Mid-Century Modern Style Guide
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Dresser Dimensions Guide: How to Measure and Choose Correctly

Bedrooms are where we begin and end the day, and that makes them an obvious location for storing clothing, shoes, accessories, and other essentials. Although the right kind of closet can meet many of these storage needs, many often choose to handle overflow by including a bedroom dresser in their home design. Functional and stylish, a well-chosen dresser can enhance both the practicality and aesthetics of the room. However, these versatile pieces of furniture come in many different sizes; finding one you like and that matches your space can be a challenging task. Here, we help you navigate the process of selecting the ideal dresser by discussing different types of dressers, standard dresser dimensions, and how to measure and choose the right dresser to meet your unique needs. Types of Dressers First things first: it's important to understand the different types of dressers available, as each serves a unique function and fits differently within a room. Here are the main kinds of dressers to consider:
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    Horizontal Dressers

    Horizontal dressers, one of the most common types, are typically characterized by their low and wide structure. They often come with three or more rows of drawers, where the top row usually includes smaller drawers ideal for organizing smaller items. This design not only maximizes storage space but also provides a broad surface area on top, perfect for displaying decor, storing additional items, or placing a TV or mirror. They are especially suitable for rooms that can accommodate their wider footprint.
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    Double Dressers

    Double dressers expand on the capacity of the horizontal dresser by featuring an extra-wide frame, usually incorporating two columns of drawers. Each side mirrors the other, providing identical storage space ideal for couples or roommates to organize their items separately yet equally. Perfect for larger rooms, these dressers accommodate a variety of items without overwhelming the space, provided the room is large enough.
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    Combination Dressers

    Combination dressers resemble double dressers but with distinctly different designs on each side. They often include a combination of drawers and wardrobe doors or cabinets, offering versatile storage options for various items, from clothing to accessories or even bedding.
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    Vertical Dressers

    Also known as ‘tallboys,’ these dressers are tall and narrow (typically taller and narrower than standard chests of drawers) with a single column of drawers. They are an excellent choice for smaller rooms where floor space is limited but vertical space is available. Tallboys are great for storing clothing and other personal items in a compact footprint but may place some items at a height that can be inconvenient.
What are Standard Dresser Dimensions?
Mid-Century Modern Style Guide
With several different kinds of dressers to consider, it’s no wonder that the average dresser height, width, and depth fall into a few different ranges. Here, we break down the typical measurements for dressers: Dresser Height

Standard dresser height ranges from 30 to 55 inches. The height of a dresser will influence what can be displayed or stored on top of it. For instance, a shorter dresser might be perfect for placing a mirror above it, while a taller dresser can provide a prominent display area for decorative items, lamps, or even a television that you’d like to keep visible but a little further out of reach. Dresser height may also be an important consideration in rooms with lower ceilings.

Dresser Width

Dresser widths generally fall between 35 to 70 inches. The width of a dresser is important for determining how much horizontal space it will occupy in your room and the size of items it can store within its drawers. Wider dressers are suitable for larger rooms and provide more drawer space, whereas narrower dressers are better for compact spaces and smaller items.

Dresser Depth

The standard dresser depth is between 18 to 24 inches. Depth is a key factor in ensuring that the dresser fits comfortably in your space and allows for easy access to the drawers. Depth will also determine how far the dresser protrudes into the room; leaving at least 36 inches between the dresser and other furniture or walls helps ensure that you have enough space to move comfortably.

How to Choose the Right Dresser and Size

The best dresser options are those that fit your space while also meeting your storage needs. Keep the following tips in mind as you consider your options:

Determine Location

Finding the best possible location for your dresser is essential to ensure that it is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Consider the layout of your room and where the dresser will fit best without obstructing pathways, windows, important outlets, or other furniture. This may take some trial and error to ensure that the final location you choose complements the overall design of your room.

Measure Height

To measure the available height for your dresser, use a tape measure to determine how much space is available from the floor to the ceiling or the bottom of any windows or shelves above where the dresser will be placed. Ensure that any items you wish to place on top of the dresser, such as a mirror or decorations, will also fit. Finally, compare these measurements to your own height to make sure that you can comfortably reach any areas you may need to access.

Measure Width

When measuring the width available for your dresser, try to leave at least an inch of clearance on either side, as this should give you enough of a buffer to account for any small inconsistencies. If the dresser has doors, make sure there is enough room for them to open fully without hitting any walls or other furniture.

Measure Depth

As previously stated, most dressers have a standard depth of 18 to 24 inches. In addition, it is recommended to have at least 36 inches of clearance in front of the dresser so that there’s enough room to fully open the drawers.

Know Your Storage Capabilities

These tips can provide good general knowledge to help set you in the right direction, but only you know what your storage needs are. Consider the types of items you plan to store and ensure the dresser has sufficient and appropriately sized drawers or compartments to accommodate them.

Dressers FAQ How many drawers do I need?

The number of drawers you need depends on your storage requirements. For example, if you have a large wardrobe of clothing, seven drawers may be a good choice. For minimal storage needs, a dresser with three drawers may be enough.

What style of dresser is most popular?

The most popular style of dresser varies depending on individual preferences and room decor. However, horizontal dressers and double dressers are commonly favored for their ample storage space and versatility.

Which are the best materials for dressers?

Quality dressers are typically made from solid wood — such as oak, maple, cherry, or (most commonly) pine — offering durability and a classic, timeless look. MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and particle-board dressers are also popular options, providing an affordable alternative with a variety of stylish finishes to suit different décor preferences.

How deep should dresser drawers be to be functional?

Functional dresser drawers should have a depth of at least 14 inches (for smaller drawers) to 18 inches (for larger ones) to provide adequate storage space for clothing and other items. The deepest drawers tend to be around 24 inches deep, offering more storage capacity that is suitable for bulkier items. Be sure to keep your storage needs in mind as you measure for dresser dimensions.

What’s the difference between a dresser and a chest of drawers?

When discussing Chest vs Dresser, it's important to understand the key differences between a dresser and a chest of drawers. A dresser typically features a wider, shorter design with multiple columns of drawers. A chest of drawers, on the other hand, is usually taller and narrower, generally featuring a single column of drawers. Dressers offer more surface space on top, while chests of drawers are ideal for smaller areas needing to maximize vertical storage.

Discover Featured Dressers

Now that you are an expert in standard dresser dimensions and are prepared to select the perfect piece, browse through our featured furniture at Coleman Furniture. You can find the dimensions for any product on the product page, ensuring that you choose a dresser that fits seamlessly into your space and meets your storage requirements. Happy shopping!