Different Types of Dressers Guide

Are you planning to invest in a high-quality storage dresser? Then be aware that there are many different types of dressers to choose from. You have to study each one of them, their features, construction, and advantages to find out which one works best for you.

 

What Is a Dresser?

A dresser refers to a home furniture item mainly used as storage for certain items at home, specifically clothing. The first dressers ever made feature several columns and at least six drawers. Most of the traditional dressers are also shorter and longer, but at present, you can find some variations covering skinnier and taller pieces known as chests. 

Dressers are available in different types, shapes, styles, and sizes. This makes selecting the one that satisfies your organizational requirements easier. It also helps you pick a dresser that complements your space.

 

Key Features of Dressers

To help you learn more about dressers, here are their key features:

1. Drawers – All dressers come with drawers – the number varies depending on the actual design and size. You can also find living room dressers that come with organization features, like compartments or dividers within drawers. Use these features in separating and organizing belongings, promoting more efficient storage.

2. Materials – Materials often used in creating dressers are wood, mirrored glass, wicker, or metal. Choose one that fits your needs the most.

3. Height – You can also choose fabric dressers based on their featured height, shape, or size. Go for narrow and small ones, or more spacious or larger variations. Just determine which one can accommodate your storage needs the most while fitting your space.

4. Style – Identifying dresser styles is also crucial during the selection process. Fortunately, you have several options, including antique and traditional ones as well as contemporary and modern designs.

 

Dresser Types: A Comprehensive List

1. Horizontal Dresser (Double Dresser)

Considered the standard in the world of dressers, this type usually features two columns of drawers, thereby maximizing floor space. It can accommodate the majority of storage needs while giving users a stylish focal point. 

2. Vertical Dresser (Tallboy)

You can distinguish the vertical dresser from the other dresser types because of its double stack of compartments. Unlike the horizontal dresser, a cupboard sometimes replaces the upper half of the vertical dresser. 

3. Combo Dresser

This type is a good choice if you want to enjoy the advantages of both the horizontal and vertical dresser. It features a wide and low section of drawers connected to a slim and tall section, forming an L. It works more efficiently in primary bedrooms or shared spaces.

4. Gentleman’s Chest

The gentleman’s chest is one of those types of dressers that provides space for hanging suit jackets. It usually features the standard construction with one side having an extra open section and a rod inside intended for hanging items prone to wrinkling.

In addition, they sometimes have more features, like mini-interior drawers for watches and ties, and shelves for shoes.

5. Lingerie Chest

This one is a small vertical chest composed of drawers that you can use to store small clothing items. The main idea behind creating this piece is to feature seven drawers representing the days of the week. With that, planning for a week’s worth of undergarments will be easier. 

6. Bachelor’s Chest

Often stunted to the ground, you can use the bachelor’s chest in storing small clothing items while making it your bedside small end table at the same time. It is ideal for one-person items, typically as the primary wardrobe or dresser for a small apartment.

7. Media Chest

Technically, the media chest is not a dresser, but this storage furniture follows the same design. The only difference is that it comes with an open-top shelf where you can place the cable box. Expect it to work efficiently in bedrooms or living rooms as a center of entertainment.

8. Armoire

The armoire refers to a large wardrobe composed of inner hooks and a hanging rod. It has a vertical space intended to accommodate additional storage requirements, like for dresses and suit jackets.

Most of these dressers have ornate and antique designs, but you can also find minimalist styles nowadays. 

 

New Dresser Types

Aside from the common types mentioned, you can also find the following variations at present:

• Sustainable Dresser – If you have a strong commitment to protecting the environment, then you can also choose sustainable dressers. These are dressers made of responsibly sourced and eco-friendly materials. They do not contain harsh chemical finishes, either. 
• Smart Dresser – Do you know that you can also find smart dressers at present? These pieces of furniture incorporate smart technology as a means of enhancing their functionality and the overall experience of users.

Among these technologies are connectivity features, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and sensors. You can even integrate them with other smart devices that are part of your home.

 

Dresser Types for Various Niche Needs

Again, when it comes to selecting the best type of dresser, it is crucial to study your own needs first. To ensure that you get to pick the most suitable one for you, here is an overview of the best dresser recommendations for certain niche needs:

Small Spaces

• Bachelor’s chest
• Vertical dresser
• Lingerie chest

Shared Spaces

• Gentleman’s chest
• Horizontal dresser
• Combo dresser

Accessible Homes

• Combo dresser
• Armoire

Child-safe or Pet-friendly

• Sustainable dresser, mainly because of its non-toxic nature

 

Wrapping Up

Understanding the different types of dressers is important in finding the right fit for your unique requirements and preferences. It helps to compare all your options, so you will know which one really suits your home, personality, lifestyle, and the available space.

 

FAQs

Is there a bedroom type of dresser?

Yes, bedroom dressers exist. These pieces of furniture can offer ample space for clothing items and accessories in drawers. Sometimes, they have cabinets or shelves and mainly feature their multiple drawers and their short horizontal shape.

What’s the standard size for dressers?

In most cases, the typical size of a dresser is around twenty-six to forty-four inches tall, sixteen to twenty-two inches deep, and thirty-six to sixty inches wide. If you pull them out, expect the drawers to extend around ten to twelve inches from the front.

One thing to note about this furniture is that the deeper it is, the more stable it becomes. This is a good thing, especially if you plan to put it in rooms with small kids, as it has a low chance of tipping over.

What do you call the topmost part of a dresser?

You can refer to it as the surface. However, if the piece of furniture features two stacked parts above each other, you can call it a highboy. It is also possible to find another version of it, like one with a cabinet on top and drawers at the bottom. 

Is there a difference between a chest and a dresser?

Yes. The dresser is often short and horizontal and comes with more than six drawers. Meanwhile, the chest is usually more vertical and smaller. The two, though, are perfect for storing clothing and other items and accessories.

How much does a dresser typically cost?

The cost actually depends on the style, size, and additional features, but on average, the starting price for dressers is $120. In a home contract, which includes dressers in the finishing phase, expect the average cost to start from $240.