Ultimate Guide to Dressers: Types of Dressers and More

A dresser is a fundamental piece of furniture in your bedroom. However, did you know middle-class homeowners didn’t have access to dressers during the Industrial Revolution?

During this era, dressers were made for and used only by the rich and powerful in their dining rooms. It served as a temporary grazing table before the dishes were served to the guests in casual dining tables or formal gathering tables. Over time, they were gradually used throughout various social orders and in different settings.

Today, many homeowners still don't know this dresser furniture's purpose. But what is a dresser? How many drawers does a dresser have? And what makes dressers different from a chest of drawers?

Additional wardrobe storage

A dresser can store shirts, pants, jackets, socks, belts, lingerie, and clothes that can’t be hung or won’t fit in your closet anymore. You can buy 11 drawer dressers, lingerie chest of drawers, or even 20 drawer dressers for more storage space.

Additional tabletop space

Since dressers, like oversized black dressers and 39 inch wide dressers, are wider than other storage items, you can enjoy extra tabletop space to carry sundries or accessories.

Additional storage of miscellaneous bedroom items

Having a dresser is a good idea for decluttering your bedroom. For example, 9 drawer wood dressers can store your miscellaneous bedroom items, such as toys, office supplies, jewelry, bags, gadget cords and adapters, and more.

Doubles as your makeup area

The dresser’s height is perfect for a viewing area, so displaying your TV on the surface is commonplace. Go for these cool dressers for a complete mix of quality and style.

Holds your TV

If you don’t have a vanity mirror, you can opt for 6 drawer dressers with mirror to serve as your makeup area. Having mirrors are great for checking your appearance and applying quick makeup before heading out the door.

Check out this Louis Philippe 6 drawer dresser with mirror from Elements International, which combines a timeless transitional style and additional storage features.

Gives your bedroom a cozier vibe

Your bedroom should be a place of comfort. If it’s not, consider changing some furnishings and accessories. Cherry wood dressers or grey wood dressers could feel like a breath of fresh air, especially when storing or grabbing items after a long day.

Ties your space together

Aside from storage, a dresser is a stunning piece of decor that ties your bedroom together. Depending on the theme you want, you can find off white dressers or rustic dressers, and light oak dressers to pull off the interior design look you’re going for.

Many have begged the question, “What is the difference between a chest of drawers and a dresser?” More often than not, people even use these terms interchangeably without knowing the differences between them. Understanding the differences will help you maximize their function in your home.

So, what makes a dresser different from a chest of drawers? Here are some factors:

Dressers are shorter, longer, and deeper compared to chests. On average, they’re around 35 inches tall, 60 to 70 inches wide, and 20 inches deep.

Now, if you're wondering, "What is a tall dresser called? A chest of drawers is taller and narrower. They can range between 44 and 60 inches tall, 24 to 40 inches wide, and about 18 inches deep.

A dresser has at least six drawers that can be constructed side by side, while a chest may only have at least four drawers stacked vertically in a single row.

Dressers also have a wider surface, allowing a television on top. However, a chest of drawers can’t carry a TV due to its narrow design.

Regarding space requirements, dressers are suitable for rooms with bigger spaces, while chests are for tight areas.

So which is better? A dresser or a chest of drawers?

If you have a smaller space and don’t need much storage, go for a taller and narrower chest of drawers.

On the flip side, a dresser can fill the space in your big bedroom. It can also be used as additional storage if your closet can’t cut it.

Take note of other furniture sizes as well. For instance, consider nightstand height to make sure that both furnishings complement each other in your room.

Farmhouse design reminds you of country living. These furnishings mostly have handcrafted details and organic shapes. It exudes a homey vibe, rich in wood and natural materials. This farmhouse dresser by Liberty Furniture could be the next piece to spruce up your bedroom.

Its rustic charm and homey vibe will instantly elevate the feel of your space. Whether you're looking to create a cozy farmhouse atmosphere or add a touch of rustic elegance, this farmhouse dresser is a must-have for any farmhouse-inspired interior design.

Your beach-inspired home deserves the best furniture items. This interior design dwells on lighter shades, like blue dressers, beige, and white. Some materials are also made of natural components like weathered wood, fabrics, wicker, or rattan. 

Whether you prefer a rustic or a more modern look, coastal dressers can add a touch of elegance and functionality to your home. Additionally, their natural components and lighter shades, like the Sandy Beach 11 Drawer Rectangular Dresser by Coaster Furniture, create a calm and serene atmosphere, perfect for a beach-inspired aesthetic. 

For a more traditional bedroom, expect a flow of beautiful embellishments. From ornate hand pulls to stunning cabriole legs, traditional dressers emanate class and sophistication.

These types are typically made of wood finishes like mahogany, dark pine, and cherry. You’ll love these Magnussen dressers made of pine solids and exquisite antique brass metal hardware.

