Have you ever heard someone ask, "What is a Chester drawers?" and wondered about what it was? Many people mishear the question and think they're saying "what is a Chester drawers" rather than "what is a chest of drawers."
Otherwise known as “bureau,” “commodes,” “commode bureau tables,” or “chests,” a chest of drawers is a type of furniture with stacked drawers. Many people interchangeably use a chest of drawers and dressers.
In the world of bedroom furniture, there are many dresser types to choose from, one of which is the chest of drawers. Whether you're searching for a traditional dresser, a modern design, or a classic chest of drawers, the options are abundant to suit your style and storage needs. So, let's dive in and figure out what is a chester drawer.
What is a Chest of Drawers?
What is a Chester drawer or chest of drawers? A chest of drawers is a narrow and tall storage similar to a dresser. The drawers are typically in one parallel horizontal orientation and stacked on each other.
These pieces look minimalist and smaller than other storage furniture, such as dressers. Also shortened to “chests,” these pieces take up less floor space, suitable for smaller bedrooms or areas.
Most chests of drawers are narrow and tall, which means they have smaller tabletop space. This also means placing a mounted mirror on top of chests is not ideal. However, you can elevate your room by complementing the chest of drawers with hanging artwork or a few decorations on the surface.
The History of Chests of Drawers
The chest of drawers dates back to the 17th century, evolving from simple wooden chests used for storage. Over time, craftsmen began incorporating drawers to improve organization and accessibility, giving rise to what we now know as the chest of drawers. These pieces became popular in Europe and America during the 18th and 19th centuries, often showcasing ornate carvings and high-quality woodwork. Today, they remain a functional and timeless addition to bedrooms, hallways, and other living spaces.
What is a Dresser?
A dresser is a piece of furniture designed to store clothes and personal items in its spacious drawers. Unlike a chest of drawers, a dresser typically comes with a wide, low profile and often includes a mirror mounted on top, making it a dual-purpose piece for both storage and grooming.
Ideal for bedrooms, dressers provide an accessible way to organize folded clothing, accessories, and daily essentials while also adding style to the room.
What is a Chest of Drawers Used For?
Post Drawer Chest
Aside from understanding what is a Chester drawer or chest of drawers, we should dive into what it's used for. Chests are typically used to store clothes, underwear, socks, or sundries.
While most homeowners use chests in the bedroom, a Chester drawer or chest of drawers can be displayed anywhere in the house to store various items.
So, what is a Chester drawer? Essentially, it’s a specific style of chest of drawers known for its traditional, elegant design.
Whether used as Chester drawers or chest of drawers, this piece serves as both functional storage and a stylish addition to any room, such as pieces from the Glen Meadows Collection by Samuel Lawrence, Lauren Collection by Avalon Furniture, and Post Collection by ART Furniture.
Glen Meadows Chest
Lauren Chest
Shop Our Chests of Drawers
What is the Difference Between a Dresser and a Chest of Drawers?
If you’re still wondering what is a Chester drawer or chest of drawer and how it differs from a dresser, here’s an answer in a nutshell. A chest of drawers or chest is narrower and taller than a dresser. A dresser is about waist-high, while a chest is taller. The term chest of drawers ispecifically refers to a traditional style of chest of drawers, often characterized by its elegant design and stacked drawers.
The chest of drawers' average height is between 44 and 60 inches. On the other hand, a standard dresser’s average height is between 26 and 40 inches.
Dressers have multiple columns for drawers, with at least four to nine or more drawers. On the other hand, chests only have a single column with only four to six drawers.
Placement of Dressers and Chests of Drawers
When placing a dresser or chest of drawers, consider both practicality and aesthetics. In bedrooms, dressers are often positioned along the largest wall, while chests of drawers work well in tighter spaces due to their tall, narrow design. If you're using a dresser with a mirror, ensure it’s placed where it can reflect natural light or offer an unobstructed view. Chests of drawers can also double as hallway storage or fit neatly into closet corners for extra organization. Arrange them so they don’t obstruct walking paths while complementing the room’s layout and style.