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When organizing your bedroom, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is how to store your clothes and accessories. Two common pieces of furniture for this purpose are wardrobes and dressers, but they serve different functions.
Though they both help keep your clothes organized, a wardrobe and a dresser aren’t the same thing. Understanding the difference between the two can help you choose the best option for your space and lifestyle.
What is a Wardrobe?
A wardrobe, sometimes referred to as an armoire, is a tall, freestanding storage unit typically used for hanging clothes like jackets, suits, dresses, and other items that should be stored vertically to avoid wrinkles. Wardrobes often feature additional storage elements, such as shelves or drawers, but their primary function is to provide hanging space.
Common Features of a Wardrobe
- Hanging Rods: The most defining feature of a wardrobe is its built-in hanging rod for clothes that need to be kept wrinkle-free.
- Shelves and Drawers: Many wardrobes include shelves and drawers for storing folded clothes, shoes, or accessories.
- Mirror: Some wardrobes come with a built-in mirror, often on one of the doors, which can be useful for getting ready.
- Closed Storage: Wardrobes usually feature doors that close, keeping everything neatly out of sight.
Our wardrobe armoires on sale are especially useful in rooms without built-in closets. They provide a compact way to add significant hanging storage, making them an ideal solution for small bedrooms or apartments.
In modern or minimalist homes, contemporary armoires wardrobes with sleek, flat-panel doors in neutral tones can blend seamlessly into the room, keeping the space uncluttered.
What is a Dresser?
A dresser is a shorter, wide piece of furniture that mainly consists of multiple drawers used to store folded clothes like shirts, pants, and undergarments. Bedroom dressers generally don’t include hanging space, making them a great option for items that can be folded and tucked away.
Common Features of a Dresser
- Drawers: You can find 6 drawer dressers, 8 drawer dressers, and even 11 drawer dressers. Larger drawers are great for bulkier items like sweaters, while smaller drawers are ideal for accessories like scarves and socks.
- Mirror: Some dressers come with an attached mirror or are designed to be placed under a wall-mounted mirror.
- Wide Surface Area: The top of a dresser provides surface space that can be used for decorations, personal items, or even a TV in some cases.
Most dresser furnitures can fit into almost any bedroom layout because of their low profile. They’re especially good for filling long, empty walls or placing below windows.
You can choose a style that complements the room’s design, from sleek modern dresser furnitures to rustic wooden dressers. Check our ultimate guide to dressers to learn more about this piece of furniture.
Wardrobe vs. Dresser: Key Differences
The biggest difference between a wardrobe and a dresser is how they store clothing. Wardrobes prioritize hanging storage, while dressers focus on drawers for folded items. Here are a few key distinctions:
Storage Functionality
- Wardrobes are for hanging clothes and may include drawers or shelves as additional storage.
- Dressers are mainly for folded clothes and other items that fit inside drawers.
Size and Shape
- Wardrobes tend to be tall and narrow, utilizing vertical space for hanging clothes.
- Dressers are shorter and wider, with drawers stacked horizontally.
Style and Design
- Wardrobes often have a more closed-off look with doors that conceal everything inside, making them ideal for those who prefer a clutter-free, minimal aesthetic.
- Dressers are more open, especially on top, allowing for decor, lighting, or personal items to be displayed.
Pros of a Wardrobe and Dresser
Wardrobe Advantages
- Ideal for Hanging Clothes: If your wardrobe consists mostly of clothing that needs to be hung, such as dresses, blazers, or formal wear, a wardrobe is the best option.
- Multi-Purpose Storage: Many wardrobes come with shelves, drawers, and hanging space, like our white armoires with shelves, allowing for versatile storage.
- Great for Rooms Without Closets: If your bedroom lacks built-in storage, a wardrobe provides a compact, all-in-one solution.
Dresser Advantages
- Excellent for Folded Clothes: Dressers are designed for storing folded clothes, from T-shirts to pants to undergarments.
- Space for Display: The top surface of medium size dressers and oversized dressers offer an opportunity to display personal items like jewelry trays, lamps, or decorative accessories.
- Versatile Placement: Dressers are low and wide, making them easy to place under windows or in other spaces where taller furniture wouldn’t fit. It’s best to know where to put a dresser in the bedroom for better space efficiency.
