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Closets are optimal for hanging easily wrinkled fabric items such as skirts and dress pants. Alternatively, dressers are better for storing clothing that doesn’t easily fit on a hanger—or apparel that can suffer from the pull of gravity, such as bulky knitted sweaters that tend to stretch out of shape if hung on a hanger.
Individual drawers also act as a sorting system, keeping socks in one spot and underwear in another. Dressers come in a wide range of sizes and styles, but they all come well-built, functional, and complement the bedroom decor. Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping and discover why the following picks are among the best dressers available.
- BEST OVERALL: Grain Wood Furniture Shaker 5 Drawer Solid Wood Chest
- BEST BUDGET: Sauder Shoal Creek Dresser
- BEST LUXURY: Crate & Barrel Oxford Black 10-Drawer Tall Dresser
- BEST MID-CENTURY: AllModern Acorn Parocela 7 Drawer Dresser
- BEST TRADITIONAL: Birch Lane Rustic Cherry Deonte 8 Drawer
- BEST BOHEMIAN: Anthropologie Handcarved Delhi Six-Drawer Dresser
- BEST RUSTIC: Mercury Row Light Brown Joshua 6 Drawer
- BEST COLORFUL: Anthropologie Scroll Vine Inlay Three-Drawer Dresser
- BEST FOR KIDS: Delta Children 6 Drawer Dresser
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Dresser
In any furniture store, you’ll find many dressers, some designed to match bedroom sets and others that sell as a single furniture item. Before buying, consider the dresser style and material, the room’s style, how much floor space is available, and what you will store inside the dresser.
Type
The terms “dresser” and “chest of drawers” are often used interchangeably in today’s furniture world, but they don’t always mean the same thing. A chest of drawers is traditionally a vertical chest with three or more drawers, while a dresser was often wider, sometimes featuring two columns of drawers. The best pick will depend on personal needs and available space.
Dressers come in a range of styles, from simplistic double dressers to multifunctional pieces. The simplest upgrade to consider in a basic dresser is an attached mirror. Other dresser types include dresser and closet combinations, such as gentleman’s chests, which include a tall wardrobe section for hanging shirts and dress pants. Dresser and changing table combinations are a popular pick for a nursery to keep baby items within easy reach.
Intended Use
The items to be stored in a dresser will help determine the best dresser for a specific bedroom. An optimal dresser in a nursery might feature a top row of small horizontal drawers for storing baby bibs and onesies—it might also come with a rail around the top and a pad for use as a changing table.
In a large master bedroom, a double dresser that features two wide columns of drawers can organize and hold clothing items for a couple. A dresser that will serve as an overflow for storing blankets and quilts has large, deep drawers to accommodate the oversized items.
Dimensions
Before choosing a dresser style, color, or material, make sure it will fit in the available space. Consider the dimensions of the dresser and how it will look and function in the intended room. In most cases, it’s helpful to keep about 3 inches of space on either side of the dresser. Ensure there is enough space to pull out the drawers as completely as possible so items in the back can be easily accessed.
Dresser dimensions can vary depending on the number of drawers and dresser size. Small chest of drawers or a vertical dresser tends to be narrower and taller to fit in a smaller bedroom. A horizontal dresser tends to be flatter, wider, and take up more space, but their larger footprint also offers more tabletop space.
Material
Dressers come in a variety of materials, including wood, laminate, metal, and rattan. Wood is the traditional and most common material; it’s versatile, reliable, and offers a classic, beautiful finish in a variety of colors.
When it comes to cheap dressers, laminate is a popular material. Laminate is made from thin layers of material, fused together and often finished with a print over top to mimic the look of wood—but for a much lower price. Not only is laminate cost-friendly, but it’s also durable and comes in a wide variety of styles.
While less common, wicker and rattan highlights are sometimes added to wooden or laminate dressers to achieve a cozy rustic-modern look. Metal is another less popular material, but can be appealing to those looking for sleek and modern dressers.
Aesthetic
While a dresser’s main purpose is to store and organize, it also serves as a design element in the room, so take some time to consider which dresser style will look good. If the room’s focal point is a decorative bed, look for a dresser that will complement the bed but not upstage or detract from it.
