A chest of drawers is more than just a practical piece of furniture for storing your essentials — it can be a stunning focal point that enhances the overall aesthetic of your space. Whether working with a cosy corner in a small space or a large master bedroom, the possibilities for styling this versatile piece are endless. From creating a minimalist haven to showcasing your personality with eclectic charm, the right styling can transform an ordinary chest of drawers into a conversation-worthy centrepiece.
In this guide, we’ve gathered 24 creative and inspirational ways to elevate your chest of drawers to the next level. So let’s dive into these stylish ideas and give your chest of drawers the makeover it deserves.
1. Open up a corner by adding height
If you have a corner-positioned chest of drawers and want to create height and add visual interest, a tall vase with slender dried or fresh flowers is a great idea. Accompany with a gathering of smaller accessories that will enrich the overall look. We love how these classic pieces complement the simple, rustic charm of the natural oak top.
2. Display artwork while optimising space
A chest of drawers is a great way to display artwork, provided you get the balance right. For larger pieces, position them on the surface or hang them around 8 inches above so they aren’t too removed from the rest of the display. Add a few minimalist accessories to draw the eye in.
3. Reclaim a corner with a bold and personal touch
By combining a statement artwork with some of your favourite jewellery or trinkets, you can add personality and character to even the smallest corners of your room. Ensure the pieces are spaced evenly and don’t overwhelm the surface area. Consider adding accessories in complementing colours on the adjacent furniture to optimise the space further.
4. Create a beautiful ensemble
Original Rustic chest of drawers
For those who love styling that flows throughout the space, selecting a few complementary pieces from the same range or in similar woods brings a wonderful cohesion to your decor. Combine country cottage-inspired accessories with the solid oak king-size bed, double wardrobe and bedside table from our ever-popular Original Rustic range to create a fresh, airy space you’ll love to come home to.
5. Revel in nature from the comfort of your bedroom
Whatever the season, introducing some nature-inspired elements into your scheme adds a beautiful freshness to your room. We love how the botanical theme extends throughout the bedroom, bringing out the sunny tones in the timber from our Romsey range. If your space can accommodate it, positioning your dressing table by the window is a great idea for making the most of the natural light. You can even increase the sense of space with a simple mirror.
6. Create visual interest by varying height
To create visual interest, include items at various heights to add balance and draw the eye upward, making the space around your chest of drawers feel larger. Tall table lamps, vases or artwork are easy ways to do this.
7. Relax in floral freshness
Place a beautiful bloom on your chest of drawers to bring springtime into your bedroom all year round. Position a botanical piece of artwork to the side or behind the bloom to emphasise the display.
8. Define a space with bold lines
Bring out the beautiful simplicity of our more contemporary oak furniture with some strategically placed artwork in statement frames. Add smaller pieces to the side and on the floor to break up the display and create balance.
9. Create harmony with lower pieces
Newton chest of drawers | @houseofdan
Long, lower chests of drawers are wonderful spaces for displaying your treasures. By staggering the height of these accessories and wall-mounted mirrors, you reclaim some height and get the best of both worlds.
10. Create a soft finish
A great way to complement a chest of drawers with rounded edges is to opt for a few softly contoured decorations like these stylish ceramic pieces. The flowers add further interest and freshness with their colours accentuated by the plinth and jewellery.
11. Incorporate different textures
This chest of drawers creates a wonderful impact in any room. By accessorising with wall hangings and ceramics in bold and interesting textures, you’ll create a display that’s full of character but doesn’t overwhelm your space.
12. Add warmth with minimalism
Minimalism needn’t mean compromising on warmth. These elegant vases, combined with the slim frame and tapered legs of our Copenhagen design, create a welcoming, well-balanced display, particularly when set against a rich-coloured wall.
13. Incorporate trays to display smaller objects
If display space is at a premium use a tray or bowl to keep your bits and bobs in place while providing room for larger pieces. By carefully positioning all the objects, and balancing their height and shape, you can ensure the area doesn’t look cluttered.
14. Create a sanctuary with calm neutrals
Positioning a chest of drawers in front of neutral colours and incorporating some glass or ceramic accessories in similar hues will enable you to enjoy the sense of sanctuary and respite you’ve been waiting for.
15. Get the New York loft look
If you love the modern, industrial look but want to keep a softness to your living space, combine pieces from our Maine range with smooth, minimalist ceramics, soft furnishings and light, understated flooring.
16. Add depth with metallic hints
Parquet chest of drawers | @willowandmaine
Our Parquet sideboard looks beautiful when paired with an oversized mirror with gold detailing. Inky blue walls add extra drama to the space and create a cosy backdrop for mealtimes.
17. Make the most of your alcove
We love how the striking presence of our Hercules chest of drawers owns this alcoved space. Create further height and space by adding accessories in varying heights and subtly contrasting shades and textures.
18. Celebrate your natural light
Parquet chest of drawers | @atnumberfourteen_
By selecting good quality oak furniture with warm tones and adding some neutral ceramics or accessories you can optimise your natural light, no matter what size and shape your room. Delicate plants with far-reaching stems or generous blooms will also help enhance your space.
19. Playful designs for children’s rooms
Romsey 7-drawer chest | @athomewithellesmith
With its curved edges and homely natural oak, our Romsey chest of drawers is the perfect choice for children’s bedrooms. With seven drawers, it offers ample storage for everything from clothes to toys, plus you can style the top with all your favourite furry friends.
20. Have fun with bold shapes
Don’t you just love the way the unusual shape of the accessories complements the retro-modern feel of our Hove range? Add in a geometric artwork or two and you’ve got a display to be truly proud of.
21. Create contrast with your wall colour
Parquet small sideboard | @insidenumber.3
Accentuate your stylish sideboard or chest of drawers by adding a bold colour to the backdrop to not only enhance the visibility of your wood pattern but also effortlessly frame your favourite photos and plant arrangements.
22. Embrace Scandi chic
Copenhagen 7-drawer chest | @renovating_wynd_house
Scandi-inspired design continues to enjoy huge popularity and with good reason. Our Copenhagen range features pleasing clean lines and is made from beautiful natural oak that looks right at home in any setting.
23. Go for all white interiors
Create an elegant bedroom set-up with our Brompton collection. This beautifully painted off-white range features gunmetal hardware and a contrasting pale grey ash top and offers stylish storage that’s perfect for a restful sleep sanctuary.
24. Go for blue tones
Make an impact with the Richmond chest of drawers. The inky blue painted finish creates a lovely contrast when paired with creamy walls, while the smoked oak top brings in added warmth.
We hope these tips have given you some inspiration for how to style your chest of drawers. Why not kickstart your journey today and shop some chests of drawers near you? Share your own chest of drawers styling with us on Instagram and tag #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome.
