Can You Put a Dresser in a Dining Room? Practical Ideas and Design Tips

Most people think of a dresser as something that belongs in the bedroom-socks, underwear, sweaters, all neatly stacked in its drawers. But what if you could use that same piece of furniture to solve a real problem in your dining room? Like cluttered serving dishes, mismatched silverware, or too many napkin holders taking up space on the table? The answer isn’t just yes-you can put a dresser in a dining room. And many homeowners are already doing it, quietly turning outdated storage into smart, stylish solutions.

Why a Dresser Works Better Than a Sideboard

Sideboards have long been the go-to for dining room storage. But they’re often narrow, shallow, and designed more for looks than function. A dresser, on the other hand, is built for heavy use. It has deeper drawers, sturdier construction, and usually more total storage space. You can store everything from table linens and extra glassware to holiday serving platters and even small kitchen tools like can openers or bottle openers.

Real homeowners aren’t just copying Pinterest ideas-they’re fixing problems. One client in Minneapolis replaced her flimsy buffet with a mid-century dresser from a thrift store. Now, she keeps all her china in the top drawers, extra napkins in the middle, and her wine glasses in the bottom. No more digging through cabinets after dinner. The dresser fits perfectly beside her dining table, and it looks intentional, not like an afterthought.

Choosing the Right Dresser for Your Dining Room

Not every dresser will work. You need to think about size, style, and function.

• Height matters. A standard dresser is 30-36 inches tall. That’s close to the height of most dining tables (28-30 inches). If it’s too tall, it’ll feel awkward next to your chairs. Look for one that’s within 2-4 inches of your table height.
• Depth should be under 20 inches. You don’t want a dresser sticking out too far into the walkway. A 16-18 inch depth gives you plenty of storage without crowding the space.
• Style should match your room. A sleek, modern dresser with clean lines works in a contemporary dining room. A painted vintage dresser with brass pulls adds charm to a farmhouse or traditional space. Avoid overly ornate or bulky designs-they’ll make the room feel cramped.
• Drawers should glide smoothly. You’ll be opening and closing them often. Test them in-store if you can. If you’re buying used, check for warped wood or sticky drawers.

One common mistake? Choosing a dresser that’s too wide. If your dining room is small, go for a 48-54 inch model. Anything longer than 60 inches can overwhelm the space unless you have a large, open layout.

How to Use a Dresser Like a Sideboard

Once you’ve got the right piece, it’s time to use it. Think of your dresser as a multi-layered storage system.

• Top surface: Use it for serving trays, a small vase, or a decorative lamp. Keep it clear of clutter-this isn’t a dumping ground.
• Top drawers: Store your best dishes, fine china, or special glassware. These are the items you pull out for guests. Label them if you need to.
• Middle drawers: Daily-use items: napkins, placemats, silverware, salt and pepper shakers. Keep these easy to reach.
• Bottom drawers: Bulk storage: extra tablecloths, holiday decor, wine bottles, or even board games for after-dinner fun.

Some people add a tray or basket on top to corral small items like candles or matches. Others use drawer dividers to keep utensils from jumbling. A simple $10 organizer can turn messy drawers into a well-oiled machine.

Styling Tips to Make It Look Intentional

The biggest fear people have? “Will it look weird?” The answer is no-if you style it right.

Start by matching the dresser’s finish to other wood tones in the room. If your table is walnut, pick a dresser with a similar tone. If your chairs are white-washed oak, a painted white or light gray dresser will tie things together.

Don’t be afraid to mix materials. A wooden dresser with metal pulls can look modern next to a glass-top table. A distressed dresser with black hardware adds edge to a traditional space.

Lighting helps. Place a small lamp or LED strip under the dresser to create a soft glow on the floor. It draws attention upward and makes the piece feel intentional, not just shoved in a corner.

And here’s a pro tip: remove the knobs. Replace them with sleek pulls or leave them off entirely for a minimalist look. It instantly elevates the piece from “old bedroom furniture” to “designed storage.”

When Not to Use a Dresser in the Dining Room

There are limits. A dresser isn’t always the right call.

• Small dining nooks. If your dining area is tucked into a corner under 6 feet wide, a dresser will block movement. Stick to wall shelves or a narrow console.
• High humidity areas. If your dining room is next to a kitchen with no ventilation, moisture can warp wood over time. Avoid solid wood dressers here-opt for engineered wood or metal.
• Formal dining rooms. If your space is all about elegance-crystal chandeliers, fine china, and silk curtains-a bulky dresser might clash. A traditional buffet or credenza fits better in that context.
• When you already have perfect storage. If your sideboard works fine and you’re just doing this because it’s trendy, don’t. Function should drive the decision, not Instagram.

Real Examples That Work

In Portland, a couple turned a 1970s oak dresser into their main dining storage. They painted it matte white, added gold pulls, and used the top for a small plant and their daily coffee set. Their guests assume it was custom-made.

In Chicago, a single mom used a five-drawer dresser to store kids’ party supplies, extra plates, and craft kits for rainy days. The bottom drawer holds crayons and coloring books. She says it’s the only thing that keeps her dining room from turning into a junk drawer.

In Austin, a designer replaced a glass-top buffet with a reclaimed wood dresser. The drawers now hold wine bottles, cocktail napkins, and cocktail shakers. The top holds a small ice bucket and a tray of lemons. It’s functional, stylish, and totally unique.

Cost and Where to Find One

You don’t need to spend thousands. A new dresser from IKEA or Target runs $200-$400. Used ones from thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, or estate sales can cost $50-$150-and often look better than new ones.

Look for solid wood. It lasts longer and can be refinished. Avoid particleboard. It warps, chips, and doesn’t hold up to daily use.

Refinishing is easy. Sand it lightly, wipe it down, and apply a new paint or stain. A fresh coat of paint and new hardware can make an old dresser look brand new. Many DIYers spend under $30 to transform a $60 dresser into a showpiece.

Final Thought: It’s Not About Rules, It’s About What Works

Interior design isn’t about following rules. It’s about solving problems with what you already have. If your dining room feels cluttered, and you’ve got a dresser gathering dust in the basement, give it a shot. Move it in. Style it. Use it.

People don’t remember how your dining room looked. They remember how it felt. A well-organized space where everything has a place? That’s the kind of room people want to come back to.