A solid wood chest of drawers or dresser made from reclaimed barn wood will complement a rustic timber-frame bed, while a sleek dresser with a chrome frame and a glass top is better suited to a contemporary bedroom. Decor styles like bohemian and shabby chic tie-in the look of mismatched furniture items if they’re in complementary hues or they all feature a similar distressed finish. It can help to have a visual, so pull up a dresser’s image on a smartphone or a tablet and take it to the bedroom to help imagine how the item will look in the room.
Assembly
Most dressers will require some level of assembly, but don’t fret, as the best dresser options usually include easy-to-follow assembly instructions. Some also come with basic tools to get the job done quickly and efficiently, eliminating the need to search for a tool box. Self-assembled dressers are easier to transport and should come together in a couple of hours with a little elbow grease.
If assembling furniture isn’t your forte, consider visiting a local furniture store to buy a dresser. Some furniture stores have pre-assembled models ready to haul away and set up in an instant. Keep in mind that pre-assembled dressers can be more difficult to transport and move into place inside a home. If you’re tight on space but don’t want to build a dresser, small dressers are a good choice.
Our Top Picks
To qualify as a top pick, the dresser had to be durable, well-made, and attractive. While personal style and storage needs vary, any one of these dressers can be an asset in a bedroom. The best dresser for you will depend on the room’s decor, your available budget, and who will be using the dresser.
Best Overall
Grain Wood Furniture Shaker 5 Drawer Solid Wood Chest
Add a touch of warmth and sophistication to bedroom decor with this sturdy 5-drawer, vertical dresser from Grain Wood Furniture. This solid wood dresser offers a modernized take on a classic wooden dresser to offer a contemporary but timeless look. The design includes simple lines, rounded knobs, and a natural wood grain.
The solid pine build and handsome design is made to last, making the dresser a sturdy pick for both an adult’s or child’s bedroom. Its tall and narrow profile is 49.6 inches high, 34.1 inches wide, and 18 inches deep. Choose between cherry, espresso, and walnut finishes with this classic piece.
Product Specs
- Size: 49.6 by 34.1 by 18 inches
- Number of Drawers: 5
- Colorways: 3
Pros
- Solid wood construction
- Comes hardware for assembly
- High weight capacity for each drawer
Cons
- Dovetail drawer joints not included
- Full assembly required
Get the Grain Wood Furniture dresser at Wayfair.
Best Budget
Sauder Shoal Creek Dresser
The Shoal Creek dresser’s clean traditional lines will complement many decor styles, including classic, country, and transitional. It offers six spacious drawers with smooth-pull sides, with a sleek white finish that resists stains and is easy to wipe clean.
This affordable, stunning dresser is designed to reduce tipping over, making it suitable for homes with small children. The horizontal dresser is a hefty 54 inches wide, 33 inches high, and 18 inches deep, with some assembly required.
Product Specs
- Size: 33 by 54 by 18 inches
- Number of Drawers: 6
- Colorways: 4
Pros
- Affordable option
- Smooth-pull slides
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Heavy
- Full assembly required
Get the Sauder Shoal Creek dresser on Amazon and at Walmart.
Best Luxury
Crate u0026 Barrel Oxford Black 10-Drawer Tall Dresser
When it comes to quality furniture, aesthetics can come at the price of function. Not with this pick: the Oxford dresser from Crate & Barrel strikes the perfect balance between style and practicality making it an example of most modern dressers.
Eight large drawers and two small drawers help organize clothing and other items, making this dresser as functional as it is beautiful. Elevated atop a burnished brass frame, this dresser channels elegance with wire-brushed acacia wood. Brass framing accents and ultra-slim horizontal pulls finish the dresser’s classy look.
With style and beauty at the forefront, this luxurious dresser is well-suited for those who want to make an artistic statement in the bedroom. This piece measures 50 inches tall, 70 inches wide, and 20 inches deep.
