You may be interested to know that the first bombe chests were originally crafted in France nearly 300 years ago. They were created during the Regence period between 1715-1723 A.D. This was a new era of loosened artistic endeavors after the long, strict rule of Louis XIV. He preferred sharp, classical furniture and would not allow for such "wild" tastes. Thankfully, when his successor took the throne a more artistic and light-hearted approach became the norm in France.

The people of France decided to start looking elsewhere for furiture inspirations. Thus began the Regance period of style. It was mostly inspired by mythological themes and the Orient. The bombe chest utilized distinct curved wood in front (and sometimes the sides) as many pieces became more bowed and round. Another unique facet of the bombe chest was the extravagantly hand-painted wood surfaces. Often times the drawer fronts were painted with dragons, flowers, or shells. Marble chest tops were also introduced in this period. Needless to say, French furniture enjoyed great success all over Europe in large part due to the creation of the bombe chest.

Be careful when looking for bombe chests though; one very common mistake is the misspelling of this furniture item. Many people have confused "bombe" chests with "bombay" furniture, which refers to a style of furnishings created in Bombay, India. In fact, many have looked for "bombay chests" without much luck in finding their intended piece of furniture. Instead they end up looking at chests made in Bombay, India. Not quite their intention. This furniture is completely different from what I've been discussing.

There is nothing like that feeling that comes along with buying a one of a kind furniture piece. Regally showcased in your hall, dining room or bedroom, bombe chests can be this center piece likely to strike up conversation from interested guests and family members alike. Now, you will be able to tell them a little bit about how bombe chests came to be and their rich history starting in France's Regance period.

Bombe chests are still wildly popular today all over the world and are made in the same grand style as they were back in the early 1700's. You can get bombe chests with marble tops, many drawers with classic hardware, and best of all hand-painted designs that make them one of a kind. See below for some great deals and a good sampling of different styles of bombe chests. Happy bombe chest shopping!