Wardrobe vs. Dresser — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 22, 2024
A wardrobe is a tall cabinet designed for hanging clothes, often with additional shelves or drawers; a dresser is a lower piece of furniture with multiple drawers for storing folded clothing.
Difference Between Wardrobe and Dresser
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A wardrobe is typically a tall and freestanding cabinet that often includes a combination of space for hanging clothes and storing other items on shelves or in drawers. On the other hand, a dresser, also known as a chest of drawers, is generally lower in height and consists mainly of horizontal drawers stacked on top of each other.
Wardrobes may feature doors that swing open to reveal a large vertical space, suitable for hanging garments such as dresses and coats to prevent wrinkling. Whereas dressers are equipped with sliding drawers that are ideal for organizing smaller items like socks, underwear, and folded shirts.
Many wardrobes are designed to be complete storage solutions with options for both hanging and folded clothes, often equipped with mirrors and occasionally even built-in shoe racks. Dressers, on the other hand, typically focus solely on folded garments and might be topped with a mirror as an add-on rather than a built-in feature.
In terms of materials, wardrobes can be crafted from a variety of materials including wood, metal, or even fabric for portable versions. Dressers are predominantly made of wood, providing a sturdy structure for the weight of the stored items.
The choice between a wardrobe and a dresser often depends on the room layout and storage needs; wardrobes can offer a more comprehensive solution for storage and clothes protection in spaces without built-in closets, while dressers are better suited for rooms that require low-profile furniture for easier access and visibility of contents.
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Comparison Chart
Height
Tall, often extending up to or near the ceiling
Lower, usually waist to chest height
Storage Type
Hanging space, shelves, and sometimes drawers
Primarily drawers for folded clothes
Doors/Drawers
Doors that open outward
Drawers that slide out
Common Materials
Wood, metal, fabric (for portable versions)
Mostly wood
Placement
Freestanding, often in bedrooms or hallways
Often in bedrooms, sometimes in closets
Compare with Definitions
Wardrobe
A tall furniture piece for storing clothes, often with doors.
She hung her winter coats in the spacious wardrobe.
Dresser
Often made of wood for durability.
The antique dresser is made from solid oak.
Wardrobe
May include features like mirrors or shoe racks.
The new wardrobe comes with a built-in mirror on its door.
Dresser
Lower than a wardrobe, suitable for use under windows.
The dresser fits perfectly under the bedroom window.
Wardrobe
Designed to accommodate hanging items.
His suits are neatly arranged in the wardrobe.
Dresser
Ideal for storing folded clothing.
He folded his t-shirts and placed them in the dresser.
Wardrobe
Can be portable and made from lighter materials.
They used a fabric wardrobe during their stay in the dorm.
Dresser
A piece of furniture with multiple drawers for clothes.
She organized her scarves in the top drawer of the dresser.
Wardrobe
Often used in spaces without built-in closets.
Their old house lacked closets, so they bought a large wardrobe.
Dresser
Sometimes features a mirror on top.
She added a large mirror above the dresser for dressing up.
Wardrobe
A wardrobe or armoire is a standing closet used for storing clothes. The earliest wardrobe was a chest, and it was not until some degree of luxury was attained in regal palaces and the castles of powerful nobles that separate accommodation was provided for the apparel of the great.
Dresser
One that dresses
A careful dresser.
Wardrobe
A tall cabinet, closet, or small room built to hold clothes.
Dresser
A wardrobe assistant, as for an actor.
Wardrobe
Garments considered as a group, especially all the articles of clothing that belong to one person.
Dresser
A chest of drawers often supporting a mirror and typically used for holding clothes and personal items.
Wardrobe
The costumes belonging to a theater or theatrical troupe.
Dresser
A cupboard or set of shelves for dishes or kitchen utensils.
Wardrobe
The place in which theatrical costumes are kept.
Dresser
An item of kitchen furniture, like a cabinet with shelves, for storing crockery or utensils.
Wardrobe
The department in charge of wearing apparel, jewelry, and accessories in a royal or noble household.
Dresser
An item of bedroom furniture, like a low chest of drawers, often with a mirror.
Wardrobe
(obsolete) A room for keeping clothes and armor safe, particularly a dressing room or walk-in closet beside a bedroom.
Dresser
One who dresses in a particular way.
He's a very snappy dresser.
Wardrobe
(figuratively) A governmental office or department in a monarchy which purchases, keeps, and cares for royal clothes.
Dresser
A wardrobe assistant (who helps actors put on their costume).
Wardrobe
(figuratively) The building housing such a department.
Dresser
A servant to royalty etc. who helps them with tasks such as dressing.
Wardrobe
(obsolete) Any closet used for storing anything.
