Dresser vs. Buffet — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 29, 2024
A dresser is a type of furniture typically used for storing clothing, featuring drawers and sometimes a mirror, whereas a buffet is used for storing dining essentials and serving food, often seen in dining rooms.
Difference Between Dresser and Buffet
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Dressers are primarily bedroom furniture pieces designed for storing clothes, often equipped with multiple drawers and occasionally a mirror. On the other hand, buffets are found in dining areas, used to store dining utensils, linens, and sometimes serve as a surface for food during meals.
Dressers are typically taller and narrower, focusing on vertical storage space to organize clothing items efficiently. Buffets, however, are usually broader and shorter, providing a wide, flat top for displaying or serving food, along with storage space underneath.
The structure of a dresser often includes deeper drawers stacked vertically, tailored for items like sweaters, pants, and shirts. In contrast, a buffet may have cabinets and drawers that are designed for flatware, plates, and other dining accessories.
Style-wise, dressers can range from simple, functional designs to more elaborate, decorative pieces that complement bedroom decor. Buffets might feature more refined details and built-in features like wine racks or stemware holders to enhance functionality and aesthetics in a dining setting.
The material used for dressers and buffets can vary widely, from wood to metal, but dressers often feature lighter woods or materials since they house lighter items like clothes. Buffets are typically built from sturdier, heavier woods to support the weight of dishes, silverware, and sometimes the additional weight of food items during service.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Storing clothing.
Storing dining essentials and serving food.
Typical Location
Bedroom.
Dining room.
Design
Tall, with vertical drawers.
Wide, with horizontal storage and flat top.
Common Features
Drawers, sometimes a mirror.
Cabinets, drawers, possibly wine racks.
Material Consideration
Often lighter woods or materials.
Generally heavier, durable woods.
Compare with Definitions
Dresser
Furniture with drawers for storing clothes.
She organized her sweaters in the top drawer of the dresser.
Buffet
Furniture for storing dining items and serving food.
They set up the buffet with all the dishes for the party.
Dresser
Can include a mirror.
He checked his outfit in the dresser’s attached mirror.
Buffet
Sturdy construction.
The solid oak buffet could withstand heavy use during gatherings.
Dresser
Primarily for clothing.
Her new dresser had enough space for all her clothing.
Buffet
Located in dining areas.
The antique buffet in the dining room was a family heirloom.
Dresser
Varies in style and size.
They chose a tall, narrow dresser to save space in the room.
Buffet
Features like wine racks.
Their new buffet had a built-in wine rack and stemware holders.
Dresser
Often found in bedrooms.
The wooden dresser matched the bedframe perfectly.
Buffet
Used during meals for serving.
The buffet was covered with appetizers throughout the evening.
Dresser
One that dresses
A careful dresser.
Buffet
A buffet can be either a sideboard (a flat-topped piece of furniture with cupboards and drawers, used for storing crockery, glasses, and table linen) or a system of serving meals in which food is placed in a public area where the diners serve themselves. A form of service à la française, buffets are offered at various places including hotels, restaurants, and many social events.
Dresser
A wardrobe assistant, as for an actor.
Buffet
A large sideboard with drawers and cupboards.
Dresser
A chest of drawers often supporting a mirror and typically used for holding clothes and personal items.
Buffet
A counter or table from which meals or refreshments are served.
Dresser
A cupboard or set of shelves for dishes or kitchen utensils.
Buffet
A restaurant having such a counter.
Dresser
An item of kitchen furniture, like a cabinet with shelves, for storing crockery or utensils.
Buffet
A meal at which guests serve themselves from various dishes displayed on a table or sideboard.
Dresser
An item of bedroom furniture, like a low chest of drawers, often with a mirror.
Buffet
A blow or cuff with or as if with the hand.
Dresser
One who dresses in a particular way.
He's a very snappy dresser.
Buffet
Informally served
A buffet luncheon.
Dresser
A wardrobe assistant (who helps actors put on their costume).
Buffet
To hit or beat, especially repeatedly.
Dresser
A servant to royalty etc. who helps them with tasks such as dressing.
Buffet
To strike against forcefully and especially repeatedly; batter
Winds that buffeted the tent.
Dresser
(medicine) A surgeon's assistant who helps to dress wounds etc.
Buffet
To cause repeated difficulty or harm to (a person or group)
Was buffeted about from job to job by the vagaries of the economy.
Dresser
(UK) A football hooligan who wears designer clothing; a casual.
Buffet
To force (one's way) with difficulty.
Dresser
A mechanical device used in grain mills for bolting.
Buffet
To force one's way with difficulty
A ship buffeting against the wind.
Dresser
(dated) A table or bench on which meat and other things are dressed, or prepared for use.
Buffet
A counter or sideboard from which food and drinks are served or may be bought.
Dresser
(mining) A kind of pick for shaping large coal.
Buffet
Food laid out in this way, to which diners serve themselves.
We'll be serving supper buffet style.
Dresser
One who dresses or prepares stone.
Buffet
A small low stool; a hassock.
Dresser
One who dresses; one who put in order or makes ready for use; one who on clothes or ornaments.
Buffet
(countable) A blow or cuff with or as if with the hand, or by any other solid object or the wind.
Dresser
A kind of pick for shaping large coal.
