chestofdrawers

Chest of drawers is a piece of furniture consisting of a wooden or other material frame with multiple drawers arranged in a vertical stack. It is used primarily for storing clothing and linens and is a common component of bedroom furniture. The top surface can serve as a display area or hold everyday items. In English-speaking regions, the term dresser is often used, while bureau or chiffonier may be encountered for particular styles or historical periods.

Origins of the chest of drawers lie in 17th- and 18th-century Europe, where dressers evolved from coffers and sideboards. The design spread to North America and became a standard bedroom storage piece. Variants include the highboy (tall, multi-drawer unit), the lowboy (shorter dressing table), and the bachelor's chest (a compact 3- or 4-drawer unit). The chiffonier is a tall chest, often with a mirror. Styles have ranged from Baroque and Georgian to Victorian, Arts and Crafts, and contemporary minimalism.

Construction typically uses solid wood or veneers. Drawers are usually joined with dovetails and fitted with metal pulls, though modern pieces may use screws or hidden glides. Common woods include oak, walnut, cherry, maple, and pine. Finishes range from natural stains to paints and veneers. Care involves regular dusting, protection from moisture, and periodic polishing or waxing for exposed surfaces. Modern chests may incorporate soft-close slides and diverse materials such as laminate or metal while preserving the basic function of drawer-based storage.