Choosing Between a Wardrobe and a Dresser
When deciding between a wardrobe and a dresser, think about your specific storage needs and how you want to use the furniture. Here are some expert tips to help you make the right choice:
1. Check Your Clothes
If you have more clothes that need to be hung (like suits, blouses, or dresses), a wardrobe is essential. However, if you mostly have casual clothing that can be folded, rectangle dressers will be a better fit for you.
2. Consider the Size of Your Room
If space is at a premium, a wardrobe might not be the best option since it takes up vertical space and can make a room feel smaller. Dressers, on the other hand, are typically shorter and more versatile, making them better suited for smaller spaces.
3. Look at Your Current Storage
Do you already have a built-in closet? If so, 8 drawer wood dressers and 9 drawer wood dressers might be the perfect complement. On the other hand, if you lack any built-in storage, a wardrobe could serve as a closet replacement.
READ: How To Organize Your Dresser For Maximum Space Efficiency
4. Think About Design and Aesthetics
The style of your room can also influence your decision. For modern, minimalist rooms, wardrobes with sleek finishes and hidden compartments work well, like white armoires. For more traditional or rustic designs, vintage oak dressers with ornate details can be a beautiful focal point.
Popular Dresser and Wardrobe Styles
When incorporating a dresser or wardrobe into your space, choosing the right style is important for keeping the overall look cohesive. Here are some of the most popular styles to consider:
1. Farmhouse
These farmhouse dressers and wardrobes feature rustic wood finishes and charming details like distressed paint or barn doors, such as the River Place Armoire by Liberty Furniture and Flatiron 7-Drawer Dresser by Legacy Classic Furniture Kids. They fit perfectly in cozy, country-inspired rooms.
River Place Armoire
2. Contemporary
Pieces like contemporary armoires and contemporary dressers are sleek, modern, and minimal. Wardrobes in this style often have flat-panel doors and lack hardware, while dressers have clean lines and simple designs, just like the Modern Farmhouse Collection armoire, Surancha 6 Drawer Dresser by Ashley Furniture, and Blanc 8-Drawer Dresser by ART Furniture.
Surancha 6 Drawer Dresser
3. Rustic
These are often made from reclaimed wood or feature natural finishes. Rustic armoires and rustic dressers have a rugged, raw appearance that adds warmth and texture to any space, as seen in Steve Silver Furniture’s Riverdale Collection 8-drawer dresser, Vista Canyon Collection by Emerald Home Furnishings, and Brooklyn Walk Collection by AICO Furniture.
4. Traditional
Traditional wardrobes and traditional dressers are usually made of dark, rich woods with ornate carvings and decorative hardware. They’re perfect for formal or classic bedroom settings, like the Oxford Collection chiffarobe by Aspen Home Furniture and Taline Jewelry Armoire by Acme Furniture.
There’s also the Caldwell Collection dresser by Pulaski Furniture, Kingston Eight Drawer Dresser by Elements International, and Avenue Collection 8 Drawer Rectangular Dresser by Coaster Furniture.
5. Modern
Modern wardrobes and modern dresser furnitures are often minimalist, with bold shapes, unique materials like metal or glass, and striking finishes that give your bedroom a fresh, updated feel.
Our affordable modern dressers and armoires are full of style without compromising on budget, like the Penthouse Collection dresser and Versailles Contemporary 12 Drawer Dresser.
6. Glam
Glam dressers and wardrobes feature luxurious materials like mirrored surfaces, metallic finishes, and velvet or tufted accents, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space.
Check out this wardrobe piece from the Hollywood Swank Collection, as well as the Evangeline Collection dresser and Twenty Nine Dresser.
Keep Your Bedroom Organized
While a wardrobe and a dresser serve different purposes, they are both essential pieces of furniture for creating an organized and functional bedroom. Choosing the right one depends on your specific storage needs, the size of your space, and your design preferences.
Whether you prefer the hanging space of a wardrobe or the versatility of a dresser, incorporating these pieces into your bedroom can elevate both its style and functionality.
Shop wardrobe armoires and bedroom dressers for sale at Local Furniture Outlet.
