Chest of Drawers NZ: Compare Retailers, Prices & Sizes

Finding a chest of drawers in New Zealand that fits both your bedroom and your budget can feel like a small puzzle, with prices ranging from $139 at Kmart to over $2,000 for locally crafted solid wood. This guide compares retailers, materials, and dimensions to help you pick the right one without the guesswork.

Average price range: $200 – $1,500 ·
Most common material: Engineered wood (MDF/particleboard) ·
Standard drawer count: 3 to 9 ·
Popular retailers in NZ: IKEA, Kmart, The Warehouse, Harvey Norman, local craftsmen ·
Typical height: 100–150 cm ·
Delivery timeframe: 3–10 business days

Here’s a quick comparison of popular models and their prices.

Where to buy chest of drawers in NZ?

Which retailers offer the best range?

• IKEA NZ carries a dozen models from the budget KULLEN ($249) to the premium STOREMOLLA ($999) (IKEA New Zealand MALM page)
• The Warehouse offers tallboy units from $142 to $279 (The Warehouse New Zealand)
• Harvey Norman NZ carries high‑end pieces like the Jasper tallboy ($1,748) and Akaroa lowboy ($4,099) (Harvey Norman New Zealand)
• Good Furniture NZ acts as a marketplace for IKEA and other brands, often with sale prices (Good Furniture NZ)

For DIY assembly tools and home improvement supplies, visit Mitre 10 Wellington Central.

Are IKEA and Kmart chest of drawers available?

Yes. IKEA’s full chest‑of‑drawers range is available for online ordering and click‑and‑collect in Auckland (IKEA New Zealand). Kmart’s Ryan chest is a consistent top seller at $139, with in‑store and online availability (Kmart New Zealand).

The implication: budget shoppers have clear options, but should weigh long-term durability against upfront cost.

Can I buy from local furniture makers?

Yes. New Zealand has a number of specialist woodworkers who build custom chests from native rimu, oak, or pine. Mainland Furniture NZ sources some pieces from local makers, and Treasurebox NZ (furniture buying guide) recommends checking local Facebook Marketplace and Trade Me for one‑off artisan pieces.

What types of chest of drawers are available in NZ?

What materials are used?

• Engineered wood (MDF, particleboard) dominates budget and mid‑range lines from Kmart, IKEA, and The Warehouse (Kmart product page)
• Solid wood (pine, oak, rimu) is standard in premium and custom builds; IKEA’s TARVA series uses untreated pine (IKEA New Zealand)
• Antique and NZ‑made vintage chests appear regularly on Trade Me and in second‑hand stores

What styles can I find?

Modern minimalism (IKEA’s MALM, Kmart’s Ryan), rustic timber (Harvey Norman’s Jasper range), and classic antique styles are all available. The market skews toward clean, handle‑less fronts in white and grey. Local makers often produce Shaker‑style or mid‑century inspired pieces.

What sizes are common?

• Small chests (3–4 drawers): width 60–70 cm, depth 40–45 cm, height 80–100 cm
• Tallboys (6–9 drawers): width 40–50 cm, depth 40–45 cm, height 120–150 cm (Treasurebox NZ guide)
• Extra‑wide chests (8 drawers, 150+ cm wide) are less common but available from IKEA (e.g., STOREMOLLA at 171 cm) (IKEA New Zealand)

The pattern: tallboys maximize vertical space, while wide chests suit larger rooms but may challenge NZ doorways.

How much do chest of drawers cost in NZ?

What is the price range for budget, mid‑range, and premium options?

• Budget ($99–$250): Kmart Ryan $139; The Warehouse tallboys $142–$279; IKEA KULLEN $249 (Kmart, The Warehouse, IKEA)
• Mid‑range ($250–$700): IKEA MALM 6‑drawer $299–$399; Mocka $200–$700; Good Furniture NZ offers IKEA MALM 6 at $399 (Good Furniture NZ)
• Premium ($700–$2,500+): Mainland Furniture from $699; Harvey Norman Jasper $1,748; custom solid wood $800–$2,500+ (Mainland Furniture, Harvey Norman)

Do prices vary between retailers for similar items?

