Dresser Vs. Chest of Drawers: What Sets Them Apart?

Imagine you have had your room wonderfully decorated but you have no storage space for your clothes, accessories, etc. You have everything piled up on a chair or table! Well, that’s just a literal mess, negating the purpose of creating a beautiful bedroom in the first place.
So, as much as it is important to have a luxurious bedframe or an artsy décor, it’s equally important to pay attention to storage so that your bedroom looks organized, spacious, clean, and of course aesthetically pleasing too. Hence, there are two main bedroom furniture pieces that you should generally have for storage - dressers and a chest of drawers.
Having said that, though a dresser and a chest of drawers are similar, add to the décor of your room, and serve the same purpose of storage, they still are quite different from each other. But what makes them different?
In this article, will understand dresser vs. chest of drawers, their overview, how are they different, pros and cons, etc.

Overview of a Dresser

Let’s understand more about what a dresser is, what is its purpose, its features, etc. 

What is a Dresser?

A huge set of drawers is called a dresser. A dresser is what you would actually find in a bedroom for the purpose of storage, particularly, for clothes. Typically, dressers for bedrooms are wide and short when compared to a chest of drawers. It also comes with a wide space on the top to keep things, which could be décor or grooming essentials. Modern dressers also come with mirrors, thus, making them even more multipurpose – for storage as well as grooming.  

Dresser Design

A dresser will generally require space in the bedroom and is most often short, deep, and long. Although some dressers are taller than that, the average height of a dresser is 35". They might be as deep as two feet so that there is enough space for large objects. Besides, the lengths of dressers can vary from 30" to 70" and with dimensions like these, a dresser of course needs more space in the bedroom.
Dressers come with storage drawers that can be 2 to 4 long ones and 2 to 3 rows of shorter drawers, or, depending on the style and design, you could have a mix of longer and shorter drawers. There are four, five, and nine different combinations of dresser drawers possible.

Common Features of a Dresser

The most common features of dressers include:

• Many drawers for storage purposes
• Drawers are usually arranged in columns of two, three, or even more
• Spacious top surface that can be utilized to keep things
• Mounted mirrors
• Multipurpose usage. Can be used as a vanity area or can be a TV stand dresser

Varieties Available

You have a number of dresser options available out there for you. Some of the most common ones that you would usually find are:

• Single dressers come with one column of drawers
• Double dresses have two columns of drawers. These double dressers are mostly what you would find in bedrooms, particularly, large ones.
• Available in wood finish and various colors such as more contemporary looking white dressers or more toned down pastel shades, etc.
• You can even DIY them as per your needs.

Materials and Style

Dressers come in a variety of materials, however, the most common material is wood. You have quite an option of wood to choose from too. You have oak, walnut, mahogany, teak, and many more. The type of wood that you would choose also contributes greatly to how the dressers would look. Additionally, there are a number of design or style options as well. You could have a very traditional looking dresser, or something more rustic, or more modern and contemporary. You can choose to design it as per the theme of your bedroom.

Overview of a Chest of Drawers

Let’s understand more about what a chest of drawers is, what is its purpose, its features, etc.

What is a Chest of Drawers?

Chest of drawers is most commonly called chests. These chests of drawers are basically vertical, much narrower, and taller when typically compared to dressers. They are exactly what you would need if you have limited space or a smaller bedroom. A chest of drawers mostly would include either some large drawers or some small drawers for various storage purposes. 

Chest of Drawers Design

Narrow and tall, a chest of drawers usually maximizes vertical space and provides a single row of stacked storage drawers. 5 to 6 drawers are often included in a chest of drawers. They're a more attractive way to add the extra storage that tiny bedrooms need because they take up less width space than dressers.
Chests can be 24" to 38" broad and 44" to 60" tall or more in height. Typically, they are not as deep as dressers. Having said that, a chest of drawers is quite versatile and hence can be used for storage in various parts of the house. They can be used to store office supplies in the office or a range of items in the living room. You can also have chests in your children’s playroom or bedroom to store toys, books, and clothing. A chest of drawers is ideal if there is little available space.

