Serpentine Chest

A perfect woodworking project with band saw and dovetail techniques. Build an elegant serpentine chest with curved drawer fronts and angled legs.

Take your woodworking skills to the next level with this Serpentine Chest woodworking plan, featuring swooping drawer fronts and elegant, angled legs. Inspired by the historic serpentine style—a design that dates back to 17th-century French furniture—this modern version blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary simplicity.

Unlike the ornate, heavily carved pieces of its past, this serpentine chest has been refined for a sleeker, more versatile look, making it a perfect addition to various home styles, from Craftsman to Modern. The chest's curved drawer fronts and splayed legs create visual interest without overwhelming your existing furniture.

This woodworking project provides a satisfying challenge for intermediate to advanced woodworkers. The band-sawn curves and half-blind dovetail joinery require precision, and the intricate router work will sharpen your skills. The drawer fronts, crafted from figured wood, offer a rare opportunity to work with grain patterns, showcasing the beauty of woodwork in a unique way.

Whether you're looking for a striking new piece for your home or an engaging woodworking challenge, this serpentine chest is a project that combines history with modern design and craftsmanship.

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What You Get:

  • 17 printable (digital) pages of step-by-step instructions
  • 56 full-color photos and illustrations and exploded views
  • Hardware sources & materials list

Product Recommendations

We don't have any links to project supplies and hardware for this particular project yet, but here are some other products that might be of interest to you. (We may receive commission when you use our affiliate links. However, this does not impact our recommendations.)

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