Posted by Natalia Kolomiets
on May 20, 2020
Updated in October 2026
Quick answer: To choose a dresser, first measure the space and leave at least 70 cm of clearance in front to open the drawers. Next, choose the style based on what you’ll be storing: a low, wide dresser, 80 to 100 cm tall, can also serve as a vanity or TV stand; a tall dresser or “symphonier,” over 110 cm tall, holds just as much while taking up less floor space. Finally, consider the material: a solid wood dresser with drawers on slides will withstand decades of daily use.
A dresser is one of the most useful pieces of furniture in the bedroom, but it’s also one of the items people are most likely to choose based on appearance alone. A model that’s too deep gets in the way, one that’s too low forces you to bend down every morning, and one with flimsy drawers will start to sag after just a few years. In this guide, we’ll walk you through, step by step, how to choose a dresser: what measurements to look for, what types are available, what style suits your bedroom, and why the material makes all the difference.
The product shown in the image is the Escandi 1 dresser from NordicStory, a solid oak dresser measuring 80 x 45 x 84.5 cm with four drawers and a natural oil finish, featuring compact dimensions suitable for bedrooms of any size.
Summary
- Standard depth: 40 to 45 cm. Leave 70 cm of space in front to open the drawers.
- Low chest of drawers (80 to 90 cm tall): provides a convenient surface for a vanity, mirror, or television.
- Tall dresser or chiffonier (110 to 140 cm): maximum storage capacity with minimal floor space.
- Large drawers for sweaters and bedding; small ones for underwear and accessories.
- Solid oak wood can withstand weight and daily use better than particleboard or MDF.
Contents
What are the standard dimensions of a chest of drawers?
Before looking at models, measure the available space: the width of the opening, the height to the window or the nearest electrical outlet, and the distance to the bed or closet. With that information, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Depth: 40 to 45 cm is standard. At depths below 40 cm, the drawers lose capacity; at depths above 50 cm, the dresser blocks the passageway.
- Space in front: Leave at least 70 cm of free space so you can fully open the drawers and bend down comfortably.
- Height: A low chest of drawers is typically around 80 to 90 cm, the height of a vanity. Tall ones are over 110 cm and can reach 140 cm.
- Width: from 60 cm for the narrowest models to 160 cm for the spacious sideboards.
Types of dressers: Which one do you need?
| Type | Approximate measurements | Ideal for | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard dresser | 80 to 100 cm wide, 85 to 90 cm tall | Bedrooms of any size | Escandi 1, Runa |
| Low, wide dresser | 100 cm or wider, 80 to 85 cm tall | Vanity, TV, or mirror on top | Milan (100 x 40 x 83 cm) |
| Tall dresser | 60 cm wide, 130 to 140 cm tall | Small bedrooms, limited floor space | Escandi 6 (60 x 45 x 139 cm) |
| Sinfonier | Narrow and tall, with drawers and shelves | Walk-in closets and nooks | Escandi 2 (80 x 45 x 111 cm) |
| Chest of Drawers | 140 to 160 cm wide, with drawers and doors | Large bedrooms or living room | Escandi 3 (160 x 45 x 84.5 cm) |
If space is your main constraint, check out our tall and narrow dressers. If you're looking for a spacious surface, low dressers are the best option.
How many drawers, and what size?
Make a quick list of what you're going to store. That list will help you choose the right drawer configuration better than any catalog:
- Sweaters, winter clothes, or bedding: You'll need wide, deep drawers, like those in a standard dresser with three or four large drawers.
- Underwear, socks, and accessories: the small top drawers work best. The classic arrangement is two small drawers on top and three large ones below.
- Lots of clothes and little floor space: a tall chest of drawers with six drawers maximizes vertical storage.
- Items you'd rather hide behind a door: choose a combination model with drawers and doors, such as the Elsa 2 dresser.
What style of dresser fits in your bedroom?
Take a look at the furniture you already have: the bed, nightstands, and closet set the tone. A chest of drawers with Nordic lines and slender legs makes small bedrooms feel more airy; a handle-less model with pull-out drawers fits perfectly into minimalist spaces; and wooden chests of drawers with prominent grain add warmth to rustic or Mediterranean styles. To get the tone just right, we’ll help you choose the ideal colors for wooden chests of drawers.
Why Choose a Solid Wood Dresser
Drawers are the part of a dresser that takes the most wear and tear: they’re opened and closed several times a day, loaded with heavy items. In a particleboard or MDF dresser, the drawer bottoms warp and the joints loosen over time. A solid oak dresser keeps the drawers straight and the joints tight for decades, and if it gets scratched, it can be sanded down and refinished. We explain the difference in detail in our comparison of MDF versus solid wood.
Where to Place the Dresser
In the bedroom, the most common spot is in front of the bed or next to the closet, where you get dressed. Avoid placing it behind the door if it prevents the drawers from opening all the way, and leave it a few centimeters away from cold or exterior walls to allow air to circulate. But a dresser isn’t just for the bedroom—it also works well in the entryway, living room, or dining room. We’ll give you ideas on how to use a dresser in any room and how to decorate a wooden dresser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dimensions of a standard dresser?
A standard dresser is between 80 and 100 cm wide, between 40 and 45 cm deep, and between 80 and 90 cm tall. Tall dressers are over 110 cm tall, and sideboard-style dressers can be up to 160 cm wide.
What is the difference between a dresser and a sideboard?
The dresser is wider and shorter, with large drawers and a usable surface on top. The sinfonier is narrow and tall, designed to hold a lot while taking up little floor space. Traditionally, it had seven drawers—one for each day of the week.
How much space should you leave in front of a dresser?
Leave at least 70 cm of space in front of the dresser so you can fully open the drawers and bend down comfortably. If the dresser is in a walkway, 90 cm is ideal.
Which is better, a dresser or a sideboard?
A dresser is designed for the bedroom and is primarily used for storage in drawers. A sideboard is wider and lower, combines drawers and doors, and is used in the living room or dining room. Dresser-sideboards combine both functions.
How do I know if a dresser is of good quality?
Check the material of the frame and the bottoms of the drawers, the type of drawer slides, and the joints. A solid-wood dresser with drawers that slide smoothly and tight joints will last for decades without warping.
Find your solid wood dresser
Solid oak dressers in low, tall, and narrow styles, finished with natural oil.
