Tips for Choosing the Suitable Chest of Drawers for Your Bedroom
The chest of drawers is an essential piece of furniture in a bedroom. Practical, discreet or decorative, it allows for efficient storage of clothes, accessories, and everyday objects. But you must choose it carefully! Its dimensions, shape, material, and even the arrangement of its drawers all play a central role in the room’s balance.
Whether you're looking for a bedroom chest of drawers to improve your storage or to structure your decor, finding the right model is essential. Here are all our tips for selecting this bedroom furniture iconic piece!
Adjust the drawer to fit the available space
Before being a decorative element, a chest of drawers must primarily harmoniously integrate into the space and be consistent with the rest of the furniture. Room size, wall layout, circulation: these criteria are essential for choosing a practical piece of furniture for daily use. Adapting your bedroom chest of drawers to your environment is the first step towards a successful layout.
Take the measurements of the room
Before you let yourself be seduced by a design or a colour, start by measuring the space in your room. The choice of a chest of drawers should adapt to the constraints of your bedroom, not the other way round. The dimensions of a chest of drawers vary greatly depending on the models: some are very compact, others extend in width or height.
Get a tape measure and note down:
- The available wall length
- The roof height (if applicable)
- Areas to avoid cluttering (windows, sockets, radiators…)
This will allow you to choose a small bedroom chest of drawers if space is limited, or a 6-drawer chest if you have more room available and things to store inside.
Anticipator the traffic in the room
A piece of furniture can quickly become an obstacle if it hinders movement in the room. To keep traffic flowing smoothly, allow at least 60 cm of free space in front of the chest of drawers to easily open the drawers.
If the room is narrow, prefer a low and long chest of drawers to place under a window or a mirror. If the space is more generous, a tall chest of drawers can be a solution to optimise verticality without encroaching on the passage. Also consider its placement relative to the front door or the opening of a wardrobe near your chest of drawers.
Think about the height, the width… and the usage!
When choosing a chest of drawers, it's not enough to rely on its design: its dimensions and shape must meet your daily needs. Whether it is tall, low, wide, or narrow, each configuration has its advantages depending on how you plan to use it and the space available in the bedroom.
What height for what use?
The height of a chest of drawers influences both its accessibility and its aesthetics. A tall chest of drawers (above 90 cm) allows for additional storage without taking up too much floor space. It is ideal for folded clothes, sheets, or small accessories.
Conversely, a low chest of drawers (about 60-75 cm high) provides a top surface that can be utilised for placing a lamp, an additional decorative item, or even a television. It is well suited for a master bedroom or a guest room, where one wishes to combine design and practicality.
Wide or narrow… How to choose?
Larger = more drawers, but also more bulk. A 6-drawer chest of drawers is perfect for couples or people who lack storage space in their wardrobe. If space is limited, opt for a more compact model, but well compartmentalised.
The ideal width also depends on the internal organisation of the room. It may be more sensible to opt for two small symmetrical chests of drawers rather than a single bulky piece of furniture.
A storage unit for all ages
The chest of drawers is a versatile piece of furniture that adapts to all stages of life. From children's bedrooms to those of seniors, it provides practical and accessible storage solutions, while catering to the specific needs of each user!
For a child's bedroom
The chest of drawers is a piece of furniture particularly suited to a child's bedroom: it allows for sorting clothes, toys, books, without the need for large wardrobes.
We will favour a small bedroom chest of drawers, low, so that the child can access their belongings independently. Ideally, the models with rounded corners, soft finishes, and drawers easy to handle for them.
For Adults or Seniors
In an adult bedroom, the chest of drawers becomes a clever addition to the wardrobe. It can hold bedding, underwear, or anything you wish to keep within easy reach.
For elderly people, ease of use is paramount: sliding drawers with brakes, ergonomic handles, good visibility of the contents. A wooden chest of drawers with a sturdy frame and wide drawers allows for easy handling, while adding a warm touch to the room.
Choose the material
The material of a chest of drawers plays a crucial role, both for the style of the room and for its daily durability. Between noble wood, natural fibres, or industrial finishes, each material has its strengths… and its constraints. The right choice is the one that balances aesthetics, budget, and ease of maintenance.
Solid wood, MDF, rattan or metal?
The bedroom furniture should match the style of the room, but also its use. The solid wood (oak, pine, acacia) is appreciated for its durability and character. A wooden chest of drawers instantly adds a natural and authentic atmosphere.
The MDF (medium-density fibreboard) is more economical but offers good value for money, especially when properly finished and lacquered to protect it. Rattan or wicker create a bohemian effect, perfect in a teenager's room or with a Mediterranean inspiration. As for metal, it evokes a more industrial, sturdy, and contemporary style.
Between Aesthetics and Maintenance
Each material has its maintenance requirements. Raw wood, for example, needs to be protected with oil or wax. Lacquered MDF or metal are easier to clean but may be susceptible to shocks or scratches, especially if you have pets or children.
Also pay attention to the smell (some varnishes or glues release volatile compounds), especially if the chest of drawers is intended for a child's bedroom.
Do not neglect the finishing touches
The details often make all the difference in a bedroom piece of furniture. Beyond the exterior design, it is the internal finishes that make a chest of drawers truly functional and pleasant to use daily. Well thought out, it becomes a real ally for organisation.
Well-Thought-Out Drawer Interiors
A chest of drawers is not just about its appearance. Its utility also depends on the internal organisation. Drawers of different depths allow you to store anything from underwear to blankets or documents.
Some dressers even feature built-in compartments, ideal for jewellery, socks, or small accessories. Opt for sturdy, silent runners that are easy to dismantle for cleaning.
Storage Bins, Dividers, and Modules
To optimise the organisation, consider adding accessories inside your drawer. Fabric baskets, modular dividers, or rigid boxes transform each drawer into a true themed drawer.
This prevents clutter, especially in a 6-drawer chest of drawers, where you can quickly accumulate all sorts of things. These small modules are also very practical in children's bedrooms, where each item can have its place (socks, pyjamas, comforters…).
A piece of furniture that adapts to your needs and your style
Choosing the right bedside cabinet is about balancing design and functionality. Whether it is tall or low, discreet or generously spacious, the bedside cabinet becomes a true everyday ally, capable of adding style while optimising space.
Taking into account the dimensions of your room, your specific needs, and your material preferences, you will find the furniture perfectly suited to your lifestyle. A well-chosen chest of drawers means a better-organised bedroom, more pleasant storage, and an interior that reflects you.
Discover our selection of bedroom dressers designed for all configurations. From sleek designs to clever finishes, find the bedroom piece that will transform your space into a place that is both functional and stylish.
