Dressers are valuable pieces of furniture that help maximize storage space for clothes and other items that fit better in drawers. However, dresser tops can also serve as spacious display stands for houseplants, decorative objects, artwork, and a range of other home decor pieces. Done right, you can create a decorative display and amp up your bedroom storage space (win-win!). Clear off your dresser and keep reading for simple tips and tricks on decorating bedroom dressers in a way that's stylish and functional.

1. Use the Wall as Your Starting Point

Dresser decorating doesn't have to start on the dresser’s top. Instead, focus your starting point on the wall directly behind your dresser. Hanging a beautiful piece of artwork, wall decor, or a standout wall mirror will draw the eye to your dresser without taking up valuable space on the dresser top – especially if you have a compact dresser.

Measure the width of your dresser to determine the maximum width of art or mirrors necessary to frame the dresser. Match the width of your dresser with the width of the art piece for a visually pleasing effect.

2. Add Large Statement Pieces

The next step when decorating bedroom dressers is to add large statement decor. These pieces take up more surface area so it's better to position them on the dresser top before incorporating smaller elements. Large decor pieces also serve as anchor points for decor layering.

Lean a large art print to one side of the dresser top so that it rests against the wall or up against existing wall art. Position an elaborate vase and floral display or a large houseplant to the other side of the dresser top. Because they're already statement pieces, we recommend limiting the large decor items on your dresser to one to two pieces (or one for each side of the dresser top) to prevent decor from overwhelming your dresser.

3. Then Bring In Smaller Decor

With large decor already in position, it's time to bring in small bedroom dresser decorations as accents. Intersperse a few different decor items like candles, smaller artwork or picture frames, stylish storage boxes, decorative objects, and small vases or jars among the larger decor pieces on top of your dresser for an effortless look. Feel free to play around with the layout until you like the display.

Because these items are smaller, we recommend incorporating three to six decor items. Add up to three small decor items on narrow dressers (less than 36" wide) and up to six small decor items on wide dressers (60" wide or wider) to help fill out the dresser top. Reference our Dresser Dimensions guide for more guidance on dresser sizes.

4. Incorporate Accent Lighting

Consider adding accent lighting to your dresser decor scheme for a decorative element that also helps brighten the space. When decorating bedroom dressers with accent lights, there are a variety of options to choose from. Keep it classic with a decorative table lamp with a sculptural base or unique light shade. Weave mini string lights through decor on the dresser top. Get a bit creative by installing wall sconces on either side of the dresser, achieving ambient lighting while leaving more room for other types of decor.

5. Layer Using Visual Levels

When determining how to decorate dresser tops, visual layers are everything. The right layering techniques help to minimize clutter while also drawing the eye and helping you achieve an interior designer-worthy display. The best way to create visual layers is the triangle method. The idea is to create one or more triangular shapes using large and small decor in combination with each other, resulting in a well-balanced, visually pleasing display on your dresser.

1. Start with a central point (like the circular wall mirror in the image above). This is the top of your triangle.
2. Next, establish your end points (for example, the table lamp and the floral display in the image above). These three elements (the mirror, the lamp, and the flowers) alone help create a visual triangle.
3. Add even more visual layers by positioning a stack of books with a decorative bowl beside the table lamp to create a second, smaller triangle.

6. Leave Room for Functional Elements

We can't forget to leave room for function when styling dressers. You should be able to use your dresser top to store toiletries, hair tools, jewelry, sunglasses, and other important accessories in addition to decor. Position a decorative tray on your dresser top to display toiletries or makeup products. Add a jewelry or trinket dish to stash your everyday jewelry pieces.

7. Don't Be Afraid to Change Things Up

The best part about decorating a dresser is that you can change things up whenever you want! You can always redecorate or reorder decor to best fit your style and aesthetic preferences. Dresser tops are the ideal spot to display seasonal or holiday decor like a mini Christmas tree or a decorative pumpkin!

Tip!

Now that you know how to style a dresser, here are some additional guides on how to decorate tricky spots in your home:
How to Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets
How to Decorate a Console Table

Tip!

Check out the video below for a complete visual overview of everything you need to know:

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