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How To Style Your Chest of Drawers

How To Style Your Chest of Drawers

July 19, 2024 • Richard Brown

Style your chest of drawers into the perfect statement piece. Aside from offering roomy storage for tucking away clothes, underwear or linens, chests of drawers can make the perfect display surface.

Whether showcasing treasured possessions, adding functional lighting or placing a mirror to turn your chest of drawers into the perfect getting-ready area, there are plenty of ways that your chest of drawers can be both functional and stylish.

Follow our inspiration on how to style your chest of drawers with top tips on what to consider when styling.

Add height to make a statement
Hang a mirror just above
Add personal items and trinkets
Bring in nature with plants and flowers
Incorporate texture
Add functional and decorative storage
Place lighting
Play with seasonal decor
Tips for styling a chest of drawers

1. Add height to make a statement

Think vertical when it comes to your chest of drawers, particularly if it’s low in style. Adding height with taller items such as vases, sculptures, or even a stylish stack of books topped with a quirky ornament can draw the eye upward and make the area feel more significant in your space.

A single tall item can do the trick for tall, narrow chests, while wider drawers can benefit from a pair of tall accents at each end. This technique not only makes your chest of drawers a focal point but also adds a sense of elegance and sophistication to your bedroom decor.

Light wood chest of drawers styled with vases and plants

2. Hang a mirror just above

Hanging a mirror above your chest of drawers is a classic design trick offering practicality and style. Aside from providing the perfect place for getting ready, mirrors reflect light, making your room feel brighter and more spacious.

Choose a mirror shape that complements your furniture. Round mirrors soften the look, while square or rectangular ones provide a more structured feel. This enhances the aesthetics and is perfect for those last-minute outfit checks!

Top tip: Match the mirror's frame to the drawer handles for a cohesive design!

3. Add personal items and trinkets

The bedroom is the perfect place to display cherished personal items like framed photos or travel souvenirs to add a personal touch. A mix of textures and sizes creates visual interest - think a small photo frame paired with a decorative jewellery box and a quirky figurine. This not only personalises your space but also adds warmth and character. Just stick to a colour scheme or theme to tie them all together for a cohesive look.

Tall wooden chest of drawers styled with plant and photo frame

4. Bring in nature with plants and flowers

Incorporating plants and flowers can instantly breathe life into your bedroom. A potted plant, a delicate vase of fresh flowers, or even a trendy succulent can add a pop of colour and a refreshing touch of nature.

Opt for small plants like a fern or a trailing ivy for smaller chests. Larger chests can accommodate bigger arrangements or multiple small plants. Choose real plants that can purify the air or faux plants for easy maintenance; either will effortlessly enhance the aesthetic.

5. Incorporate texture

Adding texture is key to creating a layered, interesting look and can soften more modern-looking spaces. Mix different materials, such as a sleek ceramic vase, a woven basket, a wooden photo frame, and a soft, knitted throw. These elements add depth and dimension, making the chest of drawers feel thought-out and dynamic.

Another option for adding texture is to add a rug underneath the chest of drawers and turn the chest of drawers into its own zone.

Tall narrow wooden chest of drawers styled with glass vases

6. Add functional and decorative storage

Combining style with function is essential for bedroom decor. Use decorative storage solutions like stylish boxes, trays, or baskets to keep the surface tidy and organised. These can store smaller items like jewellery, keys, or loose change while adding a decorative touch.

Choose storage pieces that complement the design of your chest of drawers, like wicker baskets for a rustic feel, mirrored trays for a touch of glam, or colourful boxes for a pop of fun. This approach keeps the space clutter-free while sprucing up the overall look.

7. Place lighting

Lighting can set the mood and add functionality to your bedroom. A chic table lamp or matching lamps on either side of a wide chest can provide soft, ambient lighting perfect for a cosy atmosphere.

A single, elegant lamp is the best option for a sleek look for smaller chests. Choose a design that complements your room's style, whether modern or traditional. Adjustable lighting can also highlight your decorative items, creating a warm and inviting space that’s both practical and beautiful.

Low grey chest of 6 drawers with table lamp

8. Play with seasonal decor

It is easy to keep your decor fresh and exciting when you rotate it based on the seasons. Swap out items to reflect the current season with pastel flowers and light fabrics in spring or rich colours and cosy textures in autumn. Incorporate seasonal elements like seashells in summer or pinecones in autumn and festive ornaments during the Christmas period.

This keeps your decor up-to-date and brings a sense of change to your space, allowing you to experiment with different looks and keep your bedroom feeling fresh and inspired year-round.

Tips for styling a chest of drawers

Consider proportion and scale: Ensure the decorative items are proportionate to the size of the chest of drawers. Oversized items can overwhelm, while too many small items can look cluttered.
Think about functionality: Consider how you use the chest of drawers. If it’s a functional piece you use frequently, ensure that decor items are easy to move or do not obstruct access to the drawers.
Balance: Ensure a balanced look. If you place a tall item on one side, balance it with something of similar height on the other side or use a grouping of smaller items.
Leave negative space: Leave some empty space to prevent the area from looking overcrowded.