Dresser vs. Chest of Drawers: What’s the Difference?
Both types of bedroom storage contain multiple drawers. A chest of drawers is tall and more narrow while a dresser is shorter and wider, taking up more floor space.
Two popular furniture items for bedroom storage have always been the dresser and the chest of drawers. Either one will do for keeping clothes in, right? Is there truly a difference? Is one a better option than the other? While the terms dresser and chest of drawers are often used interchangeably, there’s a bit more to the dresser vs. chest of drawers argument. Here’s how they differ and what makes each appealing.
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What is a Dresser?
A dresser is a large set of drawers. You’ll need space in the bedroom for a dresser. A dresser is short, deep, and long. The standard height of a dresser is 35” with some standing taller than that. They can be as deep as two feet to create adequate room for bulky items. Dresser lengths can range from 30” to 70”, and with measurements like these, the dresser requires some room.
How Are Drawers Setup on a Dresser?
Dressers offer storage drawers, with two to four long drawers and two to three rows of shorter drawers, or a combination of shorter and longer drawers, depending on the style and design. Dresser drawers can range in number from four up to nine with different combinations in between. Dressers are more often used for clothing. Being waist high, they’re ideal as dressing tables too.
The fact that dressers are short creates added benefits. The surface of the dresser not being too high allows for the user to host items like jewelry boxes, hair brushes, combs, make-up cases, and perfumes on top where they can be easily reached. There’s room to position a mirror over a dresser to create a nice spot to get ready and view your appearance before heading out. For those who like a TV in the bedroom, a dresser’s height allows it to serve as the perfect host for the television. A dresser’s dimensions help to create an area to display décor and photos as well.
Dressers contribute to the style of the room. Being bigger than chests of drawers, a dresser can have almost as much pull as a bed when it comes to contributing to the style of the room.
Dresser vs. Chest of Drawers: Benefits of a Dresser
- Stores and organizes clothing and accessories
- Can add a matching mirror
- More surface space to display items
- Offers more drawers than chests
- Offers different size storage drawers
Dresser vs. Chest of Drawers: Drawbacks of a Dresser
- Require more room
- Not as versatile as chests of drawers
What is a Chest of Drawers?
Chests of drawers, also referred to as chests, are taller and narrower than dressers. They offer a single row of storage drawers that are usually stacked, making use of vertical space. A chest of drawers usually offers four to six drawers. They take up less width space than dressers, making them a more appealing means of adding needed storage for smaller bedrooms.
Chests of drawers can range from 44” to 60” tall or higher and widths can range from 24” to 38” wide. They’re usually not as deep as dressers.
Chests of drawers offer enough versatility to make them a storage option in other areas of the house. They can be used in the living room for a variety of items or in the office for office supplies and accessories. Clothes, books, and toys can be housed in a playroom or children’s bedroom. If there’s less space to work with, a chest of drawers can be just right for adding needed storage.
Dresser vs. Chest of Drawers: Benefits of Chest of Drawers
- Take up less width space than dressers
- Work well in smaller spaces like condos or apartments
- Can be used in other rooms besides the bedroom
Dresser vs. Chest of Drawers: Drawbacks of Chest of Drawers
- Offer less storage than dressers
- The higher surface makes displaying items on top less appealing
Dresser vs. Chest of Drawers: Comparison
While both serve up storage for clothing and other items, the dresser offers more storage drawers in different sizes. The variety of drawers is ideal for folded clothing, linens, and accessories as well. The chest of drawers may venture out of the bedroom, providing room for blankets, toys in a playroom, or candles and assorted items in the living room.
Dressers are a high-function piece of furniture with a timeless appeal. They make more of a style statement than a chest of drawers, but chests of drawers offer more versatile storage that can be used in other rooms. When considering the dresser versus the chest of drawers, take into consideration your available space, your preferred style, and how much storage you need.
Can I Have a Dresser and a Chest of Drawers in My Bedroom Set?
For bedrooms that have the floor space and individuals that need plenty of storage, both a dresser and chest of drawers can be used. You’ll find both pieces included in many stylish bedroom sets. It comes down to personal preference and how much storage is needed.
Which works best for you? A dresser or chest of drawers?
Bedroom Furniture Resources
- Bedroom Furniture Buying Guide
- Should I Get a Sleigh Bed?
- A Guide to Bed Frame Dimensions
- How Designers Revitalize Traditional Bedroom Furniture
- 17 Things to Know About Platform Bed Frames
- Nightstand vs. Bedstand Table
- How to Choose a Wooden Bedframe for an Adjustable Mattress
Browse our entire selection of dressers and chests of drawers. If you need more help, leave your question in the comments or reach out to one of our trained furniture specialists.
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