Quick Answer: A big chest of drawers typically stands 50 to 60 inches tall with 5 to 7 drawers, providing roughly 15 to 25 cubic feet of storage. In Canada, solid wood models cost $600 to $2,000+ CAD while engineered wood options start at $250 to $600 CAD. Always anchor tall chests to the wall for safety, especially in homes with children.
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Tall Chest vs. Wide Dresser: Which Do You Need
People use "chest of drawers" and "dresser" interchangeably, but they are actually different pieces of furniture. Understanding the difference helps you pick the right one for your space.
A chest of drawers (sometimes called a highboy or tallboy) is taller than it is wide. It typically stands 48 to 60 inches tall and 30 to 40 inches wide, with 5 to 7 drawers stacked vertically. It takes up less floor space but uses vertical space.
A dresser (sometimes called a bureau or lowboy) is wider than it is tall. It is usually 30 to 36 inches tall and 50 to 72 inches wide, with 6 to 9 drawers in a horizontal layout. It takes up more wall space but provides a surface for a mirror, photos or a TV.
| Feature | Tall Chest of Drawers | Wide Dresser |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 48-60 inches | 30-36 inches |
| Width | 30-40 inches | 50-72 inches |
| Drawers | 5-7 | 6-9 |
| Floor space | Less (good for small rooms) | More (needs wall space) |
| Top surface | Small (fits a lamp) | Large (mirror, decor, TV) |
| Tipping risk | Higher (must anchor) | Lower (more stable) |
| Best for | Small bedrooms, closets, hallways | Primary bedrooms, master suites |
If your bedroom is small, a big tall chest of drawers is usually the better choice because it stores just as much clothing as a wide dresser while using half the wall space. The trade-off is the tipping risk, which we cover in the safety section below.
Standard Sizes for Large Chests
When people search for a "big" chest of drawers, they usually mean one of these:
Large Chest Size Categories
- Standard tall chest (5 drawers): 48-52" H x 32-36" W x 16-18" D. Holds about 15 cubic feet. Fits in most bedrooms.
- Extra-tall chest (6-7 drawers): 54-60" H x 34-38" W x 18-20" D. Holds about 20-25 cubic feet. Needs wall anchoring. Can replace a dresser entirely.
- Wide chest (6+ drawers, double column): 40-48" H x 40-50" W x 18-20" D. Holds 20-30 cubic feet. A hybrid between a chest and a dresser. Provides the most storage but needs significant wall space.
- Gentleman's chest (door + drawers): 50-58" H x 40-48" W x 18-20" D. Has a cabinet section (for hanging shorter items) alongside drawers. Popular in bedrooms without adequate closet space.
Before buying, measure the intended spot and leave at least 3 inches of clearance behind (for wall anchoring hardware and baseboard trim) and enough room in front for drawers to open fully (the drawer depth plus 6 inches for your hands).
Materials and What Lasts
Solid Wood
Solid wood chests of drawers are the gold standard for longevity. Oak, maple, cherry and walnut all produce beautiful, durable pieces that can be refinished multiple times over a 20 to 50 year lifespan. Canadian-made solid wood chests from manufacturers like Handstone (Kitchener, Ontario) or Mobican (Quebec) start around $1,000 CAD and go up from there.
Pine is the budget solid wood option. It dents more easily (Janka hardness of 380 vs. 1,290 for oak) but still outlasts engineered wood by a significant margin. IKEA's HEMNES chest is a popular pine option at around $300 to $400 CAD.
Engineered Wood
MDF and particle board chests with laminate or veneer finishes dominate the $200 to $600 price range. They look good when new and offer smooth, consistent finishes that solid wood cannot match at the same price. The downside is moisture sensitivity (MDF swells if it gets wet) and limited repair options (you cannot sand out a chip in laminate).
For a bedroom with controlled humidity, engineered wood chests last 5 to 10 years. For a humid basement bedroom or a cottage, stick with solid wood or metal.
Talia, Mattress Miracle: "The most common mistake I see people make with big chests of drawers is buying cheap and replacing every 3 to 4 years. Over 15 years, they end up spending more than they would have on one solid wood chest that lasts the whole time. If you can afford the upfront cost, solid wood saves money in the long run."
Safety: Why Anchoring Is Not Optional
This Is Not a Suggestion
Health Canada reports that a child is injured by a tipping piece of furniture every 30 minutes in North America. Between 2000 and 2023, at least 234 children died from furniture tip-overs in the US and Canada. Tall chests of drawers are the most common type of furniture involved. Anchor every tall chest to the wall. No exceptions.
