Flamboyant Furniture: The Bombe Chest

The bombe chest is a piece of furniture that finds its roots in 16th century France, when craftsmen began to stray from the hard, classical furniture building styles that dominated the times. The result was a flowing, curved chest, more often than not decorated in intricate lacquered paint and finish work. Since those rebellious beginnings, the bombe style chest has come to signify the best in decorative woodwork and incredible finish design, making these wonderful chests an excellent addition to any home.

Bombe Chests Aren't Cookie Cutter Material
While curved, rounded bodies and decorative artwork are generally the rule when it comes to these chests, it's important to recognize that the term bombe (or Bombay) chest refers more to an aesthetic than any kind of antique furniture blueprint. Bombe style chests can be short, tall, skinny, fat, elaborately painted or sensibly stained. In other words, no two of these chests look alike, which is a big part of why they have become so popular and turn so many heads.

Chinoiserie Design
Another big part of the appeal of the bombe style is the artwork. Sure, the furniture makers of 16th century France were beginning to rebel with more flowing and curvacious furniture, but they didn't quit there. They also began to experiment with artistic, intricate paint and lacquer design, as well. The result was a style of finishing that came to be known as "chinoiserie." Oriental and tropical scenes and themes were the most popular subjects of those stunning designs, both motifs that continue on in modern bombe chests.

What Do You Plan to Use It For?
Because there are such a wide range of styles and designs out there to choose from, it's important to take into account where you plan to put your chest, and what you hope to use it for, before you start to shop for one. Bombe chests are traditionally very popular in foyers, entryways, and living rooms, where they are most often placed to show their decorative qualities. Of course, it's unfair to declare these beautiful pieces of furniture as decorative only. They can be very functional pieces of bedroom furniture, as well. If your goal is buying a stunning piece of furniture, but one that also serves its purpose, be sure to keep that in mind as you shop. As mentioned earlier, bombe chests come in a wide range of styles, and some are definitely more decorative than functional from a storage perspective.

If you're interested in bombe style chests, talk to a furniture retailer, or better yet, a custom furniture builder about getting the perfect piece of furniture for your home and needs. Needless to say, you won't find a more breathtaking, or useful, piece of furniture on the market.