How to Select a Dresser

Buying a dresser is a major decision that should not be made without considerable forethought. If you plan on buying a dresser, there are several issues you will want to keep in mind, including size, shape, materials, and price.

Size

Before going out to buy a dresser, first measure the amount of available space in whatever location you will be placing the dresser. If there is not sufficient room, you may want to consider choosing a different location. When considering a size, take into account storage needs: how many people will be using the dresser, what and how much you will be storing in it, etc.

Shape

Determine now whether you will want a short and wide dresser or a tall and thin dresser. Short, wide dressers take up more floor space but can be pushed under overhangs or slanted ceilings. For compact spaces with ample headroom, choose a tall and thin dresser. Keep in mind that the dresser should not stick out forward too far.

Mirror

Some smaller dressers come with an accompanying mirror. The only real consideration for this is whether or not you will need one, as mirrors take up a lot of space that might otherwise be used for additional drawers, and can be more expensive.

Material and Construction

Dressers can be made from several different types of wood, including oak, mahogany, teak, pine, or maple. Different types of wood may be priced differently. Another aspect to look for is veneer- a thin slice of wood layered over another to bring out patterns in the grain. This is often used if a type of wood is expensive and beautiful, but not durable enough to take the stress of the dresser’s weight.
Another thing to look for is the construction- dovetailing, dowelling and other joint assembly techniques usually result in better quality construction.

Price

The price of a dresser can be strongly affected by the material it is made from- hardwoods, such as oak and mahogany, as these are more durable that so-called softwoods like pine or cedar and help the dresser to last longer.

Delivery

Obviously dressers are not constructed in your home. Whatever selection you make it will have to be transported to your residence. Keep this in mind before you choose a dresser, as the more expensive ones are often handcrafted, which means they will show up at your door fully built. In this case, ensuring that the dresser you picked can fit through your door is something you will want to do before purchase.
If the dresser comes in a box that reads “Some Assembly Required”, make sure to evaluate your construction skills in consideration of whether you will be able to assemble the dresser.
While these tips will help you in buying a dresser, keep in mind that there are no hard and fast rules, and in the end you should always go with the dresser that feels right for you.

 

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