Modern meets tradition

The Kobei (Tall) Chest of Drawers is a contemporary piece.  But as modern as it is, the entire Kobei series utilises a very old, rarely used, European cabinet making technique.   Each drawer operates without mechanical runners.  Instead they open and close based on a very effective and efficient ‘old school’ concept.  They move using an integrated central running system which provides lateral (left + right) guidance.  This clever methodology allows the drawer to be 100% visible throughout its full range of motion.

Fully exposed chest of drawers

The unique way of opening + closing the drawers, allows the entire drawer to be on display all the time.  There’s no need to do the normal thing – which is to hide the drawers within an all enclosing carcase.  These modern chest of drawers operate so beautifully that we decided to have every working part on full display.  Just like the inner workings of a high end, mechanical Swiss watch.

Hence, the open framework effectively becomes the visual highlight itself.  The drawers are actually secondary, which is most unusual for a designer chest of drawers.  This provides intrigue and lightness to the overall form.  And it also allows the piece to function just as effectively in different rooms of the home.

The drawers

Fist choice.  Dovetails or not?

You can now order your Kobei chest of drawers with or without dovetails.  Dovetailing was the preferred drawer construction technique utilised by the old masters.  They would traditionally use the dovetail joint at both the front as well as the back of their drawers.  However, with the advent of stronger and more durable adhesives and newer construction methods, more minimalist and contemporary approaches to drawer construction now exist.  We’re very happy to offer both and are finding that many of our clients are preferring the “less is more” approach.  Hence we’re noticing that most people are now requesting the more minimalist version.   Your Kobei (tall) chest of drawers will still be made in Melbourne by the very same workshop regardless.

Furthermore, we now offer a range of timbers too.  Do you want a contrasting frame colour to that of the drawers, or do you want them all the same?  Do you want browns or blacks?  It’s all about getting the result you desire.

The good news is that the Kobei Chest of Drawers is so beautiful, versatile and functional that you really can’t mess up your mixing and matching anyway!  The outcome will always be elegant and useful!

Note: there is also a matching Kobei Low chest of drawers for the bedroom or to act as side tables etc.

We pride ourselves on our transparency and honesty, so we’d like to explain our delivery options in this same manner. Find out more about our delivery options.

Delivery method: Client Pick-Up (free); Delivery to Your Door Organised by PodMarket (invoiced separately); Delivery Organised by Client
Lead time: Approximately 4–6 weeks

The timber selected via the swatches relates to the framework only. We will contact you regarding your preferred drawer material. The price will be unaffected, regardless of which drawer species you select. There is a slight price difference regarding the drawer construction method however - ie: dovetails or not.