Why is it called a Tallboy dresser?

How to maximize storage in a small space!

The Tallboy, as the story goes, gets it’s name from the Old English word tallboi, which means "chest-on-chest" or one chest of drawers on top of another. In fact, many early examples of Tallboy dressers look just like that - two dressers stacked on top of each other.

Over the course of history as the concept evolved and furniture craftsmanship became more refined, the shape of the Tallboy dresser got increasingly more smart and elegant. In modern times it’s narrow drawers stack themselves high and rest not on the floor but upon four legs. This gives the whole piece a slim, up-off-the-ground feel, and packs a punch of storage space in minimal square feet - a real boon for the small room. 

What is Tallboy furniture? 

A Tallboy is a tall, narrow dresser with a single column of four or more drawers. In essence, with the Tallboy, you’re getting two sets of drawers on one four-legged stand. The two “sets” can be all the same width, or the top “set” can be slightly narrower than the bottom, giving the piece some interest and movement of shape.

Historically, the Tallboy has always been made of high-quality hardwoods (Walnut or Oak, for example) which means it can be a hardworking piece of furniture that lasts generations. The Tallboy may also have lovely little finishing touches like turned legs, carved details, intricate hardware, or keyholes.

The Tallboy (related to the Highboy - also a tall, slender stack of drawers on legs) gently morphed its way through the 17th and 18th centuries and into Colonial America, beginning as a legged or standing chest of drawers with a wardrobe cupboard on top and evolving into the drawers-only piece we know today.

What is the standard height of a Tallboy dresser?

Experts say a Tallboy should be no taller that 6 feet so that the top drawer can be accessed by a person of average height. Taller versions can fit more drawers, but typically are best only for taller people who can reach the top drawers!

What is the difference between a Tallboy and a Highboy dresser?

The terms "Tallboy" and "Highboy dresser" are often used interchangeably but depending on exactly where you are in the world, and what era and age of furniture you are looking at, there may be key design differences. In general:

Tallboy dresser refers to a narrow, tall chest of drawers with four or more drawers stacked vertically. A Tallboy is designed to make the most of vertical space while consuming minimal floor space. A tallboy is a great fit for smaller rooms or tight spaces.

Highboy dresser most often refers to tall chests with a distinct base and a separate, more narrow upper section, typically with a set of smaller drawers or a cabinet doors and or shelves. The lower section may feature larger drawers or a cupboard. Highboy dressers often have a more traditional or ornate appearance compared to Tallboys.

Where to use a Tallboy dresser in your home

Looking for a piece of furniture that can meet your needs in a stylish way? Because it goes high instead of wide, the Tallboy can serve almost any need in any space! Consider the options a tallboy can give you:

• • in the kitchen (baking station!)
  • in the dining room (table linens, candles, serving dishes)
  • in the bathroom (towels, toiletries, first aid)
  • in the office (office supplies, filming gear, inventory)
  • in the craft room (yarn, fabric, unfinished projects)
  • in the bedroom (clothes, bed linens)

The Tallboy lives up to its name - it’s a tall, slim stack of dressers on four legs, and its smart design provides ample storage while taking up very little footprint. At Solid Custom Heirlooms we build a wide variety of dresser types in a wide range of American hardwood choices. We love custom requests, feel free to call, chat or email and we will be happy to work with you to create furniture that build specifically for your needs. For more inspiration on incorporating tallboy dressers into different rooms of your home, visit our inspiration page.

Styling tips for a Tallboy dresser with drawers

A Tallboy not only provides practical storage but can be a striking focal point for your room. Here are some ideas on how to style your tallboy:

Choose a statement Tallboy dresser: Choose a piece with unique design elements, bold wood grain or color and/or a distinctive hardware. A dresser with decorative drawer pulls, unique woodwork, or intricate wood grain can become a focal point in the room. Even if your room is small, a tall narrow Tallboy can become the highlight of the room.

Consider a mirror: While a Tallboy typically does not have space above it like a traditional low dresser, there is still a place for a mirror elsewhere in the room. This not only serves a functional purpose but also creates the illusion of more space and reflects light, making your bedroom appear brighter and more spacious.

Balance the visual weight: If your dresser has a tall and narrow design, balance the visual weight by adding a tall floor lamp or a tall potted plant on the opposite side of the room. This will create a sense of symmetry and harmony in the space.

Solid Custom Heirlooms is a custom furniture builder based in Appalachia USA. We use American hardwood to craft a wide variety of beds and dressers & chests from simple to elaborate. If you don’t see what you are looking for, or want to talk more about achieving a specific look or type of furniture, please contact us and we would love to help you make your dreams a reality.