When we first started designing our nursery, the sheer volume of choices was overwhelming. We knew we needed a central piece of furniture for storage, something that would hold countless tiny onesies, swaddles, and eventually, toddler-sized jeans. But the search felt like a classic Goldilocks dilemma. Some dressers were stunningly beautiful but came with a heart-stopping price tag. Others were budget-friendly but felt flimsy, wobbling with the slightest touch—a terrifying thought with a future crawler on the way. The biggest challenge was space. Our nursery is cozy, to put it mildly, and a wide, sprawling dresser would have consumed all the available floor space. We needed something tall, sturdy, safe, and stylish that wouldn’t force us to take out a second mortgage. This search for the “just right” solution is what led us to the Storkcraft Kenton 5 Drawer Dresser, a piece that promised vertical storage, robust safety features, and a clean, universal design.
- NURSERY AND KIDS BEDROOM DRESSER: Nursery and kids dresser for bedroom with 5 drawers; Universal design easily matches any bedroom;...
- SAFETY TESTED: Tested to meet or exceed applicable CPSIA & ASTM International category safety standards including ASTM F2057 safety...
What to Consider Before Buying Nursery and Kids’ Furniture
A dresser for a child’s room is more than just a place to store clothes; it’s a key solution for creating an organized, safe, and functional space that can grow with your child. In the early days, it’s command central for diapers, wipes, and creams. As they grow, it houses their ever-expanding wardrobe. A well-chosen dresser minimizes clutter, simplifies daily routines, and, most importantly, provides peace of mind through its safety features. Failing to consider factors like stability and material quality can lead to frustration with wobbly drawers or, far worse, a genuine safety hazard in a room meant to be a sanctuary.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a parent or guardian setting up a nursery or updating a child’s bedroom. They are looking for a long-term storage solution that is sturdy, meets federal safety standards, and offers good value for the money. They likely have limited floor space and appreciate a vertical “highboy” design. On the other hand, this type of self-assembly furniture might not be suitable for those who have zero patience for building things or who are seeking heirloom-quality, solid hardwood furniture without any wood composites. For those in temporary living situations or on an extremely tight budget, a lighter, more portable fabric dresser might be a more practical, albeit less durable, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure your available space carefully. Consider not just the footprint (width and depth) but also the height. A taller “highboy” style dresser like the Kenton is brilliant for maximizing storage in smaller rooms, using vertical space that would otherwise be wasted. Always account for the space needed to fully open the drawers without hitting a crib, door, or other furniture.
- Capacity/Performance: Look beyond the number of drawers and consider their internal dimensions. Are they deep enough for bulky items like sweaters or blankets? The performance of the drawer glides is also critical. Smooth, quiet operation is a must, especially for late-night changes, and safety stops that prevent drawers from being pulled all the way out are a non-negotiable feature for a child’s room.
- Materials & Durability: Children’s furniture takes a beating. While solid wood is the gold standard for durability, it’s often expensive and very heavy. High-quality wood composites and engineered wood, when paired with a solid wood frame and durable hardware like steel glides and cam locks, offer a fantastic balance of sturdiness and affordability. Check for finishes that are non-toxic and resistant to chipping.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Assembly is a major factor. Look for products with clear instructions and well-labeled parts. In terms of maintenance, a smooth, painted surface is easy to wipe clean from spills and crayon marks. Consider the long-term usability—will the style still be appropriate as your baby grows into a child and then a teen? A classic, simple design offers the best longevity.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Storkcraft Kenton 5 Drawer Dresser stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Storkcraft Kenton 5 Drawer Dresser is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
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Unboxing and First Impressions: A Heavyweight Contender
The Storkcraft Kenton 5 Drawer Dresser arrived in a single, very substantial box. Tipping the scales at nearly 100 pounds, this is definitely a two-person lift, so plan accordingly. Our box showed the typical signs of a long journey, with a few scuffs on the cardboard, but Storkcraft’s packaging was impressive. Each component was separated by foam sheets and strategically placed supports, and upon initial inspection, we found no significant damage—a relief, given that some user feedback indicated issues with shipping damage.