Another example is this remarkable dark wood dresser like the Louis Philippe III Dresser by Acme Furniture with brushed nickel metal handles for more casual settings.

The design of rustic dressers celebrates beauty in imperfections. These furnishings feature dents, dings, and raw finishes for an old-school charm.

The Magnolia Manor dresser combines European influences with a touch of antique charm. Crafted with poplar solids, white oak veneer tops, and birch veneers, this dresser exudes elegance and durability.

With fully stained interior drawers and felt-lined top drawers, the Magnolia Manor dresser offers both functionality and style. 

Modern dressers are rid of ornate decorations and mostly have smooth and clean surfaces and lines. It looks minimal, donning simple geometric shapes—just like this weathered black dresser with silver trimmings, sleek lines, and timeless style.

With sleek lines and silver trimmings, black chester drawers exude a timeless style that will never go out of fashion.

Banking on more versatile furniture and interior design elements, contemporary dressers feature modern finishes and veneers. It showcases sharper shapes and sleeker profiles for your bedroom.

These dressers are perfect for those who appreciate minimalist and clean aesthetics. ART Furniture's Cotiere Dresser, for instance, offers a practical storage solution while also adding a touch of elegance to your space.

Cottage-inspired furniture is a marriage of subtle traditional design and beaming coastal elegance. It delivers a cozy and airy appeal due to its white and classic finishes. It also tends to make spaces appear more prominent.

The use of white and classic tones enhances the feeling of spaciousness, making rooms appear larger. Cottage dressers often feature charming details such as delicate carvings and vintage-inspired accents.

You’ll love this Harbor View dresser in poplar solids, Mindy veneers, and full-extension metal slide drawer glides.

Horizontal Dressers

What is a long dresser called? Horizontal dressers consist of two or three rows of drawers and are typically long and wide. These types are usually mid-height with ample tabletop surfaces for anything. Key, gadgets, books, trinkets, TV, you name it.

Some horizontal ones also have a row of drawers with a top row of smaller drawers and sometimes come with a mirror.

The Azalia Dresser by Coaster Furniture has a rich black and walnut finish with sleek pull handles in an elegant horizontal fretwork design. Its classic color provides a classic charm that makes it a lasting piece for your bedroom or guest rooms.

Combo Dressers

Combo dressers combine drawer columns and a cabinet on either side or middle part. The cabinet doors sometimes open to more shelves or a hanging rod where you can hang some clothes or items.

It offers more spacious storage, which is apt for keeping irregular-sized or oversized items like bags, throw pillows, hats, or shoes. You can even use it in your dining area as additional storage for your cutleries.

If you're looking for something rustic, Progressive Furniture's Trestlewood dresser comes with seven-inch posts and planked panels for an unforgettable form and function.

Double Dressers

A double dresser has two columns of drawers and sometimes a row at the top with multiple smaller drawers. This type is usually attached to a mirror and is relatively bigger, perfect for larger rooms.

Since double dressers have two-column drawers, this option is excellent for couples. Plus, cheap double dressers are perfect for budding families with their affordability and durability.

The dovetail joinery in the Cambridge double dresser makes sure the drawers are sturdy and built to last. With full-extension steel ball-bearing drawer slides, Aspen Home Furniture guarantees you can easily access all your items without any hassle.

2. Achieve visual balance

Since a bedroom dresser is one of the biggest items in your space, it’s critical to achieve visual balance. Treat your dresser as the main stage in an act, where other components complement it.

Maintaining balance could be as simple as displaying a large piece of hanging artwork or a mirror on top of it. Remember that the decorative element on top must not be wider than the dresser. 

3. Create a tall focal point

As with any interior design step, creating a focal point could attract the eyes first, highlighting the pieces around it. You can feature a tall focal point on the tabletop to either side of the mirror or hanging artwork.

Some ideas are a tall and slender vase, a houseplant, a tall single candelabra, a vertical jewelry box, or a decorative vase.

Dresser prices can vary depending on factors such as size, material, and brand. On average, a basic dresser can cost anywhere from $100 to $500. If you're looking for a more high-end or designer option, prices can range from $500 to $2000 or more.

Keep in mind that prices may also vary depending on where you purchase the dresser, as different retailers offer different price points. It's always a good idea to compare prices to find the best one for your home.

When considering the cost of a dresser, it's important to factor in the features and quality you desire. A larger dresser with more storage space may cost more than a smaller, basic one, like 10 drawer dressers or 11 drawer dressers. 

Additionally, dressers made from high-quality materials like solid wood may have a higher price tag compared to those made from composite materials. Nonetheless, you can still find cheap wood dressers and affordable wood dressers with the highest quality.

Keep in mind that shopping during sales or using coupons can help you find good discount dressers as well. Consider your needs and preferences to find the perfect dresser within your budget.