10 Popular Styles of Dressers for Every Type of Bedroom

When it comes to bedroom furniture, few pieces are as versatile and hardworking as the dresser. Beyond offering a place to stash away clothes and essentials, the right dresser can also shape the entire mood of your space, whether that’s modern, rustic, or timelessly traditional. With so many different styles of dressers available today, choosing the perfect one for your room isn’t just about storage; it’s about finding a piece that reflects your personality and complements your overall design.

Key Takeaways:

• Styles of dressers include Tallboy (Chest of Drawers), Horizontal (Double) Dresser, Combo Dresser, and specialty types like the Gentleman’s Chest, Lingerie Chest, and Media Dresser—each defined by their design or function.
• The best dresser depends on room size, storage needs, and how you want the space to feel.
• Mixing and matching dresser styles with other furniture is not only possible but can enhance bedroom design. 

In this guide, we’ll explore 10 of the most popular dresser styles, from natural wood designs to contemporary statement pieces, to help you discover the one that fits seamlessly into your bedroom.

What Defines a Dresser?

Traditionally, a dresser is a low, wide piece that usually comes with six or more drawers arranged in multiple rows. Its design is meant to offer easy access and plenty of surface space on top, often used for mirrors, décor, or everyday items like jewelry trays and lamps. What makes a dresser different from other storage pieces is its balance between function and form. It doesn’t just hide clutter; it’s a statement piece that anchors the room. Because of its horizontal shape, a dresser can also help make a bedroom feel grounded and more spacious compared to tall, vertical furniture.

To avoid confusion, here’s how a dresser compares to similar furniture pieces you might hear about:

10 Popular Styles of Dressers for Every Type of Bedroom

The popular styles of dressers include the traditional horizontal dresser, the tall dresser, the double dresser, mid-century modern, farmhouse, contemporary, and rustic dressers, each designed to fit different room layouts and storage needs. 

To help you decide what works best for your space, here are ten of the most popular dresser styles every bedroom can benefit from.

1. Traditional Horizontal Dresser

The most recognizable of all dresser designs, the traditional horizontal dresser is wide, low, and usually comes with six to nine drawers arranged in rows. Its generous surface top is perfect for pairing with a mirror or styling with lamps, picture frames, or greenery. Thanks to its low stance, this type of dresser can also make ceilings feel taller and rooms feel more spacious, while still providing plenty of storage and display opportunities.

2. The Tall Dresser

Also known as a vertical dresser, this design stacks drawers upward rather than outward. With its narrow footprint, the tall dresser is ideal for smaller bedrooms, apartments, or shared spaces where floor space is limited but storage is essential. Because it draws the eye upward, it can visually balance rooms with lower ceilings and makes the most out of vertical space without overwhelming the floor plan.

3. The Double Dresser

Think of the double dresser as the big sibling of the traditional horizontal style. Wider than average, it typically comes with eight or more drawers and is often used in master bedrooms where couples share storage. Its expansive top provides plenty of space for a large mirror, TV, or curated décor. The width and visual weight of a double dresser also help anchor a room, making it feel grounded and well-proportioned alongside larger furniture like king-size beds.

4. Mid-Century Modern Dresser

Defined by its clean lines, tapered legs, and minimalist hardware, the Mid-Century Modern dresser is a design classic. Popular since the 1950s, it fits seamlessly into modern bedrooms while still feeling warm and timeless. The raised legs not only give it that signature retro look but also create the illusion of more floor space, making small rooms feel airy and uncluttered. 

5. Farmhouse Dresser

Rustic yet cozy, the farmhouse dresser is all about distressed wood finishes, sturdy builds, and simple silhouettes. Often featuring soft white or natural wood tones, it pairs well with vintage-inspired décor and bedrooms aiming for a warm, lived-in charm. The slightly weathered look softens the atmosphere of a room, bringing a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

6. Contemporary Dresser

The contemporary dresser emphasizes sleekness and simplicity. Often finished in glossy lacquer, matte black, or neutral colors, these dressers feature clean lines, minimal hardware, and sometimes handle-less drawers for a streamlined look. Their understated design allows them to blend seamlessly into modern bedrooms, complementing bold statement pieces or colorful accents without competing for attention. 

