Bombay Chest

Buying Guide

Chloe Hughes Interior Design Expert

Chloe is a highly-regarded expert in all things vintage and antique. She’s excited to share her vast knowledge with readers and clients wishing to infuse their homes with a mixture of old-time warmth and modern comfort. In addition to her design work, Chloe regularly volunteers at her local community center, teaching DIY projects to adults and kids.

At first, you might not think this sounds like something that would suit your home. However, once you consider the different designs and styles which are available to you, ideas may change and you could see something which is perfect for you.

What is a Bombay chest?

A Bombay chest, also known as a bombe chest, is a set of drawers that bulges outward in the front and on the sides. These French chests of drawers have a distinctive curvy form and are often adorned with hand-painted designs, such as flowers, birds, or Asian motifs. Queen Anne style feet and decorative hardware are also characteristic for these elegant pieces.

What designs of Bombay chests are there?

Here are some of the Bombay chest designs that you may find:

Curved Bombay design

This typical style is elegant and welcoming, and suits any bedroom perfectly. Normally carved from a solid oak such as cedar or oak, the chest bulges outwards slightly towards the middle to create the curved effect. This means that the two section and the bottom section are slightly slimmer than the middle and therefore any drawers will be slightly smaller. The marble top is aligned with the top part of the chest for a sleek and beautiful finish.

Side cabinet

Not all Bombay chests are large pieces of furniture. If you love the style but don't have enough room for a large 5ft piece, consider the smaller versions which are approximately 2ft wide and 3ft tall. These will fit comfortably in the hallway or in a corner of the living room. They are almost a miniature version of the full-sized Bombay chest, but are generally not as curved and rounded. With space for just one small cupboard and a drawer, or two medium-sized drawers, this design provides some storage and is suitable for apartments and small houses.

Matte black chest

A far cry from the traditional brown wooden oak furniture which can often be seen when shopping for Bombay chests of drawers, the matte or glossy black style is a good choice for contemporary rooms. With detailed edges along the bottom to add some character, the curvy shape is enough to make this a feature piece for the living room. Three or four spacious drawers are able to contain paperwork, clothes, toys and anything else you need to stow away.

Bombay box style

If you want something a little different than the traditional Bombay chest with a marble top, have a look at the box style chest. This is available is various sizes, from around 2ft to as large as 6ft. It almost looks like a suitable, with sturdy panels and copper or metal ring handles to open the drawers. Criss-crossed or straight legs finished off the look, and some of these chests are foldable and portable, making them even more convenient. The boxes are normally made from wood and varnished throughout, although a shabby chic look involves leaving the wood painted but unvarnished.

Ornate feature piece

Some of the very traditional Bombay chests almost resemble statues, thanks to the detailed and unique designs. You are more likely to find such a chest at an auction or in an antique shop. The main feature on the chest will be at the front, and could be in between surrounding drawers or cupboards. Popular items featured on Bombay chests are animals such as lions, human figures or angels.

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