The main difference between a chest of drawers and a dresser lies in their design and functionality. A chest of drawers is a tall, narrow piece of furniture with multiple stacked drawers, making it ideal for maximizing vertical storage in smaller spaces. It is commonly used to store folded clothing, linens, or smaller personal items. In contrast, a dresser is wider and shorter, offering more horizontal surface area on top. Dressers typically have multiple drawers arranged in rows and often include an attached or optional mirror, making them suitable for both storage and as a vanity.