Buffet
The vibration of an aircraft when flying in or approaching a stall, caused by separation of airflow from the aircraft's wings.
Dresser
An assistant in a hospital, whose office it is to dress wounds, sores, etc.
Buffet
(transitive) To strike with a buffet; to cuff; to slap.
Dresser
A table or bench on which meat and other things are dressed, or prepared for use.
The pewter plates on the dresserCaught and reflected the flame, as shields of armies the sunshine.
Buffet
To aggressively challenge, denounce, or criticise.
Dresser
A piece of chamber furniture consisting of a chest of drawers, or bureau, with a mirror.
Buffet
To affect as with blows; to strike repeatedly; to strive with or contend against.
To buffet the billows
Dresser
Furniture with drawers for keeping clothes
Buffet
To deaden the sound of (bells) by muffling the clapper.
Dresser
A person who dresses in a particular way;
She's an elegant dresser
He's a meticulous dresser
Buffet
A cupboard or set of shelves, either movable or fixed at one side of a room, for the display of plate, china, etc., a sideboard.
Not when a gilt buffet's reflected prideTurns you from sound philosophy aside.
Dresser
A wardrobe assistant for an actor
Buffet
A counter for food or refreshments.
Dresser
Low table with mirror or mirrors where one sits while dressing or applying makeup
Buffet
A restaurant containing such a counter, as at a railroad station, or place of public gathering.
Dresser
A cabinet with shelves
Buffet
A meal set out on a buffet[2], arranged so that guests may serve themselves and choose those items that they desire; as, a buffet dinner. Diners usually take a plate provided and move in a line past the items on the buffet[2], placing those items they desire on the plate, to be eaten at some convenient place.
Buffet
A blow with the hand; a slap on the face; a cuff.
When on his cheek a buffet fell.
Buffet
A blow from any source, or that which affects like a blow, as the violence of winds or waves; a stroke; an adverse action; an affliction; a trial; adversity.
Those planks of tough and hardy oak that used for yeas to brave the buffets of the Bay of Biscay.
Fortune's buffets and rewards.
Buffet
A small stool; a stool for a buffet or counter.
Go fetch us a light buffet.
Buffet
To strike with the hand or fist; to box; to beat; to cuff; to slap.
They spit in his face and buffeted him.
Buffet
To affect as with blows; to strike repeatedly; to strive with or contend against; as, to buffet the billows.
The sudden hurricane in thunder roars,Buffets the bark, and whirls it from the shores.
You are lucky fellows who can live in a dreamland of your own, instead of being buffeted about the world.
Buffet
To deaden the sound of (bells) by muffling the clapper.
Buffet
To exercise or play at boxing; to strike; to smite; to strive; to contend.
If I might buffet for my love, or bound my horse for her favors, I could lay on like a butcher.
Buffet
To make one's way by blows or struggling.
Strove to buffet to land in vain.
Buffet
A piece of furniture that stands at the side of a dining room; has shelves and drawers
Buffet
A meal set out on a buffet at which guests help themselves
Buffet
Usually inexpensive bar
Buffet
Strike against forcefully;
Winds buffeted the tent
Buffet
Strike, beat repeatedly;
The wind buffeted him
Common Curiosities
Can a dresser be used in a dining room?
While not typical, a dresser could be repurposed for storage in a dining room, though it may not suit all dining storage needs.
What materials are best for a buffet?
Sturdy materials like hardwoods are best for buffets to support the weight and frequent use associated with dining storage and service.
What should I consider when placing a buffet in my dining room?
Consider the size of the room and the proximity to the dining table. Ensure there's enough space for people to move around when the buffet is used during service.
How does a buffet enhance dining room functionality?
A buffet enhances dining room functionality by providing storage for dining essentials and a surface for serving food.
Is it common for dressers to have features other than drawers?
Yes, some dressers come with additional features like mirrors or small cabinets, particularly in designs intended to offer more functionality.
What is the ideal height for a dresser?
The ideal height depends on the user but typically ranges from 28 to 36 inches tall, allowing most people to comfortably reach all drawers.
What is the primary function of a dresser?
The primary function of a dresser is to store clothing and sometimes accessories, typically in a bedroom.
How do I choose between a dresser and a buffet for a space?
Choose based on the room's function: dressers for bedrooms for clothing, and buffets for dining areas for meal service and storage.
What are the typical dimensions of a buffet?
Buffets are generally around 30-36 inches in height, with a length that can vary widely but typically spans at least 50 inches to accommodate dining items.
How can I maximize storage in my buffet?
Use organizers inside drawers, add shelf dividers, and consider using the top surface for items that need to be readily accessible or displayed.
Can the top of a dresser be used like a buffet?
The top of a dresser can be used to display items or store non-clothing items, but it is not ideal for serving food.
Can buffets be used for items other than dining essentials?
Yes, buffets are versatile and can be used to store anything from craft supplies to office materials, especially in homes where space is limited.
How do I maintain a wooden dresser?
Regular dusting, avoiding excessive moisture, and using coasters for any items that might scratch or stain are good practices for maintaining a wooden dresser.
Are there modern styles of dressers and buffets?
Yes, both furniture types come in a variety of styles, including modern designs with minimalist lines, innovative materials, and integrated technology like LED lighting.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Chaplin vs. Chaplain
Next Comparison
Convulsion vs. FitAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
