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When it comes to classic, stylish furniture, there’s nothing better than a vintage dresser. Vintage dressers have been used for ages to decorate your home and store essential items. You can practically store any item in these dressers, from your clothes to makeup or even your kid’s toys, and the best thing is, they instantly become the focal point without disrupting the theme of the house. You can create a dramatic pairing by mixing an antique dresser with modern furniture and decorating it with quirky yet antique collectibles. A vintage dresser not only adds a rustic touch to your contemporary home but also accumulates all the clutter. That said, we have evaluated the best vintage dressers in 2023 that will add functionality and style to every corner.

The Best Vintage Dresser You Can Buy

SONGMICS Vintage Dresser

– Best Overall

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SONGMICS Industrial style dresser has the potential to transform any room into a rustic vibe. The 6 spacious drawers provide ample storage space, and the solid wood construction offers strength and durability. Although the frame is made of metal, it is lightweight and compact. Mobility is no issue. You can easily carry it from one room to another. The adjustable feet allow you to set the height of this dresser and prevent the floor from unwanted damage. The anti-slip kit provides a safe environment, and the fabric drawers won’t pinch the hands. This vintage dresser is pleasing to the eye with its rustic and distressed look. You can easily assemble it with regular screws and a screwdriver.

Pros

  • Ample space with 6 drawers
  • Anti-slip feature
  • Adjustable feet

Cons

  • The metal frame can get rusty without proper care.
  • Cannot handle overweight items.

Delta Children Vintage Dresser

– Runner Up

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This vintage dresser is perfect if you are looking to give your room a modern mid-century look. DELTA universal dresser has ample storage space with 6 drawers and has black cherry espresso finishing that can match the décor of any room. It comes in a range of finishes to choose from. This one-of-a-kind dresser has curved legs and an abundance of storage. It has a smooth metal glide feature with a safety stop to protect your drawer from pulling out. With this dresser, you can create versatile and safe storage in any room. It is manufactured from solid wood and is durable. This piece has the added bonus of being easy to assemble – you’ll have it put together in no time!

Pros

  • An abundance of storage space
  • Stylish and versatile design
  • Built-in safety stops

Cons

  • It is heavy to move.

South Shore Vintage Dresser

– Honorable Mention

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South shore versa 5- drawer dresser has a traditional dresser design. This maple drawer dresser is perfect for tucking away your clothes and keeping them organized. With ample space of 5 drawers, you’ll have plenty of room to store all your essentials in one place. It has beveled edges, a curved kickboard, and straight metal handles, which help you pull out the drawers easily. If you are local for something eco-friendly, then this dresser also offers an environmentally preferred laminated particle panel. And the best part is 5 years of warranty!

Pros

  • Traditional and classical design
  • Eco-friendly manufacturing
  • 5 years of warranty

Cons

  • Difficult to assemble

Sauder Vintage Dresser

– Also Consider

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If you are looking for a plain white color dresser that can give a cool breezy feel to your room, this one is your dresser. This dresser can provide a crisp look to your room without demanding much effort. Sauder county line dresser has drawers with metal runners and safety stops features. It comprises 6 drawers, but the lower four drawers are extra deep, so you can easily place your folded sweater and clothes. The eco-friendly material makes it easy for you to recycle as well. It fulfills the ASTM standard to ensure all safety measures and reduce the hazard to children and pets. The matte finishing gives an upbeat look to the dresser, and the versatile design enhances the room’s look.

Pros

  • Drawers are equipped with a metal runner
  • T-slot assembly system
  • ASTM safety features

Cons

  • It may get dirty more often

Prepac Vintage Dresser

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Prepac Milo dresser is a modern take on a retro look. The classical and exquisite dresser gives a vintage vibe to your room. It has an elegant mid-century design that can mix well with a range of themes. The neutral and whimsical dresser is made of high-quality solid wood and brushed with brass-finished knobs. It has 6 drawers that run smoothly on metal glides with built-in safety stops. The sliding mechanism makes it easy to slide the drawers in and out effortlessly. Apart from 6 drawers and abundant top shelf space, it has tapered wooden legs that deliver a clean and modern look. The drawers have a weight-bearing capacity of 12lbs, and you can place 35lb items on them. The best thing about this dresser is it is lightweight, so you can easily move it from one place to another. What else can a person want?

Pros

  • Sturdy Durable Structure
  • Gliding mechanism for drawers
  • High weight-bearing capacity

Cons

  • Difficult to assemble
  • It can take much more space than its counterparts

Buying Guide for the Best Vintage Dressers

Many people store their clothing in dressers today. If you’re one of them, you know that it can be tough to find a decent vintage dresser that is perfect for your clothes as well as essentials. But don’t worry, we have got you covered. Just keep the following points in mind, and you will find the perfect dresser for yourself.

