The 10 Best Dressers for Spaces Tall, Wide, and Everything in Between
Poor dressers: They simply don’t get the respect they deserve. What other piece of furniture would store your socks and provide a “wow” design moment? Dressers can be as beautiful as they are utilitarian, and the best designs are top of their class in both categories. And that’s how it should be, because buying a dresser is not a casual (or inexpensive) purchase.
If you’re in the market for a new dresser, fear not. We’ve rounded up the 10 best in varying sizes and styles, from a retro rattan option to a modern modular design and even an anything-but-boring traditional number. Some are tall, some are low, one is slim, and all would look ultracool in your bedroom. Scroll down for our favorites.
Our Favorites
- Best rattan: Urban Outfitters Ria Six-Drawer Dresser
- Best cane detailing: Crate & Barrel Anaise Cane Three-Drawer Chest
- Best low-profile: Blu Dot Lap Two-Door/Two-Drawer Credenza
- Best budget: IKEA Björksnäs Dresser
- Best tall: West Elm Keira Solid Wood Six-Drawer Dresser
- Best modern: Lulu and Georgia Corliss Three-Drawer Dresser
- Best customizable: Room & Board Emerson Dresser
- Best modular: Zara Home Chest Kassl Editions Dresser
- Best traditional: Serena & Lily Blake Dresser
- Best for (but not just for) kids: Domino x Crate & Kids Steamer Lane Six-Drawer Natural Wood Dresser
Best Rattan: Urban Outfitters Ria Six-Drawer Dresser
Dimensions: 62.13-by-34.45-by-6.54 inches | Material: Rattan and mindi wood | Drawers: Six
Why we chose it: This rattan dresser pairs a laid-back look with thoughtful design details.
There’s something very California cool about this rattan Urban Outfitters dresser, but just because it has a ’70s vibe doesn’t mean it lacks refined design elements. The opposite, really. The piece has no shortage of features that will make you look twice, from the chevron-weave drawers to the looped base and edges to the cutout drawer pulls.
What we like:
- The rounded edges and woven drawers give it a retro vibe
- Spacious drawers with cutout pulls
- Mix of rattan and mindi wood
Worth noting:
- Two people recommended for assembly
Best Cane Detailing: Crate & Barrel Anaise Cane Three-Drawer Chest
Dimensions: 50-by-36-by-18 inches | Material: Mindi veneer, hardwood, and engineered wood | Drawers: Three
Why we chose it: Its curved edges and cane detailing beautifully blend mid-century with of-the-moment.
Name a room, any room, and we’ll bet this Crate & Barrel chest would look right at home in it. It could store extra glassware in a dining room, winter accessories in an entryway, or clothing in a bedroom. The mix of shelves and drawers along with mid-century–style caning and 1930s curves creates a timeless, versatile design. Just be careful to keep it out of direct sunlight, as it’s vulnerable to fading.
What we like:
- Timeless design
- Combination of drawers and shelves
- Shelves are adjustable
Worth noting:
- Prone to sun damage
Best Low-Profile: Blu Dot Lap Two-Door/Two-Drawer Credenza
Dimensions: 72-by-27-by-20 inches | Material: Maple | Drawers: Two
Why we chose it: With two drawers and two shelves, this credenza would look just as good in a living room as in a bedroom.
This credenza is as pretty as can be, but its versatility is what landed it a place on this list. The shelves are adjustable, as are the legs (which are available in matching maple or, for a pop of contrast, orange or white). The low profile makes this design a perfect match for a living room or bedroom, and it would look especially beautiful centered under a TV. One potential downside: If you’re looking for a dresser to store clothes in, the half shelf/half drawer configuration probably isn’t ideal.
What we like:
- Multiple color options for legs
- Drawers include self-closing hardware
- Adjustable shelves and foot glides
Worth noting:
- Some assembly required
- Shelves are not super-conducive to storing clothing
Best Budget: IKEA Björksnäs
Dimensions: 35.4-by-35.4-by-18.5 inches | Material: Birch | Drawers: Five
Why we chose it: IKEA offers a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice style or substance.
