Is an IKEA chest of drawers worth it? Usually, yes, if you pick the right series for how you'll use it and anchor it to the wall. IKEA's chests of drawers are affordable, come in many sizes (from 2-drawer chests to 8-drawer dressers), and are easy to find in white, black-brown, oak effect and natural pine. The trade-offs: most are flat-packed and take time to assemble, the materials and drawer runners vary a lot between series, and a chest that gets moved or overloaded often wears faster than heavier furniture. Check the materials, the drawer depth and the anti-tip system before you buy.
This guide covers the IKEA chests of drawers listed in the U.S. range, how to choose the right size for a small bedroom or closet, what separates a chest that lasts from one that doesn't, the difference between a chest of drawers and a dresser, and alternatives if you want something sturdier or more distinctive. Product names and sizes come from ikea.com listings checked in October 2026; IKEA changes its range often, so confirm details on IKEA's product pages.
IKEA Chest of Drawers Series at a Glance
These are the IKEA chests of drawers and dressers we found in the U.S. listings. Sizes are as IKEA lists them: three numbers are width × depth × height; two numbers are usually width × height.
| Series | Examples (as listed) | Listed sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEMNES | 2-drawer chest, 3-drawer dresser, 6-drawer dresser, 8-drawer dresser (white stain, black-brown) | 2-drawer 21 1/4 × 26 in; 3-drawer 42 1/2 × 37 3/4 in; 6-drawer 42 1/2 × 51 5/8 in; 8-drawer 63 × 37 3/4 in | Traditional style; the largest choice of sizes |
| STORKLINTA | 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-drawer dressers, 2-drawer chest (white, oak effect, dark-brown oak effect) | 5-drawer 15 3/4 × 18 7/8 × 47 1/4 in; 3-drawer 27 1/2 × 18 7/8 × 29 1/2 in; 6-drawer 55 1/8 × 18 7/8 × 29 1/2 in | Listed with an "anchor/unlock function"; very narrow 5-drawer option |
| GULLABERG | 3-, 6- and 8-drawer dressers, white | 3-drawer 39 × 18 7/8 × 39 3/8 in; 8-drawer 66 1/8 × 18 7/8 × 39 3/8 in | Listed with an "anchor/unlock function" |
| BRIMNES | 4-drawer dresser, white or black | 30 3/4 × 18 1/8 × 48 7/8 in | Tall and narrow for small bedrooms |
| FÅGELFJÄLLET | 3-, 4-, 6- and 8-drawer dressers, off-white | 3-drawer 32 1/4 × 20 1/8 × 30 3/4 in; 8-drawer 63 × 20 1/8 × 39 3/4 in | Deeper, at 20 1/8 in |
| LILLBERGET | 3- and 6-drawer dressers, white | 3-drawer 27 1/2 × 16 7/8 × 26 3/4 in; 6-drawer 55 1/8 × 16 7/8 × 26 3/4 in | The shallowest listed depth, at 16 7/8 in |
| RAST | 3- and 6-drawer dressers, pine | 3-drawer 24 3/8 × 26 3/4 in; 6-drawer 48 7/8 × 26 3/4 in | Listed in pine; a popular base for painting and DIY |
| NORDLI | 2-drawer chest, white | 15 3/4 × 21 1/4 in | A small 2-drawer chest |
| Others | HAUGA, KILBERGET, VIHALS, STOREMOLLA, RÅDMANSÖ | See each listing | VIHALS and KILBERGET are also listed with an "anchor/unlock function" |
MALM did not appear in the U.S. listings we checked. If you're shopping for MALM specifically, check IKEA's site for current availability in your area.
IKEA Chests of Drawers by Number of Drawers
The number of drawers is the quickest way to narrow down IKEA dressers and chests of drawers, because it tells you roughly how much storage capacity you get and how much floor space the piece takes.
2-drawer chests and one-drawer pieces
Small IKEA chests of drawers such as the HEMNES 2-drawer chest (21 1/4 × 26 in), the NORDLI 2-drawer chest (15 3/4 × 21 1/4 in), the HAUGA 2-drawer chest (19 5/8 × 18 1/8 × 26 3/4 in) and the STORKLINTA 2-drawer chest (19 5/8 × 18 7/8 × 20 7/8 in) work as nightstands, closet chests or entryway storage. For just one drawer, look at IKEA's nightstands, such as the STORKLINTA nightstand with 1 drawer.
3 drawer dresser
3 drawer dressers range from nightstand height to waist height, so measure where the top will sit. Listed options include the HEMNES 3-drawer dresser (42 1/2 × 37 3/4 in), the STORKLINTA 3-drawer dresser (27 1/2 × 18 7/8 × 29 1/2 in), the LILLBERGET 3-drawer dresser (27 1/2 × 16 7/8 × 26 3/4 in), the GULLABERG 3-drawer dresser (39 × 18 7/8 × 39 3/8 in), the FÅGELFJÄLLET 3-drawer dresser (32 1/4 × 20 1/8 × 30 3/4 in) and the RAST 3-drawer dresser in pine (24 3/8 × 26 3/4 in).
