How Big Is A Typical Dresser?

Dressers are a great way to store clothes if you don't have a closet. If you're thinking about adding a dresser to your room, you may be wondering how big they typically are to ensure that it will fit in your particular space. So, just how big is a dresser? We did the research and have the answer for you. 

Dresser sizes can vary, but they usually measure between 30 and 70 inches across, they range in height from 30 to 50 inches, and they are usually between 18 and 24 inches deep. 

As you can see, there is a broad range of dresser sizes available, which means there is something for almost every space. However, there is more to know than just the typical size of a dresser, so keep reading. We will cover everything you need to know about measuring, choosing, and placing a dresser in your room.

A cozy child bedroom with authentic interior design, home decor in wicker basket and toys on wooden chest of drawers, How Big Is A Typical Dresser?

Dresser Sizes

Many people still imagine the long horizontal dressers that sometimes come with an attached mirror, a piece of furniture that might have taken up quite a bit of space in your room. But these days, dressers now come in a variety of sizes, and dressers can be bought to fit in most spaces. Dresser sizes will also vary depending on the number of drawers they have. 

For example, this rustic wood 3 drawer dresser measures 31.5" L x 18" W x 30.04" H.  

We sometimes add affiliate links and content that was curated and created by our team with the help of advanced ai tools to help showcase the best design styles.

Click here to see this Musehomein dresser on Amazon.

Similarly styled, this 5 drawer rustic wood dresser measures 37.99" L x 15.98" W x 25.98" H.

Click here to see this Musehomein dresser on Amazon.

How Many Drawers Does A Dresser Have?

The number of drawers a dresser has can differ. A long dresser will usually have between six to nine drawers. If the dresser has six drawers, they will likely be all the same size with three on either side. Another style might have 3 drawers on either side with 4 smaller ones on top. Furthermore, a smaller dresser may only have 3 drawers. 

How Do You Measure A Dresser?

If you are moving furniture to another place, you will need to know whether it will fit in its new potential location. Measuring a dresser is pretty simple, and all you need is a tape measure.

When you measure a dresser, you should measure its height, length, and width. Measure the height from the floor to the tallest point of the dresser. The width of the dresser is how far forward it reaches from the wall, so you will measure from the back of the dresser to the front.  Finally, to measure its length, measure from one side to the other. 

How Do You Choose A Dresser?

Once you've decided you want to purchase a dresser, you may be wondering how to go about choosing the right one for you.

The first thing to consider is where you want your dresser to go. By deciding where you want your dresser to go, you can establish a good idea of the size of the dresser you can put in the space. Measure the space so you know exactly how much room you have. Remember to measure the length, height, and width of where you want it to go.  

Next, you should consider the style of dresser you would like. As mentioned, they come with varying numbers of drawers, heights, and styles. Think about your storage needs. Do you need larger drawers for bulkier pieces of clothing? Or perhaps smaller drawers for things like socks and underwear? If you have taller items you want to store, consider a dresser that also has a side cabinet or shelves. 

Click here to see this dresser on Amazon.

Where Can You Put A Dresser?

Dressers belong in a bedroom. After all, that is where you're more likely to be getting dressed. But where exactly should you put a dresser in your bedroom? 

It will depend on the size and style of your dresser, but if you decide on the standard long dresser that is sometimes accompanied by a mirror, they go best on a long empty wall opposite or next to your bed. They can also be placed under a window. A  dresser can also double as a nightstand beside the bed if it's short enough.

If you decide on a taller dresser, these do well in the corners of a room. Dressers can also be placed in a closet if you have a particularly small room. 

Opposite The Bed

Bedroom interior with hardwood floor

A great way to balance the room is by placing a dresser against the wall opposite the end of the bed. This way you have two large pieces of furniture opposite each other, creating visual balance.

Next To The Bed

Classic bedroom interior

If you have empty wall space to the side of your bed, this is a great place to put a dresser, especially in long, narrow bedrooms.

Under A Window

Bedroom interior with wooden cupboard under the window

Don't be afraid to place a dresser under a window if you don't have any other open wall space. Just be sure it isn't too tall so it doesn't block your light. 

Dresser In Lieu Of A Nightstand

Toy rocket in space bedroom

If you have limited space in your room, you can place your dresser beside your bed and have it double as a nightstand. 

If you're wondering whether dressers need mirrors, check out our other blog post: Do Dressers Need Mirrors? Here’s What You Need To Know

What Is The Difference Between A Dresser And A Wardrobe?

Cozy modern bedroom interior with bed

A dresser and wardrobe both hold items of clothing, but they are actually different. We'll elaborate on the difference below.

Wardrobe

Well, a wardrobe is a standing closet. It is usually a large, tall item of furniture that has, at the very least, an area to hang clothes, but it can also come with drawers underneath the larger storage area. If you prefer to hang clothes rather than fold them, a wardrobe is a good option for you. 

Dresser

Dressers are comprised of drawers or small cabinets and typically store folded clothes. Wardrobes are a great addition to your room if you don't have a closet or if you need more hanging space. However, they do not have a reachable top the way dressers do, so if you'd like more surface area to place things such as lighting or decor, a dresser might be a better option. 

Some bedroom sets come with both a closet and a dresser, so if you have the space to fit both and you can't decide between either, this is not an uncommon design choice. 

What Can You Use If You Don't Have A Dresser?

Dressers are large pieces of furniture, so if you have a smaller bedroom or just don't like the clunkiness of a dresser, you may opt to not purchase one. If you don't have a dresser, don't worry. There are some other items you can use to store clothes.

Plastic Storage Containers Or Decorative Storage Bins

One way to store clothes without having a dresser is by folding them and using plastic storage containers. You can store the containers in a closet or purchase long slim ones that will fit under your bed. If you don't like the look of plastic, there are plenty of other kinds of storage bins available including fabric and wicker. 

Click here to see Rubbermaid storage containers on Amazon.

Closet

Most of the items people store in dressers can also be hung on hangers. If you have closet space, you can choose to hang all of your clothes instead of folding them and putting them in a dresser. Choose to store your clothes on space-saving hangers to really maximize your closet space. 

Click here to see these space-saving hangers on Amazon.

Add Hooks

Adding more hooks to your walls or over the door will give you more space to hang clothes. Choose a hook rack, individual hooks, or even a tall coat tree.

Click here to see this coat rack with shelves on Amazon.

Final Thoughts

Dressers come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you shouldn't have any problem finding a dresser that works for you and your room. Just be sure to measure your space before buying a dresser to make sure it will fit!

If you need some ideas or inspiration about what to put above a dresser, check out this blog post: What Do You Put Above A Dresser In A Bedroom? [6 Suggestions]

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