How to choose a chest of drawers: sizes, types and materials of chests of drawers

A chest of drawers is a cabinet containing drawers and is quite low. Its standard dimensions are above 85 cm, but not more than 130-160 cm. Everything above is a regular cabinet, everything below is a cabinet. Tall chests of drawers are an opportunity to get creative by placing a vase or lamps, but this way of using them is more common in the West. We use this piece of furniture for storing things (those that are conveniently placed in drawers - dishes, linen, small items, shoes, etc.), swaddling a baby and storing his wardrobe, for a TV, and so on.

What size should a chest of drawers be?

Almost everyone who wants to purchase it thinks about the dimensions of the product. If you order from a workshop, the manufacturer will send a measurer and he will make the appropriate project in a matter of minutes. If you purchase a ready-made model, please note that the size of the chest of drawers will depend on the following nuances:

the place where it will be installed. The space for pulling out drawers is taken into account. Measurements must be taken from the back wall to the end of the extended drawer. Then decide how acceptable this option will be;
width and height of the plinth. The furniture is installed near the wall: it is desirable that the distance between the wall and the chest of drawers be minimal;
purpose of the drawers (for what things are planned): linen chests of drawers are more bulky, accessories are smaller.

You should always correlate the parameters of the room with the dimensions of the furniture. Otherwise, the interior will be damaged.

Dimensions are considered along three main axes:

The height of the chest of drawers depends on the number of drawers. Standard - from 1000 to 1500 mm (less than 850 mm is considered a cabinet, above 1600 mm is considered a cabinet);
the length of the drawers is determined by the distance between the side facades: minimum - 600 mm (suitable for placing shoes, bags, accessories), maximum - from 1000 mm, designed for 2-3 drawers (looks beautiful in the living room if there are no other closed cabinets nearby) . The optimal size is considered to be 900-1300 mm;
depth – planned for the volume of things that will be stored in the drawers, the minimum is 300 mm (suitable for sewing accessories, cosmetics/perfumery, small household items), maximum 600 mm.

Boxes

Quantity

The number of drawers and shelves depends on the dresser model. Classic design - 4 longitudinal drawers located one below the other. Their number can vary between 1-5. Wide boxes can be “divided” in half, as a result their number reaches 6-10 or more.

Some models have drawers of different widths. The most common option is several wide drawers at the bottom and 1-2 drawers, divided in half or equipped with partitions. Small drawers are good for storing jewelry, thread, needles and other small items that need to be kept organized.

Sometimes you can find chests of drawers with secret drawers, which are also closed with doors, or models with a random arrangement of drawers. The design of the chest of drawers often includes shelves with doors (often glazed) or without them. There are also exclusive design solutions, for example, a chest of drawers whose drawers slide out in any of the four directions.

Interesting: linen, clothes, and various household items are placed in drawers. Books, dishes, souvenirs and other things that can be shown to guests are stored on open shelves with glass doors.

In a high-quality product, doors and drawers open easily and without additional effort. The drawers should not fall out even when pulled out sharply.

All chest drawers in the closed position should be in maximum contact with each other and adjacent to the body. In addition, they must fit tightly to the back wall and rest on a special bar - this removes part of the load from the side guides.

Extension mechanism

Roller guides are relatively cheap, but have several disadvantages: the possibility of the drawer skewing, its incomplete opening (maximum 5/6 of the length), noise when moving. True, incomplete opening of the box protects it from accidental falling out. The guides themselves can be either plastic or metal - this is a more reliable option.

Important: to prevent the risk of the drawer skewing, its width should not exceed 60 cm. The thickness of the steel of the roller guides should be at least 1 mm.

For silent operation of the box, you should choose mechanisms with rubber rims on wheels.

Ball guides - withstand significant loads, ensure complete and silent drawer extension. Disadvantages: high price and the possibility of the drawer skewing. Such a mechanism requires careful handling.

Concealed mounting guides - unlike previous mechanisms, they are attached not to the walls of the box, but to its bottom. This system ensures maximum opening of the drawer, but at the same time prevents it from falling out. Concealed mounting guides are easy to use and have a long service life.

Types and forms of chest of drawers

The classic chest of drawers has a rectangular shape and consists of 3-4 drawers of medium length and depth. Since the appearance of this type of furniture in everyday life, many modifications and varieties have arisen.

Until now, in antique stores you can find models with miniature drawers with locks for storing jewelry, bulky chests with forged locks, which are very popular among fans of rustic home decor styles.

Designers are constantly working on projects for a new model range. Thanks to their efforts, the following types of chests of drawers appeared in sales:

classic with a tabletop for TV or audio equipment;
radius with rounded corners;
trapezoidal, which is installed in the corner of the room, can simultaneously serve as a TV stand, have shelves for the press, books, music CDs (this option is preferred by the owners of small apartments and studios);
combined with drawers, shelves, sections with hinged doors;
designer models.

