Chest Drawers: Buying Guide & Best Options in Ireland

Anyone who’s ever tried to squeeze a bulky dresser into a compact Dublin flat already knows the struggle: you need storage, but the room says no. Chest drawers—tall, narrow, or wide—offer a flexible solution, and Ireland’s retailers now stock everything from €75 flat-packs to solid oak heirlooms, with this guide walking through sizes, materials, and where to buy.

Average price range (Ireland): €150 – €500 ·
Most common number of drawers: 3 to 6 ·
Top material used: Solid wood (pine, oak, mahogany) ·
Most popular retailer: IKEA Ireland ·
Average height: 90–120 cm

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts

IKEA chests are flat-packed and self-assembly (IKEA Ireland category page)
Solid wood chests are heavier and more durable (IKEA Ireland (HEMNES solid wood chest))
Most chest drawers use melamine-coated MDF or solid wood (Harvey Norman Ireland chest-of-drawers range)

2What’s unclear

Which brand offers the best value over 5 years
Whether wide dressers are more stable than tall chests on soft floors
Actual customer satisfaction comparisons between retailers (limited public data)

3Timeline signal

Delivery times range from 1–14 working days depending on retailer (IKEA Ireland delivery info)
Flat-pack assembly takes 1–2 hours for most IKEA models (IKEA Ireland (KULLEN product page))

4What’s next

Check clearance sections at DoneDeal for second‑hand bargains
Compare in‑store vs online prices – stock levels vary (Harvey Norman Ireland)

Here is a quick reference of key facts about chest drawers in Ireland.

Fact	Value
Most popular retailer	IKEA Ireland (IKEA Ireland)
Top-selling material	Pine (affordable and lightweight)
Average delivery time	3–7 working days (in-stock)
Common warranty period	1–5 years depending on brand
Most requested width	80 cm

What size chest of drawers should I choose for my bedroom?

How to measure your bedroom space for a chest of drawers?

Start by measuring the wall width and door clearance. You need at least 10 cm of walking space in front of an open drawer. IKEA Ireland (buying guide) recommends leaving 5 cm on each side for airflow if the unit backs against a radiator.

What are standard chest of drawer widths?

Narrow models: 40–60 cm – ideal for tight corners or beside a bed.
Medium: 60–90 cm – the most versatile width for most Irish bedrooms.
Wide dressers: 90–120 cm – often come with a matching mirror.

Standard widths across major retailers range from 60 cm to 120 cm (Harvey Norman Ireland range).

How tall is a typical tall chest of drawers?

Tall chests are typically 90–130 cm high. IKEA’s KULLEN 5‑drawer chest stands 112 cm, while the HEMNES 3‑drawer chest is 96 cm tall. A tallboy (6–9 drawers) can reach 150 cm.

The implication: Measure your room first, then pick a height that leaves at least 20 cm between the top of the chest and the ceiling for visual breathing room.

Where can I buy a chest of drawers in Ireland?

Which Irish retailers offer chest of drawers?

IKEA Ireland – flat‑pack, modern styles, wide price range (€75–€500).
Harvey Norman – assembled options, mid‑range to premium, delivery service.
Des Kelly Interiors – Irish family business, solid wood and contemporary finishes.
EZ Living Interiors – high‑quality wood finishes, often oak and walnut.
Murphy Furniture – tall and wide units, traditional designs.

IKEA’s category page alone lists over 40 models. Harvey Norman features about 30.

Is it cheaper to buy online or in-store?

Online prices are generally the same as in-store, but delivery fees can add €10–€50. Some retailers offer free delivery on orders over €200. IKEA charges a flat €9.99 for small items; larger chests cost €19.99.

Are there any local furniture stores in Dublin?

Yes. Des Kelly Interiors has showrooms in Dublin city centre and suburbs. EZ Living Interiors has stores in Stillorgan and Blanchardstown. Murphy Furniture trades from Baldoyle, Dublin 13.

