Best Answer: A dresser typically has a mirror. A chest of drawers is exactly that. A bureau is usually lower and longer than a chest of drawers. In my book, a bureau holds clothing but also has a little writing table built into it. A chest of drawers is generally box shaped and has pull out drawers. A dresser is long and low with small pullout drawers on either side, and a sit-down area in the middle with a mirror. Amused Contestant · 1 decade ago.