The choice of chest of drawers depends on its shape and installation method. Based on these parameters, the following options are distinguished:

wall-mounted, when the furniture is installed on the floor close to the wall;
attached, when the product is part of a set and creates a single ensemble of room furnishings;
island - equally beautifully decorated on all sides, so wherever you put it, it will look everywhere (often used for zoning a room);
mobile (on wheels) – easily moves from place to place, can be used as a mobile coffee table (convenient for small rooms);
hanging - in trend for the last few years, installed mainly in the hallway, bedroom, bathroom;
multifunctional for the kitchen - has a combined design with drawers, shelves, a compartment for a trash can, and a convenient countertop for cutting food.

A shelf for TV or audio rises several centimeters above the tabletop, so the height of the chest of drawers is measured in accordance with the comfortable viewing of TV and depends on the size of the legs on which it is installed.

Model secretary

A secretary is a classic chest of drawers, characterized by the presence of a large number of drawers, shelves and compartments. Decorative edges or a real writing surface are often placed along the contour of the upper platform.

Note!

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Bedroom 15 sq. m. - TOP 120 photos and videos of options for arranging small bedrooms. Selection of design style. Correct zoning. Finishing a bedroom of 15 sq.m.
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Dresser style and color

Appearance plays an important role when choosing a chest of drawers. The color and style determine how organic the product will look in the interior. There are several areas in which almost all furniture workshops work.

Empire – models are made on curved/openwork legs; the facades are decorated with carved patterns, applied gilded elements, and equipped with elegant fittings. The color of the facades is natural wood, the shade is selected to match the tone of the main background.
Modern - distinctive features are elongated shapes, curved lines, interesting shapes of parts. The facades are decorated with original ornaments.
Rustic - reminiscent of a grandmother's chest, made only of wood, the surfaces are artificially aged, and forged elements are used as decoration.
Designer. In this case, each chest of drawers is a separate art object. It’s even difficult to imagine the entire range that furniture manufacturers can offer based on original designs.

Do not overuse dark colors of facades in small rooms and apartments. Light colors will visually expand the room and look more organic.

Varieties

Original furniture can completely change the interior of a room. And here the chest of drawers will be no exception. Modern designers have come up with many different designs.

Mobile and landline

The first models had a base and stood on legs; they were moved only as a last resort; these products are called stationary. They are most often installed in the bathroom or office.

Mobile structures have rollers instead of legs; if you lift the clamps, you can easily roll them to another place, and lower them to fix the structure.

Used in bedrooms connected to a study or children's room.

Dresser rollers

Installation relative to the wall

Based on the location of the chest of drawers relative to the wall, they are divided into:

Wall mounted
Wall mounted
Attached
Island.

Wall chest of drawers with a marble top and lining in the spirit of classicism Wall chest of drawers

Any name speaks for itself. Wall-mounted ones are those that are placed along the wall; for them the norm is unattractive. Wall-mounted – suspended using hinges. Attached - installed next to other furniture, they are often sold as a set.

Dressers in different rooms

An accurate definition of its purpose will help you choose a chest of drawers for different rooms. It can be a simple or complex storage system with an original or traditional appearance. The length, height and depth of the chest of drawers will depend on the dimensions of the room.

In the bedroom

It is customary to store bedding, linen, and underwear in the sleeping room. In addition to the traditional form of a linen chest of drawers, other varieties are appearing on sale.

Model with mirror. It is included in bedroom sets or purchased separately, used as a bedside table or dressing table. In the transforming chest of drawers, the mirror folds, turning the top surface into a convenient desk.
A chest of drawers differs from a wardrobe only in size. The design consists of 2-3 compartments, spacious shelves for linen, and drawers for small items. Sliding doors are installed (decorated using frosted glass with sandblasted patterns), corner elements for books, newspapers and other things.
Chest of drawers - equipped with a section for a computer with a free lower area for the system unit and legs. This is a modern model that allows you to combine a desk with linen drawers.

Material

Wood is an environmentally friendly, beautiful and durable material. Such a chest of drawers is often covered with fine carvings, elegant patterns and other decorations, and also has original inserts and elegant handles. Disadvantages: high price and significant weight of furniture.

Important: inexpensive wood species include pine and birch; cherry, ash, maple, walnut, and oak are considered more valuable. Inexpensive species (for example, pine) can become deformed over time and do not withstand impacts well - leaving scratches and dents. To increase the resistance of the chest of drawers to shock and moisture, you can open it with varnish.

