A tallboy is one of those bedroom pieces that can make a room feel instantly more organised. It gives you extra storage without taking up too much floor space, which is why it works so well in compact apartments and larger family homes.
If you’re looking for a place to store folded clothes, spare linen, kids’ items or bedding accessories, a tallboy may be exactly what you need. The key is knowing what size, shape and style will actually suit your space best.
What Is a Tallboy?
A tallboy is a tall, narrow chest of drawers designed to provide vertical storage. Instead of spreading across the room like a wider dresser, a tallboy uses height to give you several drawers while taking up less floor space.
This makes it a practical choice for bedrooms where storage is limited. It can be used for clothing, sleepwear, accessories, spare sheets, towels or anything else you want to keep neatly tucked away. Because of its upright design, it’s especially useful in smaller rooms where you may not have enough wall space for a wide chest of drawers.
Tallboys are also popular because they can work in different rooms and stages of life. They can be used in a kid’s bedroom, a guest room, a main bedroom or even a spare room that needs extra storage without feeling crowded.
What’s the Difference Between a Tallboy, Lowboy, and Dresser?
A tallboy, lowboy and dresser all provide drawer storage, but they are shaped differently and suit different spaces. The table below provides a brief breakdown of each one.
| Feature | Tallboy | Lowboy | Dresser |
| Shape | Tall and narrow | Short and wide | Usually wide and rectangular |
| Storage Capacity | Multiple stacked drawers with efficient | Several wide drawers for easy organisation | Often offers the most drawer space, depending on size |
| Floor Space Required | Minimal | Moderate to large | Moderate to large |
| Surface Space | Limited | Large top surface | Large top surface, often wider than a lowboy |
| Best For | Small bedrooms, apartments, or rooms with limited wall space | Bedrooms where additional display or styling space is needed | Larger bedrooms with ample space |
Benefits of Choosing the Right Tallboy
A tallboy is one of the most overlooked pieces of bedroom furniture. Here are some reasons to invest in one and how it can completely change the feel of your bedroom:
- Space-Saving Storage: Because a tallboy is built upwards rather than outwards, it can provide plenty of drawer space without taking over the room
- Close and Easy Access: Instead of keeping folded clothes stacked in a wardrobe or storing items in different places around the home, you can keep the things you use most often close and within reach.
- Adds Style to the Bedroom: A well-chosen tallboy can help tie your bedroom furniture together, especially when it matches or complements your bed frame, bedside tables or wardrobe.
How Do I Choose the Right Tallboy?
Choosing the right tallboy starts with understanding your room and your storage needs. Before buying, think about where it will go, what you need to store, and whether the size will work with your existing furniture.
Start With Your Room Layout and Size
Think about where your bed sits, where the wardrobe doors open, and whether you already have other storage pieces in the room. A tallboy usually works best against a clear wall or in a spot that doesn’t interrupt how you move through the room. Avoid placing it somewhere that blocks a doorway, window, wardrobe or power point you use often.
If the room is small, choose a tallboy with a slimmer profile. If the room is larger, you may be able to choose a wider or more statement-style piece without making the space feel crowded.
Determine Your Preferred Measurements
Measure the width, height, and depth of where the tallboy will go, not just the wall space. This helps you avoid choosing a piece that looks good online or in-store but feels too large once it’s in the room.
Height is important because a tallboy can visually change the feel of a room. A very tall piece may work well in a larger bedroom, but in a smaller space it can feel heavy if the design is too bulky.
Depth also matters. A deep tallboy can offer more storage, but it will extend further into the room. If your bedroom is narrow or you need to walk past the tallboy often, a shallower design may be more practical.
Ensure Proper Drawer Depth, Not Just Count
Think about what you actually need the tallboy for. If it’s mainly for clothing, make sure the drawers are deep and sturdy enough for everyday use. If it’s for mixed storage, a combination of drawer sizes may be more useful.
For folded clothing like jumpers, tracksuits, denim or bulky winter items, deeper drawers are usually more practical. For smaller items like socks, sleepwear, accessories or children’s clothes, shallower drawers can work well.
Choose a Material That Best Suits the Overall Room
The material and finish of your tallboy can affect the whole look of your bedroom. Timber finishes can bring warmth and a more classic feel, while lighter colours can help a smaller room feel more open.
If your bedroom already has timber furniture, try to choose a tone that complements it. It doesn’t need to match perfectly, but it should feel like it belongs in the same space. For a softer look, neutral finishes can work well with upholstered bed frames and lighter bedding.
Durability is worth considering too. You’ll likely be using the tallboy every day, so look for a solid, well-made piece that can handle daily wear and tear and has smooth drawer movement.
Ensure Ample Walking Space
A tallboy should improve your bedroom, not make it harder to move around. Once the drawers are open, there should still be enough space to stand comfortably and access what you need.
This is especially important in smaller rooms, shared bedrooms and children’s rooms. Make sure drawers won’t hit the bed, wardrobe, bedside table or bedroom door when opened.
A good rule is to leave enough clearance in front of the tallboy so you can open drawers fully without squeezing around furniture. If space is limited, a narrower tallboy may be a better choice than a wider chest of drawers.
Enjoy Practical Storage With Bevmarks’ Tallboys
A good tallboy can make a real difference to how your bedroom looks and feels. It gives you extra storage, reduces clutter, and makes better use of vertical space, all without overwhelming the room.
At Bevmarks, we understand that bedroom furniture needs to be practical, comfortable and suited to real homes. Our range of tallboys and bedroom furniture can help you create a space that feels organised and easy to live in.
If you’re unsure which size or style is right for your room, visit your nearest Bevmarks store and speak with our team. We can help you compare options and find a tallboy that suits your space, storage needs and bedroom style.