What Is the Difference Between a Sideboard and a Dresser?

While both sideboards and dressers are designed for storage, they serve very different purposes in the home.

Sideboard

• Primary Use: Traditionally placed in dining rooms to store tableware, serve dishes, or display décor.
• Design Features: Low and wide, often with cabinets and drawers, sometimes elevated on short legs.
• Where It Fits Best: Dining rooms, living rooms, or entryways as a stylish yet functional piece.

Dresser

• Primary Use: A bedroom staple, mainly for storing clothes, linens, and personal items.
• Design Features: Taller than sideboards, with multiple stacked drawers, often paired with a mirror.
• Where It Fits Best: Bedrooms or walk-in closets where clothing storage is needed.

In short, A sideboard is meant for dining and communal spaces, while a dresser is designed for bedrooms and clothing storage.