Dressers for Small Bedrooms
Tameka Norris | Mar 14, 2008 | Comments 0
When choosing a dresser, there are some things you should consider such as the design and the shape of the new dresser, in order to select the one that will complement the decor of your bedroom.
You can find several different types of dressers, traditional or modern, in different designs and styles to choose from. However, design and style aren’t the only factors to consider because the material of the dresser can also make a huge difference.
Before setting to buy a dresser you should check the area where you intend to place the piece, measure it and notice possible details and architectural particularities that could make a difference in the given space.
Height for instance is something you should notice, in order to avoid covering windows, walls or paintings and mirrors. Width is also something you should consider, especially if you wish to slide the dresser in some nook.
Difference Between Dressers and Drawer Chests
A standard dresser is usually medium height with many drawers and can be very practical and useful because it can store all sorts of things, from clothes to photos and anything you might consider.
A chest is taller, with a column of drawers. It is usually narrower than a regular dresser, but it fits most bedrooms, because it occupies vertical space, leaving floor space free.
Basic Dressers & Chests
You may wish to stick with basic chests but give the illusion of more space. In cases like this it’s a good idea to go with dressers that have simple lines and are built with legs.
Built-in Dressers
This may be the way to go if you own your own home. It’s a unique alternative in which you’ll have either build your own recessed chest or have someone do it for you. It will save you a lot of space due to the face that the dresser takes up space behind the wall.
Corner Chests
Corner Chests are exactly what they sound like, drawer chests that are built to be place specifically in the corner of a room.
Lingerie Chests
Lingerie chests are tall an narrow options that will fit in tiny areas when you’re short on horizontal space but can afford to accomodate vertical space.
Nightstands
Nightstands may not generally be considered as dresser options but it may do you well to put them on your list of things to consider. When you need something short and not too wide, nightstands are perfect options. So it’s best to also think of them as “mini drawer chests.” They’re not the only option that fit into this category. You can also consider mini drawer chests (below). However, the difference is that nightstands tend to have a more elegant look and feel since you’ll find the majority of nightstands are made out of wood, wood veneer or MDF (medium density fiberboard).
Modular Cubes (Stackable)
Modular cubes are great if you want something that’s customizable. You can get as many or as little cubes as you like which means your storage unit can grow with you according to circumstance. It’s perfect if you want to use some of the units for clothes and other units for other items. You can go for cubbies that don’t conceal what’s being stored or you can go for cubes that generally have doors on them so what ever you have stored in there is hidden away from prying eyes. Most cubes are sold as a single but from time to time you can get cube set, which means you’re offered multiple amount of storage space per cube.
Mini Drawer Chests
Mini Drawer Chests are often made out of plastic, wicker, canvas or some other similar material. You may know them primarily as storage carts, storage units and so forth. They’re universal options, which means they’re use to store a multitude of items and aren’t just linked to the bedroom. They might be used to store sewing items, cleaning supplies and so forth. However, when you’re looking for something relatively cheap to take the place of a nightstand or dresser, they might come to mind. They’re not always especially pretty to look at but function is the objective here. Beauty takes a backseat. Due to this They’re especially great students who live in dorms or those who are rooming together and are on a tight budget.
Different Styles of Dressers
If you’re interested in the different styles of dressers available on the market, here’s a quick run-down…
Traditional Dressers
Traditional dressers allow you to add a touch of elegance and formality to the space. They were used by the aristocracy throughout the centuries and have been in production since the 17th century. A traditional dresser is usually made of wood and features carvings and handmade patterns or ornaments, making the space look little heavier and busier.
Modern Dressers
Modern dressers use a contemporary and neutral style, with smooth lines, neutral tones and less decorative elements. Softer and smoother woods are used, such as pine, birch and plywood, creating an easy to clean and practical piece. Of course, today you can find modern dressers made of glass and stone, plastics and steel.
Variations of Styles
Depending on the style you want, you can find several different types of dressers, including art deco, colonial, French provincial and Victorian. You can also find some blends and mixtures of styles, suitable for those who wish to create their own style.
Different Types of Materials for Dressers
In general you should always opt for pieces that complement each other, but what is really important is to choose the proper piece, keeping the contrast and complement in mind at all times.
There are some things you can consider and check about the quality of the dresser. First of all the way the piece is assembled tells you a lot about the overall construction. If you see snagging drawers that don’t glide properly, without dust panels or dovetails, you obviously have some signs of a rather clumsy construction, which could prove impractical as well. These details can give you a hint about the durability and strength of the material.
Usually the body of your dresser is wooden. The different types of wood used in dressers are…
Solid Wood
If you wish for a solid and sturdy piece of furniture, obviously this is the best choice you can make. Solid wood can be quite attractive as well, although it is a little more expensive than other types of wood. It offers you an almost lifetime use as well.
Veneer over Composite Wood
Veneer can be of great quality and is less expensive than the solid wood. Veneer is a type of material that covers wood. It comes in different qualities, with the best being the wood veneer, a type of sliced wood. Printed and vinyl veneer are usually less expensive but also less solid and durable materials. The wood veneer comes in different types of cuts as well; there is the rotary cut and the plane sliced, which look much better and add a realistic tone to the wood.
Veneer over Particle Board
Particle is in general less sturdy and solid, which means that your dresser might not last forever. It is quite cheap material as well.
Built-in Dressers and Chests
Besides purchasing a dresser or drawer chest, you also have the option of building it yourself or having someone build one for you. There are several built-in space saving varieties that might catch your attention…
| Built-in Dressers | ||
|---|---|---|
| Black & Decker | Building a Knee-Wall Cabinet | See it |
| Lumber Jocks | Built-in Dresser | See it |
| HGTV | Built-ins for Dormers | See it |
Where to Buy Dressers for Small Bedrooms
If you’re interested in buying a small dresser for your bedroom, then you can check out the places below. However, this is just to get you started and not a comprehensive list of small dressers available on the market…
Categories: Buying Guides • Guides
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