Functions of chests of drawers
Chests of drawers used in bedrooms today serve the same functions as they did in the 19th and early 20th centuries. You can verify this by looking at photos of chests of drawers from previous years in the bedroom. Their main purpose is to provide storage space for underwear, clothing and clothing accessories, clean bedding, towels or tablecloths.
Storing such things in a chest of drawers is much more convenient than storing them in tall cabinets, because things placed in a chest of drawers are easier to access. The wide range of uses of this type of furniture means that they are placed not only in bedrooms, but, for example, in living rooms, hallways, offices and even bathrooms.
When thinking about whether to place such furniture in the bedroom, it is also worth considering that a chest of drawers takes up much less space than a large wardrobe. This piece of furniture will also look better than its counterparts, since it will not take up much space or dominate other elements of the bedroom layout. This needs to be taken into account before buying a chest of drawers for your bedroom.
Tips for choosing a chest of drawers for the bedroom based on size and dimensions
The size of your chest of drawers is often the most important factor when purchasing furniture. Buyers want the product to be spacious, but at the same time they do not want the item to take up a lot of space in the room. Fortunately, today there are many different products that allow you to choose what you need to suit your interior and requirements. If desired, you can order a design according to individual parameters, drawings, for example, a forged chest of drawers.
We will consider in detail how to choose a chest of drawers, as well as the important characteristics of a furniture product. Focus on what purposes and functions the furniture will serve. Modern types of chests of drawers provide a wide range of options for selecting high-quality and functional structures.
Long
A long chest of drawers has a number of advantages, since it may not take up much space from the wall, but at the same time be quite roomy. Such products are usually placed in rooms where there is not much space, but compact storage of things is required.
A long chest of drawers in the bedroom can combine a dressing table and a wardrobe. You can put necessary things on it, for example, gadgets, flowers, mirrors, cosmetics, etc. The building is perfectly complemented by design solutions. A long chest of drawers can be of different widths and heights.
Narrow
A narrow chest of drawers is also very practical, allowing placement in small spaces. Typically used as a storage cabinet or dressing table. Its convenience lies in the fact that it does not take up much space, and it can be tall and wide. So all the necessary things and accessories fit into it.
Narrow chests of drawers for the bedroom can have a width of 30–40 cm. Custom-made products are adapted to the dimensions required by the customer. A variety of modern shapes allows you to select furniture to suit your interior design style. Narrow chests of drawers in neutral colors - beige, coffee - look most advantageous.
High
Tall chests of drawers are becoming the most popular today. They are great for storing a large number of supplies and accessories. Such products can have a height of about 1.5 meters. The advantage is that such furniture takes up a minimum of space, while at the same time allowing you to place a large amount of things.
A chest of drawers with high legs can be made in a classic style, as well as an unusual design. As a rule, tall products do not have too much width. They are made in various designs from modern to loft. The color variety of wood also allows you to adapt the furniture to the interior of the room.
Low
Low chests of drawers, as a rule, act as a bedside table, an additional furniture element. They are not so in demand, as they have less functionality and capacity. Although in a certain interior they may become a necessity. These types of structures can be elongated and wide to provide enough space for secure storage.
Little ones
Small chests of drawers are most often used as bedside tables and dressing tables. They serve more for storing small accessories; they are suitable for a girl’s or woman’s bedroom, as they perfectly accommodate women’s small items, cosmetics, and jewelry.
A chest of drawers for jewelry is a necessity in a woman's bedroom. It guarantees the correct organization of space and storage of elements that are usually not very convenient to place in large cabinets. Miniature furniture looks neat, cute, but is also a practical component of the interior. This is an excellent piece of furniture for a child's or teenager's room.
A chest of drawers for jewelry can be placed next to a large wardrobe selected in style. High and small chests of drawers placed side by side will complement each other favorably, creating an excellent interior look.
Corner
In some cases, a corner chest of drawers for the bedroom becomes a relevant solution. This product is also considered quite practical and convenient. It can be manufactured in various design designs. Most often, product boxes are placed perpendicularly. There may also be retractable transforming structures.
How to choose a comfortable chest of drawers
There are chests of drawers on sale (for example, at IKEA) designed for placement in bedrooms. They are different types of furniture that can be equipped with only shelves, drawers or both.
Very often, chests of drawers with shelves also have doors that protect clothes or linens stored in them from dust and sunlight.
However, the most popular are chests of drawers that have several drawers of different sizes. Because storing things in them will certainly be the most convenient. Drawers allow you to remove specific clothing from them in a much easier way without turning over the items placed on them.
Opening mechanisms
The presence of drawers alone is an optional design condition. Many mini-cabinets are equipped with other opening mechanisms. They do not reduce, but on the contrary, increase functionality and ease of use. The opening system can be of four types, each with its own characteristics:
- A chest of drawers with a pull-out mechanism is considered traditional. The drawers slide horizontally on guides. The size of drawer boxes in one product may differ in height and width.
