Lingerie Chest / Tall Dresser / Highboy
Storage (Tall chest of drawers) · Vintage Provincial / Traditional (Likely 1960s-1980s) · Unmarked mass-market manufacturer, often associated with American mid-century bedroom suites in French Provincial styles (such as Dixie, Bassett, or similar brands).
Type
Storage (Tall chest of drawers)
Style Period
Vintage Provincial / Traditional (Likely 1960s-1980s)
Material
Wood veneer and solid wood components with molded resin or wood-composite applied decorative details and painted finish.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1980
Dimensions
Estimated height of 48-52 inches, width of 24-30 inches, and depth of 16-20 inches, characteristic of a narrow vertical lingerie chest.
Origin
American domestic production from the mid-to-late 20th century.
Designer/Maker
Unmarked mass-market manufacturer, often associated with American mid-century bedroom suites in French Provincial styles (such as Dixie, Bassett, or similar brands).
Value Estimate
Retail secondhand market value ranging from $150 to $350 depending on local demand and exact condition.
Description
A charming and narrow vintage lingerie chest featuring a tall, vertical profile with six stacked drawers. The piece is finished in a distressed cream or pale yellow with delicate hand-painted floral accents in green and yellow nestled within recessed panel moldings. Ornate white bail pulls enhance its French Provincial or cottage aesthetic.
Key Features
Narrow vertical profile, six drawers, raised molded drawer panels with floral corners, antiqued cream paint finish, and ornate matching hardware.
Color & Finish
Cream or pale yellow base coat with antiqued yellow/gold shading, accented by hand-painted floral motifs in yellow and green on the drawer fronts.
Construction Method
Factory manufactured with applied decorative moldings, standard box drawer construction, and machine assembly.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Standard modern machine joinery, utilizing stapled or pinned moldings and standard drawer glides typical of mid-to-late 20th-century mass production.
Wood Grain & Species
Not visible under the opaque painted and glazed finish.
Surface Treatment
Painted and antiqued finish featuring raised molded floral and scroll details on each drawer front.
Upholstery Details
Not applicable
Hardware & Fittings
Ornate white bail-pull handles mounted on decorative backplates, matching the provincial aesthetic, likely original.
Origin & Provenance
American domestic production from the mid-to-late 20th century.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. Minor surface scuffs, light paint chipping, and natural aging of the finish consistent with use and age. Structural integrity appears sound.
Interesting Facts
Lingerie chests, sometimes called 'chests of drawers for small items', gained immense popularity in mid-century American bedroom sets as homes grew to include specialized dressing areas.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-war American consumer desire for romantic, period-inspired bedroom furniture styles like French Provincial and Mediterranean revival.
Similar Pieces
French Provincial lingerie chests, often confused with Rococo Revival pieces from the 19th century, but distinguished by modern interior construction and lighter painted finishes.
Care & Maintenance
Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive scouring pads to preserve the painted and glazed finish.
Value Estimate
Retail secondhand market value ranging from $150 to $350 depending on local demand and exact condition.
Sustainability Notes
Represents sustainable reuse through the preservation and continued use of vintage furniture, keeping mass-produced items out of landfills.