A big chest of drawers becomes dangerously top-heavy when upper drawers are opened, especially if they are loaded with heavy items. If a child climbs on an open drawer or pulls on the chest, it can topple forward in seconds.
How to Anchor Properly
- Use anti-tip straps or L-brackets. Most new chests come with anti-tip hardware in the box. If yours did not, buy a furniture anchoring kit (about $10 to $15 at any hardware store).
- Anchor into a wall stud, not just drywall. Drywall anchors are not strong enough to stop a 100+ lb chest from tipping. Use a stud finder and screw directly into a stud.
- Place heavier items in lower drawers. This lowers the centre of gravity and reduces tipping risk even when drawers are open.
- Never place a TV on top of an unanchored chest. The added height and weight make tipping more likely and the consequences more severe.
As of June 2023, the STURDY Act in the US requires all clothing storage furniture to pass tip-over testing. Canada has similar guidelines through Health Canada. When buying a new chest, look for compliance with ASTM F2057 (the tip-over resistance standard).
How to Organize a Big Chest of Drawers
A big chest with 5 to 7 drawers gives you enough space to organize clothing by category rather than cramming everything together. Here is a system that works for most people:
- Top drawer: Underwear, socks and small accessories. Use drawer dividers to keep things separated.
- Second drawer: T-shirts and casual tops, folded vertically (KonMari style) so you can see everything at a glance.
- Third drawer: Sweaters and long-sleeve shirts.
- Fourth drawer: Pants, jeans and shorts.
- Bottom drawer(s): Seasonal items, extra bedding, workout clothes or anything you access less frequently.
The key principle is frequency: items you grab daily go in the top drawers (waist to shoulder height), items you grab weekly go in the middle, and seasonal or occasional items go at the bottom where you need to bend down.
Storage Solutions for Ontario Homes
Many older homes in Brantford and surrounding areas have bedrooms with small or single-rod closets that were not designed for modern wardrobes. A big chest of drawers fills the gap, handling folded clothing so your closet can focus on hanging items. If your bedroom in Brantford, Paris, or St. George is short on closet space, a tall chest is often the most practical addition. Visit us at Mattress Miracle (441 1/2 West Street) and we can help you plan a bedroom layout that maximizes both storage and sleep comfort.
Where to Buy a Big Chest of Drawers in Ontario
Here is a quick guide to what is available at different price points:
- Under $300 CAD: IKEA (MALM, HEMNES, KULLEN), Walmart (Prepac, South Shore). Engineered wood, basic hardware.
- $300 to $600 CAD: Leon's, The Brick, Structube, JYSK. Better finishes, some solid wood components, improved drawer slides.
- $600 to $1,200 CAD: EQ3, Article, Crate and Barrel Canada. Higher-quality engineered or solid wood, soft-close drawers.
- $1,200+ CAD: Handstone, Mobican, Pottery Barn Canada, custom furniture makers. Solid hardwood, dovetail drawers, heirloom quality.
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Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a chest of drawers and a dresser?
A chest of drawers is taller than it is wide (typically 48 to 60 inches tall) with drawers stacked vertically. A dresser is wider than it is tall (typically 30 to 36 inches tall) with drawers in a horizontal layout. A chest uses less floor space; a dresser provides more surface area on top.
How many drawers should a big chest of drawers have?
A standard tall chest has 5 drawers. Extra-large models have 6 to 7. For most adults, 5 to 6 drawers provides enough organized space for everyday clothing. If you need more than 7 drawers, consider adding a second smaller chest or a dresser rather than buying an extremely tall single piece.
Do I need to anchor a chest of drawers to the wall?
Yes. Any chest taller than 30 inches should be anchored, and tall chests (48+ inches) absolutely must be secured. Health Canada strongly recommends anchoring all free-standing furniture over 30 inches to prevent tip-overs, especially in homes with children. Most chests come with anchoring hardware included.
How much weight can a chest of drawers hold per drawer?
A well-built chest with ball-bearing slides handles 50 to 80 lb per drawer. Budget models with plastic or wooden slides typically handle 25 to 40 lb per drawer. The top surface usually supports 50 to 100 lb. Check the manufacturer's specifications for exact ratings.
Does Mattress Miracle sell chests of drawers?
We focus primarily on mattresses and sleep accessories, but we carry some bedroom furniture including dressers and nightstands. For a wide selection of chests, we recommend visiting IKEA, Leon's or a local furniture store and then coming to us for the mattress to complete your bedroom. Call us at (519) 770-0001 for current inventory.
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Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Furnishing a bedroom from scratch? Start with the mattress, then build around it. We have been helping Brantford families sleep better since 1997. Come in for honest, no-pressure advice on mattresses, bed frames and bedroom furniture.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.