Eastlake Chest of Drawers Value Guide

The Eastlake Chest of Drawers is a hallmark of late 19th-century American design, representing a shift from Victorian curves to robust, rectilinear forms. These oak pieces are highly collectible for their 'honest' construction and the distinctive geometric ornamentation championed by architect Charles Eastlake.

What affects the value of Eastlake Chest of Drawers?

• Condition of the original oak finish and the presence of all matching decorative brass hardware.
• The intricacy and preservation of the incised geometric carvings across the drawer fronts and side panels.
• Market demand for authentic United States origin pieces dating specifically between 1870 and 1890.
• Structural integrity of the graduated drawer joints and the overall stability of the rectilinear frame.

How to Identify Eastlake Chest of Drawers?

• Look for incised, shallow 'spoon' carvings and geometric patterns rather than deep, high-relief sculptural elements.
• Verify the presence of three graduated drawers, which increase in depth from top to bottom.
• Examine the hardware for original decorative brass pulls that feature the angular, stylized motifs typical of the 1870-1890 era.
• Check for solid oak construction and straight, architectural lines that reject the elaborate cabriole legs of earlier styles.

History of Eastlake Chest of Drawers

The Eastlake style, named after English architect Charles Eastlake, was popular in America from 1870 to 1890. It emphasized rectilinear forms, incised ornamentation, and a departure from the elaborate curves of earlier Victorian furniture, favoring a more robust and geometric aesthetic. Eastlake believed furniture should be simple, honest, and well-constructed, using readily available materials.