Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What were nightstands called in the 1800s?
1 Answer
In the 1800s, nightstands were often called commodes. Prior to the advent of indoor plumbing, early nightstands contained a porcelain chamber pot in a cabinet that provided a convenient and private alternative to visiting the outhouse. Today, antique, new and vintage nightstands, which are pieces of bedroom furniture that are often called bedside tables, are typically low-profile tables that are positioned alongside one’s bed or elsewhere in a bedroom. Shop a selection of nightstands on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023
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Shop for Antique Bedside Table on 1stDibs
English Bedside Table
Located in Nashville, TN
This is a lovely 19th Century George III bedside table from England. Often called a tray top commode, it has amazing detailing and a working storage cabinet.
Category
Antique 19th Century Side Tables
Materials
Wood
$1,875
Pair of Irish Bedside Tables
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Interesting pair of 19th C Irish mahogany bedside tables, great colour. 1840
Category
Antique 19th Century Irish Side Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Lamp Tables/ Bedside Tables
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Interesting pair of Lyre based beech lamp tables/ bedside tables with lift up lid. 1920
Category
Early 20th Century English Georgian Side Tables
Materials
Beech
George III Style Mahogany Bedside Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Nice old patina. This bedside table would work well next to a sofa as an end table or as a nightstand in a bedroom.
Category
Antique 18th Century English George III End Tables
Materials
Brass
Biedermeier bedside table, circa 1830, mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
Biedermeier bedside table, circa 1830, mahogany
Solid wood with mahogany veneer. 2 drawer fronts.
Category
Antique 19th Century French Side Tables
Materials
Brass
$1,021 Sale Price
20% Off
19th century Georgian tambour bedside table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Raised on square chamfered legs.
Ideal for use as a bedside table or as a lamp table in the living room.
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Side Tables
Materials
Mahogany
$1,980 / item