The effortless charm of a 17th Century Oak Low Dresser

Posted on July 29, 2019

In a contemporary home, an antique dresser can provide a really stylish feature. If you are captivated by the world of antiques, then this stunning design of furniture can effortlessly add charm and character to a modern room.
 
At Antiques of Woodstock, we regularly feature an extensive collection of dressers from the 17th century. Currently, these include a wide range of antique oak dressers, a pot board dresser, elm dressers, a dresser base, a breakfront dresser, a Lancashire dresser and an oak low dresser from the 19th century.  It’s an impressive selection!
 
Dressers were first created in England in the 16th century. They pretty much resembled what we commonly now know as sideboards. Sideboards were frequently used in kitchens and dining areas, providing enough space to place all the utensils before the food was served. Dressers were essentially side tables that had a single row of drawers resting atop tall legs. The dresser continued to be used as a piece of furniture for dining rooms and kitchens right through to the Edwardian era.
 
Because they were - and still are - quite versatile, dressers were also put to a number of different uses in the home. Instead of being seen in the kitchen and in the dining room, the dresser we know today is a version of the European lowboy, otherwise known as a “dressing table”. They were used for storing dressing accessories, cosmetics and other beauty products. The dressers later transitioned later into ‘the vanity’ with the addition of mirrors fitted to the backs of the dresser. To this day, these adaptable pieces of furniture are put to a myriad of uses.
 
The antique versions of these dressers now in stock are available in various beautiful decorative styles. So, if you are on the lookout for one of these fantastic pieces of furniture, be sure to explore our current selection. If you have something specific in mind do contact us and we’ll do our best to source the exact piece for you. Visit us to see the great choice of dresser options.