Furniture Types
Lowboy
The lowboy is the companion piece to the highboy—a small dressing table or side table with drawers, supported on cabriole legs. Originally designed as a vanity or dressing table, lowboys now serve as hall tables, bedside tables, or decorative consoles. The term reflects its relationship to the taller highboy.
With their elegant proportions and practical drawer storage, lowboys bridge decorative and functional needs in traditional interiors.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Low table height (30-32 inches)
- ✓Drawer storage (1-3 drawers)
- ✓Cabriole or turned legs
- ✓Often matches highboy
- ✓Dressing table origin
- ✓Compact footprint
Types & Variations
Queen Anne lowboy (curved legs)
Chippendale lowboy (carved details)
Dressing table lowboy (mirror-ready)
Hall lowboy (entry use)
Bedside lowboy (nightstand scale)
Common Materials
MahoganyCherryWalnutPainted finishes
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Use lowboys in entries for keys and mail, as bedroom dressing tables, or as console tables in living areas. The open leg design maintains visual lightness in smaller spaces.
💡 Pro Tip
Lowboys with matching mirrors function as complete dressing tables. When purchasing antiques, check drawer glides and leg stability—these small tables endure significant use and may need restoration.