A commode is a piece of furniture that has been used in households for centuries. It is essentially a low cabinet or chest of drawers, often with a hinged lid that opens to reveal a chamber pot. Commodes were originally used as a convenient way to dispose of waste before indoor plumbing became commonplace. Nowadays, water closets are used primarily as a decorative piece of furniture that can add style and functionality to any room. In this blog, we will discuss the history of the commode, its different styles and types, and how to choose the right one for your home.
History of the Commode:
The word "commode" comes from the French word "commode" which means "convenient" or "suitable". Commodes were originally designed to be portable and were used as a convenient way to dispose of waste before indoor plumbing became commonplace. They were often made of wood and had a chamber pot hidden inside a cabinet or chest of drawers. They were also used in bedrooms as a place to store personal items and clothing.
Over time, commodes became more ornate and were used as decorative pieces in households. In the 18th century, commodes were often made of expensive materials like marble, gilt bronze, and exotic woods. They were designed with intricate detailing and often had curved legs and serpentine fronts. The most famous French cabinetmaker of the 18th century, Jean-Francois Oeben, is known for creating elaborate commodes that were adorned with intricate marquetry and gilded bronze mounts.
In the 19th century, commodes became simpler in design and were often made of mahogany, rosewood, or walnut. They were still used as decorative pieces in households, but their function as a place to dispose of waste had become less important.
Different Styles and Types of Commodes:
Today, there are many different styles and types of commodes available on the market. Some are designed to be used as functional pieces of furniture while others are purely decorative.
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Traditional Commodes: Traditional commodes are inspired by the classic French designs of the 18th century. They are often made of high-quality materials like mahogany, rosewood, or walnut and are adorned with intricate detailing and gilded bronze mounts. Traditional commodes are often used in formal living rooms or dining rooms as a decorative piece of furniture.
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Modern Commodes: Modern commodes are designed with a more minimalist aesthetic. They are often made of materials like glass, stainless steel, or lacquered wood and have clean lines and simple shapes. Modern commodes are often used in contemporary living spaces or bedrooms as a functional piece of furniture.
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Antique Commodes: Antique commodes are highly sought after by collectors and interior designers. They are often made of exotic woods like mahogany or rosewood and have intricate detailing and ornate hardware. Antique commodes are often used in traditional living spaces or bedrooms as a statement piece of furniture.
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Decorative Commodes: Decorative commodes are designed to be purely decorative and often have little or no function. They are often made of materials like ceramic, glass, or resin and are adorned with ornate detailing or intricate patterns. Decorative commodes are often used in living rooms or bedrooms as a focal point or conversation piece.
How to Choose the Right Commode for Your Home:
When choosing a commode for your home, there are several factors to consider. These include the style of the commode, its function, and its size.
- Style: The style of the commode should complement the overall aesthetic of your home. If you have a traditional home, a traditional commode with intricate detailing and gilded bronze mounts may be a good choice. If you have a more contemporary home, a modern comm
