Choosing the right bedroom storage can make a big difference to how your room looks and feels. Whether you're furnishing a new home, updating your bedroom or making better use of a smaller space, a tallboy or set of drawers can help keep clothing and everyday essentials organised.
With different sizes, drawer configurations, materials and finishes available, it's worth considering how you use your space before choosing your furniture.
At Meluka, our range of bedroom furniture includes New Zealand-made storage options designed to combine everyday practicality with lasting style.
Tallboy or Chest of Drawers: Which Is Right for Your Bedroom?
Both tallboys and chests of drawers offer useful storage, but the best choice depends on your available space and what you need to store.
Tallboys for Smaller Bedrooms
A tallboy is a great option when floor space is limited. Its vertical design provides multiple drawers without taking up as much wall space as a wider unit.
Tallboys work well in smaller bedrooms, apartments and guest rooms where making the most of the available space is important. They're also useful for keeping folded clothing, accessories and other essentials within easy reach.
Wider Drawer Units for More Storage
If you have more wall space available, a wider chest of drawers can offer additional room for clothing and household items. The larger top surface can also provide space for a lamp, mirror or decorative pieces.
Consider how much storage you need now and whether your requirements might change over time. Choosing a practical configuration can help you avoid running out of drawer space later.
Explore the Meluka drawer collection to compare different storage styles and configurations.
How to Choose the Right Size
Before buying bedroom drawers, measure your available space carefully. A unit that looks compact online may feel much larger once it's in your room.
Keep these points in mind when measuring:
- Width: Measure the available wall space and allow room for nearby furniture, doors and walkways.
- Height: Check the height against your bed, bedside tables and any wall features. Make sure you can comfortably access the drawers.
- Depth: Consider how far the drawers will extend into the room when closed and when fully open.
- Access: Check that drawers can open without hitting the bed, wardrobe or other furniture.
- Delivery access: Measure doorways, hallways and stairwells to ensure your furniture can reach its intended position.
It's also worth considering what you'll store inside. Everyday clothing may suit a different drawer arrangement from bulky jumpers, linen or accessories.
Choosing Materials for Long-Lasting Bedroom Furniture
The materials used in bedroom furniture can influence its appearance, construction and long-term performance. Rather than choosing based on appearance alone, consider how the furniture will be used and how it will fit into your home.
Plywood and MDF
Plywood and medium-density fibreboard (MDF) are commonly used in modern furniture manufacturing. Each material has different properties, and the overall quality depends on how the furniture is designed, constructed and finished.
Meluka tallboys use a combination of MDF and Radiata Pine plywood, with materials sourced from New Zealand. This combination forms part of the construction of the range's practical, customisable storage furniture.
When comparing furniture, look beyond the material name. Drawer construction, runners, assembly and the quality of the finish all contribute to how well a piece performs with everyday use.
Drawer Runners and Construction
Drawers are opened and closed regularly, so the way they operate matters. Look for smooth-running drawers, sturdy construction and a finish that suits your household.
Meluka drawer options include metal runners on selected models, providing convenient everyday access. Check the specifications of your chosen design to confirm its features.
Why Consider NZ-Made Bedroom Furniture?
Buying New Zealand-made furniture can be a worthwhile consideration when choosing storage for your home. It allows you to explore locally manufactured designs and understand where your furniture is made.
Meluka is owned by Danske Mobler, a New Zealand furniture business that has been designing and manufacturing furniture locally since 1958. Meluka furniture is manufactured at Danske Mobler's Auckland factory.
There are several practical benefits to consider when choosing locally made bedroom storage:
- Local manufacturing: Furniture is made in New Zealand, supporting local manufacturing expertise.
- Customisation: Selected Meluka drawer designs allow you to choose drawer front styles, colours, sizes and leg options.
- Fully assembled furniture: Meluka drawers arrive assembled, saving you the time and effort of putting together flat-pack furniture.
- Long-term value: Look for durable construction, suitable materials and a warranty that provides confidence in your purchase.
If locally made furniture is important to you, check the product details to understand the materials, manufacturing location and available options.
Choosing a Style That Suits Your Bedroom
Bedroom storage should be practical, but it should also complement the rest of your furniture.
Neutral drawer fronts in colours such as natural, white and grey can create a timeless look that works with a variety of bedroom styles. If you prefer a more distinctive finish, selected Meluka designs also offer additional colour and drawer front options.
Consider the colour of your bed frame, flooring and other furniture before choosing a finish. Matching every piece isn't necessary, but a consistent colour palette can help create a more cohesive room.
Think about the top of the unit, too. A tallboy or chest of drawers can provide a useful surface for a bedside lamp, a small plant or a few personal items. Keeping the surface relatively clear helps maintain a calm, uncluttered bedroom.
Find the Right Bedroom Storage at Meluka
The right bedroom storage should suit your space, your belongings and the way you live. By measuring carefully, comparing drawer configurations and considering materials and construction, you can choose furniture that works for your home for years to come.
Meluka offers a range of New Zealand-made drawer storage, with selected designs that can be customised to suit your preferences.
Explore the Meluka drawers collection or browse the wider bedroom furniture range to find a storage solution that suits your space.
Visit the Meluka website to discover more furniture designed and made in New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a tallboy and a chest of drawers?
A tallboy is generally taller and narrower, making it useful when floor space is limited. A chest of drawers is often wider and can provide more storage across a larger footprint. The best option depends on your room layout and storage needs.
What size tallboy should I choose?
Measure the available width, height and depth in your bedroom before choosing a tallboy. Remember to allow enough room to open the drawers fully and move comfortably around the furniture.
What materials are used in Meluka drawers?
Meluka drawer designs use a combination of MDF and Radiata Pine plywood, with materials sourced from New Zealand. Check the individual product listing for specifications relating to your chosen model.
Is Meluka bedroom furniture made in New Zealand?
Yes. Meluka furniture is manufactured at Danske Mobler's factory in Auckland, New Zealand.
Do Meluka tallboys arrive assembled?
Yes. Meluka tallboys arrive fully assembled, so you don't need to put the furniture together yourself. Make sure to measure your doorways and accessways before ordering.












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