Product Specs
- Size: 50 by 70 by 20 inches
- Number of Drawers: 10
- Colorways: 2
Pros
- Large capacity
- Genuine acacia wood
- Durable brass frame
Cons
- Expensive
Get the Crate & Barrel Oxford dresser at Crate & Barrel.
Best Mid-Century
AllModern Acorn Parocela 7 Drawer Dresser
This wood dresser from Parecola features a clean and toned-down look, which can be ideal for mid-century bedrooms. The dresser body is perched on top of tapered, splayed wooden legs for a mid-century modern feel. Beveled edges and a mix of horizontal bar pulls and round knobs give the dresser a bit of character.
Crafted from a blend of solid and manufactured wood, choose the finish from a variety of warm tones including acorn, walnut, gray, white, and black. Seven spacious drawers offer plenty of storage space: four larger drawers for folded clothing and three smaller ones for undergarments, accessories, and smaller items. At 36 inches high, 56 inches wide, and 19 inches deep, this dresser has a low profile.
Product Specs
- Size: 36 by 56 by 19 inches
- Number of Drawers: 7
- Colorways: 5
Pros
- Spacious drawers
- High weight capacity
- Durable solid and manufactured wood
Cons
- Heavyweight
- Expensive
Get the AllModern Acorn Parocela dresser at AllModern.
Best Traditional
Birch Lane Rustic Cherry Deonte 8 Drawer
This rustic dresser from Birch Lane brings a variety of traditional elements into its homey design. Designed in a French Regency style, it features thick crown molding, beveled edges, antique brass pulls, and turned bun feet. Six large drawers offer spacious storage for folded garments while two felt-lined upper drawers provide a soft spot for jewelry, watches, and other delicate items.
The Deonte dresser is made of poplar hardwood solids and knotty pink cherry veneers. Available in cherry and white, both finishes have a distressed look that adds vintage charm to bedroom spaces. This solid wood chest of drawers is 41 inches tall, 64 inches wide, and 18 inches deep.
Product Specs
- Size: 41 by 64 by 18 inches
- Number of Drawers: 8
- Colorways: 2
Pros
- 2 felt-lined upper drawers
- Durable wood construction
- Comes fully assembled
Cons
- Heavyweight
Get the Birch Lane Deonte dresser at Wayfair.
Best Bohemian
Anthropologie Handcarved Delhi Six-Drawer Dresser
Add a pop of pattern to a bohemian bedroom with this eclectic dresser from Anthropologie. The dresser features a detailed patterned front: each lined design is meticulously hard-carved into the wooden drawers and finished off with pretty brass ring pulls. Six wide shelves sit on top of tapered wooden legs, giving the dresser an elevated look.
Made from solid tropical hardwood, this dresser has a neutral finish, which means it can fit into a range of bedroom decor styles and color palettes despite its loud patterns. A sealed lacquer finish protects this handmade gem from daily wear and tear. The dresser is 33 inches tall, 68 inches wide, and 20 inches deep.
Product Specs
- Size: 33 by 68 by 20 inches
- Number of Drawers: 6
- Colorways: 1
Pros
- Handcarved design
- Durable clear lacquer cover
- Easy to clean
- Comes fully assembled
Cons
- Expensive
Get the Anthropologie Delhi dresser at Anthropologie.
Best Rustic
Mercury Row Light Brown Joshua 6 Drawer
This stately dresser from Mercury Row encapsulates a modern rustic style. The simplistic rectangular build features veneered drawer fronts with an organic wood grain look, striking an appealing balance between well-worn and polished. The dresser sits on top of a steel base, which adds a modern touch to its basic design.
With a size of 35.7 inches tall, 48 inches wide, and 16 inches deep, this dresser has six wide drawers, ideal for storing folded garments, accessories, and small items. It’s made from solid and manufactured wood and comes in three warm finishes: light brown, natural, and white.
Product Specs
- Size: 35.7 by 48 by 16 inches
- Number of Drawers: 6
- Colorways: 3
Pros
- Durable wood and manufactured wood
- Sturdy steel base
- Relatively lightweight
Cons
- Drawers have a lower weight capacity
Get the Mercury Row Joshua dresser at Wayfair.
