Vintage Oversized Bedside Chests – John A. Colby & Sons – Custom Finish Options

A rare pair of oversized vintage bedside chests manufactured by the respected Chicago furniture maker, John A. Colby & Sons.
These substantial four-drawer chests feature elegant serpentine drawer fronts, original brass hardware, and beautifully proportioned silhouettes that offer the scale today’s bedrooms often need. Larger than most traditional nightstands, they provide exceptional storage while maintaining a refined, timeless appearance.
Built during an era when furniture was crafted to last for generations, these pieces showcase quality construction, solid craftsmanship, and classic styling that remains just as relevant today. Their versatile proportions make them ideal as oversized nightstands, bedside chests, guest room storage, or even accent pieces in living spaces and entryways.
The original finish has developed the character and patina expected from vintage furniture, while the generous drawer storage and clean lines make these pieces easy to integrate into both traditional and transitional interiors.
Whether preserved in their original condition, thoughtfully restored, or professionally refinished in a custom stain, this pair offers a rare opportunity to own furniture from a respected American maker known for quality and craftsmanship.
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Key Features
• Pair of oversized bedside chests
• Manufactured by John A. Colby & Sons of Chicago
• Four spacious drawers per chest
• Elegant serpentine drawer fronts
• Original brass hardware
• Quality vintage construction
• Offered in original or refinished options
• Excellent bedside storage
• Rare matching pair
• Professionally refinished in our studio
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Dimensions (Each)
• 32.5” W
• 19” D
• 34” H
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Finish Options (Made to Order)
As-Is Condition (Ready to Use)
This piece is being offered in its current, original condition and has not been refinished or restored.
It is structurally sound and fully functional, but will show visible signs of age and wear consistent with vintage furniture. This may include surface scratches, minor chips, finish wear (including on the top), and variation in tone and sheen.
While we lightly clean interiors for usability, the piece has not undergone our full restoration process. As a result, drawer interiors and cabinetry may retain the natural characteristics of vintage furniture, including subtle age-related scent.
Please note:
• The finish is original and not newly applied
• It should not be expected to have a uniform or like-new appearance
• Close-up viewing will reveal more wear than photos may capture
This option is ideal for those who appreciate authentic character and patina, or for clients who may wish to refinish the piece to their exact specifications.
All as-is pieces are final sale and priced accordingly.
Restored Finish
Our restored finish is designed for clients who appreciate the warmth, character, and authenticity of original vintage furniture.
The top is professionally stripped, repaired as needed, and refinished to address the area that typically shows the most wear. The remainder of the cabinet retains its original finish and patina, which is carefully cleaned, refreshed, and protected with a clear lacquer topcoat.
This approach preserves the age, depth, and character that make vintage furniture special while creating a cleaner, more cohesive appearance suitable for everyday use.
Minor signs of age may remain as part of the piece’s authentic history.
Custom Stained Finish
The cabinet is stripped and stained in your choice of light, medium, or dark stain before being sealed with clear lacquer to create a rich, heirloom-quality finish.
This option includes a one-color stain finish designed to enhance the natural beauty and depth of the wood while maintaining a cohesive overall appearance.
Additional custom toning, layered glazing, antiquing, cerusing, or specialty stain enhancements may be available for an additional cost depending on the desired final look. These enhancements are discussed individually at the beginning of the refinishing process.
For refinished options, any necessary minor repairs are completed while preserving the authentic character of the piece.
Drawer interiors are thoroughly cleaned and resealed as part of the refinishing process.
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Timeline & Process
Each piece is individually refinished in our studio using a hands-on, multi-step process. I personally handle all refinishing, communication, and shipping coordination to ensure every detail meets our standards.
Timelines provided at checkout or within this listing are estimates only and not guaranteed. Completion and delivery may vary based on refinishing queues, material considerations, and shipping availability—particularly for less frequently traveled delivery areas.
Because we work with independent furniture carriers, shipping schedules are dependent on route availability and logistics outside of our control. We reserve the right to adjust timelines as needed to ensure each piece is completed and delivered properly.
If you are working within a specific or time-sensitive deadline, please reach out prior to purchasing so we can confirm whether accommodations are possible.