The pattern: Online browsing gives you the widest choice, but visiting a showroom lets you test drawer slides and see the finish in person.

How do I assemble a chest of drawers?

What tools are needed for assembly?

Basic tools include a Phillips screwdriver, a rubber mallet or hammer, and the Allen key (hex wrench) supplied with the kit. Most IKEA chests include the Allen key; Harvey Norman’s assembled models often skip this step entirely.

How to attach drawer slides correctly?

Separate the slide parts: one half attaches to the drawer, the other to the cabinet frame.
Align the slide with the pre‑drilled holes and secure with the supplied screws.
Repeat for each drawer level, ensuring all slides are level.
Insert the drawer and check for smooth movement.

What to do if a drawer is misaligned?

Check that both slides are at the same height – a 1 mm offset can cause sticking.
Loosen the screws on the drawer face, adjust the position, and retighten.
For IKEA chests, the drawer front can be adjusted via the slots on the slide mechanism (IKEA HEMNES assembly instructions).

The trade‑off: Flat‑pack chests save money but cost time; pre‑assembled units (like many at Harvey Norman) arrive ready to use but typically cost 30–50% more.

What are the differences between a chest of drawers and a dresser?

Is a chest of drawers the same as a dresser?

No. A chest of drawers is taller and narrower (typically 3–6 drawers). A dresser is wider and lower (4–9 drawers), often with a mirror attached. Harvey Norman categorises both under “chest of drawers and dressers”.

Which one offers more storage?

A dresser generally has more total drawer volume because it spans a wider footprint. However, a tall chest with the same number of drawers may offer deeper drawers. For small Irish bedrooms (often 3×3 m), a narrow chest typically fits better.

Which style suits a modern bedroom?

Minimalist interiors lean toward tall chests in white or grey with clean lines – IKEA’s MALM range is a common choice. Traditional rooms pair well with a wide dresser in oak or walnut from EZ Living Interiors or Murphy Furniture.

Why this matters: The wrong shape can make a small room feel cramped. A tall chest uses vertical space, while a dresser anchors a larger wall.

Which materials are best for a durable chest of drawers?

Is solid wood better than engineered wood?

Solid wood (oak, mahogany, pine) is stronger, can be sanded and refinished, and lasts decades. Engineered wood (MDF, particleboard) is lighter and cheaper but prone to chipping and sagging under weight. IKEA’s HEMNES uses solid pine for the frame and MDF for drawer bottoms – a compromise.

Are metal chests of drawers long-lasting?

Metal chests are lightweight, modern, and resistant to moisture, but they can dent and scratch easily. They work well in dorm rooms or rentals where you don’t want to invest in wood.

What is the most eco-friendly material?

Solid wood from certified sustainable forests (FSC‑certified) is the greenest option. IKEA sources 99% of its wood from FSC‑certified or recycled sources. Bamboo chests are another renewable choice, though less common in Irish stores.

Bottom line: The catch: Solid wood costs 2–3× more than engineered wood. For a child’s room that will be replaced in 5 years, a durable MDF chest with a melamine coating is a sensible middle ground.

Feature	IKEA Ireland	Harvey Norman Ireland
Price range (3‑drawer)	€75–€215 (KULLEN €75 / HEMNES €215)	€150–€450
Assembly required	Yes (flat‑pack)	No (delivered assembled)
Material options	Pine, MDF, some solid wood (HEMNES)	Oak, walnut, MDF with wood veneer
Warranty	1 year (standard), 5 years (HEMNES)	1–5 years depending on brand
Delivery fee (Dublin)	€9.99–€19.99	Free over €200, else €15–€30
Number of models	40+	20+

Upsides

Wide price range fits all budgets
Solid wood options last decades
Flat‑pack allows cheaper shipping
Many models fit small Irish bedrooms
Frequent sales at Harvey Norman and Des Kelly

