Chest of Drawers/TV stand Design Critique

[ptt49er]

I have a friend wanting a chest of drawers/TV stand for her bedroom. She dictated the outside dimensions and height and an overall idea of what she wanted. I've played around with the drawer depth because she wanted 14" deep drawers, I figured that would be a little deep for clothes. So I've shortened them to 11". I need to play around with the center a little to get the drawers to match up between the top row and the second row.

So, What do y'all think?

 

[nelsone]

Initial look seems ok. What are the cubby holes for, shoes? What is the purpose of the fold out drawer front in the top center?

 

[ptt49er]

The cubby holes are for books, shoes, nick naks...she requested them and the fold out door is to hide a dvd player and possibly a cable box. She wants to "hide" them when not in use. I'd rather have them in a cubby and an actual drawer there, but what do I know?

 

[Travis Porter]

FWIW, I like drawers that get smaller as you go up a dresser/cabinet. Having them all the same seems kind of "boxy" to me.

 

[ptt49er]

What's a good range for depth on dresser drawers?

I think I'd like the look of the drawers getting shallower as they go up.

 

[Travis Porter]

4" on the narrow and 9 to 10" on the deep end. I would try to make them shrink say an 1" every drawer. Making the bottom two or top two the same size would be good as well.

As for width, I would think 14" to 16" would be good. Shallower is not necessarily better in my opinion. My suggestion would be to measure some of your own furniture and see what you get there.

 

[ptt49er]

Thanks Travis, I'll go play around w/ dimensions on the drawers.

It's sad to say, but all the furniture I have is cheap crap, I'm actually building this for her to buy me some more lumber...lol But I'll check the depth of the drawers on stuff we have.

 

[cpowell]

Phillip, the drawers on the dresser below are 8.5 btm and 6 inch top. For the chest of drawers 7 inch lower and 5.5 inch upper. The 8.5 inch drawers actually work well for heavier clothing, the 5.5 inch for socks, etc. 8.5 inch is quite deep.

I have started making the drawers larger at btm and smaller at top, like the workbench pic at below. That gives a much better look.

(I just agreed with Travis again...scary, huh? :rotflm

Chuck

 

[ptt49er]

Chuck, those are some nice pieces! What's the widest drawer you have and did you use mechanical slides or wooden slides?

I'm thinking about using wooden slides to help save $$ and for a more hand built feel.

 

[cpowell]

Chuck, those are some nice pieces! What's the widest drawer you have and did you use mechanical slides or wooden slides?

I'm thinking about using wooden slides to help save $$ and for a more hand built feel.

31 inch wide on the dresser and 37 wide on the chest. I used wooden slides on these.


Chuck

 

[toolferone]

I agree with all about the drawers getting smaller going up. Are there going to be any knid of base or feet on the unit?

 

[ptt49er]

Tom, I hadn't put too much thought into the base, but now that you mention it I need to put one on there. I'm hoping to get more done on the design tomorrow and post a few more pics.

Thanks again guys!

 

[PChristy]

Phillip, nice design - I also like the drawers getting smaller as they go up - Have you thought about a slide out tray in the fold down drawer front - If she is going to put DVD and/or cable box I think it would be nice to be able to just slide it out for cleaning purposes M2CW

 

[ptt49er]

Alright...Here's some changes. The overall dimensions are the same, but I adjusted the drawer width and changed the height as it goes up. Added a base and I am playing around with the top and corner treatments. It's hard to see some of the smaller stuff on these renderings, but you get the general idea.

 

[woodnick]

The DVD/Cable/Satellite boxes need to be out were you can see the remote "eye". If you put it in a drawer or closed shelf in will never be closed. (I Know)

 

[FredP]

I would vary the drawers too.:icon_thum
But where ya gonna git all that gray wood?:rotflm: It doesnt have much grain to it.......:gar-La;

 

[ptt49er]

The DVD/Cable/Satellite boxes need to be out were you can see the remote "eye". If you put it in a drawer or closed shelf in will never be closed. (I Know)

That's exactly what I told her, but she wants to be able to hide them. :dontknow:

I may look into the infared eye deals so that she can leave them hidden. But it's her decision and I don't have to live with the hassle of having to open the door to pause the DVD or change the channel.

Thanks for watching out for me though!:icon_thum

 

[ptt49er]

I would vary the drawers too.:icon_thum
But where ya gonna git all that gray wood?:rotflm: It doesnt have much grain to it.......:gar-La;

It's a special order item from Big Lots. You can't even get it from Harbor Freight! :rotflm:

 

[woodnick]

Another thing to look out for is heat from the "boxes"

 

[ptt49er]

I plan on leaving the back open for that single drawer. That'll let air in and allow the cables to be run a lot easier than a couple of small holes.