What is a Narrow Chest of Drawers Called?
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Time to read 10 min
Hello lovely! If you've been scratching your head wondering what is a narrow chest of drawers called, you're not alone in this furniture terminology puzzle.
I've had countless clients waltz into my studio describing the "tall skinny drawer thing" they're after, and honestly, the furniture industry doesn't make it easy with all its fancy names and regional variations.
A narrow chest of drawers actually goes by several names depending on its height and proportions. The most common terms you'll encounter are "lingerie chest" (typically tall and slender), "semainier" (the French seven-drawer version), or simply a "narrow chest" or "slim chest of drawers". Rather like calling a sofa either a settee or couch, it really depends on where you are and who you're chatting with.
I remember helping a client in Notting Hill who desperately needed storage for her bijou bedroom. She kept calling it a "gentleman's chest" which left me momentarily baffled until I realized she meant a tallboy! The terminology can be wonderfully confusing.
Table of Contents
Different Names for Narrow Storage Furniture Designer's Choice: Solid Wood Chest of Drawers The Distinctive Style of an Ogee Chest of Drawers Chest of Drawers vs Highboy - The Height Difference Our Most Popular Solid Wood Chest of Drawers Finding Your Perfect Narrow Chest FAQs About Narrow Chests of Drawers and Their Various Names Related Readings About The Author
Different Names for Narrow Storage Furniture
A narrow chest of drawers actually goes by several names depending on its height and proportions.
The most common terms you'll encounter are "lingerie chest" (typically tall and slender), "semainier" (the French seven-drawer version), or simply a "narrow chest" or "slim chest of drawers". Rather like calling a sofa either a settee or couch, it really depends on where you are and who you're chatting with.
Now, the width is what really defines these beauties. A narrow chest typically measures between 45-60cm wide, making it perfect for awkward spaces where a standard 90cm chest simply won't fit.
According to UK building regulations regarding furniture stability, any chest over 76cm tall should be secured to the wall, which is particularly important for these taller, narrower designs.
The beauty of narrow chests is their versatility. They slot beautifully into hallways, squeeze beside wardrobes, and work wonderfully in guest bedrooms where floor space is precious. Think of them as the graceful ballerinas of the furniture world (functional yet elegant, and taking up minimal stage space).
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Designer's Choice: Solid Wood Chest of Drawers
The Distinctive Style of an Ogee Chest of Drawers
Right, let's chat about something rather special. An ogee chest of drawers is named after the distinctive ogee bracket feet it sits upon, and darling, these are absolutely gorgeous pieces that scream Georgian sophistication.
The ogee curve is that lovely S-shaped profile you see in classical architecture and period furniture. It curves outward at the top, then sweeps inward at the bottom, creating an elegant cyma shape. On chests of drawers, this decorative detail appears on the bracket feet, giving the piece a gracefully curved base rather than straight, boxy feet.
These chests typically date from the Georgian and Victorian eras, though many beautiful reproductions exist today. The ogee detail isn't just decorative (though it's certainly that). It also elevates the chest slightly, making cleaning underneath easier and protecting the drawer bottoms from damp floors, which was rather important in draughty period homes.
I once restored an original 1780s ogee chest for a client in Bath. The craftsmanship was extraordinary, with hand-cut dovetail joints and those perfectly proportioned ogee feet that had survived centuries of use. The beauty of these pieces is that they bring instant character to modern interiors whilst providing practical storage.
When shopping for an ogee chest, you'll find them in various woods. Mahogany and walnut were traditional choices, prized for their rich colour and durability. Many featured brass swan-neck handles and original locks, which add considerable value if they're still functioning. According to government guidance on antique furniture safety, even antique pieces must meet certain safety standards if being sold commercially.
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Chest of Drawers vs Highboy - The Height Difference
Here's where furniture terminology gets properly interesting. The difference between a chest of drawers and a highboy is primarily about height and construction, though historically they served different purposes in the home.
A standard chest of drawers typically stands between 75-120cm tall with three to six drawers stacked vertically.
