Vintage GDR Mid-Century Chest of Three Drawers

This authentic mid-century modern chest of drawers was made in the German Democratic Republic (GDR), likely by Deutsche Werkstätten Hellerau or another leading East German furniture collective. The stamp is quite clearly shown on the side of the top drawer.

Featuring a sleek, minimalist design with warm wood tones and signature circular cutout handles, this piece embodies the Bauhaus-influenced functionality and craftsmanship of the era. Notably, there are two filled plug holes on either side of the top surface, indicating that it may have originally supported a shelving cabinet. The drawers are clean and odourless, with a couple of minor pen marks that will be loose-lined for a fresh interior. Please note that the second left-hand drawer handle has slight damage, but this does not affect its functionality.

Built for durability, this chest remains both a stylish and practical addition to any space.

The distinctive circular cutout handles are a hallmark of mid-century GDR design, reflecting the Bauhaus principle of form following function. These handles were often integrated directly into the drawer fronts, maintaining a clean and minimalist aesthetic without the need for additional hardware. This design choice not only enhances the piece’s visual appeal but also ensures ease of use while preserving the sleek, uninterrupted lines of the furniture.

With its ideal proportions for modern living, excellent storage, and beautiful grain detail, this piece offers both form and function. GDR furniture, influenced by designers such as Franz Ehrlich, Rudolf Horn, and Selman Selmanagić, is now highly sought after for its timeless aesthetic and historical significance. This piece is perfect for collectors, mid-century enthusiasts, or anyone looking to add a unique, historical statement piece to their home.

Approximate Measurements

Height 56 cm
Width/Length 91 cm
Depth 43 cm
Drawer depth 11cm
Width 83 cm

CONDITION

Please bear in mind that all our vintage and retro items have had a life before you purchase them (sometimes quite a long one!) therefore they will show signs of wear and use, these may include knocks, dents and scratches, bumps and scuffs which are commensurate with age and previous use. We never sell items that we wouldn’t be happy to have in our own homes and provide images detailing any significant damage or unusual wear. Please carefully read the details and examine the images prior to purchase. All our items have been thoroughly cleaned and de-greased, re-oiled and polished (where necessary) and are fit for purpose. If you’re unsure, or would like some more information, please contact us, we’re always happy to help.

OUR DELIVERY POLICY

THERE ARE EXCLUSIONS TO OUR FREE DELIVERY POLICY - PLEASE SEE BELOW OR IF IN ANY DOUBT, MESSAGE US DIRECTLY, INCLUDING YOUR DELIVERY POSTCODE.

PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU PURCHASE FROM AN OFF-SITE ADVERT FOR ETSY, FREE DELIVERY WILL NOT APPLY (AS WE ARE CHARGED CONSIDERABLY MORE). TO AVOID THIS, PLEASE OPEN A NEW BROWSER WINDOW AND GO DIRECT TO OUR ETSY-POWERED WEBSITE LIGHTFOOTANDLOWE.COM

FREE DELIVERY DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY APPLY TO ANY SALE ITEMS.

Safely delivering items you purchase in a timely fashion is both our priority and also one of the most challenging aspects of our business.

Wherever possible, we try to offer free kerbside delivery, contact-free, to most mainland UK addresses, either by ourselves or via our dedicated, trusted, couriers. This ensures that your purchases arrive in exactly the condition they were in when you purchased them, as accurately described on our site. You should expect delivery to be within 1 to 3 weeks of you placing the order. We will contact you directly with a firm delivery date and advise you in advance of a two hour delivery window.

Exclusions to free delivery apply, including where tolls or congestion zone fees apply, for which there will be an additional charge.

Free delivery does not apply to locations a long way away from our location in Cambridge or to areas of mainland UK not routinely covered by our trusted couriers - if this applies to your purchase, we will simply charge you what we are charged for delivery, less any Etsy fees, and notify you of this as soon as practicable after the sale goes through.

We are able to package and export items beyond mainland UK and have done so as far afield as Hong Kong and New Zealand. We regularly export to Northern Ireland and Eire and the majority of Europe. Please contact us directly for a tailored quotation.

When ordering, please supply us with your mobile ‘phone number, so we may liaise directly with you regarding delivery. Please advise if there are any delivery restrictions that will apply (such as anything other than ground floor access, parking and access restrictions etc.). We reserve the right to charge for deliveries outside of our standard terms.

Please note that if we are unable to deliver on a pre-arranged day, you will be charged a flat fee of £50 for re-delivery.