Downsides

Flat‑pack assembly takes time and patience
Engineered wood can sag under heavy loads
Solid wood chests are heavy to move
Some budget models have thin drawer bottoms
Delivery times can exceed 2 weeks for custom orders

Step‑by‑step: Assembling your chest of drawers

Unpack all parts and check against the parts list. IKEA’s KULLEN ships in 3 packages.
Attach the side panels to the bottom panel using the cam locks provided.
Install the back panel using the included nails or screws – this provides rigidity.
Slide the drawer runners into the pre‑drilled holes on the side panels.
Assemble each drawer box (front, back, sides) and attach the bottom.
Fit the drawer fronts and adjust for alignment.
Attach any anti‑tip bracket to the wall – essential for tall chests.

The upshot

A first‑time assembler should budget 90 minutes for a 5‑drawer chest, but the second unit goes twice as fast.

The assembly process requires an average of 90 minutes for a first-timer, but becomes quicker with practice.

Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

IKEA chest of drawers are flat‑packed and require self‑assembly (IKEA Ireland category page).
Solid wood chests are generally heavier and more durable than those made from engineered wood (IKEA Ireland (HEMNES solid wood chest)).
Most chest drawers use melamine‑coated MDF or solid wood as the primary material (Harvey Norman Ireland chest‑of‑drawers range).

What’s unclear

Which brand offers the best value for money over 5 years – public long‑term durability data is scarce.
Whether wide dressers are more stable than tall chests on soft floors such as carpets in older Irish homes.
Actual customer satisfaction comparisons between major retailers – limited independent reviews exist.
Delivery times across Irish retailers vary widely and are not consistently documented.

Editor’s note

Because independent test data is thin, treat retailer claims about “best value” or “most durable” with a pinch of salt. In‑store inspection is your strongest safeguard.

Given the lack of independent data, visiting a showroom remains the most reliable way to assess quality.

Additional sources

harveynorman.com.au, ikea.com, harveynorman.co.uk, harveynorman.com.au, harveynorman.ie, ikea.com, instagram.com, adverts.ie, ikea.com, ukjournal.uk

Frequently asked questions

Do chest of drawers come with a warranty?

Yes, most come with a 1‑ to 5‑year warranty. IKEA offers 1 year standard and 5 years on the HEMNES range. Harvey Norman provides 1 year on own brands, longer on premium brands.

Can I use a chest of drawers as a TV stand?

Yes, provided the width and height suit your TV. Ensure the top surface can bear the weight (most chests support 15–30 kg). Use a wall bracket to secure the TV separately.

What is the safest type of chest of drawers for children?

A low, wide chest that is anchored to the wall with an anti‑tip strap. Avoid models with sharp corners. IKEA includes anti‑tip kits with all chests.

How do I prevent a tall chest of drawers from tipping over?

Always attach it to the wall using the included anti‑tip bracket. Place heavier items in the bottom drawers. This is especially important in homes with toddlers or pets.

Are there any chest of drawers with hidden compartments?

A few high‑end models feature secret drawers behind the front panel or inside the top drawer. Specialist makers like EZ Living Interiors sometimes offer custom storage solutions.

What is the most durable finish for high‑traffic bedrooms?

A lacquer or polyurethane finish on solid wood resists scratches and moisture best. Melamine‑coated MDF is also easy to wipe clean but can chip if knocked.

Do I need to hire someone to assemble a chest of drawers?

If you have basic DIY skills, you can assemble an IKEA chest in 1–2 hours. Harvey Norman offers assembly services for a fee. Many people prefer to pay €30–€50 for peace of mind.

How often should I replace a chest of drawers?

Solid wood chests can last 20–30 years with care. Engineered wood chests typically need replacing after 5–10 years, depending on usage and humidity.

For Dublin shoppers, the choice between IKEA and Harvey Norman often comes down to price vs. convenience. IKEA’s flat‑pack models save money but cost time; Harvey Norman’s assembled units arrive ready to use but carry a premium.