When it comes to furnishing your home in Mornington, Australia, functionality and design must strike a harmonious balance—especially in coastal and semi-rural settings like those found across the Mornington Peninsula. Among the staple pieces of bedroom or hallway furniture is the dresser, a practical and often stylish storage solution. But if you’re planning to purchase or custom-build one, an important question arises: How deep can a dresser be?
With Mornington Cabinet Makers, we’ll explore the typical and maximum dresser depths, ergonomic considerations, design trends relevant to the Mornington lifestyle, and what local factors like room size, climate, and furniture suppliers in Mornington can mean for your decision. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a professional interior designer, or a homeowner planning a bedroom renovation, this article gives you everything you need to make a smart, spatially aware choice.
Understanding Standard Dresser Depths
In the furniture world, dresser depth refers to how far the piece extends outward from the wall. It’s a vital measurement, especially in smaller homes or apartments where space optimization is key.
- Standard depth range: Most dressers range between 40cm to 55cm in depth (approximately 16 to 22 inches).
- Shallow dressers: These can be as slim as 30–35cm, ideal for entryways, tight corridors, or compact bedrooms like those in Mornington apartments or granny flats.
- Extra deep dressers: In some cases, especially custom builds, you may find dressers as deep as 65–70cm. However, this depth is better suited for larger master bedrooms, walk-ins, or bespoke wardrobes.
👉 Pro tip for Mornington homeowners: If you’re dealing with older homes or heritage properties along Main Street Mornington or in Mount Eliza, be mindful of structural quirks like skirting boards and low windows that may limit how deep your furniture can be.
When Deeper Isn’t Better
Sure, deeper dressers offer more storage—but they come with trade-offs. Ergonomics, floor space, and circulation are often affected. Here are key considerations:
1. Clearance and Flow
- A dresser deeper than 55cm may obstruct walkways or clash with doors.
- According to interior layout guidelines, maintain at least 75–90cm of walking space in front of your dresser.
2. Child Safety and Stability
- Deep, tall dressers can become top-heavy. In homes with children, particularly around Mornington childcare centres or family suburbs like Langwarrin, tip-over risks increase.
- Use wall-anchoring kits—many are required under Australian safety standards (AS/NZS 4935).
3. Weight and Material Strength
- The deeper the dresser, the more strain on the drawer rails and frame. Choose robust materials like hardwood (e.g., Tasmanian oak) or plywood with metal sliders if you’re aiming for anything beyond standard depth.
Factors That Influence Ideal Dresser Depth
Choosing dresser depth isn’t just about space—lifestyle, room function, and aesthetic taste also matter.
A. Room Size and Layout
Mornington homes range from modern coastal builds in Safety Beach to bungalows in Frankston South. Small rooms benefit from shallower pieces, while spacious layouts can accommodate chunkier, statement furniture.
B. Storage Needs
A deeper dresser is a boon for storing:
- Bulky winter wear (especially handy for homes closer to the Arthurs Seat hinterlands).
- Multiple users sharing a space.
- Items like photo albums, electronics, or linens—perfect for multi-purpose guest rooms.
C. Style Considerations
- Scandinavian-style dressers tend to be shallower, reflecting minimalist design.
- Hamptons and coastal designs, popular in Mornington, often feature wider frames with moderate depth for an airy, beachy feel.
For customized work, visit Mornington Cabinet Makers.
Local Trends: What’s Popular in Mornington?
The Mornington Peninsula furniture scene is a blend of rustic, modern, and coastal elegance. Local interior designers often look for:
- Custom joinery from artisans in Dromana or Red Hill.
- Repurposed timber dressers sourced from Balnarring vintage stores.
- Flat-pack options like IKEA and Fantastic Furniture—though dimensions here are more rigid.
👉 If shopping locally, check dimensions carefully. Not all off-the-shelf dressers suit older Mornington homes with tighter rooms or sloped ceilings.
Where to Buy or Commission the Right Dresser
🛒 Retailers in and around Mornington:
- Early Settler (Mornington Homemaker Centre) – known for deep, vintage-inspired dressers.
- Domayne Frankston – offers modern, modular options for contemporary builds.
- IKEA Richmond or Springvale – budget-friendly, shallow options suitable for DIYers.
🔨 Local Makers & Custom Options:
- Peninsula Custom Furniture – can build to fit exact room specs.
- Timber Revival in Carrum Downs – sustainable options using reclaimed timber.
DIY or Custom Build? Know Your Specs
If you’re considering building your own dresser (a growing trend among Mornington’s creative DIY crowd), keep these measurements in mind:
| Dresser Size | Average Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small (3-drawer) | 40–45cm | Great for hallways or narrow spaces |
| Standard (6-drawer) | 45–55cm | Most common in bedrooms |
| Large (9+ drawer) | 55–65cm | Requires large space & stable build |
Use birch plywood or MDF with veneer for cost-effective projects. For deeper units, reinforce the back panel and install soft-close runners for drawer longevity.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Dresser Depth for Your Mornington Home
So, how deep can a dresser be? Technically, as deep as you want—but practically, it depends on space, function, and lifestyle. In Mornington, where homes vary from compact to spacious, and coastal charm meets modern design, your dresser should align with your room’s dimensions, traffic flow, and personal taste.
Whether you’re buying from a trusted local store or designing a custom piece, keeping depth in check ensures not just aesthetic appeal, but everyday usability. With the right depth, your dresser won’t just fit your room—it will fit your life.