It's a straightforward, practical piece designed for bedroom storage. A highboy, however, is considerably taller (often 150-180cm) and traditionally consists of two sections: a lower chest sitting atop longer legs, with an upper chest stacked on top.
The highboy (or tallboy, as we often call it in the UK) evolved from placing one chest of drawers on top of another to maximize storage in homes where floor space was limited. According to Health and Safety Executive guidance on furniture safety, these taller pieces require proper anchoring to prevent tip-over accidents, especially in homes with children.
The beauty of highboys lies in their vertical storage capacity. Rather like building upward in a crowded city, they make the most of your room height. The lower section typically has three or four larger drawers, whilst the upper section contains smaller drawers perfect for folded clothes, accessories, or linens.
Comparative Guide to Chest Types and Dimensions
Here's a practical breakdown of different chest styles and their typical measurements to help you choose what works best for your space:
| Chest Type | Typical Height | Typical Width | Typical Depth | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narrow/Lingerie Chest | 100-140cm | 45-60cm | 40-50cm | Tight spaces, hallways, beside wardrobes |
| Lowboy Chest | 75-90cm | 90-120cm | 45-55cm | Hallways, dining rooms, under windows |
| Standard Chest | 75-120cm | 80-100cm | 45-55cm | Bedrooms, general storage |
| Highboy/Tallboy | 150-180cm | 80-100cm | 45-55cm | Maximum vertical storage |
| Semainier | 120-150cm | 50-70cm | 40-50cm | French-style bedrooms, narrow spaces |
| Ogee Bracket Chest | 85-110cm | 90-110cm | 50-60cm | Period homes, statement pieces |
Looking at these measurements, you can see how dramatically the proportions vary. A narrow chest might have less than half the width of a lowboy whilst being nearly twice the height, which completely changes where and how you can use it in your home.
Chester Drawers or Chest of Drawers - Setting the Record Straight
Right, let's address the elephant in the room - or should I say, the "Chester" in the bedroom? This is one of my favourite examples of how language evolves, and it always brings a smile when clients mention their "Chester drawers."
The correct term is definitively "chest of drawers" - a chest that contains drawers for storage. However, "Chester drawers" has become such a common mispronunciation (called an eggcorn in linguistic terms) that many people genuinely believe it's a person's name attached to the furniture style. Rather like how "for all intents and purposes" often becomes "for all intensive purposes," the phonetic similarity has created this charming confusion.
There is no Mr Chester who invented drawers, I'm afraid. The term "chest" has been used since medieval times to describe a box or container for storage, originally referring to lidded trunks. When drawers were added to these chests in the 17th century, creating pull-out compartments, the "chest of drawers" was born.
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Finding Your Perfect Narrow Chest
Choosing the right narrow chest of drawers for your space involves more than just picking something that looks pretty in the showroom (though that certainly helps). You need to consider your actual storage needs, the space constraints, and how the piece will function in daily life.
Start by measuring your available space properly. I mean really measuring - not just eyeballing it. Account for door swings, drawer pull-out space (add at least 45cm in front), and any skirting boards or architectural details that might interfere. I've seen too many beautiful chests delivered only to discover they won't actually fit once the drawers can open fully.
Consider what you'll be storing. Folded jumpers need different drawer depths than hanging jewelry or folded shirts. Narrow chests typically have drawers between 35-45cm deep, which works brilliantly for most folded clothing but won't accommodate bulkier items like duvets or winter coats (you'll need a deeper chest for those).
Think about the height in relation to what's nearby. A narrow chest sitting beside a bed should ideally be roughly the same height as your mattress top - this creates visual harmony and prevents the space feeling choppy. Under a window, you'll want something low enough that it doesn't block light or make opening windows awkward.
Quality matters enormously with narrow chests because the proportions mean they experience different stresses than wider pieces. Look for dovetail joints in the drawer construction, smooth-running drawer glides, and solid wood or quality veneers rather than particleboard. A well-made narrow chest should feel sturdy despite its slender proportions.
