Chest of drawers facts for kids

A chest of drawers (also called a dresser) is a useful piece of furniture found in many homes. It's designed with several horizontal drawers stacked one above the other. People mostly use chests of drawers to store clothing items like underwear, socks, T-shirts, and sweaters. They help keep your room tidy and your clothes organized.

What is a Chest of Drawers?

A chest of drawers is a type of cabinet that has multiple drawers. These drawers slide in and out, making it easy to access items stored inside. They are usually made from wood, but you can also find them made from metal, plastic, or a mix of materials. The top surface of a chest of drawers can also be used to place lamps, books, or decorative items.

Why Do We Use Them?

The main reason we use chests of drawers is for storage. They are perfect for keeping clothes neatly folded and out of sight. This helps to save space in your closet and keeps your room from looking messy. They are especially good for items that don't need to be hung up, like socks, pajamas, and folded shirts.

Common Types of Chests

There are a few different names for chests of drawers, depending on their design and height:

• Dresser: Often wider and lower, with a mirror attached or placed above it. These are common in bedrooms.
• Tallboy: A tall, narrow chest of drawers with many drawers stacked vertically. It's great for small spaces.
• Chest-on-chest: This is like two chests of drawers stacked on top of each other. The top part is usually a bit smaller than the bottom.
• Commode: This term often refers to a more decorative or antique chest of drawers, sometimes with curved shapes.

The History of Chests of Drawers

Chests of drawers have been around for a long time, evolving from simpler storage boxes. People in ancient times used basic chests or trunks to store their belongings. These were often just large boxes with lids.

From Chests to Drawers

Over time, people realized that pulling out a drawer was much easier than lifting a heavy lid and digging through a deep box.

• The idea of drawers started appearing in furniture during the Middle Ages.
• Early versions were often built into larger cabinets or desks.
• By the 17th century, the chest of drawers as we know it began to take shape in Europe.

Styles Through the Ages

Different periods in history saw different styles of chests of drawers:

• 17th Century: Early chests were often simple and sturdy, made of oak. They might have carved decorations.
• 18th Century: This era brought more refined designs. Woods like mahogany and walnut became popular. Styles like Chippendale and Queen Anne featured elegant legs and detailed hardware.
• 19th Century: As manufacturing improved, chests of drawers became more widely available. Victorian styles often had elaborate carvings and heavy designs.
• 20th Century and Today: Modern designs are often simpler, focusing on clean lines and functionality. Materials now include engineered wood, metal, and plastic, offering many choices for different tastes and budgets.

How Chests of Drawers Are Made

Making a chest of drawers involves several steps, usually starting with wood.

• Cutting: Large pieces of wood are cut into the right sizes for the frame, sides, top, and drawer parts.
• Joinery: Different pieces are joined together using strong techniques like dovetail joints or mortise and tenon joints. These joints make the furniture sturdy and long-lasting.
• Drawer Construction: Each drawer is carefully built so it slides smoothly. Drawer slides or runners are added to the sides of the drawer and inside the chest's frame.
• Finishing: Once assembled, the chest is sanded smooth and then finished with paint, stain, or varnish. This protects the wood and gives it a nice look.

Choosing a Chest of Drawers

When choosing a chest of drawers, consider a few things:

• Size: How much space do you have in your room? Measure the area where you want to put it.
• Storage Needs: How many drawers do you need? Do you need deep drawers for bulky items or shallow ones for smaller things?
• Style: Does it match the rest of your room's furniture and decor?
• Material: Do you prefer solid wood, engineered wood, or another material?
• Quality: Check how smoothly the drawers open and close. Good quality drawers will have sturdy slides.

A chest of drawers is more than just a piece of furniture; it's a key part of keeping a home organized and tidy.

Images for kids

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  Chest of drawers from the 18th century, collection King Baudouin Foundation

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  Chest of Drawers, Circa 1720, Kingwood with gilt-metal mounts and marble, Cleveland Museum of Art

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  Chippendale-Style George III Mahogany Chest on Chest, Circa 1770

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  A chest on chest, a derivative of the simpler chest of drawers