So, you’re thinking about adding a dresser to your bedroom, huh? Well, here’s the thing: A dresser isn’t just a big piece of furniture you use to stash socks, extra blankets, or that pair of jeans you might wear someday. Nope. It’s so much more than that.
But with so many types of dressers out there, how do you choose the right one? Fear not! Let’s dive into the world of dressers and figure out which type works best for your unique style and space.
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Why the Right Dresser Matters More Than You Think?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of dresser types, let’s take a second to appreciate why the right dresser is actually pretty important.
Storage, but make it stylish: Sure, a dresser’s job is to hold your stuff, but it’s also a piece of furniture that can transform your room. It’s where you can show off that quirky vase, keep your favorite candle, or even house your TV (in case your dresser secretly moonlights as a TV stand, no judgment).
Aesthetic anchor: Your dresser isn’t just a storage solution. It’s the visual foundation of your bedroom. It’s the first thing that balances the space, especially when paired with the bed and nightstands.
Space management: Whether you have a sprawling master suite or a cozy city studio, the right dresser can help make the most of your room’s size. Smaller rooms? Vertical dressers are your friend. Bigger spaces? A wide dresser will ground the room and keep it looking intentional.
Now that we’ve covered why the dresser deserves some love, let’s jump into the various types you’ll find.
Different Types of Dressers
1. Horizontal Dresser
This dresser usually comes with two or three rows of wide drawers, often with a narrower top row that’s just perfect for storing accessories or things like socks that always seem to go missing.
Best for: Mid-to-large bedrooms, or anyone who likes a little extra space to style their room. Think books, lamps, a cute plant, maybe even a mirror. This dresser’s surface is basically an open canvas for creativity.
Bonus point: You can sneak a TV on top, and bam, it doubles as a media console. Who says a dresser can’t moonlight as something else? (We don’t judge here.)
2. Vertical Dresser
You’ve probably seen it: The vertical dresser, or chest of drawers, standing tall like it’s ready to take on anything. This guy is all about saving floor space while giving you plenty of drawer storage. Plus, it adds a little height to the room — perfect if you want to balance out a low bed.
Best for: Smaller bedrooms, apartments, or any space where floor area is precious. It takes up less room but still gives you all the storage you need. If you’ve got tight spaces but need to store lots of stuff, this is your guy.
Pro tip: Because it’s narrow and tall, it can go almost anywhere — the corner of your room, next to the bed, or even in a walk-in closet for some extra organization.
3. Double-Wide Dresser
Think of the double-wide dresser as the overachiever of the dresser world. With an extra-wide footprint and usually six or more drawers, it’s perfect if you have a lot of stuff to store or you just like feeling extra fancy with your furniture.
Best for: Larger bedrooms, master suites, or anyone who shares a space and needs to split the storage (we all know how it goes). Plus, with so much surface area, it gives you lots of room to add décor items.
Warning: This dresser might steal the show, so make sure you’ve got the space for it. It’s a bit of a room-dominating beauty.
4. Combo Dresser
The combo dresser isn’t just about drawers — it’s a hybrid. It’s got a mix of drawers and maybe some cabinet space, too. This dresser is the multifunctional hero that can do it all: fold your clothes, store your accessories, and maybe even hide some seasonal stuff behind cabinet doors.
Best for: Those who need flexibility in storage. Whether you’re stashing clothes, tech gadgets, or extra bags, a combo dresser gives you multiple options.
Extra points: It’s a great option for people who have a lot of different storage needs and don’t want to deal with a hundred drawers.
5. Lowboy Dresser
Low to the ground and oh-so-charming, the lowboy dresser is a minimalist’s dream. Typically with only two or three drawers, this dresser is perfect for rooms with low beds or spaces where you want to keep things feeling light and airy.
Best for: Small bedrooms, children’s rooms, or anyone who loves a sleek, low-profile look.
Pro tip: You can place this dresser under a window, or even use it as a base for a bold statement piece (think art, plants, or an eye-catching sculpture). It’s subtle but impactful.
