When it comes to interior design and choosing the right furniture, understanding the subtle difference between a dresser and a Bureau? Two such pieces that often cause confusion are the dresser and the bureau. While both are essential storage solutions, they serve slightly different purposes and feature unique design elements.
This blog will clarify these differences and help you decide which piece is best suited for your home.
Understanding the Basics: Dresser vs. Bureau
Dresser: Designed for Accessibility and Display
Traditionally, a dresser is a type of furniture with multiple drawers stacked on one another, commonly used to store clothing. Dressers are typically wider than they are tall, making them an excellent choice for those who need ample storage space that is easily accessible. A mirror often adorns the backs of many dressers, augmenting their usefulness as a dressing aid for getting ready.
Dressers' key features include:
● Wide and low profile
● Multiple horizontal drawers
● Often includes a mirror.
● Ideal for storing clothes and accessories
Bureau: A Blend of Concealment and Functionality
The term 'bureau' originally referred to a writing desk with drawers, but over time, it has also come to mean a chest of drawers similar to a dresser. In modern usage, especially in the United States, a bureau is more akin to a chest of drawers used for storing clothes. Unlike dressers, bureaus may appear taller and less wide, and they usually do not come with a mirror.
Key Features of Bureaus:
● Taller and narrower profile
● Focus on vertical storage space.
● Typically, we use it without a mirror.
● It frequently doubles as a discreet workspace, with some designs incorporating a fold-down desk surface.
Choosing Between a Dresser and a Bureau
Considerations for Space and Functionality
When deciding between a dresser and a bureau, consider the space available and your storage needs. Dressers, with their wider design, are ideal for larger bedrooms where space isn’t a constraint. Their horizontal layout offers more surface area for lamps, books, or display items. Smaller spaces, or rooms that maximize vertical space, are better suited for the taller and narrower design of bureaus.
Aesthetic and Style Preferences
Your aesthetic preferences can also influence your choice between a dresser and a bureau. If you prefer a more streamlined, minimalistic look, a bureau might suit your taste thanks to its simple and vertical design. On the other hand, a dresser might be more appropriate if you're looking for a statement piece of furniture that also serves as a functional dressing area.
Incorporating Your Choice into Home Decor
Dressers: Enhancing the Bedroom Landscape
You can style dressers with decorative objects, family photos, or floral arrangements to enhance the room's decor. They are not just storage units; they can also serve as focal points in a bedroom or a living area.
Bureaus: Maximizing Utility in Any Room
Bureaus can be placed in bedrooms, hallways, or even in a home office, where the additional drawers can serve as organization space for more than just clothes. In rooms where every square inch is valuable, a bureau's vertical footprint makes it a smart choice.
Conclusion: Tailoring Your Furniture Choices
Both dressers and bureaus offer unique benefits and can significantly affect the functionality and style of a room. By understanding the differences and assessing your space and storage needs, you can make an informed choice that not only meets your requirements but also enhances your living space. Explore Reperch’s diverse collection to find the perfect dresser or bureau that reflects your style and complements your home decor.