A common solution is to choose a chest of drawers made of birch or pine, lined with oak or maple veneer. This option will be the optimal balance of quality and price.

Chipboard and MDF - resemble wood, but are much cheaper. In appearance and service life they are inferior to natural wood. At the same time, a chest of drawers made of chipboard has a lower price and is more toxic than its counterpart made of MDF. Users note that some drawers made of thin chipboard quickly fail. In general, MDF is a more durable material.

Such chests of drawers are laminated or covered with veneer. Laminated models are distinguished by a variety of colors, resistance to moisture and mechanical stress, while veneered models perfectly imitate solid wood and look impressive. Both laminate and veneer offer some protection from toxic fumes.

Important: when purchasing chests of drawers made of chipboard, pay attention to its cuts: it is better if they are covered with a more durable and reliable PVC edge than a melamine edge. It is advisable that the drilled holes are also sealed. This will partially protect the user from toxic fumes.

Rattan is a type of wood that combines attractive appearance, lightness and strength. This chest of drawers will fit perfectly into an interior decorated in an exotic style.

Plastic is lightweight, easy to clean, resistant to moisture and temperature changes. Chests of drawers are made from it for the bathroom or kitchen. Disadvantages: low strength and modest appearance.

Key Security Aspects

When thinking about which bed to choose for the bedroom, as well as selecting other elements of the interior decoration of the house, it is worth paying special attention to key aspects of safety. Absolutely any objects entering the house should not pose any danger.

For a long time, unscrupulous manufacturers, in order to reduce the cost of their own products or make greater profits, have resorted to using completely low-quality raw materials, which are potentially unsafe for human health. Poor quality and dangerous furniture can usually be easily identified. As a rule, it smells bad. The smell of “chemistry” is strong, intrusive, and does not disappear for a long time.

There is only one piece of advice that allows you to somehow protect yourself from dangerous purchases for your home: you should give preference only to products from trusted manufacturers with a good reputation. If a person is completely unaware of how to choose the right bedroom from the standpoint of environmental safety, it is better to give preference to “classic” materials: wood and metal. In any store, a potential buyer can demand quality certificates, which can also confirm the quality and safety of the goods provided.

Maximum value

There are no strict requirements for the maximum parameters of chests of drawers. The dimensions of the products depend on the configuration, type and purpose of the structure, as well as the convenient use of the piece of furniture. Recommended maximum product values:

a chest of drawers for a children's room combined with a changing table should not exceed 1000 mm in height. Chest length – 800, depth – 500;
model for the living room with many compartments, including a glass display case for storing dishes and souvenirs. Length – from 1800 mm and above, depth – no more than 600, height – 1300;
option for the bedroom with a mirror, replacing a wardrobe and dressing table. Furniture parameters in height - 850, in length - unlimited, possibly the entire wall, in depth - maximum 600;
model for hallway, corridor. There are two options - a chest of drawers 1600x600x400 (short and tall) or 1300x1000x300 (narrow and low);
for storing children's things and accessories. The chest of drawers should be stable, roomy, and not very tall. Maximum dimensions – 900x1000x450 (height, length, depth).

The main condition when choosing the optimal size ratio of a chest of drawers is sufficient capacity and ease of use.

The height of the furniture affects the spaciousness of the product and installation features. The tabletop can simultaneously be used as a work surface for a dressing table or a stand for decorative items and souvenirs.

Adviсe

First of all, the chest of drawers must be safe for health, which is confirmed by a quality certificate.
The chest of drawers must have detailed assembly instructions.
The surface and walls of the chest of drawers must be smooth and free of defects. Avoid purchasing furniture with cracks or chips.
You need to make sure there are no defects in the model. Check the reliability of connections and retractable mechanisms.
It is worth checking the convenience and quality of the fittings (handles, hinges, drawer guides) and locks, if any. It is better to choose more expensive metal fittings (aluminum or steel) than cheap and unreliable plastic ones.
The optimal thickness of the material from which the case is made is 18 mm.
The thickness of the back wall of the chest of drawers must be at least 6 mm, otherwise it may become deformed from impacts from the drawer during intensive use of the model. If the wall is poorly secured, then this model is not worth purchasing. Some models do not have a back wall at all - they are not suitable for zoning a room.

To make the chest of drawers last a long time, you should follow several recommendations:

filling the chest of drawers must be done from the lower shelves and drawers - this will more evenly distribute the load on the product;
regularly check the quality of work and reliability of retractable mechanisms;
provide the chest of drawers with normal temperature conditions without sudden changes;
periodically carry out dry and wet cleaning;
do not overload the boxes, otherwise their bottom may not hold up;
To protect the top of the chest of drawers from harmful influences (moisture, hot drinks, etc.), it is worth purchasing protective glass.