1960's French Empire Style 6 Drawer High Chest

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Description

A handsome and beautifully proportioned French Empire-style tall chest, dating to approximately the 1950s or 1960s, crafted in richly toned … Read more A handsome and beautifully proportioned French Empire-style tall chest, dating to approximately the 1950s or 1960s, crafted in richly toned cherry and accented with restrained brass detailing. With its strong architectural form, classical columnar elements, and warm honeyed finish, this tall chest offers an elegant mid-century interpretation of the stately furniture produced during the French Empire period.

The chest presents a tall, narrow silhouette that makes excellent use of vertical space while retaining a refined and balanced appearance. A substantial rectangular top crowns the case, its clean overhanging edge creating a strong horizontal line above the otherwise vertical composition. Immediately beneath the top is a deep upper section that continues the simplicity and architectural character of the design.

The façade is organized around five generously proportioned drawers, providing considerable storage without compromising the chest's elegant appearance. Each drawer is fitted with a pair of simple circular brass pulls, their understated design perfectly suited to the neoclassical character of the piece. Rather than using elaborate hardware, the small golden accents provide just enough contrast against the glowing cherry surfaces.

A particularly handsome detail is the slender brass molding framing the entire bank of drawers. This fine metallic border creates a crisp architectural outline and visually unifies the drawer fronts. The warm brass beautifully complements the amber, caramel, and reddish-golden tones of the cherry.

Flanking the drawers are two rounded column-form pilasters, one of the most recognizable features of French Empire-inspired furniture. Each column is accented with brass collars at the top and bottom, subtly recalling the gilt-bronze mounts found on early 19th-century French furniture. These vertical elements give the chest a stately presence while emphasizing its height.

The cherry itself is especially attractive, displaying subtle variations in grain and color across the drawer fronts and case. Its warm, mellow finish gives the chest an inviting character that has developed beautifully with age. The restrained decoration allows the natural appearance of the wood to remain central to the design.

Below, the case rests on four short, tapered legs, giving the substantial chest a slightly elevated and lighter appearance. Their straightforward geometric form continues the disciplined neoclassical vocabulary seen throughout the piece.

The French Empire style, which developed during the early 19th century under Napoleon Bonaparte, drew heavily upon the architecture and decorative arts of ancient Greece and Rome. Symmetry, columns, rich woods, brass or gilt-bronze ornament, and strong architectural proportions became defining characteristics. This circa-1950s–1960s chest successfully translates those historical elements into a cleaner and more practical mid-century form.

With its warm cherry construction, five-drawer configuration, brass hardware and trim, classical column-form pilasters, and elegant proportions, this French Empire-style tall chest would be equally handsome in a bedroom, dressing room, entry hall, or sophisticated living space. It is a timeless piece combining generous storage with understated French neoclassical elegance.



Dimensions: 54 inches high x 36 inches wide x 21 inches deep See less