Oak Commodes in the Early 1900s

Oak Commodes

• One of the most commonly used hardwoods for furniture in the late 1800s and early 1900s, oak pieces have stood the test of time and survived quite well. There are hundreds -- if not thousands -- of oak commodes still in existence and many are still in use in modern homes. The owners seldom use the commode as it was intended, but as a functional storage piece almost anywhere in the home.

Commode Tops

• The most elegant and expensive tops for commodes were made of marble because it was impervious to water, and the use of a pitcher and bowl for bathing often caused splashing and spilling. Wood was the other commonly used material for the top of commodes, which made maintenance of the top a daily necessity. It could be protected with a scarf, runner, or doily, but none of these was effective in preventing water damage.

Towel Bars

• Because bathing took place in the bedroom while standing at the commode, a towel bar was sometimes fitted onto the sides or across the top of the commode. While the mirror at the top was optional, a way to hang a towel to dry was considered a necessity.

Drawer Storage

• Many commodes included drawers built under the top of the piece. One or more relatively shallow drawers were intended for storage of flat linens, undergarments and miscellaneous items. Only a very large commode could contain more than two drawers because, for convenient use, the commode was not usually much more than 4 feet tall.

Chamber Pot Storage

• The final important function of the commode was the storage of the chamber pot. Usually the maker of the piece included one or two doors under the drawers. These opened onto an empty space large enough to contain at least one covered, china chamber pot. In wealthy homes, a servant arrived each morning to remove and empty the pot. Otherwise, it was one of the chores assigned to a family member.