Relevant categories: Cabinets and Chests
Yes, you are right. The bachelor’s chests have everything to do with unmarried men. They are shallow, small, and comparatively low chests composed of between 3 and 4 drawers. Over the years, the term has been used to refer to any small-sized chest of drawers. However, from its origins, the bachelor’s chests were used to serve different purposes and were perfect for an unmarried gentleman. And so they were used in the tiny space found in a bachelor’s pad.
Features of Bachelor’s Chests
The origin of bachelor’s chests is in England and the older pieced were made using graduated drawers. The very first bachelor’s chests first appeared in the 17th century. They had hinged tops which allowed them to fold out so as to create a writing surface. This writing surface was held in place by knobbed slides or runners, which were commonly known as ‘lopers’. The bachelor’s chests transformed such that by the 18th century, they featured brushing slides. These were pull-out surfaces where one could lay clothes or use for writing. Once the user was done with the pull-out surface, he would push it under the top of the chest.
The earliest bachelor’s chests featured bun feet, which were nothing more than a disk-like shape. It was flatter at the top but wider at the bottom. By the 18th century, these had been replaced by the trendy bracket feet. These feet were embellished with mitered corners. Furniture makers loved it at that time because it looked more fashionable. The drawer handles were typically made of brass and had escutcheons and traditional pulls. Most of them feature swan neck pulls.
Most bachelor’s chests were made from walnut, elm, oak, and mahogany. In most cases, the visible parts featured these hardwoods. However, the frames and other parts were mainly composed of the less valuable softwoods. These included pine and poplar. But that doesn’t mean that you antique bachelor’s chests from this early period are less valuable. The workmanship used ensured that the furniture pieces would be able to last for a long time to come.
How are the modern bachelor’s chests?
The popularity of bachelor’s chests has never died. Both the furniture makers and users still prefer these pieces of furniture for various uses. Like the antique pieces, bachelor’s chests still feature a low height with between 3 and 4 drawers. The only difference with the original is the miniaturization of the bachelor’s chests such that they are no longer bigger than nightstands. As the 20th and 21st centuries have drawn on, bachelor’s chests have evolved but the look still looks close enough to the original. Today, you are most likely to find pieces that look more mid-century than anything else.
Why You Should Buy an Antique Bachelor’s Chest?
There are many reasons people buy antique furniture pieces. Apart from the functionality, you could be looking for the sentimental value. If you can find a bachelor’s chest whose previous owner was someone prominent, then it is certainly priceless. To find what you are looking for, find some great offerings in online stores.
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