Bureau vs. Dresser — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 22, 2024
A bureau typically refers to a type of chest with drawers and sometimes a fold-down desk, used for storage and writing, whereas a dresser is a chest of drawers primarily used for storing clothing.
Difference Between Bureau and Dresser
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A bureau is often characterized by its combination of drawers and a fold-down writing surface, making it functional for both storage and as a workspace. Whereas a dresser is primarily designed with drawers for storing clothes and typically features a mirror on top.
The term "bureau" can also refer to a writing desk or a government department, adding to its versatility in usage. On the other hand, the term "dresser" is almost exclusively used to describe bedroom furniture.
Bureaus are traditionally made from wood and may have ornate designs that reflect their dual purpose as both storage and part of an office or study area. Dressers, while also mostly wooden, often have a simpler design focused on functionality in a bedroom setting.
The top of a bureau is typically clear or features minimal items since it may need to accommodate a fold-down desk. In contrast, the top of a dresser is often used to store items such as makeup, jewelry, or other personal effects.
In historical and design contexts, a bureau might be considered a more formal piece of furniture compared to a dresser, which is seen as an essential part of casual home furnishing.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Storage and writing
Clothing storage
Design Features
Drawers, sometimes with a fold-down desk
Drawers, often topped with a mirror
Material
Typically wood, often ornate
Mostly wood, design varies
Top Surface Usage
Often clear or for temporary use
Used for personal items, often permanent
Common Context
Office, study, formal settings
Bedroom, casual settings
Compare with Definitions
Bureau
Can refer to an office or agency providing a specific service.
She works at the bureau of statistics.
Dresser
Usually found in a bedroom setting.
The bedroom dresser was topped with a large mirror.
Bureau
Typically found in formal or office settings.
The bureau was placed against the library wall, filled with historical volumes.
Dresser
Focuses on functionality and storage capacity.
The spacious dresser could accommodate all her seasonal outfits.
Bureau
A chest of drawers with a fold-down desk, used for storage and writing.
The old bureau in the study was filled with letters and documents.
Dresser
A type of furniture with multiple drawers for storing clothes.
She organized her clothes neatly in the new dresser.
Bureau
Used in various contexts, including home and government.
The bureau in his room doubled as a workspace.
Dresser
Often topped with a mirror, used for personal grooming.
He adjusted his tie in front of the dresser mirror.
Bureau
Often made of wood and may feature ornate designs.
The antique bureau was a family heirloom, featuring intricate carvings.
Dresser
Essential for daily use and organization in a home.
Their wooden dresser was essential for keeping the children’s clothes organized.
Bureau
A chest of drawers, especially a dresser for holding clothes.
Dresser
One that dresses
A careful dresser.
Bureau
Chiefly British A writing desk or writing table with drawers.
Dresser
A wardrobe assistant, as for an actor.
Bureau
A government department or a subdivision of a department.
Dresser
A chest of drawers often supporting a mirror and typically used for holding clothes and personal items.
Bureau
An office, usually of a large organization, that is responsible for a specific duty
A news bureau.
Dresser
A cupboard or set of shelves for dishes or kitchen utensils.
Bureau
A business that offers information of a specified kind
A travel bureau.
Dresser
An item of kitchen furniture, like a cabinet with shelves, for storing crockery or utensils.
Bureau
An administrative unit of government; office.
Dresser
An item of bedroom furniture, like a low chest of drawers, often with a mirror.
Bureau
An organization or office for collecting or providing information or news.
A news bureau; a travel bureau; a service bureau; an employment bureau; the Citizens Advice Bureau
Dresser
One who dresses in a particular way.
He's a very snappy dresser.
Bureau
An office room where clerical or professional duties are performed.
Dresser
A wardrobe assistant (who helps actors put on their costume).
Bureau
A desk, usually with a cover and compartments that are located above the level of the writing surface rather than underneath, and often used for storing papers.
Dresser
A servant to royalty etc. who helps them with tasks such as dressing.
Bureau
(US) A chest of drawers for clothes.
Dresser
(medicine) A surgeon's assistant who helps to dress wounds etc.
Bureau
Originally, a desk or writing table with drawers for papers.
Dresser
(UK) A football hooligan who wears designer clothing; a casual.
Bureau
The place where such a bureau is used; an office where business requiring writing is transacted.
Dresser
A mechanical device used in grain mills for bolting.
Bureau
Hence: A department of public business requiring a force of clerks; the body of officials in a department who labor under the direction of a chief.
Dresser
(dated) A table or bench on which meat and other things are dressed, or prepared for use.
Bureau
A chest of drawers for clothes, especially when made as an ornamental piece of furniture.
Dresser
(mining) A kind of pick for shaping large coal.
Bureau
An administrative unit of government;
The Central Intelligence Agency
The Census Bureau
Office of Management and Budget
Tennessee Valley Authority
Dresser
One who dresses or prepares stone.
Bureau
Furniture with drawers for keeping clothes
Dresser
One who dresses; one who put in order or makes ready for use; one who on clothes or ornaments.
Dresser
A kind of pick for shaping large coal.
Dresser
An assistant in a hospital, whose office it is to dress wounds, sores, etc.
Dresser
A table or bench on which meat and other things are dressed, or prepared for use.
The pewter plates on the dresserCaught and reflected the flame, as shields of armies the sunshine.
Dresser
A piece of chamber furniture consisting of a chest of drawers, or bureau, with a mirror.
Dresser
Furniture with drawers for keeping clothes
Dresser
A person who dresses in a particular way;
She's an elegant dresser
He's a meticulous dresser
Dresser
A wardrobe assistant for an actor
Dresser
Low table with mirror or mirrors where one sits while dressing or applying makeup
Dresser
A cabinet with shelves
Common Curiosities
What are typical materials used for dressers?
Dressers are typically made from various types of wood and sometimes include metal or plastic components.
Can a bureau be used in a bedroom?
Yes, a bureau can be used in a bedroom, especially if it provides additional functionality like a writing space.
What is the main difference between a bureau and a dresser?
A bureau often includes a fold-down desk for writing, while a dresser is primarily used for storing clothing.
Can the top of a dresser be used for anything other than a mirror?
Yes, the top of a dresser can also be used to display items, store jewelry, or organize makeup.
Does a dresser always include a mirror?
While it is common, not all dressers come with a mirror; some are simply chests of drawers.
What era are classic bureaus from?
Classic bureaus are often from the Victorian era but can vary widely in style and period.
Is a bureau more expensive than a dresser?
The price can vary, but bureaus might be more expensive due to their additional features and often more intricate designs.
What are common locations for placing a bureau?
A bureau is commonly placed in studies, home offices, or formal areas of a home.
Are there modern versions of bureaus?
Yes, modern bureaus may feature minimalist designs and adapt to contemporary needs like laptop storage.
Is it common to find a bureau in a modern office?
In modern offices, bureaus are less common, replaced by more versatile office desks and storage systems.
What sizes do bureaus come in?
Bureaus come in various sizes, often depending on their intended use and the space available.
How do I care for a wooden dresser?
Regular dusting and occasional polishing are recommended to keep a wooden dresser in good condition.
Can bureaus be customized?
Many furniture makers offer customization options for bureaus, especially for those used in specific professional settings.
What types of items are stored in a dresser other than clothes?
Dressers may also store linens, accessories, and sometimes even books or technology.
How should I choose between a bureau and a dresser?
Consider your needs for workspace and storage; a bureau is ideal for dual purposes, while a dresser is better for clothing storage.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
