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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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Shop for Dressers on 1stDibs
Fantastic Walnut Mid Century Modern William Hinn Dresser Exoskeleton Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
8 drawers. 34 1/8" h x 75 5/8" w x 23" d.
Condition
Light surface scratches.
Dimensions
35 x 76 x 23 in
Category
Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Walnut
Chestnut dresser base / server / console table
Located in Budleigh Salterton, GB
Early 19th Century Chestnut Dresser Base
H: 74 cm (29 1/8")
W: 200 cm (78 3/4")
D: 53 cm (20 7/8")
Early 19th Century dresser base.
French circa 1820s, from the Brittany region of f...
Category
Antique 1820s French Country Dressers
Materials
Chestnut
Drexel Declaration Ten Drawer Low Dresser by Kipp Stewart
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern walnut triple dresser from the desirable declaration line designed by Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall for Drexel in the 1950s. On the right are fou...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Walnut
MidCentury Macassar and Goatskin Italian Chests of Drawers, 1980
Located in Rome, IT
Perfect bedroom dresser all refinement and style both for the size of the entire design and for the utmost care taken for its entire finish.
A simple square design welcomes a Macass...
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Goatskin, Macassar
Rare Mid century Paul McCobb #1502 Jewelry Chest 10 Drawer Maple Brass Blonde
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Rare Clean Paul McCobb #1502 36" small chest of drawers in solid maple construction with blonde finish. Very high quality construction with original brass pulls with patina. Made for...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Kent Coffey Designed 'Perspecta' Dresser
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Brasilia style dresser by Kent Coffey for his Perspecta collection. Sculptural front walnut dresser consisting of three deep center drawers flanke...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Walnut