Common Features of a Chest of Drawers

The most common features of chests include:

• Vertical, tall and narrow design
• Many drawers for storage purposes
• Ideal for small bedrooms or where space is limited
• Versatile, can be put in any part of the house for storage needs

Varieties Available

There are numerous chests options available for you. Some of the most common chest of drawers that you would most likely find are:

• Tallboy chest of drawers which is tall and narrow
• Lowboy chest which is shorter
• Lingerie chest for delicate items and more
• You have ones available in wood finish or certain textures or different colors from white chest of drawersto colorful ones to pastel shades and much more.
• You can also DIY them for that personal touch.

Materials and Style

Chests also come most often in wood that includes various types – mahogany, teak, oak, etc. They also do come in metal and plastic, however, the ones that we see commonly being used and preferred are the ones made of wood. Also, like dressers, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to style. You have classic, modern, antique, traditional, contemporary, and more.

Key Differences Between a Dresser and a Chest of Drawers

Let’s understand what makes a dresser and a chest of drawers different from each other.

Structure and Size

Structure and size is the most generic and common differentiating factor between a dresser and a chest of drawers . A dresser is commonly much broader or wider and much lower to the floor. Dressers can have two to four long drawers and two to three rows of shorter drawers. The number varies based on the design or style. It also has more space on the surface, providing you space to keep your décor, grooming essentials, and anything else you see fit. Some do come with a mounted mirror, hence, can serve as your vanity dresser and some dressers can also be used as TV stands. Perfect for a spacious room.

On the other hand, a chest of drawers is designed most often vertically. They are taller and much narrower and usually have a single column of drawers. They are perfect for a smaller bedroom or where there is limited space. At the top or the surface, you might not have a lot of space as compared to a dresser but you surely can manage to keep a piece of décor, a photo frame, a flower vase, etc.

Functionality and Use

The main purpose of both a dresser and a chest of drawers is obviously storage of things, however, depending on their structure they do vary in how much and what can be stored.

Since a dresser is usually wider and bigger, it is ideal for storing clothes, bedding, and other much bigger things. They are ideal for storing larger and bulkier things. Moreover, with more surface area on the top, dressers become multipurpose. The top section can be used to keep décor pieces or a mirror can be mounted onto it and it can become a vanity area or can be used as a TV stand.

Chest of drawers, on the other hand, are absolutely perfect for storing as well as organizing smaller things such as your innerwear, socks, accessories, etc. Also, they are versatile and can be used anywhere besides the bedroom such as in the living room or children’s room. They are ideal for storing toys or paper, documents, etc.

Space and Placement

A  dresser is usually wider, hence, it requires more space. The most ideal place to keep a dresser is against a wall in your bedroom, in a more open space. While a chest of drawers would usually get into a much more limited space or tight corners of the room.

Pros and Cons of a Dresser and a Chest of Drawers

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of a dresser and a chest of drawers.

Pros and Cons of a Dresser

Pros and Cons of a Chest of Drawers

Dresser Vs. Chest of Drawers – Which One to Choose?

When making a decision about what you need there are a few things to keep in mind. You need to understand your requirements and needs.

• This is where you would consider your storage requirements. How much do you need to store and what do you need to store? Is it clothes, bedding, accessories, etc.? If you have clothes and bedding, a dresser is  ideal and if you have smaller garments such as underwear or socks, a chest of drawers is a good choice.

• What do you personally want? What is your personal style and choice? Do you need something that is multipurpose or just for storage? If you need something to keep your TV or decorative pieces, a dresser is an apt choice, and if you just need to store small things without the need to use the surface area, then a chest of drawers is ideal.

• Understand how much space you have. Do you have a large space or do you have limited space? A dresser is ideal where there is enough space and a chest of drawers is apt for a place that doesn’t have that much space.

Some Practical Tips

• Always ensure that you have the required space to put your furniture piece in.

• If you are adding a dresser or a chest of drawers to your existing furniture in the room, make sure it blends in well with your other bedroom set for that symphonic and cohesive look.

• There are numerous style options out there, choose ones that are not only practical but also enhance the look of your bedroom.

• Always keep in mind your storage needs and of course your space.

In conclusion, it’s important that you understand how a dresser and a chest of  drawers are different because doing so will help you make a practical and informed decision. While both dressers and chests are needed for storage, they are still different from each other greatly because of particularly two crucial factors -  space and storage requirements. So, make sure that you understand your needs and requirements and also keep in mind the aesthetics of your bedroom before making a decision.