Why Do You Need a Vintage Dresser?

A vintage dresser is a beautiful alternative to the modern, more contemporary style. At first, dressers were reserved for bedrooms and closets. They held clothes or other personal items. Today, dressers are much more versatile. Apart from their old-world charm, there are a lot of great reasons to get a vintage dresser for your bedroom. First, they offer more storage space than a regular bedside table or nightstand and give you room for clothes, shoes, and accessories. They can be used as side tables, nightstands, or even office desks. If you live in a small apartment with little closet space, getting one of these pieces will help keep everything organized and out of sight. An investment in these furnishings always returns a profit, and they last for decades. Plus, their value increases over time.

Things To Consider While Buying a Vintage Dresser

The key to finding the perfect dresser for your space is knowing what you need it to do and where it will go in your home. Here are some of our favorite features to consider when looking for a new dresser.

Size of the dresser

When deciding on the right size for your vintage dresser, it’s important to understand the true measurements. A truly vintage dresser is usually larger than standard wardrobes. If you want to find the best possible condition, ask yourself if you would be comfortable filling it up with your clothes. If you wouldn’t, then it might be too big for your needs.

Number of drawers

Another important aspect is to check how many drawers are there, so you stuff all your items in one storage space. The more, the merrier. It should have different sizes, from small to large drawers, so you don’t have to worry about placing the more oversized items. Also, make sure that the top shelf has enough space to set your decorative items on it.

Condition

If you’re buying a vintage dresser that’s been around a while, you might want to consider one that’s been refinished. The older the piece, the more likely there is to be something wrong with it – such as missing parts or damage from water infiltration – as well as refinishing issues. If a piece has been refinished at some point, find out if the original wood is still visible underneath the new finish.

Material

Another thing that you need to consider when searching for vintage dressers is what type of wood is used in the construction of your piece. If you would like a stronger and sturdier dresser, then you should go with hardwood such as oak or maple. On the other hand, if you would prefer a lighter and softer dresser, then select from materials such as pine or fir trees.

Portability

Portability plays a significant role while making the purchase of any furniture item. Make sure that it is lightweight so you can carry it from one room to another with ease, and the adjustable feet feature can be a plus. With this, you can adjust the height of your dresser and tuck away all your clothes and essentials far from the reach of your child.

Price Ranges of Vintages Dressers

Buying a dresser of any size can be pretty expensive. Starting from a budget-friendly option of 100$ to costing up to 2000$, you can choose the one according to your budget. You can find a durable product within the range of 100$-500$.

However, with the right dresser for your needs and with the right style, you get a lifetime investment piece that will last you years to come.

How To Maintain a Vintage Dresser?

Once you get your hands on a vintage dresser, keep the following points in mind: the maintenance of antique furniture is relatively different from modern manufactured furniture.

  • Keep your furniture away from heat, direct sunlight, and humidity which could ruin the color, inlays, and loosen the joint of your furniture.
  • Monitor the space where you want to place your dresser. Insects like termites feed on wood and can ruin your furniture.
  • Instead of dragging your furniture, try to lift it up and then move it from one place to another.
  • Polish your furniture every month with wax or gel stains to protect it from erosion and enhance its appearance.
  • Use a lint-free cloth for thorough dusting from inside and outside.

Vintage Dresser FAQ

Q: Will the color of vintage dressers fade over time?

A: There can be a slight change in the color of vintage dressers, but you can use beeswax to replenish the shine of your antique furniture. The best thing is, you can always use a coat of paint to enhance the look and match it with the theme of your home.

Q: How old are vintage dressers?

A: Vintage furniture is rather old than you think. Anything older than 40 years is considered antique if restored. To put it in context, any item from the early 19th century is vintage or retro. You can always check the manufacturing of your furniture, and this will tell you how old it is.

Q: How durable are vintage dressers?

A: It depends on the material and style of your dresser. Vintage dressers are known for their sturdy look and are made of oak and pinewood, which are durable and long-lasting. Furthermore, some dressers have leather upholstery which increases the life of the furniture.

Q: Why do vintage dressers have keyholes?

A: In earlier times, homeowners kept all their personal items and belongings in dressers and locked them up for privacy and safety from any kind of theft. That’s why most antique dressers have keyholes.

Q: Can you change the handles of the dressers?

A: Yes, you most certainly can. If you don’t like the rustic bronze handle, you can get the new knobs, either silver or in matte gold, easily from any hardware store. You can even exchange the knobs of your dresser with the new pull option and add drawer sliders for smoothly opening and closing the drawers.

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Old House Journal

Founded in 1973, Old House Journal is the original authority when it comes to old-house restoration, traditional house styles, period kitchens, bath & kitchen restoration, DIY projects, gardens & landscaping, and more-- from Colonial and Victorian through Arts & Crafts and Mid-century Modern homes.

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