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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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Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern 9-Drawer Dresser by Red Lion
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 desi...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Brasilia” Highboy Dresser by Broyhill
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

Brass

Antique Victorian Flame Mahogany Bow Front Tallboy Dresser Chest of Drawers 50"
Located in Dayton, OH
An exceptional antique 19th Century Victorian Tallboy Dresser. Features a mahogany frame with bowfront and two over three drawer configuration. The...
Category

Antique 19th Century American Empire Dressers

Materials

Mahogany, Burl

Mid-Century Modern 9-Drawer Walnut Dresser by Dixie
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

Rare Mid century Danish modern 9 drawer long low dresser credenza Nils Jonsson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare Mid century Danish modern 9 drawer long low dresser or credenza by Nils Jonsson. Danish Mid-Century Modern chest of drawers or credenza in vintage condition. Nice vintage exampl...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Birch, Teak

Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Californian Modernist Sculpted Walnut 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...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood, Walnut

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