Laying out all the pieces, we were immediately struck by the heft of the wood composite and framing parts. This didn’t feel like the featherlight, particleboard furniture that often populates the lower end of the market. The white finish was clean and uniform, creating a bright, classic look that would seamlessly fit into almost any nursery decor. All hardware was neatly bagged and the pieces were clearly labeled with lettered stickers, corresponding perfectly to the instruction manual. The first impression was one of surprising quality and thoughtful engineering for a product at this price point. It felt like we had a solid, challenging, but ultimately rewarding project ahead of us.
What We Like
- Excellent value for the price compared to similar-sized dressers
- Impressively sturdy and heavy once assembled, enhancing stability
- Smart, space-saving vertical design is ideal for smaller rooms
- Comprehensive safety features, including an anti-tip kit and a single-drawer interlock system
- Clear assembly instructions with well-labeled parts
Limitations
- Inconsistent quality control can lead to chipped paint or cosmetic scratches on arrival
- The single-drawer safety interlock can be finicky and frustrating if not perfectly aligned
- Drawers could be deeper for storing bulkier items
Deep Dive: Performance, Safety, and Real-World Use
After several weeks of using the Storkcraft Kenton 5 Drawer Dresser as the primary storage unit in our nursery, we’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. It’s more than just a piece of furniture; it’s part of our daily routine, and it has been put through its paces.
Assembly and Construction: A Two-Hour Project with a Sturdy Payoff
Let’s be clear: assembling the Storkcraft Kenton 5 Drawer Dresser is a significant undertaking, but it’s a manageable one. We blocked out an afternoon, and from unboxing to placing the final knob, the process took us just under two hours at a steady, unhurried pace. This aligns with feedback from many users who reported a 2-3 hour assembly time. The instruction booklet was surprisingly clear, with logical steps and easy-to-decipher diagrams. Every panel, screw, and cam lock was present and accounted for in our box, though we noted some users had to source a few missing screws themselves.
The construction process itself highlights the dresser’s robust design. The use of German cam locks and durable steel hardware creates remarkably strong joints. As we pieced together the main frame, its weight and rigidity became more and more apparent. This is not a piece of furniture that will sway or creak. One design element we particularly appreciated was the inclusion of a wooden support slat running under the center of each drawer bottom. This simple addition prevents the drawer base from sagging under the weight of clothes over time—a common failure point in cheaper dressers. While we encountered no issues, some users have reported pre-drilled holes not aligning perfectly, requiring a little extra muscle or a drill to correct. Once fully assembled, however, the final product is exceptionally solid. Its 96.58-pound weight is a testament to its density and contributes significantly to its overall stability, making it feel much more premium than its price tag suggests.
Design and Storage Capacity: Maximizing Space in a Small Nursery
The standout feature of the Storkcraft Kenton 5 Drawer Dresser is its “highboy” design. Measuring 49 inches tall but only 33.35 inches wide, it’s a masterclass in spatial efficiency. In our compact nursery, this was a game-changer. It provides ample storage without dominating the room’s footprint, leaving more floor space for a play mat and rocking chair. The clean lines and simple, classic white knobs give it a timeless, universal appeal that coordinates effortlessly with our crib and other decor. As one user aptly noted, they chose it specifically because they “needed a lot of storage space but didn’t want to take up too much space horizontally.”
The five drawers offer a good amount of organizational potential. We designated the top drawer for diapers and changing supplies, the next two for everyday clothing like onesies and pajamas, and the bottom two for swaddles, sleep sacks, and bedding. The Euro-glide drawer mechanism provides a reasonably smooth open-and-close action, though it’s not the whisper-quiet, soft-close system you’d find on high-end furniture. The primary critique we share with some other users is the drawer depth. They are somewhat shallow, which is perfectly adequate for neatly folded baby and toddler clothes, but they struggle to accommodate bulky winter sweaters or large blankets. We found that using drawer dividers was essential for maximizing the space and keeping things tidy. For those looking to personalize the piece, several users mentioned swapping the included white wooden knobs for different hardware to match their room’s aesthetic—an easy and inexpensive upgrade.
