How to Choose the Right Chest of Drawers for Your Bedroom

Choosing the right chest of drawers can make a big difference to how organised, practical and stylish your bedroom feels. A well-chosen chest does far more than provide extra drawer space. It helps keep clothing and essentials neatly stored, supports the overall layout of the room and can also act as a useful surface for lighting, mirrors or decorative accessories. Whether you are furnishing a main bedroom, guest room or smaller spare room, the right chest of drawers should suit both your storage needs and the size of the space.

In this guide, we explain how to choose the best chest of drawers for your home, including size, drawer configuration, materials, style and placement. If you are planning the wider room too, it also helps to think about how your chest will work alongside your wardrobe, bed and bedside tables.

Start with What You Need to Store

Before choosing a style, think about what will actually go inside the drawers. Some bedrooms need deep, generous storage for bulky clothing, while others need more compact drawers for smaller everyday items.

• Use deeper drawers for knitwear, jeans, jumpers and larger folded items
• Choose shallower drawers for underwear, accessories, sleepwear or smaller essentials
• Think about whether you need all-purpose storage or more organised drawer combinations
• Consider if a taller chest would work better than a wider one in the available space
• Allow for the fact that your storage needs may change over time

Starting with function will make it much easier to choose a chest that works well day to day rather than simply filling an empty wall.

Measure the Room Carefully

Getting the size right is one of the most important parts of choosing a chest of drawers. A piece that is too large can make the room feel cramped, while one that is too small may not offer enough useful storage.

• Measure the wall where the chest will go
• Check that there is enough clearance for drawers to open comfortably
• Think about nearby doors, wardrobes, radiators and walkways
• Consider ceiling height if you are choosing a taller chest
• Check access routes such as doorways, stairs and corners before ordering

It is also worth thinking about what will sit above the chest. If you plan to add a mirror, artwork or wall lighting, the proportions should feel balanced with the furniture below.

Choose the Right Type of Chest of Drawers

There are several different styles of chest, and the best one depends on the room layout and the type of storage you need.

Wide Chests of Drawers

Wide chests provide a generous top surface as well as useful drawer space, making them a good option if you want room for a mirror, table lamp or decorative accessories.

Tall Chests of Drawers

Tallboy designs are ideal where floor space is more limited but you still need plenty of drawer storage. They make use of vertical space while keeping the footprint smaller.

Small Chests of Drawers

Compact chests can work well in guest rooms, smaller bedrooms or alcoves where a larger piece would feel too dominant.

Multi-Drawer Designs

Some chests combine different drawer sizes, which can be useful if you want more flexibility for storing a mix of clothing and smaller items.

Think About Drawer Configuration

The drawer layout will affect how practical the chest feels in everyday use. It is worth considering whether you want large deep drawers, a mix of sizes or more smaller compartments.

• Larger drawers are useful for bulkier folded clothing and bedding
• Smaller top drawers can help organise accessories and everyday essentials
• A combination of drawer sizes often gives the most flexibility
• Think about how easily you will be able to keep the drawers tidy over time

A chest that looks neat from the outside will work much better in practice if the drawer sizes reflect what you actually need to store.

Consider the Size of the Bedroom

The size of the room should always influence the chest of drawers you choose. A generously sized chest can work beautifully in a larger bedroom, but in a more compact room it can quickly make the space feel crowded.

• In smaller bedrooms, tall chests can be a smart way to save floor space
• Wider chests can work well in larger rooms where you want a stronger visual presence
• Lighter finishes can help the furniture feel less heavy in compact spaces
• Keep enough room around the chest so the space still feels easy to move through

If the room is limited in size, it is often better to choose a chest that makes efficient use of the space rather than trying to squeeze in something oversized.

Pick Materials and Finishes That Suit Your Style

A chest of drawers often has a strong visual presence in the bedroom, so the material and finish will have a big impact on the overall look of the space.

Wooden Chests of Drawers

Wood brings warmth, character and timeless appeal. It can work beautifully in both classic and contemporary bedrooms depending on the design.

Painted Finishes

Painted chests can feel lighter and more tailored. Softer shades can help create a calm bedroom scheme, while darker colours can add depth and contrast.

Mixed Material Designs

Some chests include subtle metal detailing, contrasting tops or textured finishes, which can add interest without overwhelming the room.

Try to choose a finish that works naturally with your wardrobe, bed frame and bedside tables so the room feels coordinated overall.

Think About Placement in the Room

Where the chest of drawers sits will influence the size and style that works best.

• A wide chest can work beautifully beneath a mirror or piece of artwork
• A tall chest may suit a narrower wall or awkward corner
• Make sure drawers can open fully without obstructing walkways or other furniture
• Consider how the chest will sit in relation to the bed and wardrobe

The best placement should feel natural within the room, making the furniture useful without interrupting the flow of the space.

Consider Practical Everyday Details

Small practical details often make the biggest difference over time.

• Check whether the drawers open smoothly and fully
• Think about whether the handles are easy to use
• Consider the depth of the drawers as well as the number of them
• Make sure the top surface is useful if you plan to use it for lighting or display
• Choose a finish that suits the level of everyday wear in the room

These details can affect how easy and enjoyable the furniture is to use every day.

Match the Chest to the Bedroom Style

Your chest of drawers should feel connected to the overall style of the bedroom. It does not need to match every piece exactly, but it should complement the rest of the furniture and the mood of the room.

• For classic bedrooms, look for timeless shapes and warm or painted finishes
• For modern bedrooms, simpler lines and understated details often work well
• For smaller spaces, lighter tones can help the room feel calmer and more open
• For more characterful interiors, a chest can be a good place to introduce texture or subtle contrast

If the bed is already a strong focal point, a more understated chest may create better balance. If the rest of the room is simple, the chest can add more presence and personality.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing a chest that is too large for the available wall space
• Not allowing enough room for drawers to open properly
• Focusing only on appearance and overlooking drawer configuration
• Choosing a style that feels disconnected from the rest of the bedroom
• Ignoring how the furniture will be delivered into the room

Final Thoughts

The best chest of drawers combines practical storage, good proportions and a style that suits your bedroom beautifully. Start by thinking about what you need to store, how much space the room allows and whether a wide or tall design will work best. Once those practical considerations are covered, you can focus on materials, finish and detailing that complement the rest of the room.

Whether you are looking for a compact chest for a smaller bedroom or a larger design with generous drawer space, choosing carefully will help create a bedroom that feels organised, calm and easy to live in.