IKEA to the rescue yet again. If you’re not down for dropping four figures on a dresser, everyone’s favorite Scandinavian brand has this sophisticated option with an easier-to-swallow price tag. Its balanced proportions are designed to fit a variety of spaces, and its natural birch color goes with all sorts of design styles. Our favorite part of this dresser ,though, besides its price, are those cool leather drawer pulls.
What we like:
- Affordable price point
- Goes-with-everything natural birch color
- Handsome leather drawer pulls
Worth noting:
- Assembly required
Best Tall: West Elm Keira Solid Wood Six-Drawer Dresser
Dimensions: 34-by-55-by-18 inches | Material: Solid acacia wood | Drawers: Six
Why we chose it: This mid-century design is pretty and practical, as well as tall and timeless.
To maximize your vertical space, opt for a tall dresser like this mid-century–inspired West Elm design. Its six drawers are generous in size, with plenty of breathing room for all your sweaters and accessories, and the smooth metal glides ensure they’ll never get stuck. This dresser is an investment, no doubt about it, and you’ll never tire of it.
What we like:
- Makes the most of vertical space
- Legs have built-in levelers in case of uneven floors
- Wood is kiln-dried, so it’s extra-durable
Worth noting:
- Very tall, so be aware of the proportions with the rest of your furniture
Best Modern: Lulu and Georgia Corliss Three-Drawer Dresser
Dimensions: 35-by-35-by-17 inches | Material: Reclaimed Douglas fir | Drawers: Three
Why we chose it: A modern silhouette paired with a utilitarian function equals a forever piece of furniture.
There’s nothing we don’t love about this dresser. First, each one is made out of reclaimed Douglas fir wood, making it one of a kind with its own special markings. Then there’s that sexy, modern silhouette, along with deep drawers that will make keeping your trousers organized a breeze. Add to that a goes-with-everything whitewash finish, and you have a dresser that you’ll love now and a decade from now.
What we like:
- Made of reclaimed wood with one-of-a-kind markings
- An edgy but timeless design
- Made in Los Angeles
Worth noting:
- Ships in three to five weeks
Best Customizable: Room & Board Emerson Dresser
Dimensions: Varies | Material: White oak, walnut, or ash | Drawers: Three to 10
Why we chose it: With multiple sizes and wood options, this is the choose-your-own-adventure of dressers.
Do you need a dresser with three drawers or 10? Would you prefer white oak or walnut? Stainless steel or natural steel hardware? This Room & Board design isn’t for the decision-making-adverse among us, but it’s ideal for anyone who needs to customize a dresser to fit their space just so. It’s available in seven different sizes (with varying drawer configurations) and four types of wood, and comes with two hardware options to choose from.
What we like:
- Seven size options, with varying numbers of drawers
- Available in four different wood types
- Created in the U.S. with sustainable wood
Worth noting:
- Hardware is small and may be difficult for some to grasp
Best Modular: Zara Home Chest Kassl Editions
Dimensions: 16.9-by-39.4-by-15.7 inches | Material: Plywood and melamine | Drawers: Four
Why we chose it: One of these dressers is great; a set of them is even better.
If you’re working with a slim space, look no further: This Zara Home dresser is just under 17 inches wide. If you have a little wiggle room in your square footage, though, we like the idea of enlisting a few of them—in natural wood tones or with a color-blocked navy accent—to create a standout modular dresser situation. And seriously, how cool are those off-center handles?
What we like:
- Can stand alone or be paired side by side
- No assembly needed
- Available in beige and in a combination of three colors
Worth noting:
- To prevent it from toppling over, attach it to the wall with the provided anti-tip device
Best Traditional: Serena & Lily Blake Dresser
Dimensions: 68-by-33-by-21.25 inches (wide option) | Material: Hardwood | Drawers: Five or six
Why we chose it: Traditional, yes, but this dresser has a textured twist.