Best Colorful
Anthropologie Scroll Vine Inlay Three-Drawer Dresser
This Anthropologie dresser features a delicate pattern of vine-shaped spirals and curves. The pattern covers the front and top of the chest to make this dresser an enchanting statement piece. Three wide shelves sit atop a slim brass frame and small, round pulls add a dainty finishing touch.
This artsy dresser comes in a navy or light grey finish, containing a mix of tropical hardwood, engineered hardwood, resin, and bone inlay. It measures 33.5 inches tall, 38 inches wide, and 18 inches deep.
Product Specs
- Size: 33.5 by 38 by 18 inches
- Number of Drawers: 3
- Colorways: 2
Pros
- Anti-tip design
- Easy to clean
- Comes fully assembled
Cons
- Expensive
Get the Anthropologie Scroll Vine Inlay dresser at Anthropologie.
Best for Kids
Delta Children 6 Drawer Dresser
When it comes to children’s furniture, functionality and durability are important elements. This six-drawer dresser from the Delta Children Store has a sturdy wood and composite wood build, providing ample space for storing children’s clothing, baby items, and more. The knob pulls are easy for small hands to grasp and the drawers have safety stops to prevent them from falling out.
A range of neutral finishes including white, black, gray, and various wood tones are available to suit most any bedroom palette, and the smooth finish provides an easy-to-clean surface for any inevitable messes. Like most small dressers, this small chest of drawers is compact at 34.75 inches tall, 48.5 inches wide, 20.75 inches deep.
Product Specs
- Size: 34.7 by 48.5 by 20.7 inches
- Number of Drawers: 6
- Colorways: 6
Pros
- Wide, spacious drawers
- Sturdy wood and composite wood construction
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Heavyweight
Get the Delta Children dresser on Amazon and at Walmart.
Our Verdict
Selected for its ample storage space, 5 wide drawers, and multiple colorways, the Grain Wood Furniture dresser is our first choice. This solid wood piece comes with all of the necessary hardware for assembly. This well-designed dresser is very tall and best suited for an adult bedroom. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, the Sauder Shoal Creek dresser is a great alternative. Its 6 smooth-pull drawers offer plenty of storage at a lesser cost.
How We Chose the Best Dressers
The right dresser brings out your individuality while keeping your clothing, jewelry, and personal items within. Selections for the best dressers relied upon their durability and construction, number of drawers, size, and ease of assembly.
Each of the featured pieces comes with durable wood or metal constructions that offer a stylish design and a long-lasting lifespan. With this in mind, the furniture also offers sufficient weight capacities on the top of the unit and in each of the drawers.
Many of these dressers are easy to clean with a damp cloth or a light dose of the proper wood cleaner. They come in various sizes to suit different spaces, with some offering a convenient size for children. Finally, the list includes assembled and partially assembled options based on price point and installation preferences.
FAQs
Now that you have seen all of the best options for your next dresser, here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about using these storage products.
Q: What is the standard size of a dresser?
Dressers vary widely in size, ranging from tall, narrow models to shorter, much broader options. While there is no standard one-size-fits-all dresser, finding the perfect size involves measuring the available floor space in the bedroom and allowing for at least 3 inches on both sides of the dresser, as well as space for the drawers to open.
Q: How deep are most chests of drawers?
A standard chest of drawers tends to be between 16 to 20 inches deep.
Q: How much does a nice dresser cost?
Dressers can range widely in price. For a new expertly-crafted dresser, expect to spend anywhere from a few hundred to more than $1,000. Budget-friendly dressers and secondhand options also can look beautiful and offer excellent value for the money.
Q: What company makes the best dressers?
Brands like AllModern, Crate & Barrel, Birch Lane, Mercury Row, and Anthropologie have years of experience making durable, beautiful, and well-crafted dressers at a range of price points. When choosing the best dresser brand for your space, consider the brand’s style, materials options, and any additional perks like free delivery or warranty options.
Q: Do I have to assemble a dresser?
Unless you buy it off the floor at a furniture store, you’ll most likely have to assemble at least part of it. Most manufacturers include easy step-by-step assembly instructions, and many also provide the tools and hardware necessary to put them