Yes. Good Furniture NZ often sells IKEA models at a discount: the MALM 6‑drawer costs $399 on Good Furniture vs $299 at IKEA – actually higher, so it’s not always cheaper. The pattern: budget retailers (Kmart, The Warehouse) have the lowest absolute prices, while premium retailers (Harvey Norman, Mainland) charge a large markup for solid wood and branded quality.

Are there additional costs like delivery?

Delivery fees typically add $10–$50 for standard orders, and up to $100 for oversized or rural NZ deliveries. Some retailers (Kmart, The Warehouse) offer free delivery over $50–$100; IKEA charges $19 flat‑rate for large items.

The catch: hidden delivery costs can narrow the gap between budget and mid-range options.

What size chest of drawers should I choose for my NZ home?

How to measure for a chest of drawers?

• Measure the wall space width, allowing for door and window clearance
• Measure the depth of the drawer including the handle projection
• Leave at least 60 cm clearance in front of the chest for drawer opening (Treasurebox NZ guide)

What are standard dimensions in NZ?

The following table summarizes common dimensions across chest types.

Source: Treasurebox NZ (furniture buying guide) and IKEA New Zealand product specifications.

What size fits a typical NZ bedroom?

A standard NZ double bedroom is roughly 3 m × 3.5 m. A small chest (60–70 cm wide) fits comfortably alongside a double bed. For smaller apartments or studios, a tallboy (40–50 cm wide) saves floor space while offering vertical storage. Always measure doorways and hallways before buying – some flat‑pack boxes are longer than 150 cm.

The implication: measuring delivery paths is as critical as measuring the intended spot.

What features should I look for when buying a chest of drawers in NZ?

What kind of drawer slides are best?

• Ball‑bearing slides glide smoother and last longer than plastic slides. They are standard on IKEA’s MALM and FÅGELFJÄLLET lines (IKEA New Zealand)
• Soft‑close slides are available on mid‑range and higher models (e.g., IKEA’s STOREMOLLA, many Harvey Norman pieces)
• Budget chests from Kmart and The Warehouse use basic plastic slides, which can wear out over time

Is assembly required?

Yes for almost all flat‑pack models (IKEA, Kmart, Mocka, Good Furniture). Assembly time averages 45–90 minutes. Local furniture makers typically deliver fully assembled. Some retailers, like The Warehouse, offer assembly services for an extra $50–$80.

What about safety (tip‑over risk)?

IKEA includes a tip‑over restraint with every chest, and strongly recommends anchoring tall furniture to the wall. Consumer NZ has noted that many budget units fail stability tests if not anchored. A furniture anchor kit costs around $15–$25 and is essential for any chest over 80 cm tall.

What this means: prioritize functional durability over frills when budgets are tight.

Data compiled from retailer pages: Kmart New Zealand, IKEA New Zealand, The Warehouse New Zealand, Harvey Norman New Zealand, and Mainland Furniture NZ.

“Before buying, measure the width of the wall space, the depth of the drawers, and allow at least 60 cm clearance for drawer opening.”

— Treasurebox NZ (furniture buying guide), Treasurebox NZ

“The Jasper tallboy is crafted from solid wood for long‑lasting durability.”

— Product description, Harvey Norman New Zealand

Choosing a chest of drawers in New Zealand comes down to a clear trade‑off between upfront cost and long‑term durability. A $139 Kmart chest fills a need today, but may need replacing in a few years, especially in humid areas. A $2,000 local solid‑wood piece will outlast several moves and can be refinished. For the budget‑conscious Kiwi, the choice is clear: invest in a flat‑pack from Kmart or IKEA for immediate savings, or commission a locally crafted piece for heirloom quality.