We can picture this Serena & Lily dresser in a beach house, a relaxed city apartment, a sweet nursery, or just about anywhere. While its shape is tried and true, its texture is anything but expected: Artisans wrap the dresser by hand in woven raffia, then top it with five coats of clear lacquer to protect the finish. Choose between the tall or wide version, and rich indigo or a sandy natural color.
What we like:
- The raffia exterior gives it an interesting, unexpected texture
- Brass drawer pulls add a modern polish
- Option to get matchy-matchy with a coordinating nightstand
Worth noting:
- Keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid fading
- Clean spills immediately to prevent staining
Best for (But Not Just for) Kids: Domino x Crate & Kids Steamer Lane Six-Drawer Natural Wood Dresser
Dimensions: 50-by-34-by-18 inches | Material: Sungkai wood | Drawers: Six
Why we chose it: Finally, a dresser that kids and adults will both love.
Maybe we’re biased, but this dresser that we created in collaboration with Crate & Kids is a winner, no matter your age. Its rounded edges are kiddo-friendly, but the timeless design would look just as striking in your bedroom as it would a nursery. The best part, though, may be the playful, colorful knobs, which you can mix and match to your heart’s content. Or for a modern, monotone look, opt for matching wood knobs.
What we like:
- The option to mix and match colorful drawer pulls or go neutral
- A classic design that any age would love
- Rounded edges are kid-friendly
Worth noting:
- Some assembly required
How We Chose These Products
To be included in this list, these dressers had to ace two requirements: look beautiful and work beautifully. We looked for quality materials, interesting lines, sufficient drawer space, and durable designs. We selected options in a range of price points and sizes, so you can find a beautiful dresser no matter your budget or bedroom size.
Our Shopping Checklist
Design
First and foremost, smart, sharp design is at the top of our must-have list. That could mean striking hardware, an alluring shape, an unexpected texture, or a combination of all three.
Size
Dressers vary widely in height and width, and each size serves a purpose. Whether you want three drawers or six drawers, a slim profile, or a dresser that can house your whole wardrobe, there’s a dresser on our list sure to fit the bill.
Material
For a sturdy dresser that will last years—and perhaps through a few adventures in moving trucks—shop for one made of solid wood, whether that’s birch, walnut, oak, or otherwise. Hardwoods hold up the best against the everyday wear and tear that dressers endure.
Drawers
If a dresser doesn’t come with ample storage space, what good is it? None. We shopped for dressers with multiple deep drawers (but not too deep, so you won’t lose socks to a drawer’s dark depths) that easily open and gently close.
Ask Domino
Q: Where should I place my dresser?
We wish there was a magic design trick we could reveal to you, but here’s the real answer: It depends. Is your dresser low and wide or tall and slim? Are you working with limited square footage or do you have some wiggle room? The placement of your windows will likely limit your options, too.
Oftentimes, dressers look best on a wall facing a bed, which will help balance a room’s heaviest furniture pieces. Ultimately, your dresser should be easily accessible, with enough clearance around it that you won’t bump into potentially sharp corners.
Q: How tall should a dresser be?
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to dressers. The height of your dresser should depend on the space it will live in, how much storage space you need, and, ultimately, personal preference. Many dressers will come to waist height (26 to 44 inches), though taller options are available for slimmer spaces.
Q: What is the difference between a tallboy and a dresser?
A tallboy is one part dresser, one part wardrobe. The wardrobe sits on top of a chest of drawers, and the unit as a whole is traditionally used to store clothing.
Q: What is the difference between a dresser and a bureau?
Not much except for placement. Dressers live in a bedroom or closet—you know, where you get dressed—and store clothing and accessories. Bureaus, meanwhile, provide additional storage in an office or library. Structurally, though, dressers and bureaus are the same.
The Last Word
The perfect dresser can be the difference between an organized sock drawer and an out-of-control one, a balanced bedroom design and an uninspiring one. The perfect dresser is also a long-term commitment and costs a hefty part of a paycheck. Consider your options carefully, and select one you are sure you’ll love for years (and years) to come.
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