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

1 Answer
Is there a difference between a dresser and a chest of drawers?
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.
1stDibs ExpertApril 1, 2024
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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

Materials

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

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern 9-Drawer Walnut Dresser 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
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

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