Quick summary of key points to remember:
- Narrow chests go by various names (lingerie chest, semainier, slim chest) but all refer to pieces between 45-60cm wide that maximize vertical storage in tight spaces
- Style names like ogee, lowboy, and highboy describe specific historical designs with distinct features, heights, and proportions that suit different rooms and purposes
- Always anchor tall, narrow chests to walls for safety, measure your space carefully including drawer clearance, and choose quality construction with proper joinery for pieces that will last decades
FAQs About Narrow Chests of Drawers and Their Various Names
What is a narrow chest of drawers called in the UK?
In the UK, narrow chests of drawers are commonly called "slim chests," "narrow chests," or "lingerie chests" when they're particularly tall and slender. The French term " semainier" is also used for seven-drawer versions, literally meaning "weekly" as each drawer was traditionally for one day's clothing.
How wide is considered a narrow chest of drawers?
A narrow chest of drawers typically measures between 45-60cm wide, compared to standard chests which are usually 80-100cm wide. Anything narrower than 45cm becomes impractical for folding most adult clothing, whilst pieces over 60cm wide start losing that slim profile that makes them useful for tight spaces.
Are narrow chests of drawers less stable than wider ones?
Narrow chests can be less stable due to their proportions, particularly when drawers are fully extended, which is why securing them to walls is essential for safety. Quality construction with a solid base and proper weighting helps, but the taller and narrower a piece is, the more important wall anchoring becomes.
What is a lingerie chest used for?
A lingerie chest was originally designed for storing delicate undergarments and accessories in shallow drawers, typically featuring 5-7 narrow drawers perfect for organizing small items. Today, they're used for any storage needs in tight spaces - everything from jewellery and accessories to folded knitwear and children's clothing.
Can a narrow chest fit in a hallway?
Yes, narrow chests work brilliantly in hallways where standard furniture feels too bulky, typically requiring only 50-60cm of width plus 45cm clearance for drawer opening. They provide proper storage for gloves, scarves, and accessories whilst maintaining good traffic flow, unlike wider console tables or standard chests.
What's the difference between a tallboy and a narrow chest?
A tallboy refers to height (typically 150-180cm tall, often in two stacked sections), whilst narrow describes width (45-60cm), so you can actually have a narrow tallboy. Not all tallboys are narrow, and not all narrow chests are tall enough to qualify as tallboys - the terms describe different dimensional aspects.
How many drawers should a narrow chest have?
Narrow chests typically have between 4-7 drawers depending on their height, with drawer depths ranging from 12-20cm for optimal organization of folded items. More drawers in a tall narrow chest means better organization of different clothing types, whilst fewer deeper drawers work better for bulkier items.
What wood is best for a narrow chest of drawers?
Solid oak, walnut, and mahogany are excellent choices for durability and weight, providing stability that narrow proportions benefit from. Pine works well for painted finishes and country-style interiors, whilst quality veneers over solid frames offer beautiful appearance at lower price points than solid hardwood throughout.
Do narrow chests tip over easily?
Narrow chests are more prone to tipping than wider pieces due to their proportions, especially when multiple drawers are opened simultaneously or when drawers are heavily loaded. This is precisely why wall anchoring is mandatory for any chest over 76cm tall, regardless of width, and doubly important for narrow designs.
What room suits a narrow chest best?
Narrow chests work beautifully in bedrooms with limited space, alongside wardrobes where standard chests won't fit, in hallways for accessible storage, and in guest rooms where floor space is precious. They're particularly brilliant in period homes with alcoves or chimney breast recesses that create narrow wall sections perfect for slender furniture.
How much does a quality narrow chest cost?
Decent quality new narrow chests start around £300-500 for solid construction with proper joinery, whilst designer or antique pieces can reach £2,000-5,000 depending on wood, craftsmanship, and provenance. Mass-produced flat-pack versions cost £100-250 but rarely offer the longevity or stability needed for safe daily use in narrow proportions.
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About The Author
Author: Catherine Kindleson
Catherine Kindleson is a seasoned interior design expert with nearly twenty years of hands-on experience helping British families transform their homes into beautiful, functional spaces. Her authority stems from a blend of practical consulting, deep research into furniture design trends, and a reputation for translating complex safety and style standards into easy-to-follow advice for everyday living.
