Antique Chest, Cupboard & Shelf Styles

Bachelor's Chest
It now means a generic small chest, but do you know what the bachelor's chest originally was? The bachelor's chest was one of the first multipurpose types of furniture - perfect for a single gentleman occupying a small bachelor’s pad. Learn what a bachelor's chest is, what it was used for and how it looked with this illustrated article.

Bombé - Chest
You'll have a blast learning what bombé furniture is. This glossary-style article defines bombé, providing examples and illustrations of this 18th-century furniture style. This description of bombé indicates which antique furniture periods are associated with the style.

Breakfront - Bookcase
Learning what breakfront means in furniture styling needn't break your heart. It's all in this illustrated glossary-style article that defines and describes breakfront furniture.

Cassone Chest
Imagine storing your clothes in a Botticelli-painted chest, or cassone. The cassone was a special, elaborate chest that flourished in Renaissance Italy. Learn what a cassone looked like and what it was made for with this illustrated article.

Credenza
Lend credence to your antiques' knowledge by learning about the credenza. Developed during the Renaissance, the credenza has flourished for 500 years. This illustrated glossary-style article succinctly explains almost everything you need to know about the credenza.

Etagère
What is a whatnot, more elegantly known as an étagère? This illustrated glossary-style article defines the étagère, tracing its development and offering several examples of this prime example of Victorian conspicuous consumption.

Highboy
The highboy is a quintessential piece of colonial American furniture. This glossary-style article defines and traces the development of the highboy, and is illustrated with several examples.

Kas - Dutch Wardrobe
Cast your eyes on the kas, a solid 17th-century piece of furniture. This glossary-style article defines a kas, a type of wardrobe derived from the Dutch.

Lowboy
Don't feel low if you don't know what a lowboy is - this glossary-style article will explain all.

Semainier - Lingerie Chest
The semainier is an unique type of antique chest. Developed in 18th-century France, the semainier was a piece of luxury furniture for a luxurious age. This glossary-style article defines and describes the semainier, with illustrations.