Describe the function of a commode in European furniture history.

• A. A low chest with drawers used for storage and dressing, often with marble or ormolu tops in the 18th century.
• B. A tall cabinet with shelves.
• C. A desk with a writing surface.
• D. A wall-mounted display case.

Answer: (A)

At its essence, a commode is a low chest of drawers designed for practical storage in a bedroom or dressing area. It provides easy access to clothing, linens, and personal items, keeping them organized and within reach while getting dressed. The surface is typically a durable top—often marble or finished with ormolu mounts—that serves as a convenient work and display space for items like cosmetics, jewelry, and toiletries. In 18th-century European interiors, this combination of accessible storage and a refined, sturdy top defines the commode as a dressing and storage piece, not a writing desk, cabinet, or display case.