How to Choose an Antique Dresser That Matches your Furniture

When it comes to adding character and charm to a bedroom, the merits of an antique dresser are unparalleled. Whether it’s a Neoclassical commode, a sophisticated Federal dresser, or a playful faux bamboo dresser, antique dressers can completely transform a room’s aura. If you’re debating incorporating an antique dresser into your space, we’re more than happy to make a case for one. Here, we delve into our top four reasons why we think antique is the epitome of chic.

Solid Wood Construction

Today, many newly-made dressers incorporate particleboard into their construction. This is especially true of newly-made dressers that are designed to look like vintage dressers. Particleboard is usually employed to keep production costs down and is typically reserved for the dresser’s interior construction. Using particleboard for dresser interiors allows makers to splurge on more visually-impactful, exterior finishes. Antique mirrored dressers are a good example of this.

In contrast, antique and vintage dressers are more likely to feature all-wood construction, even when it comes to their interior. Solid wood construction dramatically increases a dresser’s durability and longevity.

Craftsman Finishes

As a general rule, antique dressers feature bespoke woodworking details and techniques that you’re unlikely to see used by today’s large-scale manufacturers. Given their labor intensity, finishes like marquetry and burl wood finishes are rarely authentic if incorporated into modern-day dressers. Rather, they’re usually faux.

Durable Hardware

Another place where antique dressers don’t skimp is hardware. Antique dresser dresser pulls are virtually always crafted of hard-wearing metal or brass. Nowadays, dresser handles are often a place for manufacturers to save on costs. As a result, you’ll often see makers employing handles crafted of acrylic or laminate rather than metal. Additionally, details like dovetailed drawers and ball-bearing drawer slides are more likely to be found among vintage and antique dressers.

Style

While dressers were commonly manufactured in revival styles during the mid 20th century, it’s not as common of a practice today. For styles like French Provincial, Federal, Empire, or even Brutalist, vintage can oftentimes be your only option. If today’s dresser options feel limited, try going vintage to open up a cache of new options!