Highboy dressers can accentuate bedrooms or add more balance to living spaces. But, what is a highboy dresser and how can you integrate them into your home? They’ve been around for centuries and are one of the most versatile and timeless home furniture styles, so let’s talk about them!
What Is a Highboy Dresser?
A highboy dresser is a tall, multi-drawer chest of drawers that originated in the 18th century colonial and Georgian periods. The name “highboy” comes from the fact it is taller than a lowboy dresser, with its drawers stacked vertically on legs to provide storage higher up.
Highboys feature decorative elements like carving and brass pulls, and the iconic antique furniture form adds both storage and elegance to a room.
Exploring the History and Styles of Highboy Dressers
Highboy dressers have an intriguing history. Its name originated from a mistranslation of the French word for wood. The term gained popularity in the late 1600s, and highboys became a common sight in colonial American homes.
Understanding the historical context and evolving design influences can add character to this beloved piece of furniture.
A Blend of British and American Design
Highboy dressers exemplify the fusion of British interior fashion and American style. It emphasizes space optimization and design. This piece of timeless style often boasted over eight drawers.
In this era, three popular styles emerged, each contributing to the highboy’s distinctive character:
- Early American Design: Among the earliest highboy dresser designs in American history, these are recognized by their less curved legs compared to later iterations.
- 18th-Century Elegance: In the mid-18th century, highboys crafted from elegantly carved mahogany gained popularity. These versions featured flat fronts, curved legs, and drawers with ornamental brass handles.
- Modern Interpretations: Today’s highboy dressers are commonly referred to as “chests of drawers.” They consistently feature two sections: a wider lower section and a narrower upper section. These two separate pieces are combined to create a spacious dresser, typically equipped with six drawers.
The Highboy: Unveiling Its Unique Advantages and Perks
It’s a classic and timeless style piece of furniture. The highboy offers a range of unique advantages and perks, including being a highly usable storage. It’s a standout choice for aesthetic and functional purposes in your home.
Here are some of the distinctive features and benefits that the highboy brings to the table.
- Space Optimization: Highboys is renowned for its vertical design. It allows me to maximize storage in a compact footprint.
- Versatile Storage: They offer versatile storage options with multiple drawers and compartments. I can use them to store clothing, linens, and accessories. It makes highboys suitable for bedrooms and living rooms.
- Historical Charm: Highboys have a rich history, dating back to colonial America. Their classic design and craftsmanship add a touch of historical charm and sophistication to my home’s interior.
- Distinctive Style: Highboys come in various styles and finishes to suit my décor. Their ornate hardware, curved legs, and intricate detailing can complement many interior design aesthetics.
- Separable Design: Highboys often come in two sections. It has a chest of drawers at the base and a narrower chest on top. This design allows for easier transportation and maneuverability.
- Enhanced Organization: The multiple drawers and compartments in Highboys let me stay organized effortlessly. I can categorize and arrange my items neatly. It makes it easier to find what I need without rummaging through cluttered spaces.
How to Decorate a Highboy Dresser
A dresser is usually the second largest piece of furniture, after your bed, in your bedroom. As a result, it should play a significant role in how you style it.
However, bad habits and busy schedules can impact how you keep the top section of your drawers. A messy dresser can affect your overall mood and how you relax. That’s why I came up with these three easy tips to style your dresser:
Start by Cleaning
Basically, clean up any mess in your room. Remove everything on the top of the dresser. Ensure to wipe any grime and use appropriate cleaning techniques to remove any dust particles. Put everything that doesn’t belong there in a box or other drawers.
Set a Center Stage
Let’s improve the visual balance in your area. Try hanging something large and attention-grabbing on the wall above the dresser. I suggest using a mirror that’s big enough to give an aesthetic feel.
Add Tall Accents
Consider adding a tall piece of furniture next to the dresser. It doesn’t have to be modern and extravagant. A simple style, tall bedside lamp can do the trick. A tall houseplant or a decorative pillar candle can also work magic.
How Tall Is a Highboy Dresser?
A highboy dresser is quite tall compared to the standard height of typical dressers. The usual dresser is approximately 54 inches tall. On the other hand, a highboy dresser can go up to an estimated 110 inches tall. The height difference may be shocking. It’s because Highboy is composed of two sections stacked on each other.
In the old days, you could find a highboy dresser with more than six drawers as a standard item. Nowadays, you may have to ask a manufacturer to add more drawers to achieve an aesthetic closely matching the style evident during colonial America.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Highboy Dresser Used For?
A highboy dresser is usually an ideal way to maximize your area. It adds functionality and style to any room. Also, it can enhance the style you want to illustrate in your place.
What’s the Difference Between a Highboy and a Tallboy?
The style of a Highboy and a Tallboy can be similar. It depends on the manufacturer. However, the main distinction between the two is that the Highboy only has drawers. Meanwhile, a Tallboy has drawers and a wardrobe.
What Makes a Dresser a Highboy?
A dresser becomes a highboy when it exhibits specific distinguishing characteristics. Typically, a highboy dresser features a tall, vertical design with two distinct sections: a lower chest of drawers and an upper chest-on-chest.
Conclusion
Practical and elegant, that’s what a highboy dresser is. It’s a valuable piece of furniture that can enhance your place. Whether in its classic form or modern interpretations, the highboy remains a timeless and iconic piece of furniture. It can elevate the aesthetics and functionality of any room.
