Product Information
Find all the details, specifications, and features you need to know about this piece.
Description
One cannot begin to describe this piece without first highlighting what makes it so special. Louis Philippe commodes are a staple of 19th-century French furniture, their generous proportions, elegant yet unusual forms, stone tops, and burled fronts making them instantly recognisable and a mark of bold simplicity. They are the perfect statement pieces, full of expression and character, yet their timeless and elegant lines allow them to blend seamlessly into contemporary interiors without feeling misplaced.
This particular commode, however, carries something quite remarkable. The craftsmanship behind the patterned front is exceptional. Both the burl itself and the execution employed by the craftsman indicate that this was an important piece, carefully considered in its creation. The wood has been perfectly book-matched twice, both horizontally and vertically, creating a symmetrical pattern that looks almost hand-painted. This effect continues seamlessly onto the shaped sides, an exceptionally difficult achievement that results in something not only beautiful but a true celebration of the marriage between the naturally occurring beauty of the timber and human artisanship and creativity.
Beyond its striking appearance, this piece also features an innovative construction detail that we believe has contributed to its remarkable longevity. The back was hand-dovetailed in a way that allows for both movement in the timber and flexibility in the overall structure without compromising its integrity. This thoughtful approach has prevented surface instability or damage over time, allowing the piece to acclimate effortlessly to any environment while maintaining its original craftsmanship.
Our approach to restoring pieces like this always begins with deep respect for the original craftsmanship, paired with a little bravery. The restorer in our workshop had to fully strip it down, reinforce its structure, and carry out precise, almost surgical repairs on the antique walnut burr before we could even begin to imagine how to build on the original. Only once this step was completed and our rigorous restoration standards were met did we allow ourselves to ask the first what if.
For this piece, that moment began with the feet. The beautifully carved shapes at the front belonged to the original design, but the feet themselves were quite thin, and the back feet did not match. So, we began by carefully replicating the front profile, enlarging all four feet using French walnut, and hand-carving them to create a more balanced and harmonious proportion while preserving the original shape. This adjustment not only refined the overall design but also introduced a sense of cohesion. Matching the back feet to the front significantly improved the piece’s visual balance, and making the side view far more pleasing.
Beyond this, the piece was already perfect, so we focused on enhancing its natural beauty. We carefully sanded it to an ultra-fine grit and applied a transparent oil that dries to a soft satin finish, bringing the grain to life in the most stunning way. This subtle treatment accentuated every detail, allowing the depth and movement of the wood to emerge naturally. The result is a rich, soothing dark timber effect that highlights the natural character of the material itself.
When it comes to hardware for pieces such as this commode, we always strive to find designs that respect the original craftsmanship while introducing a subtle contemporary twist to ensure the piece remains true to its history while feeling fresh and full of new life. For this commode, we began by sourcing the beautiful bow escutcheons, genuine antique moulded solid brass cap escutcheons with an endearing bow motif that add intricate detail and a rich patina, complementing the overall character of the piece. This delicate design became a guiding element for the rest of the finishing details. For the knobs, we selected a stunning set of solid brass knobs made in the UK, carefully replicated from real antique designs and individually antiqued by hand. The result is a naturally aged finish that feels authentic and refined. The combination of both hardware elements creates a striking balance, adding a light and dynamic touch that complements the commode’s presence while making it feel effortlessly timeless.
And for the pièce de résistance, the stone top. The original piece featured a thin solid walnut top that had cupped over time and become impractical, so we knew it needed to be replaced. We also knew we wanted to accentuate the striking elegance of the piece and contrast it with something that felt special and unique. After much consideration and debate, we decided to invest in what we consider to be one of the most remarkable stones we have ever come across. Taj Mahal quartzite, renowned for its streakiness, transparency, durability, and balanced beige tone, beautifully picks up the natural undertones of the lighter accents in the walnut, creating a contrast that brings airiness and light to the entire design. We had the piece professionally templated and the quartzite carefully cut to size to achieve a seamless fit, completing the transformation with a material that feels both refined and timeless.
Measurements and Materials
Drawers Internal Dimensions:
Top Drawer: Width: 94.5 cm | Depth: 41.5 cm | Height: 9 cm
Bottom Drawers: Width: 94.5 cm | Depth: 41.5 cm | Height: 15 cm
Materials:
Timber: French Walnut Burl, Oak, Chestnut.
Choice Of Hardware: Antique Brass Escutcheons | Solid Antiqued Brass Knobs
Stone: Taj Mahal Quartzite
Lead Time
This piece is complete and ready for dispatch. Delivery is estimated within 1–2 weeks.
Deliveries & Returns
For pieces that are ready to ship, expect dispatch within 1-7 days. Items with lead times will require the specified production duration before dispatch.
UK Shipping: Free Next Day Delivery following dispatch.
Worldwide Shipping: Free delivery in 3 - 19 Days following dispatch.
Enjoy peace of mind with our 14-day no-hassle returns policy. Receive a full refund. Only cover the cost of return shipping.
Returns aren't accepted for bespoke sizes.
Important Note:
Our larger furniture items are delivered in crates to ensure optimal protection during transit.
The listed cost includes a one man delivery service, who will bring the crate to your door on any floor. However, please note that this does not include moving the item into your home or to a specific room. As these items can be quite heavy, we kindly suggest arranging for additional assistance on the day of delivery. We are actively working to enhance our delivery services to include room-specific placement in the near future. In the meantime, if you require a two-person delivery service to a particular room, please do not hesitate to reach out to us, and we will be delighted to arrange this for you.
