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What’s the difference between a bureau and a dresser?

1 Answer
What’s the difference between a bureau and a dresser?
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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1stDibs ExpertApril 1, 2024
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Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Canadian Brutalist Modular Dresser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
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Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern 9-Drawer Walnut Dresser
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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...
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Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

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Walnut

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Californian Modern “Vega” Walnut 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 designs...
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Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

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Walnut

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Highboy Dresser by Basic Witz
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...
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Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

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Walnut

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern 9-Drawer Walnut 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 designs...
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Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

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Walnut

1201/F 3-Drawer Beige Leather-Covered Dresser by Libero Rutilo
Located in Milan, IT
Neutral hues and streamlined profiles characterize the essential design of this exquisitely modern dresser, designed by Libero Rutilo with refined minimalism in mind. The simple ash ...
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2010s Italian Dressers

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