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What’s the difference between a bureau and a dresser?
1 Answer
The difference between a bureau and a dresser has to do with their location and function: The type of bureau that we associate with getting dressed in the morning is little more than a dresser with a mirror on top. This type of storage furniture is essentially a cabinet with a stack of horizontal drawers. Typically, a bureau-dressing table is waist-high and placed in the bedroom. A dresser is a short case piece with drawers that is also typically located in the bedroom.
A bureau can also refer to a secretaire, a furnishing with a writing surface. This kind of bureau features a desk with drawers. Much like a traditional secretary but without the upper half, the slant-top desk, also known as a slant-front or bureau desk, originated in the 18th century.
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A bureau can also refer to a secretaire, a furnishing with a writing surface. This kind of bureau features a desk with drawers. Much like a traditional secretary but without the upper half, the slant-top desk, also known as a slant-front or bureau desk, originated in the 18th century.
Find vintage and antique dressers for sale on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 1, 2024
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Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman Basket woven Chest of Drawers cabinet
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A six drawer chest by Paul Laszlo for Brown Saltman. Oak veneer with 100’s of individual tiles laid in an an interwoven basket weave pattern. Great texture and warmth. This exceedin...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
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Art Deco Modern Vanity Dressing Table Round Mirror Leather & Walnut Wood
Located in Porto, PT
Claire Dressing Table embraced an Art Deco style with curvy and opulent shapes. This eye-catchy modern dressing table owns the promise of enriching any master bedroom design project....
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21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Vanities
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Object 011 Hanger by NG Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Object 011 Hanger by NG Design.
Dimensions: D130 x W40 x H190 cm.
Materials: powder coated steel.
Also available: All of objects available in different materials and colors on d...
Category
2010s Polish Post-Modern Shelves
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Steel
Norman Bel Geddes for Simmons Company Art Deco Dresser/Cabinet
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Norman Bel Geddes for Simmons Company Art Deco dresser made mainly of steel, wood at the base and bakelite at the handles. It i...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Dressers
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Steel
Input Compartment with Mirror and Drawers by Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Entrance furniture composed of rosewood base with drawers covered in parchment, bakelite knobs in orange date color. Follows the upper part with frame of...
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Steel
Scottish Painted Dresser Base
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Very good early 19th century Scottish dresser base with a scrubbed pine top. 1820.
Dimensions
82.5 inches (210 cms) wide
27.5 inches (70 cms) deep
37 inches (94 cms) high.
Category
Antique 19th Century Scottish Dressers
Materials
Pine