- The hinged design involves the presence of doors that cover the shelves. Chest doors are attached to the side panels using hinged hinges.
- The sliding system is built like a wardrobe. The doors move parallel to the plane of the facade along built-in guides.
- The tilting system includes doors with gas lift that open from top to bottom. This mechanism is much less commonly used in the manufacture of chests of drawers.
Characteristics of chests of drawers in Provence style, place of furniture in the interior
Sometimes products have combined opening systems, for example, drawers and hinged doors.
Retractable mechanism Swing design Sliding system Tilt system
Chest of drawers and interior
In addition to their practical function, the first chests of drawers also had a decorative function - they decorated the courts of rulers and aristocrats. They had drawer fronts that were richly decorated and stood on carved wooden legs.
It is worth preserving this tradition and choosing a chest of drawers that fits into the interior of the bedroom. To make the composition consistent, you should choose a chest of drawers for the bedroom in the same style as the rest of the furniture.
If you want a chest of drawers to attract attention, let it stand out from the rest of the furniture in style (then it will fit into fashionable eclecticism), color (strong, dark colors have been in fashion lately) or age (combining old with new is a trend , which is always relevant).
Shape and dimensions
The dimensions of the chest of drawers are of no small importance when choosing a suitable model. They are defined as standard by width, height and depth. Chests of drawers are classified by height into:
- low (up to 1000 mm);
- medium (1000–1300 mm);
- high (1300–1600 mm).
Based on the distance between the side panels (length) they are divided into:
- narrow (600 mm);
- standard (600–1000 mm);
- extended (from 1000 mm).
Subtleties of choosing a chest of drawers in the hallway, popular materials, styles and colors
The third parameter also determines the possible volume of things in the drawers. Based on depth, chests of drawers are divided into shallow (up to 300 mm), medium (300–500 mm), and deep (500–600 mm).
The size of the chest of drawers should be balanced in width and height, in which case the furniture fits harmoniously into the decor.
There are no strict rules for maximum and minimum dimensions; it all depends on individual requirements. But most often, experts recommend purchasing chests of drawers for the bedroom with a maximum height of 850 mm and a depth of 600 mm. The length in this case is not limited.
Low Medium
High
Narrow Standard Long
The shape of the chest of drawers for linen in the bedroom is another important criterion that people pay attention to. The furniture line offers many beautiful and practical configurations. In this case, four main forms can be distinguished:
- square;
- corner;
- oval;
- combined.
The square (or rectangular) shape is the standard and most common. Such chests of drawers are placed not only on the floor, but also hung on the wall. The projection of corner models repeats the letter “G” or a trapezoid. They allow you to rationally use the corners of the bedroom. Oval (or radius) varieties are valued for their unusual stylish appearance and minimal risk of injury, since they do not have sharp corners. The combined chest of drawers consists of moving modules.
Square
Angular
Oval Combined
Dresser style adapted to the interior
Modern chests of drawers for the bedroom can also perform decorative functions. Such furniture can be made of different materials, have different colors and be equipped with different types of decorative elements. Depending on how the bedroom is decorated, you can choose a chest of drawers that will fit perfectly with other furniture in the bedroom.
If you choose a wooden bed for your bedroom, then you should follow the style and put wooden bedside tables and a wooden chest of drawers. To make things even better and create a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom, the rest of the arrangement should be consistent so as not to disturb the effect created by the wooden furniture.
In the case of upholstered beds, the best solution may be to install a chest of drawers in the bedroom that will have a different color, for example, a chest of drawers coated with white, green or blue varnish.
There really are a lot of possibilities, so in addition to its great functionality, a chest of drawers can also become an excellent decorative element in the bedroom.
What materials are bedroom chests of drawers made from?
Modern designers are provided with a large selection of natural and artificial materials for making furniture:
- Natural wood is used to make furniture of the highest quality.
- LDSP (laminated chipboard) is used in mass production, as it is inexpensive and has high strength indicators.
- MDF board in its properties is close to natural wood; furniture made from fibreboard must be protected from exposure to heating devices.
- Natural rattan is used to make wicker furniture; manufacturers use its ability to bend well to create a variety of models.
- Plastic is used to make facades of different colors; it is especially often used to decorate children's chests of drawers and bedside tables; they are decorated with ornaments or pictures that match the style.
- Metal is necessary to create an interior in loft, hi-tech and Provence styles. Metal elements made in accordance with the style look organic and appropriate.
- Glass is used as an additional element, for example, a chest of drawers may have a glass top or fronts. Mirror models look very impressive.
Scandinavian style chest of drawers
The Scandinavian style is quite minimalist, some believe that it is even strict (wrongly, this impression can be created by the top), so wardrobes and tall chests of drawers for the bedroom need to be chosen with special care. The question remains where to start.