6. The Dresser With Mirror
Okay, now we’re talking about the real multitasker of the bunch — the dresser with a mirror. This dynamic duo combines storage with style in a way that just makes sense. Not only do you get a functional dresser with ample drawer space, but the attached mirror adds a touch of elegance and practicality. It’s the kind of piece that can act as your vanity or just be a central feature that ties the room together.
Best for: Bedrooms where you want to save space and still have a place to do your hair and makeup. It’s also great for rooms where you want to add a little extra flair without crowding the space.
Pro tip: Use the mirror to reflect natural light into the room, making it feel brighter and more open. Plus, it’s the perfect spot for that final outfit check before you head out the door.
How to Choose the Right Dresser for Your Space?
You’re excited to pick out your new dresser, but before you click “buy now,” let’s slow down and make sure you’re making the best choice for your space. After all, you want your dresser to look amazing, but you also want it to fit and function in your room. Here’s how to narrow it down:
1. Measure Your Space (Yes, Really!)
Before you get carried away with the fun part (shopping!), take a moment to measure your space. Trust me, a dresser that’s too big for the room can make it feel cramped, while one that’s too small might look lost in the space. Don’t forget to factor in clearance around the dresser for when you open those drawers — because, let’s be real, you’re going to want to access your clothes without doing some weird dance move.
2. What Are You Storing?
Be honest with yourself: What are you actually putting in this dresser? Are you mostly storing socks and shirts? Then go for a dresser with plenty of drawers. If you’ve got a mix of clothes, accessories, and maybe a stray laptop charger or two, consider a combo dresser for a little extra versatility.
3. Style Is Important (And Personal)
Your dresser should vibe with your room, not clash with it. Whether you’re into clean lines and natural wood tones, or something bolder and more sculptural, make sure your dresser matches your style. It should be a piece you actually want to look at every day.
4. Room Size = Dresser Size
Remember the golden rule: Small room? Go vertical. Large room? Go horizontal. Simple, right? If you're in a cozy apartment or small bedroom, a vertical dresser will save precious floor space. In a larger room, you can go for something that stretches across the space and gives you room for all your things (plus a few styling opportunities!).
Top Tribesigns Dressers to Consider
- Corner 5-7 Tiers Chest, Wood Narrow Dresser Storage Chest of Drawers
- 45" Storage Cabinet, Farmhouse 5 Drawers Chest Storage Organizer
- Wood 6 Drawer Chest, Storage Cabinet Dresser with Metal Legs
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Types of Bedroom Dressers FAQs
Where Do I Place a Dresser in My Home?
Well, it depends on your room’s layout and size. In a bedroom, the most common spot for a dresser is along a wall where it doesn’t block any windows or doors. Ideally, you want to place it in a spot where you have enough clearance to open all the drawers fully without hitting anything. For smaller rooms, you might consider positioning it at the foot of your bed or along the side wall. If you have a larger room, you can get creative with placement, perhaps placing it in the center of a larger wall to balance the space or even against a feature wall to make it stand out. The key here is to make sure it complements the flow of the room and gives you easy access to your clothes without feeling like it crowds the space.
What is the Difference Between a Dresser and a Chest?
Here’s the deal: dressers are typically wider and shorter, while chests are taller and narrower.
Dressers often have horizontal drawers and are more suited to rooms where you want to maximize surface space, like putting a lamp, mirror, or vase on top. They’re great for more spacious rooms, or where you need access to lots of folded clothes.
On the other hand, chests are designed for vertical storage, making them perfect for tight spaces where you want to use height instead of floor space. So, if you’re working with a smaller bedroom or an apartment where every inch counts, a chest might be a better fit.
Which is Better for Small Bedrooms: a Dresser or a Chest?
When space is tight, the chest might be your new best friend. Its vertical design saves floor space, which can make a huge difference in a smaller room. Think of it like using vertical storage instead of sprawling out horizontally. Plus, a tall chest often fits into corners or against walls where a wide dresser might not.