7. Rustic Dresser

If you want your bedroom to feel grounded and nature-inspired, a rustic dresser delivers just that. Typically made from raw or reclaimed wood with visible grain and knots, this style embraces imperfections as part of its charm. Chunky builds, earthy tones, and metal hardware are common details, giving it a rugged yet inviting character. A rustic dresser pairs beautifully with cozy textiles like wool throws or linen bedding, creating a warm, cabin-like atmosphere.

8. Industrial Dresser

Industrial dressers borrow their cues from old factories and warehouses. They often combine wood with raw materials like steel frames, iron pulls, or riveted details. The look is functional, durable, and unapologetically bold. These dressers bring a strong visual presence to the bedroom, making them a great choice if you want furniture that feels sturdy and authentic. 

9. Scandinavian Dresser

Rooted in the principles of Nordic design, the Scandinavian dresser is all about simplicity, functionality, and light. Usually crafted from pale woods like birch or ash, it often features smooth finishes, soft edges, and minimal hardware. This style thrives in bedrooms that lean toward airy, uncluttered aesthetics, where natural light and calming colors play a central role. 

10. Art Deco Dresser

For those who love glamour and drama, the Art Deco dresser is a statement piece. Think bold geometric shapes, high-gloss finishes, mirrored panels, or metallic accents in gold and chrome. This style harks back to the 1920s and 1930s, bringing a sense of luxury and sophistication to the bedroom. An Art Deco dresser transforms the space into something more polished and refined.

How to Choose the Right Dresser for Your Room

Picking the right dresser is about matching size, style, and function to your bedroom’s needs. Here are a few key things to consider before making your choice:

Measure Your Space and Match Scale: Check the width, height, and depth where the dresser will go, ensuring drawers open fully. Smaller rooms benefit from tall, narrow dressers, while larger rooms can handle wider, horizontal pieces. Balance dresser size with your bed and room scale for a harmonious look.

Consider Storage Needs and Function: Think about what you’ll store—small drawers for accessories or deep drawers for bulkier items—and choose accordingly to keep your bedroom organized.

Balance Style, Color, and Finish: Select dressers that complement your existing décor. When mixing styles, unify them through similar colors or finishes to create harmony, even if the designs differ.

Use Dressers as Focal Points and Play with Proportion: A standout dresser—vintage, bold, or uniquely shaped—can anchor the room. Mix different heights and shapes, like pairing a tallboy with a low dresser, to add visual interest without overwhelming the space.

Mix Materials for Texture and Depth: Combine wood, metal, or glass elements to add contrast and dimension, creating a curated, layered look.

Unify with Accessories: Rugs, lamps, and artwork help tie diverse dresser styles together and establish a cohesive vibe.

Factor in Quality and Budget: Invest in solid wood dressers or artisan-made pieces for durability, but veneer or engineered woods offer more affordable options with some trade-offs in longevity.

Searching for a piece that combines timeless craftsmanship with modern functionality? Explore our collection of handcrafted Amish dressers, known for their solid wood construction and enduring quality.

Wrapping It Up: Finding the Perfect Dresser Style

A dresser is a design choice that influences the entire look and feel of your bedroom. From the traditional horizontal to bold Art Deco statement pieces, today’s styles of dressers offer endless ways to combine storage with personality. The right dresser should fit your space, match your lifestyle, and feel like a natural extension of your overall design. With thoughtful planning, your dresser won’t just be storage; it will be a centerpiece of your bedroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard height of a dresser?

Most dressers range from 30 to 36 inches tall, though taller models (vintage chests) can reach up to 50 inches or more.

Can I mix and match my dresser style with my bed frame?

Yes! Mixing styles adds character. For example, a Mid-Century dresser can pair nicely with a modern upholstered bed frame. The key is to maintain balance through color palettes or finishes.

Can I use a dresser as a TV stand?

Absolutely. Many wide dressers, especially double dressers, are sturdy enough to hold a TV. Just make sure the height and depth of your dresser and TV stand combo suit your viewing angle.

What is a good-sized dresser for a small bedroom?

A tall dresser or a compact horizontal model works best in small rooms. Look for designs with a narrow footprint but enough vertical storage to maximize space.