Don’t Buy a Vintage Dresser without Asking Yourself these Questions

A bureau, a chest of drawers, a dresser—it doesn’t matter what you call it, as long as you agree that these functional and stylish furniture pieces are a must-have for the home! It’s easy to get swept up in the shopping process, but before you buy the first antique dresser you find, slow down and take a second to question if it’s the right design for you.

What is a Dresser?

Not to be confused with an armoire or a wardrobe, a dresser is an equally important and common design in the home. At its base level, a dresser is a boxy piece of furniture with a flat top surface and roomy drawers. Wood dressers are primarily used for storage, helping to keep a room (most commonly the bedroom) organized and tidy.

Why Should You Buy a Vintage Dresser?

We know how tempting IKEA furniture can be—after all, it’s designed to be convenient, accessible, and most of all, cheap. But that’s the thing! Why would you settle for the kind of wood dresser that’s all but guaranteed to break? Antique dressers were built with expert craftsmanship, ensuring the kind of long-lasting durability you just can’t find anymore.

Not to mention style! If you’re looking for a unique dresser for your bedroom, vintage is always the way to go. Rather than browsing a massive corporation online, head to your favorite Indiana vendor mall to find an authentic gem of your very own in the furniture section.

Must-Ask Questions for Vintage Dresser Shopping:

Q: Is it a Vintage Dresser or an Antique Dresser?

If a wood dresser isn’t tagged with a specific year it was made, you’ll want to do a little investigating to determine how valuable the piece really is. A vintage dresser often has simpler construction (depending on the design era) and was made between 20 and 99 years ago. Antique dressers, on the other hand, often feature masterful construction and were crafted over 100 years ago.

Q: What Era is the Vintage Dresser From?

At first glance, you may assume that all antique dressers are somewhat similar—but that couldn’t be further from the truth! When you’re shopping for a unique dresser, you’ll find countless design eras, each with its own beautiful aesthetics.

The best way to place a vintage dresser in a specific era? Taking a closer look at the decorative details, including any elaborate carvings, painted embellishments, and unique shapes in the wood.

5 Popular Eras for Vintage and Antique Dressers:

1. Rococo Revival: a heavy, wood dresser with white marble tops, cabriole legs, intricate foliage carvings, and sometimes, a large vanity-like mirror

2. Federal: a classic dark wood dresser with an iconic bow-fronted design and brass oval handles

3. Chippendale: a timeless wood dresser with ornate details, like ball-and-claw feet, flame-edge hardware, and sometimes pediments and finials

4. Art Deco: a symmetrical dresser with bold lines, glossy lacquers, and inlaid geometric patterns

5. Mid-century modern: light or dark wood dressers with sleek elements, like geometric models, sculpted handles, and pencil legs

Q: Is the Unique Dresser Authentic or a Replica?

Before you get excited that you found an incredibly rare Victorian-style antique dresser for a low price, make sure you ask to see the authentication documents. There are plenty of modern-day companies that produce replicas of unique dressers from different design eras, and there’s nothing worse than paying vintage prices for an imitation design!

Q: Do All the Drawers Work?

After you’re drawn to an antique dresser, take the time to check that every single drawer moves without a problem. Each one should slide along its runners without sticking or jamming. As you open and close them, keep an eye out for side-to-side wobble, as this could indicate the runners are close to needing repair.

Note: The majority of antique dressers have custom-fitted drawers for each slot. Since they aren’t interchangeable, like many contemporary wood dressers, you’ll need to keep track of which drawer goes where.

Q: Is the Structure Sturdy?

It doesn’t matter if the unique dresser is the most stunning design you’ve ever seen—if it’s wobbling, you might want to skip it! If the structural integrity is failing, it’s typically a sign that it will need major repairs down the line. If you’re willing to pay a pretty penny to bring the wood dresser back to its formal glory, be our guest—but, more often than not, it’s not worth the cost of restoration. 

Q: Does it Need to Be Refinished?

The realistic downside of buying a unique dresser made 20, 70, or even 110 years ago is that, at some point, there’s bound to be evidence of wear and tear. After all, it’s been used for generations! If the wood dresser you love has signs of damage, don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to refinish furniture and make it look good as new!

If the surface is tacky, the finish is flaking, the wood is discolored, or there are any deep scratches, the antique dresser will need a little TLC. If you’re not afraid of getting your hands dirty, there are plenty of ways to DIY from home—but there’s no shame in admitting that’s too much work.

Q: Does it Fit in Your Space?

Just because you love a vintage, unique dresser at the Melbourne antique mall doesn’t mean it’ll work in your home. As you debate your potential purchase, consider if it will actually fit, space-wise, into your room. If the answer is yes, think about how it will pair with your existing décor. If it matches the vibe, take it home!

Alternative Ways to Style a Vintage Dresser in Your Home

If you have your heart set on bringing the unique dresser home, but don’t have the space for it in your bedroom, you’re in luck—there are plenty of other ways to feature the piece in your home, including as a:

• Buffet

• Media console

• Entry table

• At-home bar

• Changing station

• Kitchen island

• Coffee station

Q: Where Can You Buy a Vintage Dresser?

The best place to buy a vintage dresser is always going to be your local Louisville antique mall! With hundreds of vendors working day in and day out to stock their booths with the most beautiful furniture designs they can find, every single visit to a vendor mall is its own adventure. Skip the online shopping and spend a few hours wandering up and down the aisles to discover the perfect, unique dresser for you and your style.

Now that you know what questions to ask yourself when shopping for vintage dressers, it’s time to swing by your nearest America’s Antique Mall location. We can’t wait to see what unique dresser you find!