As kids grow, so does their collection of clothing, books, toys, and games. A chest of drawers is a simple yet incredibly versatile piece of bedroom furniture that keeps daily life tidy. Whatever your storage needs may be, there’s a chest out there perfectly suited for every style, personality, and interior space. Read our guide below to learn more about finding the right chest for your child’s room.
It gets confusing to sort through the sea of bedroom storage furniture. The words “chest” and “dresser” are used interchangeably given their similar function, but there are slight differences between the two.
Chest of Drawers
A chest of drawers is defined by its narrow, single-column stature. You can hone your search based on the height or number of drawers to maximize vertical space.
A traditional dresser is short and wide with two columns of drawers. Dresser draws are deeper than chest drawers, but chests have more drawers than dressers.
There is no shortage of options when it comes to finding a chest for a kids bedroom, but there are few factors to keep in mind before buying.
1.
Determine Your Storage Needs
The size of chest you choose depends on how much you need to store. If you need to store multiple items, choose a tall chest with at least four drawers.
Measure the dimensions of your child’s bedroom and add a buffer of about three feet between doorways and other furniture to make sure there’s clearance to move freely.
2.
Consider Your Child’s Age
If your kid is yet to hit a growth spurt, a tall chest of drawers might be more difficult to reach — and could inspire some risky climbing. Promote independence and safe maneuvering, with a chest your child can access comfortably and safely.
3.
Create a Budget
If you’re searching for a chest that lasts for years, it’s worth investing in a durable, premium style. Budget-friendly styles are widely available to keep your kid’s space organized at any age. Check out our furniture budget guide for more information.
Safety Features
Consider extra precautions to keep your child’s room as safe as possible. Some of these features are purchased separately, while others are built into the furniture. Pay close attention to the piece you’re purchasing, so you know the safety feature you need.
Edge Protectors
Edge protectors are temporary additions that pad sharp corners and edges.
Drawer Stops
Some features add soft closures to the drawers in the chest to prevent pinching fingers.
Drawer Locks
Prevent solid drawers from falling off their tracks with drawers that lock into place.
Wall Mounts
All furniture should be secured to the wall with mounts to help avoid issues with furniture toppling over.
Different Types of Kids Chests
Find the right style and size of chest to keep your kids room clutter-free and calm. Consider your storage needs and style and choose one of the following chest types.
Short Chests
Short chests are a common and versatile size, with about three to four drawers. These chests efficiently keep items tucked away, at a height most kids can reach. Double up on function by using this style as a nightstand.
Vertical Chests
Tall chests have about five to seven stacked drawers. These chests make the most of limited floor or closet space and are suited for older children and teens who can safely access the top drawers.
Storage Chests & Trunks
Storage chests are commonly referred to as toy chests. They have a single compartment with a flip lid top that sits at the end of the bed or against the wall.
Material & Chest Style
Chests are crafted in a wide array of practical materials to suit your storage needs, style, and budget.
Solid Wood
Solid wood has a durable, classic look available in an array of finishes. The craftsmanship adds to its longevity, but these furnishing come at a premium price point.
Medium Density Fiberboard “MDF”
Short for medium density fiberboard, MDF is constructed by compressing wood fibers with resin at a high temperature, resulting in a light-weight, budget-friendly material. It’s easy to find but less durable than solid wood.
Particle Board
Particle board is similar to medium density fiberboard in its construction, resulting in a functional material without added heft. It’s a popular and cost-effective option.
Style
There are very few style limitations to kids chests. Find a style you and your child love. Whether you are planning a colorful and eclectic layout for a young child or selecting a timeless yet classic piece to accent your teen’s space, find an option you both love.
Use these tips to find a chest of drawers perfect for your child’s room. On furniture.com, you can find kids chests available at a store near you. Browse kids chests to get inspired for your next purchase.