The commode, like all the rest of the furniture, became more rigid in form and decoration. It was made of walnut or mahogany; and during the Directoire few were supplied with metal ornaments. Indeed, many of them had neither rings nor handles on the drawers. The form of the commode became still heavier during the Empire; but it was enlivened by ornate metal trimmings. A richly decorated commode by Percier and Fontaine appears as No. 2 on Plate LXVII. The _chiffonnière_, which had come into fashion during the last years of the Louis XVI. period, increased in popularity. It was generally a lady’s article containing drawers for writing and needlework. The marble top was often surrounded by a railing or gallery. During the Empire, a set of drawing-room furniture consisted of one or two sofas, six arm-chairs, six chairs, two _bergères_ and two _tabourets_. The sofas were placed on either side of the chimney-piece. One of the favourite varieties of the sofa was the _canapé pommier_, introduced during the Directoire. Its back was square and quite low, and was extended around the sides to take the place of arms. Sometimes the seat was garnished with fringe, and sometimes the wood was left plain. The many varieties of the draped sofa disappeared. The Directoire and the Empire demanded that the forms of the settee, sofa, and _chaise longue_ should be severe to accord with the arm-chairs. The back of the sofa was stuffed, but not the sides or wings. At each end was placed a feather pillow covered with the same material as the sofa. The most popular sofa had a square back that was carried around the seat, forming wings at each side instead of the elbow or arm. The new sofas were called _Méridienne_ and _canapé pommier_. Tapestry, figured satin, worsted damask or printed cloth, put on with braid, were used for coverings. At the end of the Empire period, the divan was introduced. This seat was suggested by the Eastern travellers. The _banquette_ was covered with velvet trimmed with gold or silk braid and fringe. The most fashionable _chaise longue_ was of the kind upon which Madame Récamier is lounging in David’s celebrated portrait. Both ends of this piece were alike. One end of a similar piece of furniture appears as No. 2 on Plate LXV. The _bergère en gondole_ was also popular. Its back was lower and more rounded than that of the _bergère_ on Plate XLVIII., No. 3. Gondola-shaped chairs and bar-backed chairs and the heavy scrolled arm-chair were the favourites, also the double arm-chair. [Illustration: PLATE LXVII]