4 drawer dresser and 5 drawer dresser
Tall 4- and 5-drawer pieces are the classic chest of drawers for a small bedroom. The BRIMNES 4-drawer dresser is 30 3/4 × 18 1/8 × 48 7/8 in, the STORKLINTA 4-drawer dresser is 27 1/2 × 18 7/8 × 38 5/8 in, and the FÅGELFJÄLLET 4-drawer dresser is 32 1/4 × 20 1/8 × 39 3/4 in. The STORKLINTA 5-drawer dresser is only 15 3/4 in wide and 47 1/4 in tall, one of the narrowest options for a tight wall.
6 drawer dresser
The 6 drawer dresser comes in two shapes. Tall, narrow versions include the HEMNES 6-drawer dresser in white stain (42 1/2 × 51 5/8 in), the STORKLINTA 6-drawer dresser (27 1/2 × 18 7/8 × 47 1/4 in), the VIHALS 6-drawer dresser (27 1/2 × 18 1/2 × 47 1/4 in) and the GULLABERG 6-drawer dresser (35 × 18 7/8 × 48 in). Low, wide versions include the LILLBERGET (55 1/8 × 16 7/8 × 26 3/4 in), HAUGA (54 3/8 × 18 1/8 × 33 1/8 in), RÅDMANSÖ (62 5/8 × 18 7/8 × 31 7/8 in, brown walnut effect) and RAST (48 7/8 × 26 3/4 in) 6-drawer dressers.
8-drawer dressers
For the most storage in a bedroom, the 8-drawer dressers are wide pieces for a long wall: the HEMNES 8-drawer dresser (63 × 37 3/4 in), the GULLABERG 8-drawer dresser (66 1/8 × 18 7/8 × 39 3/8 in), the FÅGELFJÄLLET 8-drawer dresser (63 × 20 1/8 × 39 3/4 in) and the STOREMOLLA 8-drawer dresser (67 3/8 × 19 5/8 × 35 7/8 in).
If you want a matching bedroom, check what else is in the same bedroom series. HEMNES, for example, includes nightstands and 2-drawer chests as well as dressers, so you can compare finishes and match a chest of drawers to the rest of the room.
What Makes a Chest of Drawers Last
Materials
Read the materials list on the product page before you buy. Flat-pack chests of drawers are usually made from particleboard, fiberboard or hollow board with a foil, paint or veneer finish; a few lines use solid wood such as pine. Engineered wood is stable and smooth, but it doesn't hold screws as well after repeated assembly. Solid wood can be tightened and repaired more easily, but it can move with humidity and dent more easily if it's soft wood. Learn more in our solid wood vs MDF guide.
Drawer runners and drawer bottoms
Drawers are where a chest of drawers fails first. Metal ball-bearing runners with a stop are the smoothest and most durable; wooden rails and simple roller runners work but wear faster under heavy loads. Thin fiberboard drawer bottoms can bow under jeans and sweaters, so keep heavy clothing in the lower drawers and check the drawer weight capacity if it's listed.
Anti-tip safety
Any chest of drawers can tip over if several drawers are opened at once, especially when a child climbs on it. Always anchor furniture to the wall with the wall anchoring hardware that comes with it and a fastener suited to your wall; a chest that falls can seriously injure a child. Some newer IKEA dressers, including STORKLINTA, GULLABERG, VIHALS and KILBERGET, are listed with an "anchor/unlock function"; check IKEA's product page for how it works. Our guide to anchoring furniture to the wall covers studs, drywall anchors and renters' options.
Style and drawer fronts
IKEA dressers range from minimalist, handle-free fronts to traditional pieces with classic knobs and moulding. Some ranges are modular, so you can combine units to fit an awkward wall. Beyond wood and wood-look dressers, storage drawer units also come in metal, which handles daily use well in closets and home offices, while wooden drawers give a bedroom a warmer, more finished look.
Assembly
Most IKEA chests of drawers take time to assemble, and the drawer runners are the step to slow down on: a runner that's upside down or in the wrong hole makes a drawer stick or sit unevenly. Use a hand screwdriver for final tightening so you don't strip particleboard, and check that the back panel is fully attached, because it keeps the chest square. See our flat-pack assembly guide.
How to Choose the Right Size
Measure the wall, the depth you can spare in front of it, and how many things you need to store. Count your folded clothes: one wide drawer holds roughly a stack of jeans or sweaters, so the number of drawers matters as much as the overall size. Then compare the options below.
| Space | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Small bedroom | A tall, narrow chest, 15 to 32 in wide, uses wall height instead of floor space |
| Narrow walkway or foot of the bed | The shallowest depth you can find; leave at least 30 to 36 in to walk past an open drawer |
| Closet | A low 3-drawer chest under hanging clothes, or a 2-drawer chest for socks and accessories |
| Shared or primary bedroom | A wide 6- or 8-drawer dresser, 55 to 66 in wide, also works as a TV stand if the top is rated for it |
| Nursery | A low, wide dresser with a sturdy top; anchor it and use a changing-top accessory only if the maker approves it |
Looking for a 12 inch deep dresser? Standard chests of drawers are 16 to 20 in deep; the shallowest IKEA dresser in the listings we checked was LILLBERGET at 16 7/8 in. For something closer to 12 in, look at shallow cabinets or wall-mounted storage, and check that drawers are deep enough for folded clothes.
