History and Description of Bow Front Chests

( Above Photo: Regency Chest of Drawers Bow Front Commode Mahogany )

Bow front chests of drawers originated in the late Georgian period, providing greater functionality and attractive design, perfect for the middle class and the wealthy. The chests have curved fronts, which give them a uniquely elegant look. Despite squarely falling in the antique category, this piece of furniture remains popular today.

How Bow Front Chests Look

( Above Photo: Regency Burl Walnut Chest on Chest Bow Front Commode )

The first thing you notice when you look at a bow front chest is its curved front, followed by the pieces making up the drawers. Antique bow front chests were made from wood such as mahogany, oak, walnut, and ebony, which were commonly used.

Bow-front chests of drawers have four to six drawers, with the top drawer occasionally getting split into two. In that case, the top drawer would be used for storing smaller items. There are two brass metal handles placed approximately a quarter of the length from the center on either side of the drawer on the bow front. You can easily slide the drawer in and out of the chest with that.

The legs of the bow front chest are short and thin, even though that may vary from one piece of furniture to another. In some cases, the space below the bottom drawer can be decorated with a little more intricate woodworking.

Some bow front chests may have small scrolls or scalloped bottoms in that space. It is also possible for the chests to have short and squat feet. For these chests, the chest's bottom would nearly contact the floor.

( Above Photo: Regency Bow Front Chest Drawers Mahogany 1810 )

Bow-front chests vary in their heights depending on the style. While some are short and wide, others are thin and tall, accommodating more drawers. The latter would most likely have slender feet on the base. Instead of being called chests, some are known as dressers.

Given that bow-front chests were made at different times and from other types of wood, they are likely to have a cacophony of colors. Examples of popular woods include mahogany, walnut, oak, ebony, rosewood, etc.

Since bow front chests have been manufactured for more than two centuries, it is possible to find antique and new items. However, modern machines might have re-fabricated some new bow front chests. The price may depend on the quality of artisanship, condition, and chest age.

Who Created the Bow-Front Chest?

( Above Photo: Victorian Chest Drawers - Bow Front Antique Circa 1800 )

The bow-front chest was created by George Hepplewhite, one of the masters of Georgian design. Before becoming a cabinetmaker in London, Hepplewhite served as an apprentice in Lancaster. In 1788, two years after he died, his widow presented The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Guide for publication, with over 300 designs.

Other cabinetmakers picked up the Hepplewhite style with time due to its gracefulness and elegance. Hepplewhite favored geometric shapes, of which the bow front is a good example. Apart from the bow front chest, Hepplewhite popularized the sideboard. During the Regency and later Georgian period, bow-front chests became popular.

We have several of them in our store if you're looking to buy bow front chests.