Buying Guide

One Piece of Furniture With Multiple Uses

Some pieces of furniture just don't get the respect they deserve. And the dresser is definitely one of them. What other item can store your underwear and also provide a place to display objects while also anchoring a room with a punch of stylish design? Call it a dresser, call it a chest of drawers, call it a sideboard or even a media console—it all depends on where you place it in your home and the job you give it.

One thing is clear, these are not pieces that should blend in. Even the smallest chest of drawers is a substantial piece, so my recommendation is to get one that makes a statement. And that could possibly live multiple lives in different spaces. Perhaps now you need a dresser in your bedroom, but in a few years, this piece could work in an office or even out in your living room under your television or housing your turntable and bar tray.

The real question is what style suits you? Do you like a vintage-inspired chest? Or a more modern, low-slung style? Are you an all-wood kind of guy, or do you like a sleek metal piece? Maybe a sexy version that combines leather and wood? The good news is that there's no shortage of styles on the market. We've gone through (nearly) all of them to bring you some of the best for your money. These dressers run the gamut—some are tall and lean, some are wide with eight deep drawers while others flaunt such luxurious finishes as whitewashed oak and reclaimed wood. They look good, they're practical and they'll suit anyone's taste and budget.