Chests of drawers for the bedroom seem to be the most rational in this case. They can be made of white wood, because a chest of drawers for a bedroom should be in light colors. This is because this room is used for relaxation, so the eyes cannot be affected by depressive colors. In addition, the white chest of drawers in the bedroom is easy to spot even at night.
A spacious chest of drawers for the bedroom will allow you to hide socks and underwear, since people who do not have such a piece of furniture are usually forced to store things in closets.
What is the difference between a chest of drawers and a nightstand
It is quite easy to distinguish it from a simple kitchen cabinet. Firstly, it will inevitably be higher. This is one of the integral design features of this piece of furniture. And secondly, it is supplied with a large number of boxes of all sizes. These can be quite spacious compartments for pots or miniature secretory-type compartments for small items. But kitchen cabinets are usually simply covered with doors.
One of the “relatives” can be called buffets. They are conditionally divided into 2 parts. At the bottom there are drawers, and at the top there are sections behind doors or with open shelves for dishes. The cabinets are traditionally single-tiered. In addition, the buffets will have a central niche with a table top. Therefore, you can cook on it at the same time, and not just store things. This is a kind of hybrid of a chest of drawers with a kitchen cabinet.
Chests of drawers in Art Nouveau style
Modern is a little different from Scandinavian, it’s even a little simplified. A modern chest of drawers in a bedroom (glamorous or otherwise) would look great in a place where too much decoration is not needed (or where the owner would not like to see it). In addition, it will perfectly complement other furniture, including those that seem to not match most things.
Modern style also suggests that a chest of drawers with a mirror in the bedroom would be a good idea. This is a very interesting option, because in this way you can get a kind of dressing table where you can store basic items.
Types of chests of drawers
The purpose of chests of drawers can be different, and for this purpose they are classified into several types. For the bedroom, some of the common types are chests of drawers for linen , as well as those with a mirror. In the first version, as the name suggests, they store bed linen and various accessories.
Essentially, this is a cabinet with drawers. Most often there are 4 of them. They are spacious and can accommodate a lot of things.
Dressers with a mirror are intended instead of a dressing table. This allows you to get more storage space while still leaving room to organize.
Sliding chests of drawers not only have drawers, but also sliding doors. This is quite a convenient and functional look. This option is the most modern, allowing you to get rid of unnecessary bulky handles or disguise them under a sliding door.
Wall-mounted chests of drawers are the most compact and original. They are installed using wall mounting. It is important that it is reliable and strong so that the furniture does not fall, especially under heavy weight. At the same time, cleaning with them becomes much easier; you don’t need to move heavy furniture to wipe the dust.
Dresser-tables are very often used . Such an element of furniture can be considered an ordinary table, under which there are drawers. However, sitting at it is uncomfortable, since there is no space under the tabletop where you can put your feet.
A secretary is considered a more convenient option . It consists of two parts with different drawer depths. The tabletop in this case is folding. It covers the top drawers, and when open it turns into a wide table.
The most functional are transformers . The tabletop not only reclines, but can also be moved and installed at different angles.
Tip: in this option, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions so that when opened, the tabletop can fit along the wall or it is possible to expand the corner table.
Purchased for a child's bedroom changing chests, on which it is convenient to change clothes for the baby. The tabletop here folds out, leaving the sides needed as fall protection. They store clothes and other things of the child, toys.
Not enough space? Corner chest of drawers!
For apartment dwellers, buying a long chest of drawers for the bedroom becomes a problem, because it takes up a lot of space. So, a long chest of drawers for the bedroom can take up most of the valuable space.
Fortunately, there is a way out of this situation. Here we are talking about the purpose that a corner chest of drawers can serve for a bedroom. Even in a small apartment it will perform its function and will not take up much space. Plus, it will look great. A corner chest of drawers for the bedroom can be purchased at IKEA or another furniture store.
Spacious chest of drawers for the bedroom
If the owners dream of a large chest of drawers for the bedroom, they should definitely find something in a good, unobtrusive style, for example, the already mentioned Scandinavian or modern.
But you can go further and try the colonial style, which is warm and ideal for rooms like the bedroom. The classic style looks good when it comes to a bedroom chest of drawers or a low bedroom chest of drawers.
The main thing is to decide what exactly you want from the bedroom. All plans must meet expectations. If the chest of drawers in the bedroom should be black, this means that it should be balanced with other colors, such as gray or white. It must be remembered that comfort depends on this, and, therefore, you can determine whether a particular piece of furniture is suitable.
The wardrobe and chest of drawers for the bedroom should be the same or at least a similar color (although you can buy a chest of drawers for the bedroom). This is very important because it defines style. Sometimes the same shape is enough to make the entire composition aesthetically pleasing.
White or gray chest of drawers for the bedroom? Which is better?
