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What’s the difference between a bureau and a dresser?
1 Answer
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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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.
Find vintage and antique dressers for sale on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 1, 2024
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Shop for Dressers on 1stDibs
Art Deco Modern Vanity Dressing Table Round Mirror Leather & Walnut Wood
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21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Vanities
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Norman Bel Geddes for Simmons Company Art Deco Dresser/Cabinet
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Norman Bel Geddes for Simmons Company Art Deco dresser made mainly of steel, wood at the base and bakelite at the handles. It i...
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Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Nesting End Table Set
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Nesting End Table Set
Dimensions. Large. 21 W ; 19 D ; 16 H
Medium. 18 1/2 W ; 27 D ; 14 1/2 H
Small. 15 W ;...
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Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Dressers
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Kai Kristiansen. a Model 394 Rosewood Dresser from Aksel Kiersgaard Denmark 1960
Located in Paris, FR
Kai Kristiansen (Denmark. Born 1929)
Low, 4-drawer chest made from rosewood, produced by Aksel Kjersgaard in Odder, Denmark, c1960. Features Kristiansen’s trademark circular drawer ...
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Input Compartment with Mirror and Drawers by Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Entrance furniture composed of rosewood base with drawers covered in parchment, bakelite knobs in orange date color. Follows the upper part with frame of...
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Stellar Restored Eight-Drawer Chest by Baker in Cream Lacquer, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautiful eight-drawer chest by Baker, circa 1970. Expertly crafted Walnut case construction with exquisite detail. Iconic carved interlocking circle pulls accent the drawers. A pi...
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Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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