Chest of Drawers vs Dresser: What's the Difference?
A chest of drawers is usually taller and narrower, with one column of drawers. A dresser is usually lower and wider, with two or three columns of drawers and a top you can use for a mirror or TV. A "high chest" or "tallboy" is an extra-tall chest. IKEA calls most of its pieces "dressers" regardless of shape and uses "chest" for small 2-drawer pieces.
A dresser usually gives you more total storage, while a chest of drawers saves floor space: it fits in a corner, between two windows, in a hallway or in a small bedroom where a wide dresser would block the walkway. A low dresser about 30 to 36 in high can also serve as a changing table in a nursery if it is anchored and fitted with a changing top the maker approves. For a full comparison, see our dresser buying guide.
| Chest of drawers | Dresser | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Tall and narrow | Low and wide |
| Typical size | 30 to 40 in wide, 40 to 55 in tall | 55 to 70 in wide, 29 to 40 in tall |
| Floor space | Small footprint | Needs a long wall |
| Top surface | Small; above eye level on tall chests | Large; works for a mirror, lamp or TV |
| Best for | Small bedrooms, closets, kids' rooms | Primary bedrooms, shared storage |
Is an IKEA Chest of Drawers Worth It? Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Many sizes, from 2-drawer chests to 8-drawer dressers | Flat-pack assembly takes time and care |
| Easy to see in a store before you buy | Materials, runners and drawer bottoms vary by series |
| Simple designs that suit most rooms | Common designs are easy to recognize |
| Some series listed with an "anchor/unlock function" | Engineered wood can lose screw grip after moves and reassembly |
| Popular for DIY painting and hacks | Heavy clothes can bow thin drawer bottoms |
Alternatives to an IKEA Chest of Drawers
If you want a chest of drawers with heavier-duty drawers, a sculpted shape or a decorative finish, compare a few alternatives. Here are Homsee chests of drawers, with sizes and weight ratings from each product page:
| Chest | Size (W × D × H) | Drawers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orbis 5-Drawer Curved Chest | 39.5 × 19.6 × 47.2 in | 5 full-width drawers, 33 lb each | Rounded edges and handle-free fronts; top rated 88 lb; anchor it to the wall |
| Nacre 5-Drawer Chest | 31.5 × 19.6 × 49.4 in | 5 drawers, 40 lb each | Mother-of-pearl-style fronts and a marble-look top rated 110 lb; solid wood and MDF; anti-tip hardware included |
| Sartelle Upholstered Drawer Chest | 25.9 in wide, 49.2 in tall | 5 drawers, 33 lb each | Slim, with faux leather fronts; anti-tip hardware included |
| Elwood Reeded 3-Drawer Dresser | 27.7 × 18.1 × 27.2 in | 3 drawers, 33 lb each | Nightstand height with a built-in power station on top; anti-tip hardware included |
See all styles in our dressers and chests collection, or read how to choose a durable dresser.
IKEA Chest of Drawers FAQ
Which IKEA chest of drawers is the best?
It depends on your space. HEMNES has the widest choice of sizes and a traditional look; STORKLINTA has a very narrow 15 3/4 in 5-drawer option and an anchor/unlock function; LILLBERGET is the shallowest at 16 7/8 in; RAST is listed in pine and is easy to paint. Compare materials and drawer runners on each product page.
Are IKEA drawers durable?
They can last for years when assembled carefully, anchored, and not overloaded. Durability varies by series: check the materials, the runner type and any listed drawer weight capacity, and keep heavy clothes in the bottom drawers.
Is IKEA furniture actually good quality?
For the price, generally yes, but quality varies between series. Solid wood and heavier panels, metal runners and adjustable feet are signs of a sturdier piece. Furniture that gets moved often or assembled more than once wears fastest.
What is the main difference between a dresser and a chest of drawers?
A chest of drawers is tall and narrow with one column of drawers; a dresser is low and wide with two or more columns and a larger top.
Should I get a dresser or a chest of drawers?
Choose a chest of drawers for a small bedroom or a narrow wall, and a dresser if you have a long wall and want a surface for a mirror, lamp or TV.
What should I look for when buying a chest of drawers?
Size and depth for your room, drawer runner type, drawer depth and weight capacity, materials, an anti-tip system, finish and style, and assembly time.
Is a chest of drawers worth buying?
Yes, if you need folded storage and don't have room for a wide dresser. A tall chest stores a lot of clothing in a small footprint, and it also works in hallways, closets and kids' rooms.
What is a short chest of drawers called?
A low chest, a 2- or 3-drawer chest, or a nightstand if it's bed height. A tall one is called a high chest, tallboy or highboy.
Do people still use chests of drawers?
Yes. They're one of the most common bedroom storage pieces, especially in small bedrooms and apartments where a wide dresser won't fit.
An IKEA chest of drawers is a practical, affordable choice when you choose the right series for your space, assemble it carefully and anchor it to the wall. If you want heavier-duty drawers or a more distinctive design, compare alternatives before you buy.