Antique chests of drawers were meant for a general household when they were invented but in course of time the antique chests of drawers became essentially a piece of bedroom furniture. Antique chest of drawers or bureaus are strictly of utilitarian purposes and remains a primary piece of furniture. Over the centuries this simple chest of drawers became a marriage coffer and a thing of great beauty, an object on which a wealth of inlay, carving, and painting was expended. Very soon the chest of drawers ceased to be an empty box with large space that was filled with goodies and started appearing as a convenient piece of furniture with compartments adding to its importance as storage bureau.

Besides the ambiance it gives as a permanent piece of furniture, an antique chest of drawers offers a huge convenience of storage place for bed-linen, winter ware and clothing in a modern home, and came to be appreciated.

Antique chest of drawers are of two types, those that are raised on twisted supports or legs, and those that rest on large balls or bun-like feet.

The evolution of antique chest of drawers:

In the later part of the 17th century the paneled fronts of antique chest of drawers and their framework started giving a new order of things. Material like Oak and styles of flat stretcher, early marquetry and lacquer started appearing in antique chest of drawers. Metal-work as brass handles and key-plates were found more suitable in antique Walnut chest of drawers.

Antique chest of drawers on stands started getting newer styles and newer types of feet and legs. Once Walnut stopped being the favorite for antique chest of drawers, Mahogany took over in the making of antique chest of drawers. Antique chest of drawers were veneered, inlaid, and ornamented, according to the styles prevailed.

Antique chests of drawers on stands continued to be made well into the early years of the eighteenth century with twisted legs that were cupped and turned. These antique chests of drawers came with two long drawers and two half-length drawers of varying depths. sometimes a shallow drawer was added in the plinth of antique chests of drawers.

Antique chests of drawers on ball or bun feet started showing damage, and started getting replacements of bracket feet.

The marquetry antique chests of drawers are a distinctive class of antique chests of drawers with a style of their ornamentation that changed very little over the years. Initially the marquetry antique chests of drawers bore natural flowers and leaves. Then the marquetry antique chests of drawers got Acanthus leaves. Later the marquetry antique chests of drawers were made with conventional patterns and scrolls of foliage that bore little affinity to the realistic forms of the earlier marquetry antique chests of drawers.

The lacquered antique chests of drawers of the Orient, Dutch and English origin were beautifully ornamented with metal plates and handles as devised by the English makers of lacquered antique chests of drawers. Wrought-iron hinges and lock-plates had been discarded in favor of carving. In Oriental antique chests of drawers metal work and brass plates were used. From antique chests of drawers evolved the antique chests of drawers with plain fronts and serpentine shapes independently. During the eighteenth century metal handles and handle-plates were used on the antique chests of drawers.

Antique Bedroom Furniture is available in a wide range of styles, country French being one of the most popular styles at the moment. We spend a considerable amount of time in the bedroom and it is important to feel comfortable and happy with the décor and furniture.

The designs of the 18th and 19th century antique furniture add grace and elegance to a room and can transform an ordinary bedroom into a haven. Antique and contemporary furniture can be mixed to create an eclectic style: the addition of antique nightstands, antique tables or antique dressers can enhance the appearance and warmth of a room and create a very individual style.

When shopping for antique bedroom furniture, start your selection with the bed which is the center piece of a bedroom. Antique beds are very often made of wood and have elaborate hand carvings, whereas vintage beds tend to have a simpler style. Different styles of beds include day beds, platform beds, canopy beds and sleigh beds. Today’s bed sizes are twin, full, queen, California queen and king. Antique beds are much smaller with shorter side rails so they have to be modified to fit modern mattresses. Canopy beds, which have been a favorite in bedrooms from centuries, were introduced so heavy drapes could be hung all around the bed to keep the occupants warm in the winter.

When decorating a bedroom in an antique style, carved night stands really compliment the look. They are generally made of walnut, mahogany or oak and serve the practical purpose of providing a flat surface to place a table lamp. They also provide storage space close to the bed.

Other antique bedroom furniture items consist of antique dressing tables, night tables, cabinets and armoires. Antique dressing tables with mirrors are very decorative and add reflected light to the room. Some dressing tables have tilting mirrors and drawers for storing makeup and jewelry.

www.oldplank.com, has a good collection of antique bedroom furniture including antique French walnut carved beds, antique walnut night tables, reproduction hand painted commodes, antique dressing tables, vintage mirrored dressing tables, antique French carved queen sized beds, pair antique French mahogany night stands, antique French Napoleon III style day bed, antique French painted day bed, antique French Directoire style canopy bed, antique French armoires and much more. Antique pieces can be modified to suit your size and style.

In addition to antique bedroom furniture, oldplank.com also has many pieces that can be used as coordinating accents in a bedroom scheme. One example would be the reproduction barley twist bench which can be placed at the foot of a bed.