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Design 101
Step Back in Time With a Bombe Chest
November 14, 2024
Everyone needs storage solutions, but no one needs to settle for a generic dresser or simple shelving unit. Indulge in the finer things with an exquisite bombe chest. This unique piece of furniture has a distinctive curved shape sure to impress your guests. It's an excellent choice for people looking for a regal yet practical statement piece.
This article covers everything you need to know about bombe chest furniture, from history to maintenance tips.
What Is a Bombe Chest?
A bombe chest has a unique, double-serpentine shape. It has graceful curves on the sides and a dramatic bulge on the front, giving it a stunning silhouette. This type of chest also typically has ornate brass handles and gently curved legs.
Furniture makers traditionally sculpted bombe chests from thick mahogany and white pine. Modern craftspeople may use more affordable materials, such as poplar, to increase the accessibility of this furniture.
Some bombe chests have simple designs and subtle finishes to showcase their unique shapes. Others have elaborate carvings or hand-painted designs with intricate patterns.
Bombe chests often have two to three drawers with ample storage space. You can use this furniture in your bedroom to stow clothing, medications, and other essentials. Alternatively, you can place a bombe chest in your entryway or living room as a focal point.
What Are the Origins of Bombe Chests?
The term "bombe" comes from the French word bomber, which means to bulge or swell one's chest. Some early craftspeople also referred to this furniture as "kettle-shaped."
According to the Colonial Society, the bombe chest is a distinctly American invention created by 18th-century craftsmen in Boston. The origins of this furniture remain murky, but the style may have been inspired by the French commode en tombeau. These curved chests were modeled after classical Egyptian sarcophagi.
Members of the elite, such as Governor Thomas Hutchinson, typically owned early bombe chests. Today, bombe chests are often collected by people who love eccentric or vintage furniture. You can find antique bombe chests for sale on eBay and through furniture resellers. Many retailers also create new bombe chests for modern interiors.
Are Bombe Chests Valuable?
After reading about the lengthy history of this furniture, you may wonder, "How much does a bombe chest cost?" This furniture ranges from $1,500 to $8,000.
Several factors influence the cost of bombe chests, including:
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Age: Antique bombe chests in excellent condition cost more than new ones.
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Condition: Well-preserved bombe chests can command high prices. On the other hand, damaged or worn furniture may sell for less but require significant effort to restore.
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Origins: Some retailers import bombe chests from Paris, Italy, and other European countries. This furniture often has an expensive price tag to compensate for shipping costs.
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Materials: The most costly bombe chests are typically made from thick slabs of mahogany and walnut. These high-quality woods change color as they age, giving the furniture a beautiful, rich patina.
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Size: Smaller bombe chests may cost less than $1,000. By contrast, large furniture can sell for thousands.
How To Fit Bombe Styles Into Your Home Decor
There are many ways to incorporate a regal bombe chest of drawers into your interior design. Here are a few ideas for inspiration:
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Adorn with flowers: Place an elegant vase with bright flowers on your bombe chest. This simple decoration will draw attention to the furniture without distracting from its ornate design. Choose a leak-proof vase to avoid water damage.
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Pair with vintage accessories: Lean into the bombe chest's old-school aesthetic with vintage decor. For instance, you can add a basin filled with old novels or a weathered metal watering can. These items evoke playful nostalgia to balance the bombe chest's stately elegance.
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Hang a curved mirror: Mount a small, curved mirror above your bombe chest to reflect the furniture's convex lines and add a touch of whimsy.
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Juxtapose with modern elements: If you prefer an eclectic look, contrast your bombe chest with contemporary furniture and decor. For instance, hang abstract wallpaper as a stunning backdrop or decorate the chest with vibrant decor.
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Combine with traditional furniture: A bombe chest is a natural addition to a traditional interior design. This style includes velvet upholstery and dark wooden furniture with intricate embellishments.
Caring for Your Bombe Furniture
Follow these steps to maintain your bombe chest:
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Dust the furniture weekly with a dry, soft cloth.
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Apply furniture polish every six months to make the wood gleam. Test the solution in a discreet area to make sure it won't harm the finish.
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Place the bombe chest out of the sun, and avoid exposing it to humidity and moisture.
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Seek professional guidance to restore an antique or damaged bombe chest.
Embrace Timeless Elegance
Bring a piece of the past into your home with a sophisticated bombe chest. You can enjoy the thrill of hunting for vintage furniture at antique shops and online retailers, or buy a new chest from an experienced craftsperson. No matter its origins, this furniture will instantly elevate your space.
Still exploring your options? Check out other armoires and chests that may fit your aesthetic perfectly.
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