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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 "Staccato" Brutalist Dresser by Lane
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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Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Antique American Empire Flame Mahogany Tallboy Dresser Chest of Drawers
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid to late 19th century American Empire tallboy / highboy chest. Made of flame / crotch mahognay featuring rectangular form with scrolled front and four hand dovetailed drawers. Di...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Empire Dressers

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Mahogany

Contemporary Oval Chest of Drawers In Dark Coral Lacquer & Light Oak
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A minimal and elegant chest of drawers offered in a combination of solid wood tops with lacquered structure. The seamless drawer fronts maintain clean lines with subtle horizontal gr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Commodes and Chests of Dra...

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Wood

Customizable Minimalist Oval Chest of Drawers In Walnut & Orange Lacquer
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A minimal and elegant chest of drawers crafted in mocha oak veneer, featuring a gently curved, oval silhouette. The seamless drawer fronts maintain clean lines with subtle horizontal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Commodes and Chests of Dra...

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Wood

Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Highboy 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 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Louis XVI Style Triple Dresser by Dixie
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Louis XVI style triple dresser made by Dixie Furniture circa 1970. Three top drawers are paneled to give the look of four and open with rosette pressed knob handles. Lower drawers ...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Louis XVI Dressers

Materials

Wood

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