Tips on How to Choose a Dresser for Your Bedroom

Today, we’re going to talk about a common, important piece of storage furniture: dressers. But there are some dresser tips to keep in mind to maximize the space in your bedroom. Of course, you can also put one in other places like your entryway or living room, but today we’re just going to focus on your bedroom.

There truly are many variables when it comes to dressers. You could get one made out of recycled material, for example, or an unpainted one that gives you the option of decorating it yourself.

Tips on how to choose a dresser for your bedroom

Always start by measuring. This way you can take best advantage of the space and avoid cluttering it up.

You also have to think about how big the drawers are. You need to have about a foot of space to open them all the way without them being in the way of anything.

Following along with that, you have to factor in where your door is. If your drawers are open, you could knock the door into them when you open it (or vice versa), which will wear down the wood.

There are basically two standard heights for a dresser: chest-height and waist-height. Shorter dressers give a space a sense of depth. 

If you choose a short one, you can put a print or a mirror above it to decorate the space between it and the roof. You could also set up a kind of vanity on top of it, making it a kind of bathroom space.

Of course, you also have to think about what you want to store in it. That will help you determine a specific number of drawers. Most people use them for smaller clothing items, accessories, or as a kind of file drawer.

Once you get your dresser, we also suggest securing it to the wall for safety. 

Style is important

One of the best tips we can give you on how to choose a dresser for your bedroom is to factor in the style. This will help you determine whether to choose one that’s classic or modern, plain or decorative, this color or that one, simple or elegant, etc…

For example, if you have an Asian style house, we suggest a short, red, black, or white dresser with clean, simple lines. If you have a Victorian style, choose one that’s a bit taller, with balled feet. The options are endless.

You could also buy a matching set that includes other things like a nightstand, headboard, footboard, or even closet.

The drawer handles need to match your dresser’s style too. But people prefer drawers with a hole in the center (well-sanded) instead of handles. Again, there are always options.

Like we said at the beginning, you can either buy one already decorated or one that’s plain and will let you decorate it yourself.

Most dressers are simple and symmetrical, but there are always exceptions. For example, some dressers have drawers that are all different sizes, creating asymmetry.

Ultimately, dressers are a practical, functional piece of furniture, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun with them.

The difference between a chiffonier and a dresser

This doesn’t exactly count as one of our tips, but you should also know that a dresser isn’t the only kind of chest of drawers you can put in your bedroom. There’s another type, called a chiffonier. But don’t worry, the rules for choosing are all the same.

Basically, a chiffonier is tall and narrow, whereas a dresser is short and wide.

The main issue is just that people mix them up or don’t know the difference. In fact, some people even have one of each in their bedroom (often matching). 

We want to end by reminding you that dressers are extremely versatile and very practical. They don’t have to take up too much space, and they can even help you save some thanks to the drawers. It’s really not so hard to choose the right one, after all!