They are found by the side of the bed. We have two. They seem to be woven from some sort of wicker material but it’s not fine cane. They have a shelf space under the top and a storage cupboard with a door that either lifts up or opens like a normal door. Have they got a bloomin’ special name?

Bedside cabinets?
That's what we call ours.

They're often referred to as nightstands or, occasionally, commodes. Their original purpose was a place to hide the potty.

Dee

Yes I can see the side-opening one being commodable, and it is the right size.

Bedside cabinet - if only life were that simple. But on this occasion I think it is as I doubt my MC would recognise its original function.

Thanks both

I think I call them bedside tables even when they've got a door. But the one at my grandmother's has been called since the dawn of time the potty cupboard.

(I think of a commode as the pseudo-chair that you sit on, as seen in old people's homes, but I think in the US it's a chest of drawers?)

Emma

I'm not sure my hard-nosed detective would have the wit to call it the potty cupboard. But it would be a nice thing for him to come out with for effect!

I've just checked ours and it does have a nice curved door mimicking the contours of a large pot.

If it has a curved door, it's definitely a potty cupboard.

Dee

See what you learn when you come on this site?

This is its twin.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RETRO-1950s-WHICKER-BEDSIDE-CABINET-in-ORIGINAL-FINISH_W0QQitemZ290130826288QQihZ019QQcategoryZ63564QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



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I'm advised it isn't wicker at all, rather hardboard with a fancy pattern stamped on it.

looks like a Lloyd Loom.

http://www.lloydloomonline.com/

They're that sort of style, but I think they were made as lookalikes. They're so gummed with paint now you can't see any gaps in the weave - if it is.

not bad for £8.99

I would also call them bedside tables, and that's what they're usually called (or bedside cabinets perhaps) when sold.

I would strongly recommend against calling them commodes even though I'm sure Dee is correct, since I think most readers would misconstrue and think of the 'potty chair' you borrow from the hospital when old Auntie Mildred becomes bedridden.

Deb

The old name was definitely pot cupboard.

The old name was definitely pot cupboard.

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Oh! And not just once either.