A well-chosen white chest of drawers for the bedroom will enrich its Scandinavian or other stylish interior, and will also hide everything that you would like to hide from the world. A variety of accessories and decorative elements will look good on the chest of drawers, giving the bedroom a unique style and, above all, character. This is a place where you need to feel safe and comfortable.
White bedroom dressers come in different sizes, shapes and styles. They can be matte or glossy. It's up to you to decide which model you choose. Whether it's a modern, wood, gray or white chest of drawers, each one, when properly integrated with the rest of the decor, will be unique. But if you've kept the entire interior white, it might be better to opt for a gray chest of drawers for contrast.
As the above paragraphs show, bedroom chests of drawers are not only varied, but can also serve different functions. From a small wardrobe alternative to a TV stand or dressing table, these are just some of the possible uses. Remember that the style of furniture should match the design of the entire room, and by choosing white, you can visually increase the space of a small bedroom.
Ideal sizes for a chest of drawers
The choice of this furniture is currently very wide. Some models are designed for small rooms, but you can also find heavy-duty, large-capacity chests of drawers with multiple drawers. Although a large chest of drawers provides more opportunities for keeping things organized, it is not always affordable.
There is no point in buying a huge chest of drawers for a small bedroom. Even if you somehow fit it among other furniture, you need to remember that the chest of drawers needs additional space for opening drawers and cabinets. If there is very little space, then you can put a narrow chest of drawers in the bedroom.
It is also worth determining in advance what things you plan to store in the chest of drawers. This also affects the size of the bedroom chest of drawers. Of course, needs may change over time, but it's good to know whether a chest of drawers is needed more for clothes or, for example, for bed linen.
In the latter case, there should be deeper and more spacious drawers. Width is also very important, especially for clothing placement. Individual wardrobe items require a certain amount of space when folded. It is worth understanding this so that the clothes fit into the purchased chest of drawers.
Forms
Dressers come in different shapes:
- narrow,
- tall,
- round,
- triangular,
- low,
- wide,
- corner.
Narrow chests of drawers are convenient to place in a small elongated bedroom, anywhere. These chests of drawers are small in capacity. But if you choose a tall model, this disadvantage will be compensated for.
You can put a lot of decorative items (vases, boxes, figurines) on a narrow chest of drawers. And if you have a choice between a bedside table and a chest of drawers for a small bedroom, then the latter option will be more convincing.
The corner sleeping chest has several options:
- L-shaped,
- trapezoidal,
- five-walled.
Corner models save space in the room, because they only occupy a corner.
It’s easy to find non-standard dimensions on the furniture market if the bedroom area allows you to accommodate such a “giant”. Or you can make an individual order.
Keeping your dresser tidy
Drawers are a convenient place for storage. And some believe that it is even more convenient than shelves in the closet. When they follow several rules, they always place folded things, create “piles” of similar clothes (T-shirts are placed with T-shirts, trousers with trousers, etc.), take things out from the bottom of the drawer, trying to leave them folded - then it’s easy to maintain order in the chest of drawers.
However, it happens that underwear and socks are stored in one of the drawers, which are mixed with each other, or, in a hurry to search for a favorite blouse, the remaining clothes are scattered.
In such cases, it is worth equipping the drawers with partitions that will help sort things and prevent them from moving around the inside of the drawer. These organizers come in different sizes, so you could easily find them suitable for your chest of drawers.
How to decorate a chest of drawers
Whatever the design of the room, the lack of decorative elements in it makes it boring and unfinished. Decor can create a special atmosphere in a room, refresh it and complement it. You can use completely different things to decorate your chest of drawers. Recommendations for decoration:
- When decorating, a mixture of different shapes and textures looks impressive.
- Boxes and boxes of different sizes and made of different materials will look good on the tabletop.
- Natural and artificial flowers and dried flowers in pots and vases always look good on any surface.
- Candlesticks and decorative stands will update and complement the interior.
- Frames with family photographs and small paintings will look original on the tabletop, as well as on the wall.
- A medium-sized mirror is the most practical option for decorating a space.
Interesting chest of drawer decor ideas:
- Lamp;
- Alarm clock of original design.
- Figurines and souvenirs.
- A beautiful box with cosmetics.
- Jewelry box or stand.
- Pots with live plants.
- A service or jug with cups.
- Board games.
- A dollhouse or garage is an option for a children's room.
- Stationery in a beautiful organizer.
- Children's crafts.
- Household appliances, for example, a humidifier, a small TV.
- A bowl of fruit.
- Box with art supplies.
The principle of interior dynamics is decorative elements of different heights. Remember that accessories and decorations should be at least half the height of the mirror, or even higher. You can decorate the top of the chest of drawers with anything. The choice is limited solely by your fantasy and imagination. Handmade accessories always look sophisticated and elegant.
Dresser Furniture