The Best Dressers for Spaces Small, Wide, and Everything in Between
They’re pretty and practical.
Updated Jul 17, 2023 5:46 PM
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Reading up on Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product concierge. We do the tedious part—deep-dive research, hands-on testing, and tapping experts for advice—so all you have to do is hit “add to cart.” That’s why we call them Simply the Best.
Poor dressers: They simply don’t get the respect they deserve. What other piece of furniture can 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 11– best in varying sizes and styles, from a retro rattan option to a modern modular design to 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: Serena & Lily Balboa Rattan 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 compact: Queer Eye Wimberly Three-Drawer Dresser
- Best modular: Floyd Home Dresser System
- Best modern: Article Dalsa Natural Oak Dresser
- Best customizable: Room & Board Emerson Dresser
- Best traditional: Lulu and Georgia Topiary Dresser by Ginny Macdonald
- Best for kids: Urban Outfitters Ruby Four-Drawer Dresser
Best Rattan: Serena & Lily Balboa Rattan Dresser
Dimensions: 60-by-21-by-34 inches | Material: Beechwood, cherrywood, rattan, brass | Drawers: 6
What we like:
- Exclusive design
- Soft-closing drawers
- Included anti-tip installation kit
- In stock and ready to ship
Worth noting:
- Stains will prove tough to remove from this material (keep away from water)
Why we chose it: This rattan dresser pairs a laid-back look with thoughtful design details.
Wrapped head to toe in handwoven rattan, this easy-on-the-eyes dresser is all about laid-back beach vibes—something of a Serena & Lily signature. The frame is constructed from durable beechwood, and the drawer fronts, also dressed in the wickerlike fiber, feature cherrywood, which is still plenty strong. Beyond the quality appearance of the rattan, this dresser is a standout among others on the market for its brass legs and drawer pulls, which add a sophisticated flair to the relaxed design.
Best Cane Detailing: Crate & Barrel Anaise Cane Three-Drawer Chest
Dimensions: 50-by-36-by-18 inches | Material: Mindi veneer, hardwood, engineered wood | Drawers: 3
What we like:
- Timeless design
- Combination of drawers and shelves
- Shelves are adjustable
Worth noting:
- Prone to sun damage
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 create a timeless, versatile design. Just be careful to keep it out of direct sunlight, as it’s vulnerable to fading.
Best Low-Profile: Blu Dot Lap Two-Door/Two-Drawer Credenza
Dimensions: 72-by-27-by-20 inches | Material: Maple | Drawers: 2
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
Why we chose it: With two drawers and two shelves, this credenza would look good in a living room and 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.
Best Budget: IKEA Björksnäs
Dimensions: 35.4-by-35.4-by-18.5 inches | Material: Birch | Drawers: 5
What we like:
- Affordable price point
- Goes-with-everything natural birch color
- Handsome leather drawer pulls
Worth noting:
- Assembly required
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, besides its price, are the cool leather drawer pulls.
Best Tall: West Elm Keira Solid Wood Six-Drawer Dresser
Dimensions: 34-by-55-by-18 inches | Material: Solid acacia wood | Drawers: 6
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
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.
Best Compact: Queer Eye Wimberly Three-Drawer Dresser
Dimensions: 31.48-by-30.5-by-18 inches | Material: MDF and particleboard | Drawers: 3
What we like:
- Ships with a wall anchor kit
- Easy to clean
- Lined drawers
Worth noting:
- Rattan drawers are printed
Why we chose it: For tight quarters, tap this shorter design that can double as a nightstand.
If your bedroom skews on the shorter side, we recommend this three-drawer dresser that can easily masquerade as a nightstand while still providing an ample amount of storage. Offered in a black oak and natural-like finish, reviewers love this unit for being far more expensive-looking than it actually is (just under $200). There’s a mix on assembly; some share putting everything together after it arrives flat-shipped is a breeze, whereas a few others struggled. Each of the drawers—the bottom two offer a surprisingly spacious depth of 6 inches—are lined with linen, so you don’t have to worry about your favorite sweaters snagging on any rogue splinters.
