Chest of Drawers Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Storage

The search for the right chest of drawers can be a challenge. It not only needs to be practical and offer sufficient storage, but it should also blend harmoniously into your existing home decor. Whether for the bedroom, hallway, or living room – the selection of styles, materials, and sizes is vast.

This article serves as a guide to help you navigate the options. We will outline objective criteria to assist in your selection and present a curated list of models that stand out for their specific features and design.

What to Look for When Buying a Chest of Drawers

To make an informed decision, it's helpful to consider a few fundamental aspects. The following points can help you define your requirements and find the perfect piece of furniture.

Material and Style: More Than Just Looks

The material determines not only the durability and maintenance of your new chest of drawers but also significantly influences its style.

• Wood and Engineered Wood: A wooden chest of drawers or one made from high-quality engineered wood like MDF is a timeless classic. It radiates warmth and is highly durable. Light wood tones complement a Scandinavian style, while darker woods create a more traditional atmosphere.
• Lacquered Finishes: A white chest of drawers or one in other lacquered colours has a modern feel and is incredibly versatile. Matte surfaces offer a subtle look, while high-gloss finishes provide an elegant touch.
• Mixed Materials: A modern sideboard often combines different materials. Metal frames add an industrial touch, while fronts with rattan weaving, as seen in a rattan chest of drawers, accentuate the popular boho style.

Size and Function: The Right Place for Everything

Before you decide, measure the available space precisely. Consider not only the width and depth but also the height.

• In the Bedroom: A classic chest of drawers in the bedroom is ideal for clothes, socks, and linens. The height should be chosen so that the top drawer is easily accessible.
• In the Living Room: A lower, wider sideboard in the living room often serves as a surface for decorations or as a TV stand. Models that combine a chest with both drawers and doors offer flexible storage for dishes, books, or media devices.
• In the Hallway: Narrow chests of drawers are well-suited for tight entryways, providing space for keys, mail, and accessories.

Making Smart Use of Storage Space

Consider what you plan to store. The internal layout is crucial for functionality. Deep drawers are suitable for bulky textiles, while shallower drawers help keep smaller items organised. Adjustable shelves behind doors offer flexibility for objects of varying heights. Such thoughtfully designed storage furniture helps to better organise daily life.

Recommended Chests of Drawers

Here is a selection of chests of drawers that are distinguished by their unique features. Each model caters to different needs in terms of design, function, and material.

Ochama Chest of Drawers with 7 Fabric Drawers

Why it stands out: This model combines a sturdy metal frame with lightweight fabric drawers. The layout of four large and three small drawers allows for flexible organisation of items of different sizes.

Pros:

• Large Capacity: A total of 7 drawers provide ample space.
• Sturdy Construction: The steel frame and particleboard top ensure stability. According to the manufacturer, the tabletop can support up to 50 kg.
• Safety: Adjustable feet compensate for uneven floors. An included anti-tip kit allows for secure wall mounting.
• Easy Assembly: Thanks to numbered parts and clear instructions, assembly is straightforward.

Who is it for? Ideal for those looking for a lightweight and flexible storage solution for the bedroom, home office, or as an organisational unit inside a wardrobe. The quick assembly is an added bonus.

Sideboard with 2 Doors and 3 Drawers in White

Why it stands out: This white chest of drawers captivates with its elegant design, featuring decorative grooved fronts and gold handles. It combines a minimalist form with practical storage, making it an eye-catching piece in any modern living space.

Pros:

• Combined Storage: Offers a versatile layout with 3 drawers and 2 doors.
• Flexible Compartments: Behind the doors are height-adjustable shelves that can be set to 3 different positions.
• Thoughtful Design: An adjustable central leg provides stability on uneven floors. The 14.5 cm high metal legs make it easy to clean underneath the furniture.
• High-Quality Materials: Made from engineered wood with metal legs for a solid construction.

Who is it for? Perfect for anyone seeking a modern sideboard for the living room or a stylish credenza for the bedroom. Those who appreciate design accents like grooved textures and gold details will find this piece a perfect match.

Beliani PEROTE Rattan Chest of Drawers with 6 Drawers

Why it stands out: This rattan chest of drawers brings a natural and cosy atmosphere to any room with its woven drawer fronts and light wood tone. It is a perfect addition to boho or Scandi-style interiors.

Pros:

• Generous Storage:6 spacious drawers offer plenty of room for clothes, documents, or other items.
• Durable Materials: The body is made of particleboard and MDF, while the legs are crafted from solid pine wood.
• Floor Protection: The legs are fitted with protective caps to prevent scratches on the floor.
• High Load Capacity: According to the manufacturer, the top surface can hold up to 90 kg, and each drawer can support up to 10 kg.

Who is it for? This chest of drawers is an excellent choice for lovers of natural materials and the boho style. As a wide chest of drawers, it works well in the bedroom but can also be used as a decorative sideboard in the living room or hallway.

Haven't Found the Right One Yet?

The models presented cover a range of styles and needs. If your ideal piece wasn't among them, there are many more options to explore. From narrow tallboys to wide sideboards, the market offers a vast variety of storage solutions.

Discover more Storage & Display Cabinets

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How high should a chest of drawers be?

The ideal height depends on its intended use and the room. In the bedroom, heights between 75 cm and 100 cm are common as they allow for comfortable access to the drawers. In the living or dining room, lower models (approx. 70 cm to 90 cm) are popular as sideboards, since their surface serves as a display area. In the hallway, taller, narrower models (up to 120 cm) can be practical for optimising space.

What is the difference between a chest of drawers and a sideboard?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there are traditional differences. A chest of drawers is classically a piece of furniture consisting only of drawers, tending to be taller than it is wide, and primarily used in the bedroom. A sideboard (or credenza) is wider and lower, often combining drawers with doors, and is typically placed in the living or dining room.

How do you securely attach a chest of drawers to the wall?

To ensure safety, an anti-tip kit is used, which is often included with new furniture. This typically consists of one or more brackets or straps that are screwed to the back of the chest and to the wall. This prevents the furniture from tipping forward, which is an essential safety measure, especially in households with children. Before installation, check the type of your wall to use the appropriate wall plugs and screws.