Dressers aren't cheap. So budget is often the first thing shoppers think about. But if you live in an apartment, you also need to consider floor space and moving logistics. Can you carry it up the stairs?

Then there's logistical viability—whether the dresser can physically fit through your building's doorways and elevators.

Your options range from major retail chains to second-hand markets. Finding the right fit means weighing prices against convenience, style, and return policies.

Big Retail Stores for Dressers

Big retailers offer reliability, easy returns, and the chance to see furniture in person. You'll find a wide variety of styles under one roof, making comparison shopping simple.

IKEA

IKEA carries a huge selection of sizes and finishes at affordable prices. The Hemnes line stands out for its balance of cost and durability—it often survives multiple moves. If you need to spread out payments, financing options like Afterpay can help with cash flow.

Most pieces come flat-packed, so you'll assemble them yourself. The boxes fit standard cars, which makes transport easier. Just set aside time for assembly.

Walmart & Target

You'll find options ranging from lightweight fabric-hybrid drawer towers to basic wooden chests. Functional storage under $100 is common here. Many items qualify for free shipping once you meet a minimum spend. Target also offers stylish designs that fit modern aesthetics without the high cost.

Home Improvement Stores (Home Depot and Lowe's)

These stores carry ready-to-assemble brands like Sauder and StyleWell. Their online filters let you sort by price, making it easy to find deals under $150. It's convenient if you're already picking up household repair items.

Furniture Chains (Ashley HomeStore or Rooms To Go)

Showrooms like these offer budget lines designed for cost-conscious buyers. Sales events and clearance sections can significantly reduce prices. Delivery services save you from heavy lifting.

Why Choose Big Retailers?

Established return windows give you a safety net if the dresser doesn't fit your space. Standardized delivery options make getting furniture home straightforward, with no guesswork involved.

Online Marketplaces & Websites

Online stores open up access to a massive inventory that local retailers simply can't match. Comparing prices across vendors takes just a few clicks, so you can find the best deal without driving around town.

Amazon

Selection ranges from name-brand furniture to inexpensive knock-down units. Prime members often get free shipping, which brings down the total cost. Customer reviews are essential here—they'll help you gauge the actual quality of budget items before committing.

Wayfair

Searching by specific dimensions, colors, and price ranges makes narrowing down options simple. Access to a family of brands (AllModern, Joss & Main) expands your style choices within one platform. Services like Klarna let you pay in installments on larger purchases. Free shipping is common, even for bulky furniture.

Overstock

This site specializes in surplus inventory and discontinued models at reduced prices. Regular coupons and promotions bring costs down further. You might discover higher-quality brands that are simply overstocked elsewhere.

Walmart & Target

Their websites carry brands, colors, and styles you won't find in physical stores. "Ship to store" options can save on delivery fees if you're able to pick up the item.

Furniture Brand Websites (Belleze, Sauder, South Shore)

Buying directly from a brand's site provides clearer product details and often better pricing. Belleze offers modern dressers ideal for small rooms—many designs stay narrow and compact. The style range suits apartments, with mid-range prices that feel budget-friendly.

Direct websites also help with assembly questions or replacement parts later on.

What Type of Dresser Is Worth the Money?

Not every dresser is built the same, and price alone won't tell you much about quality. If you want something that lasts without stretching your budget, a few simple factors can guide your decision.

• Solid frames: Particleboard is common, but sturdier frames hold up better during moves.
• Drawer depth: Deeper drawers make daily storage easier, especially in small rooms where adding extra furniture isn't an option.
• Quality hardware: Drawer tracks and handles matter more than most people realize. Good hardware keeps a dresser functioning smoothly for years.
• Mid-budget range: Brands like Belleze or Sauder often hit the sweet spot—reliable enough for apartments and rental living without the luxury price tag. Designs stay clean and modern.
• Room size: A narrow dresser or tall chest can give you more storage without crowding a small bedroom.

A "good" dresser fits your room, your budget, and your everyday habits. You don't need the most expensive piece on the market. You need one that works for how you actually live.

By focusing on these basics, you avoid overpaying for features you don't need—and end up with something that holds up over time.

Thrift Stores and Second-Hand Options

Buying used is the most affordable route, and it keeps furniture out of landfills. The trade-off? You'll handle transport yourself and may need to do some refurbishing.

Thrift Stores & Charity Shops

Stores like Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity ReStore often carry solid wood pieces at very low prices. Inventory changes daily, so what you find depends on timing.

Critical check: Wooden furniture can harbor bed bugs. Inspect crevices, drawer joints, and backs carefully before bringing anything home. If a piece has fabric components and you don't know its history, it's best to pass. Older dressers with cosmetic damage can often be restored with sanding and a fresh coat of paint.

Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace

These platforms connect you directly with neighbors selling or giving away furniture. They're especially useful during urgent moves, when sellers just want items gone. Prices tend to be flexible, and haggling is expected.

The main hurdle is delivery. If you don't own a truck, services like UberXL or TaskRabbit can help.

OfferUp, Letgo, and Other Apps

Apps make browsing local listings simple from your phone. You can find older, sturdier furniture that outlasts modern particleboard. Always meet in safe places and inspect items before paying.

Yard Sales & Estate Sales

Garage sales are ideal for cheap finds from people clearing out space. Estate sales may offer higher-quality pieces at reduced prices, especially on the final day.

Discount Furniture Outlets

These locations sell overstock, returned, or slightly damaged goods. Inventory changes often, so frequent visits can help you find a good deal.

Bob's Discount Furniture

This chain focuses on lower-cost furniture with decent quality for the price. Many dressers come in under $300.

IKEA "As-Is" Section

Floor models and returns are sold here, often already assembled. Discounts can be significant, though pieces may have minor scratches or dings.

Furniture Outlets/Warehouses

Retailers unload last season's models or scratch-and-dent items at these locations. Prices drop well below standard retail, and haggling is sometimes an option.

Big Lots and Other Department Stores

Stores like Big Lots buy excess inventory and pass the savings along. Selection varies, but basic dressers can be found at low prices.

Considerations for Small Apartments

Buying the dresser is only half the challenge—fitting it into your space is the other half. Apartment living restricts size and weight more than owning a house, so planning ahead makes a difference.

Measure Your Space

Take measurements of the floor area and vertical clearance in your room. Doorways, hallways, and stairwells matter too. These determine whether the dresser can actually make it inside.

Opt for Tall or Narrow Designs

Tall chests with five or more drawers take up less floor space than wide dressers. Narrow designs tuck easily into closets or tight corners. Research shows 64% of small-space dwellers prefer deeper drawers to fit bulky items without extra width.

Ease of Delivery/Assembly

Flat-pack boxes maneuver up narrow stairs far more easily than fully assembled units. If lifting heavy boxes isn't realistic, "white glove" delivery is worth considering.

Multi-Functional Furniture

A dresser that doubles as a TV stand or vanity saves valuable space. Using the top surface for books or display items can eliminate the need for extra shelving.

Weight and Stability

Lighter materials like fabric-hybrid designs are easier to move but may feel less sturdy. Always anchor dressers to the wall with anti-tip kits to prevent accidents.

Final Thoughts

Options range from big-box stores to online retailers to local thrift shops. The right choice comes down to your budget and how much assembly or transport you're willing to take on.

Affordable dressers are out there—you just need to look. Balance the upfront price with quality and the effort required to get the piece into your home.

If you want to browse dressers that fit small rooms and everyday budgets, take a look at Belleze’s dresser collection.

Related Articles:

• What Size Dresser Do I Need for a Bedroom?
• Dresser vs Chest of Drawers: How to Choose the Right One for Your Bedroom?