Best Modern: Article Dalsa Natural Oak Dresser
Dimensions: 30-by-60-by-18 inches | Material: White oak, MDF, oak veneer | Drawers: 6
What we like:
- Solid oak drawers
- Slightly slanted legs
- Fast, free shipping
Worth noting:
- On the smaller side (drawers are 4 inches deep)
Why we chose it: A modern silhouette paired with a Scandi vibe.
We love this dresser’s seamless look: the concealed drawer pulls, subtly slanted legs, clean lines. While its overall features are minimalist, the natural oak finish is versatile enough to go with anything already mingling in a bedroom. It’s the kind of dresser you’ll likely love as much today as a decade from now. “We are very impressed with the quality! It is solid and pretty heavy-duty,” one reviewer writes. Another adds, “Easy delivery and beautiful dresser.” And if you, like some other shoppers, are wary about the actual roominess of the drawers, a 30-day return window allows you to decide whether or not it’s the right fit.
Best Customizable: Room & Board Emerson Dresser
Dimensions: Varies | Material: White oak, walnut, or ash | Drawers: 3 to 10
What we like:
- 7 size options, with varying numbers of drawers
- Available in 4 different wood types
- Created in the U.S. with sustainable wood
Worth noting:
- Hardware is small and may be difficult for some to grasp
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 sizes (with varying drawer configurations) and four types of wood, and comes with two hardware options to choose from.
Best Modular: Floyd Home Dresser System
Dimensions: Varies | Material: Solid and engineered wood (walnut, maple), powder-coated steel | Drawers: Customizable
What we like:
- Made in the U.S. with sustainably sourced wood
- 5 different frame and drawer front finishes
- Choose from 8 drawer configurations, or customize your own
Worth noting:
- Takes between 8 and 12 weeks to ship
Why we chose it: The same base, but an infinite number of drawer combos, from size to finish.
Modular furniture is the name of the game at Floyd, famous for its adjustable bed frame. When it comes to a dresser, one base can be added onto another to become a two- or three-unit piece, and then you can add closed drawers, doors, or open shelves. Start from scratch with the Build Your Own feature, or choose from preselected modules, such as the larger three-unit modular. Either way, these are easy to expand upon or dismantle, making a move to a bigger or smaller space less of a heave-it-down-the-stairs situation.
Psst: Our runner-up for best modular is from Thuma—you can read our deputy editor Julie Vadnal’s full review of it here.
Best Traditional: Lulu and Georgia Topia Dresser by Ginny Macdonald
Dimensions: 60-by-20-by-29.5 inches | Material: Ash wood, ash veneer | Drawers: 8
What we like:
- 225-pound-weight capacity
- Heirloom quality
- Option to get matchy-matchy with other pieces from the collection
Worth noting:
- Low inventory left
- White-glove delivery costs extra
Why we chose it: Traditional, yes, but with a twist that looks good from every angle.
The turned legs and aged brass knobs of Ginny Macdonald’s darkly finished dresser would be right at home in a California beach house or Cotswolds cottage. The topiary-inspired details are the backbone of this piece, and eight drawers offer ample amounts of room for everything from bulky sweaters to compactly folded scarves. The smallest offer a width of 12 inches, and the larger sections are over twice that at 25.75 inches wide. And a 4.5-inch leg height, plus a hidden middle leg, adds a stately touch.
Best for Kids: Urban Outfitters Ruby Four-Drawer Dresser
Dimensions: 62-by-19-by-30 inches | Material: Engineered wood, MDF | Drawers: 4
What we like:
- Open shelves
- Retro, rounded charm
- Arrives fully assembled
Worth noting:
- Reviewers mention issues with chipped paint in green option
Why we chose it: A dresser that kids and adults will both love.
This dresser, featuring secret storage beyond its drawers, is a winner no matter your age. Stack books, tchotchkes, and other items you want on display with the side shelves, then close the drawers on clutter and everything else. The dramatically rounded edges are kiddo-friendly, and the blocky oversize knobs are decidedly playful and easy to grab. But the ivory finish gives the whole thing a timeless appeal; it would look just as striking in a teen bedroom as it would a nursery.
More Dressers We Love
How We Chose These Products
To be included on this list, these dressers had to ace two requirements: look beautiful and work efficiently. We searched 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 worthwhile 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, 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 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? 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 so 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 to love for years (and years) to come.