Dresser Dimensions
A standard dresser is 30–36 in (76–91 cm) tall and 16–20 in (41–51 cm) deep; its width ranges from about 30 in for a single dresser to 72 in or more for a double or triple. The most common is the double dresser, about 60 in wide with two columns of drawers. A tall dresser, or chest of drawers, stacks five or six drawers in a narrower case. The sizes inside each drawer are in standard drawer dimensions.
Dresser sizes by type
| Type | Width | Height | Depth | Drawers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single (standard) dresser | 30–40 in (76–102 cm) | 30–36 in (76–91 cm) | 16–20 in (41–51 cm) | 3–4 |
| Double dresser | 60–72 in (152–183 cm) | 30–36 in (76–91 cm) | 16–20 in (41–51 cm) | 6–8 in two columns |
| Triple dresser | 72–80 in (183–203 cm) | 30–36 in (76–91 cm) | 18–20 in (46–51 cm) | 9 in three columns |
| Tall dresser (chest of drawers) | 30–40 in (76–102 cm) | 44–55 in (112–140 cm) | 16–20 in (41–51 cm) | 5–6 |
| Lingerie chest | 20–24 in (51–61 cm) | 48–55 in (122–140 cm) | 14–16 in (36–41 cm) | 6–7 small |
| Kids' dresser | 30–40 in (76–102 cm) | 28–34 in (71–86 cm) | 16–18 in (41–46 cm) | 3–4 |
A double dresser at about 34 in tall doubles as a changing table or a TV stand, and a mirror can sit on top. In metric, a dresser is usually 75–90 cm tall, 45–50 cm deep and 80–160 cm wide.
Drawer sizes
Dresser drawers are usually graduated: shallow at the top for small things, deeper at the bottom for sweaters and jeans.
| Drawer | Front height | Inside depth |
|---|---|---|
| Top drawers | 4–6 in (10–15 cm) | 3–5 in |
| Middle drawers | 6–8 in (15–20 cm) | 5–7 in |
| Bottom drawers | 8–10 in (20–25 cm) | 7–9 in |
A single drawer wider than about 36 in (90 cm) is heavy to pull and tends to rack; split wide dressers into two or three columns instead. The drawer boxes run on 14–18 in slides, depending on the depth of the case: see how to build drawers for the box sizes.
Space around a dresser
Leave at least 36 in (91 cm) in front of a dresser to open a drawer and stand in front of it, and keep it clear of door swings. Anchor every dresser to the wall: a dresser with its drawers open can tip forward even when it is not tall.
Building a dresser
A dresser is a cabinet full of drawers, and it is one of the best projects to build to your own size from sheet goods: a melamine or plywood case, drawer boxes in 1/2 in plywood and fronts in MDF or veneered board. Our dresser plan sizes the case, every drawer box and every front from the width, height, depth and number of drawers you type:
Frequently asked questions
What are the standard dimensions of a dresser?
Most dressers are 30–36 in (76–91 cm) tall and 16–20 in (41–51 cm) deep. Width depends on the type: 30–40 in for a single dresser, 60–72 in for a double.
What is the average dresser size?
A typical double dresser is about 60 in wide, 34 in tall and 18 in deep (152 × 86 × 46 cm), with six drawers in two columns.
How tall is a tall dresser or chest of drawers?
44–55 in (112–140 cm) tall, 30–40 in wide and 16–20 in deep, with five or six drawers stacked in one column.
How much space do you need in front of a dresser?
At least 36 in (91 cm), so you can open a drawer fully and stand in front of it.