Furniture Types
Tall Boy
A tallboy is a tall, narrow chest of drawers—taller than a standard dresser but narrower in width. British usage sometimes refers to a chest-on-chest (two stacked chests) as a tallboy. The vertical proportions maximize storage in limited floor space, making tallboys valuable in smaller bedrooms and narrow spaces.
The slim profile suits rooms where a wide dresser won't fit, while the height compensates with ample drawer capacity.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Tall, narrow proportions
- ✓Multiple stacked drawers
- ✓Small footprint, large capacity
- ✓British furniture term
- ✓Space-efficient design
- ✓Bedroom storage focus
Types & Variations
Simple tallboy (basic vertical chest)
Chest-on-chest (two sections)
Lingerie tallboy (narrow drawers)
Modern tallboy (contemporary styling)
Antique tallboy (period design)
Common Materials
WoodPainted finishesVeneerLacquer
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Tallboys fit corners, narrow walls, and spaces beside doors where wider pieces won't work. Anchor to walls for safety given the tall proportions. Position where top drawers remain accessible.
💡 Pro Tip
The narrower drawers of tallboys suit folded items better than bulky clothing. Use for t-shirts, undergarments, and accessories. Reserve wider dressers for sweaters and larger items.
Related Terms
Highboy
A tall chest of drawers mounted on a legged base, popular in American colonial furniture.
Chest of Drawers
A piece of furniture containing a set of drawers stacked vertically, used for storing clothes and linens.
Dresser
A chest of drawers for storing clothes, often with a mirror attached or placed above.