolu and giltwood were cast and chased to accent the corners and apron, while heavy slabs of marble were shaped to fit the undulating top surface. Every element required precise joinery to ensure the curved drawer fronts operated smoothly within their frames.
Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical UK retail prices for walnut bombe commode, calculated from the Sellingantiques database of over a million retail prices indexed since 2003. This retail price guide relies exclusively on Sellingantiques data; no external sources or auction records are used, so the figures do not describe the wider market.
Several chests wear marble tops so heavy they likely require two people and a cup of tea before moving.
What Varies in Quality
The distinction between tiers of quality rests upon the choice of timber and the ambition of the veneer work, particularly where burr walnut or intricate marquetry is employed. Grain alignment across the swelling panels demonstrates the maker's mastery over a difficult, curved geometry.
Mounts and hardware also distinguish the range, as finely chased ormolu or heavy cast brass hardware indicates a higher workshop standard than plain or stamped replacements. The integration of a thick marble top properly contoured to the bombe edge marks the upper tier of production.
The Walnut Bombe Commode Glossary
- Bombe
- A French term describing furniture with outwardly swelling fronts and sides. This bulging contour requires advanced woodworking techniques to construct.
- Marquetry
- The art of applying small pieces of veneer to a structure to form decorative patterns. Craftsmen use various woods to create pictorial designs.
- Ormolu
- Gilded bronze used for decorative mounts and furniture hardware. The technique involves applying a gold amalgam to cast brass or bronze.
- Veneer
- A thin slice of figured wood applied over a secondary timber carcase. This method allows cabinetmakers to display rich grain patterns economically.
- Commode
- A low chest of drawers originating in France during the seventeenth century. It typically stands at waist height and serves a decorative storage function.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bombe commode?
A bombe commode is a chest of drawers characterised by its swelling, convex sides and front. The word derives from the French for bomb or shell, describing the rounded profile.
These pieces were designed as statement storage furniture for principal rooms in grand homes. Their distinctive silhouette sets them apart from straight-sided chests.
Where were these commodes made?
These commodes were produced primarily in France and Italy, with some Dutch and English interpretations appearing in the record. Regional workshops adapted the swelling form to local tastes.
French pieces often embrace Louis XV revival styles with marquetry, while Italian examples frequently highlight native walnut grains and bold proportions.
How do I style a bombe commode?
A bombe commode works well as a focal point in a hallway, drawing room or bedroom. Its curved silhouette requires sufficient surrounding space to be appreciated properly.
Many owners place a mirror or a lamp on the marble top to complement the proportions. The surface also accommodates decorative objects without feeling cluttered.
How do I date a walnut commode?
Dating relies on examining the construction methods, secondary timbers, and the style of the veneer or mounts. Eighteenth-century pieces display hand-cut joinery and period-specific marquetry.
Nineteenth-century revival pieces often feature machine-sawn elements while imitating earlier Louis XV aesthetics. Comparing the hardware and internal construction helps clarify the period.