Safety First: Storkcraft’s Uncompromising Approach to Child-Proofing
For any parent, safety is the number one priority, and this is where the Storkcraft Kenton 5 Drawer Dresser truly excels and sets itself apart. The brand’s commitment to safety is evident in its multi-layered approach. First, it includes a mandatory anti-tip kit, allowing you to securely anchor the dresser to the wall. This is a critical feature that complies with the ASTM F2057 safety standard and provides essential peace of mind. Given the dresser’s height and the temptation for a curious toddler to climb, we found this non-negotiable and installed it immediately.
The most innovative—and sometimes controversial—safety feature is the drawer interlock system. This mechanism prevents more than one drawer from being opened at a time. By keeping the center of gravity low and stable, it dramatically reduces the risk of the dresser tipping forward, even if a child attempts to use the open drawers as a ladder. We found this feature to be brilliant. As one satisfied parent stated, “my favorite safety feature is that only ONE drawer can open at a time, making it way less likely to topple over.” However, this system has a learning curve and requires precise assembly. If the glides are not perfectly aligned, it can cause drawers to stick or fail to close completely, which in turn prevents other drawers from opening. We read feedback from a user whose husband spent over an hour removing the mechanism out of frustration. Our experience was positive, but it’s crucial to follow the instructions for the interlock system to the letter to ensure it functions as a safeguard rather than a nuisance.
Finish and Durability: Navigating the Quality Control Lottery
The greatest variable with the Storkcraft Kenton 5 Drawer Dresser appears to be the cosmetic quality of the finish upon arrival. While our unit was in near-perfect condition, this is an area where user experiences diverge significantly. Many reviews mention receiving pieces with chipped paint, scratches, or scuff marks. One user described discovering “a major piece of the frame had lots of peeling paint,” while another stated, “all the parts were scratched one after the other.” This seems to be the primary trade-off for the dresser’s attractive price and sturdy build. It’s a roll of the dice whether your unit will be flawless or require a bit of touch-up paint.
That said, Storkcraft’s customer service seems responsive in many cases. The user with the peeling paint was able to get a replacement part sent out within a week. Furthermore, the underlying materials—a combination of wood framing and wood composites—are built to last. We’ve found the finish on our unit to be easy to clean, wiping away spills without issue. Most importantly, one user provided an update after two years of ownership, stating it “works great no issues despite our rough start,” and that they “would buy again.” This long-term perspective is reassuring. It suggests that if you can overlook potential initial cosmetic flaws (or are willing to engage with customer service for replacements), the structural integrity of the dresser holds up well to the rigors of family life, making it a sound investment that will last for several years.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment for the Storkcraft Kenton 5 Drawer Dresser leans heavily positive, with most users acknowledging it as an exceptional value proposition. A common thread is surprise at the sturdiness for the cost. One reviewer summed it up perfectly: “For this price, we were extremely pleased with this dresser… most dressers that look this nice and are this sturdy… cost far more.” Another buyer, comparing it to a popular competitor, noted, “It feels sturdier than my previous IKEA dresser and around the same price.” The straightforward assembly is also frequently praised, with one person stating, “All parts clearly labeled with easy to follow instructions. Honestly, I’ve put together a lot of furniture and this was one of the easier things I’ve assembled.”
However, the negative feedback is just as consistent, though focused on a few key issues. The most prevalent complaint is quality control regarding the finish. Numerous users reported receiving pieces with chipped paint, scratches, or dirt marks that were difficult to remove. As one frustrated customer wrote, their dresser arrived “DIRTY, paint chipped all over.” The other point of contention is the drawer interlock safety system. While many parents love it, others find it flawed and difficult to work with, with one user noting, “Right now I can’t close a drawer all the way to be able to open up the other drawers.” These comments paint a clear picture: you’re getting a structurally sound and safe piece of furniture, but you may have to accept some cosmetic imperfections.
