10 Dresser Decor Ideas
1. Embrace Clean Elegance.
As with all elements of interior design, when styling your dresser, it is better to err on the side of minimalism. Try to resist the urge to display on your dresser surface every trinket, knick-knack or souvenir you can find – no matter how pretty it may be! Choosing, instead, just two or three of your favorite bedroom accents will create an easy center of focus – and clean, refreshed style.
How to Decorate the Top of a Dresser
For a calm, relaxing aesthetic, restrict decorative elements to two or three shades of one neutral color. The following work well as dresser top decor. Mix and match neutrals until you find your own style voice!
- Ceramic vases
- Clay lamps
- Framed wall art
Bedroom Dresser Idea
Stack elegant coffee table books for timeless style – and leave one of them open for a trendy, unexpected spin! In the bedroom, books you love don't just play decor, they also provide a read for when you're winding down before bed. Kept atop a dresser, books are always accessible.
2. Show Off Your Eclectic Treasures.
Keeping your dresser surface tidy and simple does not have to mean ‘boring.’ Add unique style to your bedroom by incorporating onto your dresser unexpected designs, textures and colors.
Mirror Over Dresser Idea
Mix and match vintage vases with a sleek contemporary mirror for a bohemian-inspired feel. If the dresser is placed opposite a window, the natural morning and evening light will bounce right off it and leak refreshingly throughout the room. Go for a gold trim to highlight the sun's rays!
What to Put on a Dresser
Create anti-symmetry – with an edge – by placing matching ceramic vases on a dresser or nightstand. Vary the heights of your decor to break up the top line. Fine-tune the scene with a little bit of greenery, and you're good to go!
3. Add a Stand-Out Backdrop.
Dresser Top Decorating Idea
Vertical lines in the painting on the dresser pictured to the right draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of an elongated, more open space. To accentuate your wall art above a dresser, place smaller sculptures on the dresser itself, below the art, that match the art's decor style. As always, keep the decor simple, not cluttered!
4. Go Darker for More Warmth.
Dresser Styling
Not only does this dresser evoke warmth – so will the brown, ivory and charcoal decor that you'll place atop it! The natural wood makes the perfect contrast for neutral decor. Find dresser tops in distressed or worn finishes to maximize the feel.
Dresser Top Idea
Bring out warmth by contrast: pair a dark dresser with statement dark decor. This black vase calms down a bedroom space and defines the lightness and brightness of the mirror next to it. Swap out black for white, though, if you want a chirpier feel.
5. Get Lively.
White Dresser Decor Ideas
Plants aren’t the only types of life you can incorporate into a dresser aesthetic and neither are things that are only currently alive. Look to things once alive – an oyster’s shells, sea star or coral preserved as artifacts of the past to bring a quiet, peaceful edge to a bedroom. It's the perfect pairing for a white, beachy color palette.
6. Try Geometrics.
7. Show Off Your Interests.
8. Strike Color Contrast.
9. Use Drawer Pulls as Accents.
10. Get Lost in the Woods.
How to Decorate a Dresser
Turn a new leaf in your dresser decor – and while you’re turning the leaf, go for the whole branch . . . and trunk. Wood offers warmth, comfort and rustic vibes, perfect for a bedroom space. Look for wooden books, art and vases to place atop a wood dresser, and to make a bedroom feel like a woodworker's shop (quaint, quiet and authentic)!
Dresser Decor
Common Questions About Dresser Decor
What are some stylish ways to adorn my dresser top?
Elevate your dresser's look with a curated collection of decorative items. Consider a statement mirror, a few artfully arranged framed photos, or a decorative tray to corral smaller items like jewelry or keys. A touch of greenery with a small plant or fresh flowers can also add life and color to the space, creating a focal point that’s both personal and chic.
How can I maximize storage and style on a dresser?
Combine functionality with flair by incorporating stylish storage solutions. Use decorative baskets or boxes on top or within open shelving to neatly tuck away essentials, keeping the surface clutter-free. Consider adding drawer pulls or knobs that complement your room's aesthetic for an instant upgrade that adds personality and sophistication.
What materials work best for dresser decor to create a cohesive look?
To achieve a harmonious dresser display, mix and match textures and finishes that complement your existing decor. Think about incorporating elements like brushed brass for a touch of warmth, natural wood for an organic feel, or ceramic pieces for a modern, artistic vibe. The key is to select items that echo the materials and colors already present in your bedroom for a truly integrated design.
How can I make my dresser suitable for a family-friendly home?
For a dresser that works well in a busy household, opt for durable and easy-to-clean decorative items. Consider shatterproof vases, sturdy trays, and perhaps wall-mounted art above the dresser to keep breakables out of reach of little hands. Focus on decorative pieces that are both beautiful and resilient, ensuring your styled dresser can withstand daily life.
What dresser decor ideas offer long-term appeal and value?
Invest in timeless decorative pieces that transcend fleeting trends for enduring style. A classic, high-quality mirror can serve as a functional and elegant addition for years to come, as can a well-chosen piece of art or a set of elegant ceramic canisters. These items not only enhance your dresser's appearance but also add lasting value to your home's overall aesthetic.