Shape:
Due to the need for a narrow chest of drawers to fit in a small space, most feature a typical rectangular shape. However, not all rectangular shapes are built the same, with some being a little wider than others. If you have a room with high ceilings, a taller chest of drawers is a better choice, as they are generally more narrow than shorter and wider chests. This doesn't apply to rooms with lower ceilings though, as a tall chest of drawers can block natural light and make a room appear smaller if it isn't the right fit. Per Nicole Hollis, the aim is to leave a gap of 7-10 inches between a tall piece of furniture and the ceiling. This will prevent the above from happening.
Amount of Drawers:
Rodney Lawrence recommends a narrow chest of drawers should contain four drawers at the minimum. This is because the drawers will be smaller in width due to the slim shape but not necessarily deeper, meaning you'll be losing out on some storage space. If you don't have a closet or other place to store your clothes, six to seven drawers should be the minimum. This will be enough room for the organization of all clothing items. If you have low ceilings and can't fit a narrow chest of drawers that's taller, look for a chest that has deeper drawers. While this won't replace a couple of extra drawers, you'll be able to fit drawer dividers into deeper drawers for effective clothes organization.
Style and Color:
A narrow chest of drawers is part of the essential furniture in a bedroom. This means you should opt for a style that is in keeping with the furniture you already have. For a light, airy, and modern look, a white narrow chest of drawers with a matte finish is a great choice. Simple yet chic, white is a color that will never go out of style. Alternatively, a dark wooden chest of drawers can bring dimension to a room comprised mainly of neutrals. If you want to go for an antique feel, look for a chest of drawers with scrollwork detail or with spindle or turned legs. Just like how mid-century modern style has a uniquely recognizable silhouette due to the tapered legs, each furniture style will bring something different to a room.
Additional Features:
Though a narrow chest of drawers won't have room for a lot of extra features, the main one to look out for is a built-in jewelry section. Similar to the ones that are found in an armoire with a lift-up top, a chest with this feature will save you even more storage space. In addition to this, some narrow chests of drawers have a jewelry space that extends out to the side so you can combine practicality and save space. Another extra to look out for is whether a chest of drawers has smaller nooks built into the top, as this can be a good way to store trinkets and create an antique vibe at the same time.