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Is there a difference between a dresser and a chest of drawers?
1 Answer

Yes, there is a difference between a dresser and a chest of drawers. Dressers are short, and chests of drawers are overall taller pieces of furniture that typically do not have room on the top for a mirror as most dressers do.
Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This type of case piece was originally a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period.
Find antique and vintage dressers for sale on 1stDibs.
Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This type of case piece was originally a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period.
Find antique and vintage dressers for sale on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 1, 2024
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Shop for Dressers on 1stDibs
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Chinoiserie Dresser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage desig...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Riviera” Highboy Birch Dresser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
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Birch
Bunny Williams Home Button-Down Chest (Oak)
Located in New York, NY
A handsome mid-century design and intricately carved geometric details transform this chest into a bold statement of style. Truly timeless and sturdily built, this chest will ground ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Dressers
Materials
Wood, Oak
$5,500 / item
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern 9-Drawer Walnut Dresser by Unagusta
By Unagusta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage desig...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Walnut
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Highboy Dresser by Unagusta
By Unagusta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage desig...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Walnut
Antique American Chippendale Mahogany Chest on Chest Highboy Dresser 70"
Located in Dayton, OH
An exquisite American Chippendale Highboy, circa 1790. Features a mahogany case with 9 hand dovetailed drawers of oak construction with solid classic solid brass batwing bale pulls ...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century American Chippendale Dressers
Materials
Brass
$3,250 Sale Price
20% Off