How Does the Storkcraft Kenton 5 Drawer Dresser Compare to Alternatives?
No product exists in a vacuum. To fully understand its place in the market, it’s essential to see how the Storkcraft Kenton 5 Drawer Dresser stacks up against other popular options in the Changing & Dressing category.
1. Delta Children 3 Drawer Dresser
- VERSATILE STORAGE: This dresser features 3 drawers for plenty of storage space | Streamlined silhouette offers timeless style | To...
- GREENGUARD GOLD CERTIFIED: This dresser meets the most stringent chemical emissions standards to create a healthier home for your...
The Delta Children 3 Drawer Dresser is a more compact alternative that shares a focus on safety, also featuring an interlocking drawer system. With only three drawers, it offers significantly less storage capacity than the Storkcraft Kenton’s five. This makes it better suited for a very small nursery, a secondary room, or for parents who practice minimalism. Its lower profile might also be preferable for those who intend to place a changing tray on top, as it provides a more comfortable working height. However, for anyone needing to store a full wardrobe, the Storkcraft Kenton’s vertical, high-capacity design offers far more utility and longevity as the child grows.
2. Sorbus 5-Drawer Tall Fabric Dresser
- 5-DRAWER NIGHTSTAND (PINK) — Style meets function with our lightweight accent table, complete with a wood surface and storage drawers...
- DISPLAY & DE-CLUTTER — Wood top provides hard surface for displaying lamps, alarm clocks, books, eyeglasses, charging station, and...
The Sorbus Fabric Dresser represents a completely different approach to storage. It features a lightweight steel frame and five collapsible fabric bins instead of traditional wooden drawers. This option is significantly more affordable, easier to assemble, and much lighter, making it ideal for temporary housing, playrooms, or closets. The trade-off is durability and stability. It lacks the premium feel and robust, tip-resistant weight of the Storkcraft Kenton. The Sorbus is a fantastic budget-friendly, short-term solution, while the Storkcraft Kenton 5 Drawer Dresser is a more permanent, traditional piece of furniture designed to be a lasting fixture in a bedroom.
3. DaVinci Universal Removable Changing-Tray
- Made with New Zealand pine wood and tsca compliant MDF
- Finished in a non-toxic multi-step staining and painting process, lead and phthalate safe
This isn’t a dresser, but rather a brilliant accessory that complements one. The DaVinci Universal Removable Changing-Tray is designed to convert the top of a standard dresser, like the Storkcraft Kenton, into a safe and secure changing station. It features raised sides and a safety strap. This is the perfect alternative for parents who want to save space and money by avoiding a separate, dedicated changing table. Pairing this tray with the Storkcraft Kenton 5 Drawer Dresser creates a highly functional, two-in-one unit. Once the child is out of diapers, the tray can be removed, and the dresser continues its life as a regular storage chest.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Storkcraft Kenton 5 Drawer Dresser Worth It?
After extensive assembly and real-world testing, our conclusion is a resounding yes, with a few important caveats. The Storkcraft Kenton 5 Drawer Dresser is a fantastic choice for parents seeking a safe, sturdy, and space-efficient storage solution without breaking the bank. Its vertical design is a brilliant feature for smaller rooms, and its safety systems—from the anti-tip kit to the drawer interlock—provide invaluable peace of mind. The construction feels solid and durable, promising years of reliable use.
The primary drawback is the gamble on cosmetic quality. You must be prepared for the possibility of receiving a unit with minor chips or scratches. For those who prioritize a flawless finish above all else, it might be worth investing in a more expensive piece. But for the practical parent who values substance, safety, and smart design over cosmetic perfection, the Storkcraft Kenton offers unbeatable value. It’s a workhorse piece of furniture that gets the job done safely and stylishly.
If you’ve decided the Storkcraft Kenton 5 Drawer Dresser is the right fit for your family’s needs, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API