How To Decorate A Dresser

There's no doubt about it: Dressers play a major role in our day-to-day lives. From getting dressed in the morning to having a place to toss our jewelry and watches when we settle in for the night, it's likely you're interacting with this particular furniture piece quite often. And just like other surfaces in your home — coffee tables, nightstands, dining tables — dressers deserve to have a bit of decoration. Of course, figuring out how to style a dresser might not be quite as obvious as it is for other furniture in your space. You might have even been underutilizing your dresser for years! But knowing how to style the surface in a way that's both practical and aesthetically pleasing can really elevate your bedroom.

The key, according to The Spruce, is to start with a blank page. Declutter the surface of your dresser first — and then start decorating. Add a heftier piece that can serve as the focal point, which is usually situated above the dresser, then move on to the smaller pieces. Create some height, add in functional storage, then fill out the dresser top with objects that make you smile. (You will be seeing these pieces each day, after all!) You can create any type of display you want by following this simple formula — from bohemian to moody. The world is your oyster when it comes to decorating your dresser.

Make decorating easier on yourself by choosing a specific color scheme — and sticking to it! This way, you can coordinate everything without ending up with an array of mismatched decor pieces for your dresser. Especially if you tend to lean toward maximalist design, setting yourself up with particular hues in mind can help keep the process organized. Like many interior projects, though, selecting a color scheme is easier said than done. How do you decide which colors will look best in your bedroom — or, more specifically, on your dresser? Thankfully, there are a few places to start the brainstorming process.

According to HGTV, you can easily choose decor colors based on your closet. In other words, think about the clothes you love to wear. Maybe they're all neutrals — or perhaps you love to dress in bold and bright colors. The hues that you're happiest to wear are a great indicator as to what colors you'll love featured in your home. Alternatively, if you want an option that's a little less risky, you can choose a color like gray — which looks great with all different colors. If you like to change out your more colorful decor often, this hue might be a great option for you.

Sometimes, a clean, minimalist look can be a breath of fresh air. If you're someone who finds themselves covering up every inch of a surface with knickknacks, you might want to give keeping your dresser clutter-free a try. Of course, this doesn't mean you can't make it look inviting and expertly styled — it's just a way to keep the focus on a few pieces that fit your aesthetic. Consider simply mounting a painting or photograph that you love directly above the dresser. With one focal point, the eyes are drawn to the art (and not the clutter). If you aren't a big art person, though, you can always choose a different decor piece, such as a mirror or tapestry.

For those who want something more than a singular statement piece, just make sure you're being selective (via Joss & Main). Opt for items that remind you of a fun time you've had with loved ones (framed photos are great for this) or maybe a decorative box that's been passed down for generations. Consider what would bring you joy, and choose from there.

As you've probably realized by now, adding art above or on top of your dresser is one of the simplest ways to decorate it. Thankfully, with the abundance of art in the world, the possibilities with this decor option are endless. Maybe you want to go with a portrait that's been in your family for years and years. (Better yet if it's in a gorgeous ornate frame!) Or perhaps you'd rather run to your local superstore and peruse their selection of quirky art. You can even display photographs that you love, art that you discovered at a gallery, or a piece you picked up while browsing a farmer's market. The world is your oyster here — and you can add as many (or as few) pieces of art as you'd like. Both statement pieces and gallery walls will look great!

For those who can't find the exact type of art they want above their dresser, MyDomaine recommends making it yourself. Take a rectangular or circular fixture and paint it any color your heart desires. Then, designer Suzan Wemlinger tells the publication, "Put a funky square of fabric remnant or a cool wallpaper sample in the frame, then place it either on the dresser or hang it above." You can also DIY your own art using peel-and-stick wallpaper. Just take it down when you want to change the look of your bedroom.

Let's be real: Dressers can become messy pretty quickly. After all, when you're busy, it's easy to place smaller objects — like jewelry, watches, makeup, keys, etc. — on top of the furniture piece, allowing it to get cluttered. So why not decorate with practical storage that'll keep your dresser looking tidy and chic at the same time? West Elm suggests decor that doubles as a place to keep knickknacks and items you might be tossing on whatever surface you see first when you arrive in the bedroom. Try a pretty tray that can hold small bowls, vases, or even books — all while looking chic. Or, opt for a jewelry box that can hold those bits and baubles that always end up strewn all over the room. You can even find unique pieces to hang necklaces on, keeping them from getting knotted.

No matter what you're trying to keep organized, simple storage on top of your dresser can make things so much easier. Even if it's a simple decorative bowl to toss your watch and rings into at the end of the day, a little effort goes a long way — and adds to the overall interior design of your home.

Plenty of people love having fresh flowers in their home — but they don't last nearly as long as they'd like. After only a few days, bouquets tend to wither and wilt, turning what was once a beautiful decor piece into something much, much less aesthetically pleasing. So instead of topping your dresser with a vase of aromatic florals (though they do smell amazing), try a selection of dried flowers instead. Not quite the same as faux flowers, dried floral arrangements are actual flowers — they've just been dried out. Per Apartment Therapy, these bouquets will last much longer than fresh flowers. Not to mention, you can either buy them (at a flower market or even certain supermarkets) or dry them out yourself. If you can't find your favorite flowers pre-dried, just DIY a bouquet for your dresser!

Another perk of using dried florals as decor on your dresser is that they add height (via The Spruce). If you're not planning on using tall art or a lamp on your furniture piece, this is a great solution to accomplish the same goal. Arrange them in your favorite vase, and your bedroom will have a natural, cozy feel — without all the hassle of fresh flowers.

One of the biggest advantages of keeping photos of people who are important in your life on your dresser is that you'll likely see them every single day. Unlike some parts of your home where you might not spend much time, you're probably rooting around in your dresser each morning (and maybe in the evenings, too). Per Apartment Therapy, seeing these pictures can bring a little joy to your day — even if it's only for a quick moment while you're getting dressed.

There are plenty of ways to actually place these photos on your dresser, too. Of course, you could opt for a simple, minimalist frame for a low-key aesthetic. Or, if you're into a vintage look, you can place photos in vintage frames that mesh well with the rest of your bedroom decor. And if you have a mirror (either attached to your dresser, hung above it, or leaning on top of it), try placing some unframed pictures in the corners. This is a fun way to display old-school options like instant film photos or photo booth print-outs. As long as the photos serve as a reminder of happy times, you can't go wrong.

Let your dresser become the star of the bedroom by adding a can't-miss statement piece. Sure, we often consider the bed the biggest focal point in a bedroom, but that doesn't mean you can't change it up! Before you start searching for big and bold pieces, though, Hadley Court recommends making note of the size of the room — and the piece you're decorating. If the art or other decor item is taking up too much space (either physically or aesthetically), you might want to tone it down. Keep in mind the style of the bedroom and the other furniture in the space, too. Bold shouldn't equate to overwhelming!

There are plenty of great options when it comes to selecting the perfect piece to complement your dresser. You can try a huge mirror that'll dazzle any guest. Or, opt for a large art piece that brings you joy — like a vintage sign or painting. And for those who really love a unique decor option, you can use something unexpected to bring the "wow" factor, such as a shirt or dress that doubles as artwork (via Apartment Therapy).