The difference between a dresser and a chest of drawers is mostly shape: a dresser is wide and low, and a chest is narrow and tall. This guide compares dresser vs chest of drawers by storage, footprint, bedroom size and build quality, so you can pick the one that suits your wall and your clothes. Browse our dressers and chests as you read.
What Is the Difference?
| Feature | Dresser | Chest of drawers |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Wide and low | Narrow and tall |
| Typical height | 30 to 36 inches (76 to 91 cm) | 40 to 55 inches (102 to 140 cm) |
| Typical width | 50 to 70 inches (127 to 178 cm) | 28 to 40 inches (71 to 102 cm) |
| Drawers | 6 to 9, often in two columns | 4 to 6, stacked in one column |
| Top surface | Large, with room for a mirror | Small, for a lamp or tray |
| Best for | Long walls and shared storage | Narrow walls and small rooms |
Both are usually about 16 to 22 inches (41 to 56 cm) deep. These are typical ranges, and the terms overlap. Some people say dresser for any set of drawers, and a tall dresser is the same idea as a chest, so judge by the actual measurements.
Horizontal or Vertical Storage
A wide dresser keeps every drawer within easy reach and gives you a generous top for a mirror, a jewellery tray or a lamp. It does need wall length, and it can be heavy to move once it is full.
A chest of drawers stacks the same kind of storage into a narrow column. It uses height instead of floor space, which makes it a good match for a narrow wall, a spot beside a door or the end of the bed. The top drawers sit higher, so check that you can reach them comfortably and that a step stool is not needed.
If you need a lot of storage, you do not have to choose. Many bedrooms use a dresser on the main wall and a chest beside the closet or window, and the pair can add up to more drawer space than one oversized piece.
Which Suits a Small Bedroom?
A narrow chest is the usual answer when a dresser for a small bedroom will not fit, and you can see more options in our guide to space-saving bedroom ideas. A few other tips:
- Choose a shallower piece, closer to 16 to 18 inches (41 to 46 cm) deep, if the walkway is tight.
- Leave about 36 inches (91 cm) in front so a drawer can open fully and you can stand beside it.
- Check that door swings, closet doors and window sills do not collide with the piece or with a mirror above it.
- A low dresser under a window keeps the wall clear of tall furniture, as long as it sits below the sill.
Match the Drawers to Your Clothes
Look at the drawer depth, not just the drawer count. Drawers about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) tall inside suit socks, underwear and T-shirts, while deeper drawers of 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) hold sweaters and jeans without squashing them. Wide drawers let you lay folded clothes flat, and narrow ones keep small items from sliding around.
Hanging clothes belong in the closet, so the real question is how many folded items you own. Count them by type, then choose the piece with the right mix of shallow and deep drawers. For a whole-room plan, our guide to choosing a bedroom set shows how dressers and chests fit with the bed and nightstands.
Placing a Mirror Above a Dresser
A mirror belongs on a dresser more often than on a chest. Hang it so the bottom edge is about 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) above the top, and choose a width of roughly two thirds to three quarters of the dresser. The centre of the mirror usually sits around eye level. A common guideline for hanging mirrors and art is about 57 to 60 inches (145 to 152 cm) from the floor, though you should adjust it for the people who use it. For a chest, a tall narrow mirror or a piece of art keeps the proportions balanced.
Quality Checks That Matter
- Drawer joints: dovetail joints at the corners of the drawer boxes show careful construction.
- Glides: open every drawer fully. They should run smoothly without scraping and stop firmly. Full-extension metal glides give the best access.
- Back panel: it should feel firm and be properly attached, not loose or paper-thin.
- Stability: push on the top corners. The piece should not rack or wobble, and it should sit level on the floor.
- Anti-tip kit: anchor any tall piece to the wall with the hardware supplied, particularly in homes with children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dresser the same as a chest of drawers?
They are close relatives. A dresser is usually wide and low with two columns of drawers, and a chest of drawers is narrower and taller with a single column. Names overlap in everyday use, so compare the real width, height and depth instead of relying on the label.
What size dresser fits a small bedroom?
Look at narrow chests about 28 to 36 inches wide, or low dressers with a depth of 16 to 18 inches. Measure the wall and leave about 36 inches clear in front so a drawer can open fully. Check door swings and window sills as well.
How high should I hang a mirror above a dresser?
Place the bottom edge roughly 4 to 8 inches above the dresser top, so the two read as one group. Centre the mirror near eye level, which is often about 57 to 60 inches from the floor, and adjust slightly for the people who use it.
Should I anchor a tall dresser or chest to the wall?
Yes, it is a good idea. Most tall pieces come with an anti-tip kit, and anchoring keeps a loaded piece steady when drawers are open. Follow the maker's instructions and use fasteners suited to your wall type, particularly in homes with children.
Open the Drawers in Person
Drawers are best judged with your hands. Visit our showroom at Unit D200, 9737 Macleod Trail SW in Calgary to test glides, compare heights and see which proportions suit you, or browse the wider bedroom collection online to plan around your bed.
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