One of the most fundamental purposes of many pieces of furniture is storage. From the time of the Georgians (1714-1835) to today, storage has been a constant need and consideration when crafting furniture. Among the many options to choose from within the variety of exceptional Georgian cabinets, wardrobes, chests and more, the bachelor’s chest stands out as a design that is uniquely relevant today.
A challenge faced by many in modern living is finding both creative and tasteful ways to store belongings, without taking up too much space in modern apartments and smaller living spaces. A bachelor’s chest is a shallow, low chest of usually three or four drawers, and was designed as a more modest piece of furniture that could still display high-quality craftsmanship characteristic of the Georgian era.
11341 – 18th Century Georgian Mahogany Bachelor’s Chest
Bachelor’s chests often feature brass escutcheons and stylized handles as well as versatile fold-over or pull-out slide tables for writing or laying clothes. This feature is one of the core characteristics of the bachelor chest’s efficiency of space, which would allow unmarried men living in small apartments, or bachelor ‘pads’, to create space only when needed. Later, small ornamental features like bracket feet were added in the 18th century, adding more subtle character to the inconspicuous form.
9890 – Early 19th Century Georgian Bachelor’s Flame Mahogany Four Drawer Chest
The term ‘bachelor’s’ chest is up to debate as to whether these chests of drawers were referred to as such at the time of their production. While their demarcated purpose of efficient storage was likely most useful to unmarried men of Georgian times who occupied small quarters, the term was probably further romanticised by American antique dealers and decorators. Pieces that genuinely dated to the 18th and 19th centuries were often labelled ‘bachelor’s chest’ to evoke a bit of historical charm, which was quite useful in selling to clients living in smaller, modern apartments.
Here, at O’Sullivan Antiques, we have a selection of beautiful and modest bachelor’s chests to pick from and hope you will take a look next time you stop by.
For any inquiries, please contact us below. We are always happy to hear from you.
43-44 Francis Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
Phone (Ireland): +353 (0) 1 4541143
info@osullivanantiques.com
Phone (US): +1 (212) 260 8985
newyork@osullivanantiques.com
