Dressers, also known interchangeably as chests or bureaus, are furniture pieces made up of multiple stacked drawers for storing items. Most commonly used for holding various clothing items within the bedroom, dressers are multi-functional household pieces use for both the storage of items and for showcasing other items via the top surface. Dressers are designed and manufactured with various sizes, storage capacities, and proportions that can either be more vertical (tall) or more horizontal (wide).
Dressers originated in Europe as early storage solutions for clothing and personal items. Initially, they were simple wooden boxes. By the Renaissance, they had evolved into more refined pieces with multiple drawers and intricate designs. In the 18th and 19th centuries, craftsmanship flourished, leading to ornate styles and varied forms, from tallboys to lowboys. As global travel expanded, design influences merged, resulting in diverse aesthetics. Throughout their evolution, dressers remained central to bedroom furnishings, adapting to changing storage needs and aesthetics.
The future of dressers focuses on adaptability and aesthetic fluidity. Modern living spaces demand multipurpose furniture, leading to dressers with modular designs and multi-functional features, like built-in charging stations or removable compartments. Leading brands like IKEA emphasize minimalistic designs, suited for varied interiors. Eco-conscious choices, using reclaimed or sustainable materials, are on the rise. Smart dressers with sensors for light or humidity control can also emerge. As homes evolve, dressers will seamlessly integrate with spaces, emphasizing both utility and style.
Dressers come in a large range of sizes to meet varied storage demands, but dressers commonly have overall depths between 18”-24” | (46-61 cm), heights between 30”-50” (76-127 cm), and widths between 30”-74” (76-188 cm).
Though the terms dresser and chest are often used interchangeably, dressers traditionally include an attached top mirror while chests of drawers only include drawers.
Dressers are best suited for storing folded casual clothing, off-season wardrobes, and assorted smaller items such as socks and underwear.