Chest of Drawers 45 cm Deep — Which Alcove & What Fits Inside?

October 2, 2025

A chest of drawers with a 45 cm depth provides a functional compromise between compact footprint and sufficient storage space for bulky textiles such as jumpers or bed linen.

When there is no room for a deep wardrobe, a chest of drawers becomes central to interior planning. With a depth of 45 cm, it bridges the gap between shallow hallway furniture and bulky wardrobes. It does not protrude too far into the room, yet offers sufficient surface area to store garments in two rows or folded thick winter clothing.

Dimensions and Suitability: What Fits Inside?

The external dimension of 45 cm does not mean that the entire space is usable. The back panel, front thickness, and the length of the drawer runners reduce the internal dimension. For a 45 cm deep chest of drawers, the usable internal depth of a drawer is usually 38 cm to 40 cm.

This dimension is sufficient for:

Two stacks of T-shirts or shirts, one behind the other.
Folded thick jumpers and jeans.
Towels and bulky bed linen.

As a bedroom chest of drawers, this format is ideal. It can be positioned at the foot of beds or in narrow alcoves without blocking walkways. In the living room as well, a chest of drawers with a depth of 45 cm fits flush alongside other standard furniture.

Choosing the Right Construction and Fittings

When selecting flat-pack furniture or building your own, the construction and the hardware fittings used determine longevity.

Material: The carcass and fronts are generally made of chipboard or MDF. A melamine coating ensures a scratch-resistant and moisture-repellent surface.
Runners: Pay attention to the type of runner mechanism. A full-extension runner allows the drawer to be pulled out 100%. This massively facilitates access to the rear row of clothes at a 45 cm depth. A single-extension runner stops at around 75% due to its design.
Compartment layout: A 4 drawer chest offers tall fronts and deep drawer boxes for thick textiles. If the unit features doors alongside drawers, the shelves are usually adjusted in height via the System 32 grid using matching shelf supports.
Appearance: A white chest of drawers looks visually lighter in tight spaces and reflects light, whilst a black chest of drawers creates clear contrasts.

Assembly and Installation: Tips for DIYers

Assembling a unit of this size requires a methodical approach. A 45 cm deep drawer is like a well-organised toolbox – everything has its fixed place, provided the base is assembled precisely square.

Required Tools

Cordless screwdriver with matching bits (usually PZ or TX for chipboard screws).
Wooden mallet for tapping in wooden dowels.
Manual screwdriver for sensitive tightening of cam lock connectors.
Spirit level and tape measure.

Key Assembly Steps

Align the carcass: It is essential to use a spirit level. A crooked carcass inevitably leads to uneven gaps around the fronts and causes drawers to stick on their runners.
Fix the back panel: The back panel gives the furniture its necessary rigidity. Measure the diagonals of the carcass (crosswise) before nailing or screwing the back panel into place. Both diagonals must be identical to the exact millimetre.
Install the anti-tip bracket: At 45 cm deep, the centre of gravity shifts heavily forward as soon as several loaded drawers are opened at once. Always anchor the unit firmly to the wall using a metal bracket and appropriate wall plugs.

Alternatives for Narrower Alcoves

To use a chest of drawers comfortably, sufficient clearance must remain in front of the furniture. Add the carcass depth of 45 cm to the drawer extension length (approx. 40 cm) and space for a person standing (approx. 60 cm).

If there is less than 100 cm of space between the bed and the wall, a depth of 45 cm is often too bulky. In such cases, one opts for shallower depths. A chest of drawers with a depth of 35 cm or a chest of drawers with a depth of 30 cm is ideal for narrow hallways or purely for storing underwear, socks, and accessories. Here, simple roller runners are often adequate, as the payload weight is lower.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much space must be left clear in front of a 45 cm deep chest of drawers?

Plan for at least 90 cm to 100 cm of clear space in front of the unit. This comprises the open drawer (approx. 40 cm) and room for movement for a standing person (approx. 50 cm to 60 cm).

Which runners are suitable for deep drawers?

For drawers from 40 cm depth, ball-bearing telescopic runners are recommended. They offer a high load capacity (often 30 kg and more) and prevent the drawer from jamming when pulled out.

Can I set up a 45 cm deep chest of drawers without wall fixing?

No, this is not recommended. Pulling out loaded drawers creates leverage. Without an anti-tip safety fitting secured to the wall, there is a risk of the furniture tipping forward.