Most standard dressers are about 16 to 20 inches deep, with shallower and deeper options available.
I’ve measured, installed, and lived with many dressers over the years, so I know how confusing sizes can be. This guide explains how deep is a dresser, why depth matters, how to measure it, what to expect for different rooms, and practical tips to pick the right depth for your space.
Common dresser depths and standards
Dressers come in common size ranges. Knowing these ranges helps you pick one that fits your room and storage needs.
- Typical bedroom dresser depth is 16 to 20 inches. This size balances drawer capacity and room flow.
- Shallow dressers can be 12 to 16 inches deep. These work well in small rooms, hallways, or under windows.
- Deeper dressers range from 20 to 24 inches. They offer more storage but need extra floor space.
- Tall chests may be less deep than long dressers; many chests are 14 to 18 inches deep.
- Custom and built-in dressers can be any depth to suit a closet or alcove.
From my experience installing dressers, a 16- to 18-inch deep dresser fits most modern bedrooms without crowding walkways. For specialty needs, always measure the space before you buy.
Why dresser depth matters
Depth affects storage, room flow, and how furniture interacts with other pieces.
- Storage capacity: Deeper drawers hold bulkier items like sweaters and towels.
- Room circulation: Too deep a dresser can block walkways or doors.
- Visual balance: Deep, heavy dressers can overwhelm small rooms.
- Compatibility: Depth must work with wall heaters, baseboards, and outlets.
When I moved into a narrow bedroom, I learned this the hard way. I bought a deep dresser that forced me to shift my bed and radiator. Measuring first saved me from a second costly return.
How to measure dresser depth correctly
Measuring a dresser is simple, but there are a few traps to avoid.
- Measure from the front-most point to the back-most point. Include drawer pulls if they extend.
- For built-in drawers, measure inside depth by subtracting back panel thickness and drawer front thickness from overall depth.
- If the dresser has a skirt or legs, measure the floor-to-back depth at the widest horizontal point.
- Account for clearance: leave at least 30 inches of clear walking space in front of the dresser for comfort.
I keep a tape measure and a notepad when shopping. Record overall depth and internal drawer depth to compare models accurately.
How deep is a dresser for different room types
Different rooms favor different depths depending on use and space.
- Small bedroom: Aim for 12 to 16 inches deep to save floor space and keep traffic moving.
- Master bedroom: 16 to 20 inches deep is a good balance for clothing and linen storage.
- Nursery or kid’s room: 14 to 18 inches deep helps reachability and safer edges.
- Entryway or hallway: 10 to 14 inches deep works well to hold keys, mail, and small items without blocking traffic.
- Closet or built-in: Customize depth to fit closet dimensions; many closet dressers match shelf depth, often 12 to 16 inches.
When choosing, think about what you store. For folded sweaters, a deeper drawer is helpful. For socks and underwear, shallow drawers are fine.
Choosing the right depth: practical tips and checklist
Use this checklist to pick a dresser depth that fits both your space and needs.
- Measure the intended wall length and depth available, including door swing.
- Consider drawer use: bulky items mean deeper drawers.
- Check bed placement and leave at least 30 inches clearance for walkways.
- Include drawer hardware in measurements; knobs and handles add depth.
- Think style: sleeker designs may be shallower, rustic ones often sit deeper.
- Test reachability: sit or kneel to see if you can access deep drawers comfortably.
From projects I’ve done, a quick mockup using cardboard helps visualize how a dresser will feel in your room before you buy.
Materials, styles, and depth variations
Material and design affect how deep a dresser looks and feels.
- Solid wood pieces often appear bulkier and may be made deeper to show off grain and drawers.
- MDF and veneer dressers can be slimmer while still feeling substantial.
- Mid-century modern styles tend to be shallower, often 14 to 18 inches deep.
- Rustic or farmhouse dressers often have thicker fronts and deeper boxes, pushing overall depth to 20 inches or more.
- Built-ins and custom cabinetry allow precise depth matching to your room.
Material choice also changes internal drawer thickness and thus internal storage. I’ve found that veneered pieces sometimes offer more usable drawer space because they keep drawer fronts thin.
Impact on storage and drawer capacity
Depth directly affects how much you can store and organize.
- Overall depth alone doesn’t tell you drawer volume. Measure internal drawer depth for true capacity.
- For a dresser 18 inches deep, expect internal drawer depth around 13 to 15 inches after accounting for back, front, and slides.
- Deeper drawers let you store bulkier items and stack folded clothes.
- Use drawer dividers and shallow trays in deeper drawers to prevent loss of small items in the back.
I once packed a deep drawer with sweaters only to find socks lost in the cavern. Drawer organizers fixed that quickly.
Installation and placement tips
Placing a dresser right matters for safety and function.
- Keep dressers away from heat sources and vents. Heat can warp wood.
- Anchor tall dressers to the wall to prevent tipping, especially in homes with children.
- Allow for baseboard thickness when measuring depth and wall clearance.
- Place dressers so drawers can open fully without hitting other furniture or doors.
- Use felt pads under legs to protect floors and make small depth adjustments easier.
During a recent move, anchoring my dresser prevented a tip while rearranging a room. It was a small step that added safety and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions of how deep is a dresser
What is the standard depth of a bedroom dresser?
Most bedroom dressers are 16 to 20 inches deep, which balances storage and room flow. Shallow or deeper options are available based on need.
How deep should a dresser be for a small room?
In a small room, aim for 12 to 16 inches deep to save space and keep walkways clear. Measure before buying to avoid crowding.
Does dresser depth include handles and pulls?
Yes, overall depth measurements should include handles and pulls if they extend from the front. Check product specs or measure in person.
How much internal drawer depth can I expect from an 18-inch deep dresser?
Expect roughly 13 to 15 inches of internal drawer depth after accounting for drawer fronts and back panels. Slide type and construction affect the exact number.
Can a dresser be too deep for clothing storage?
Yes, very deep dressers can make small items hard to find and can overwhelm a room. Use organizers or choose shallower drawers for small items.
Conclusion
Understanding how deep is a dresser helps you choose the right piece for storage, safety, and style. Measure your space, think about what you store, and balance depth with room flow to avoid surprises. Try a cardboard mockup, check internal drawer depths, and anchor tall pieces for safety. If you found this useful, try measuring your space now, compare a few models, and share your results or questions below.
