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The term dresser actually originated in French, and once referred to sideboard with shelves above it for storing kitchen dishes and serving utensils. Needless to say, this usage is no longer common, and would certainly cause much confusion in household decorating if it were. The term chest of drawers is more straightforward - it is used to refer to a frame that holds any set of drawers, typically four to eight of them. A dresser may begin as a chest of drawers, but it often has something added or attached to the top. That may be a glass-enclosed set of shelves, a set of doors that hide a small closet, or even a mirror. Casual observation can make it easy to tell the difference between dressers and chests, based simply on their appearance.

The term dresser actually originated in French, and once referred to sideboard with shelves above it for storing kitchen dishes and serving utensils. Needless to say, this usage is no longer common, and would certainly cause much confusion in household decorating if it were. The term chest of drawers is more straightforward - it is used to refer to a frame that holds any set of drawers, typically four to eight of them. A dresser may begin as a chest of drawers, but it often has something added or attached to the top. That may be a glass-enclosed set of shelves, a set of doors that hide a small closet, or even a mirror. Casual observation can make it easy to tell the difference between dressers and chests, based simply on their appearance.

Dressers and chests can be found in bedrooms, but are unconventionally used in family rooms and bathrooms for additional storage. Many people remodeling homes are starting to use dressers as vanities, or are cutting a hole in the top to place a sink. The typical place for a dresser or chest is the bedroom area for storing clothes. Many people also use the top of a dresser or chest for personal or decor items.

Dressers and chests do provide similar benefits. They both help keep a room looking neat and presentable by keeping personal items out of sight. Since standard bedroom closets don't often have shelving, dressers and chests provide a convenient way to store items that aren't easy to hang up. Dressers do offer a few additional benefits in that they can store a wider range of items. However, chests of drawers offer more versatility when used for decorating.

Decorating is easier with a chest, than with a dresser. The reason is because dressers are usually wider and heavier than chests. A dresser or chest should match the other furniture in the room, unless it is an original accent piece. The best way to match furniture is to purchase the dresser or chest in a bedroom set.

The alternatives to dressers and chests consist of space saving items, like closet shelves. If a dresser or chest won't fit into a bedroom, a closet system is usually used to store clothing. While both will keep items organized, people usually prefer the look of dressers and chests to compliment their other furnishings, and complete a bedroom.