How to Choose a Chest of Drawers for Bedroom Storage
Written by The Ezzo Team on 4th Jun 2026.
A chest of drawers does the quiet work in a bedroom. It holds the clothes a wardrobe cannot, gives you a surface for a lamp and a mirror, and anchors a wall. Choosing the right one comes down to space, drawer layout, and a finish you will still like in ten years.
We sell chests of drawers in wide, tall, and compact shapes, so this guide covers sizing, layout, placement, and the finishes leading bedrooms in 2026.
In short: Choose a wide chest for folded clothes and a surface, or a tall chest (a tallboy) when floor space is tight. Allow the full drawer depth again in front so drawers open fully. Standard chests are 75cm to 90cm tall. For 2026, warm oak and walnut tones beat grey and high-gloss white.
Key takeaways
- Wide chests give more surface and folding space. Tall chests save floor area.
- Leave clear space in front equal to the drawer depth, usually 45cm to 55cm.
- Deep drawers suit jumpers and bedding. Shallow top drawers suit socks and small items.
- Fix tall chests to the wall with an anti-tip strap, especially around children.
- Warm woods and fluted fronts are the current look, not grey or gloss.
What size chest of drawers do you need?
Match the chest to the wall and the clothes you fold. A wide chest of around 100cm to 120cm suits a main bedroom. A compact 60cm to 80cm chest suits a small room or a child's room.
Height usually sits between 75cm and 90cm, which gives a comfortable surface for a lamp or a mirror. The detail people forget is clearance. Leave space in front equal to the drawer depth, usually 45cm to 55cm, so the bottom drawer opens fully without hitting the bed.
Tallboy or wide chest: which is better?
Choose a tallboy when floor space is tight and a wide chest when you want a surface and easy access. Both hold similar amounts, just stacked differently.
A tallboy stacks five to seven drawers upward, so it takes a small footprint but the top can be above eye level. A wide chest spreads two columns of drawers, which gives a usable top and lower, easier drawers. A combination chest mixes short and deep drawers for mixed storage. Think about what you store before you choose the shape.
| Style | Typical size | Best for | Surface on top |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wide chest | 100cm to 120cm wide | Main bedrooms, folded clothes | Yes, good for a lamp and mirror |
| Tallboy | 50cm to 70cm wide, tall | Small rooms, tight corners | Limited, often above eye level |
| Compact chest | 60cm to 80cm wide | Children's rooms, box rooms | Yes, smaller |
| Combination chest | 80cm to 110cm wide | Mixed storage, accessories | Yes |
Where should you put a chest of drawers?
Put a chest on a wall where the drawers can open fully and you can reach the top. Opposite or beside the bed usually works.
Keep it clear of the door swing and the wardrobe. If the chest sits under a window, check the drawers clear the sill. A tall chest is safest against a solid wall, fixed with an anti-tip strap. This matters most in a child's room, where a climbing toddler can pull an unsecured chest over.
How do you style a chest of drawers?
Style the top in small groups and leave working space. A lamp to one side, a stack of books, and a tray or dish covers it.
Group items in odd numbers and vary the height. A piece of art or a mirror above fills the wall and bounces light. Keep the colour palette warm and tight. Leave at least a third of the surface clear so the chest stays useful, not just decorative.
What chest of drawers suits 2026?
Warm wood leads 2026. Oak and walnut tones, fluted or cane fronts, and brushed brass handles have replaced grey and high-gloss white.
The look is natural and tactile. A solid wood chest with a visible grain suits the wider move towards warmer, calmer bedrooms. Pair it with a textured rug and warm linen on the bed. If you want softness, a cane or fluted front adds detail without colour. Match the wood to your other bedroom furniture rather than your floor.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is a standard chest of drawers?
Most chests stand 75cm to 90cm tall. That gives a comfortable surface for a lamp or mirror. Tallboys rise higher, often above 110cm.
How much clearance does a chest of drawers need?
Leave space in front equal to the drawer depth, usually 45cm to 55cm. This lets the bottom drawer open fully without hitting the bed or wall.
Are tall chests of drawers safe?
Yes, if fixed to the wall. Use an anti-tip strap, especially in a child's room. An unsecured tallboy can topple when a full drawer is pulled out.
What colour chest of drawers is in for 2026?
Warm woods lead, such as oak and walnut. Fluted and cane fronts feel current. Grey and high-gloss white now look dated against warmer schemes.