Dresser
(medicine) A surgeon's assistant who helps to dress wounds etc.
Wardrobe
A room for keeping costumes and other property safe at a theater; a prop room.
Dresser
(UK) A football hooligan who wears designer clothing; a casual.
Wardrobe
(figuratively) The department of a theater, movie studio, etc which purchases, keeps, and cares for costumes; its staff; its room(s) or building(s).
Dresser
A mechanical device used in grain mills for bolting.
Wardrobe
A movable cupboard or cabinet designed for storing clothes, particularly as a large piece of bedroom furniture.
Dresser
(dated) A table or bench on which meat and other things are dressed, or prepared for use.
Wardrobe
A tall built-in cupboard or closet for storing clothes, often including a rail for coat-hangers, and usually located in a bedroom.
Dresser
(mining) A kind of pick for shaping large coal.
Wardrobe
Anything that similarly stores or houses something.
Dresser
One who dresses or prepares stone.
Wardrobe
The contents of a wardrobe: an individual's entire collection of clothing.
Dresser
One who dresses; one who put in order or makes ready for use; one who on clothes or ornaments.
Wardrobe
(figuratively) Any collection of clothing.
Dresser
A kind of pick for shaping large coal.
Wardrobe
Any collection of anything.
Dresser
An assistant in a hospital, whose office it is to dress wounds, sores, etc.
Wardrobe
(obsolete) A private chamber, particularly one used for sleeping or (euphemism) urinating and defecating.
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.
Wardrobe
Badger feces, particularly used in tracking game.
Dresser
A piece of chamber furniture consisting of a chest of drawers, or bureau, with a mirror.
Wardrobe
(intransitive) To act as a wardrobe department, to provide clothing or sets of clothes.
Dresser
Furniture with drawers for keeping clothes
Wardrobe
A room or apartment where clothes are kept, or wearing apparel is stored; a portable closet for hanging up clothes.
Dresser
A person who dresses in a particular way;
She's an elegant dresser
He's a meticulous dresser
Wardrobe
Wearing apparel, in general; articles of dress or personal decoration.
Flowers that their gay wardrobe wear.
With a pair of saddlebags containing his wardrobe.
Dresser
A wardrobe assistant for an actor
Wardrobe
A privy.
Dresser
Low table with mirror or mirrors where one sits while dressing or applying makeup
Wardrobe
A tall piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes; has a door and rails or hooks for hanging clothes
Dresser
A cabinet with shelves
Wardrobe
Collection of clothing belonging to one person
Wardrobe
Collection of costumes belonging to a theatrical company
Common Curiosities
What is a dresser used for?
A dresser is used primarily for storing folded clothing in its drawers.
What is the main purpose of a wardrobe?
A wardrobe is primarily used for hanging clothes such as dresses, suits, and coats to keep them wrinkle-free.
What is a wardrobe used for?
A wardrobe is used for hanging clothes and may also include shelves or drawers for additional storage.
How tall is a typical dresser?
A typical dresser is waist to chest height.
Is it common for a dresser to have features other than drawers?
While primarily designed with drawers, some dressers also come with a small cupboard or a shelving area, and often a mirror placed on or above the dresser.
Can either a wardrobe or dresser be used in other rooms besides the bedroom?
Yes, while typically used in bedrooms, wardrobes and dressers can also be functional in entryways, kids' rooms, or even living rooms for additional storage.
Can a wardrobe have drawers?
Yes, some wardrobes include drawers along with hanging space.
How does a dresser differ from a wardrobe in terms of design?
A dresser is shorter and contains several drawers stacked horizontally, making it ideal for storing folded clothing and accessories, while a wardrobe is taller and usually has space for hanging clothes.
What materials are commonly used to make wardrobes?
Wardrobes can be made from wood, metal, or fabric (portable wardrobes), depending on the style and functionality desired.
How does the height of a dresser affect its usability?
The lower height of dressers makes them accessible and convenient for everyday use, and they can be placed under windows or used as a TV stand.
What types of items are best stored in a dresser?
Dressers are best suited for storing small, folded items like underwear, socks, t-shirts, and other light garments.
Are wardrobes a good solution for rooms without closets?
Yes, wardrobes are an excellent storage solution for rooms that lack built-in closets, providing ample space for hanging and organizing clothes.
Can wardrobes be customized for additional storage?
Yes, wardrobes can be customized with extra shelves, drawers, and even built-in shoe racks to maximize storage space.
Which is more versatile for organizing, a wardrobe or a dresser?
Dressers are typically more versatile for organizing small items due to multiple drawers, whereas wardrobes offer better organization for larger items like coats and dresses.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
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.
