Timeless Chest of Drawers Designs and How to Style Them with Grace
Written by Feather & Black
Last Modified 23 December 2025 |
First Added 22 December 2025
A decorative chest of drawers provides a quiet anchor in the bedroom, a surface for storytelling, and a silhouette that speaks to your sense of style. It's as an opportunity to layer purpose with artistry, where every object tells a story and every drawer holds the rhythm of your daily rituals. We sat down with Rob Cole, one of the buyers here at Feather & Black, to learn how to choose the perfect chest of drawers and get inspired by his perspective and style.
How to Choose the right size chest of drawers
Every chest of drawers carries its own character. Rob recommends "blending different styles of furniture to create a layered, characterful look that feels more curated than cluttered. The key is to balance contrast with cohesion."
The Salcombe Dresser is a love letter to French-style chest of drawers, graceful, storied and full of charm. Its curved legs and delicate carvings speak of craftsmanship and heritage, while the softly weathered oak finish adds a whisper of nostalgia - a piece that sets the mood. Surround it with antique mirrors that catch the light, porcelain vases filled with garden blooms, and the gentle glow of ambient lighting to evoke a bedroom that feels romantic, timeless and deeply personal.
Make a statement with bold proportions
For those drawn to opulent design, look no further than the vintage style of the Casterton Five Drawer Chest. Its sleek painted finish and aged metal handles create a sense of heritage, while its generous proportions invite thoughtful styling. Elevate this black bedroom statement piece with layered accessories, such as a stack of well-loved books, softly glowing candles, and framed photographs.
Sculptural simplicity for a modern edge
A mid-century style chest of drawers, such as our Saunders Chest of Drawers, channels mid-century modernism with its clean, architectural lines and elegantly tapered legs. Pair it with sculptural ceramics, abstract art and warm tones for a look that feels both curated and calm.
Rob advised that "mixing styles, such as classic and contemporary or rustic and refined, gives a room personality and depth, creating a timeless, lived-in feel that reflects individual style. Thoughtful placement and balance are what can transform a mix of pieces into a cohesive, elevated space."
If you’re keen to create a more rustic bedroom feel, the Sienna Rattan Three Drawer Chest combines organic materials and pared-back detailing to exemplify subtle but elevated interior design. Accessorise with leafy green plants to echo the natural vibe, or, for a coastal design, add nautical-inspired pieces.
The art of arrangement
Styling the top of a chest of drawers is an act of quiet composition; a way to express personality through form, texture and light. Begin with a focal point: a sculptural lamp, a vintage mirror or a framed print that draws the eye and anchors the space.
Then layer in objects with intention. Consider linen-bound books, a hand-glazed bowl, a softly flickering candle, and a trailing plant that spills gently over the edge.
Balance brings beauty. Symmetry offers calm and order, while asymmetry introduces a sense of movement and intrigue. Try placing a tall lamp to one side, offset by a cluster of smaller treasures. Or create rhythm through repetition with rounded vessels, square frames, or organic silhouettes that echo one another in quiet harmony.
An expert's eye for visual balance
As Cole observed, "varying heights and silhouettes add visual interest, while a considered palette or consistent detailing ensures the overall look remains harmonious."
Lighting, too, plays a vital role. A warm glow softens the scene, casting gentle shadows that add depth and drama. Whether your style leans ornate or understated, elegant lamps, curated trays, and tactile accessories elevate the everyday, transforming your chest of drawers into a beautifully composed moment of design.
Seasonal styling through the year
Bedroom styling is never static; it changes with the rhythm of everyday life. As Rob Cole advises: "start by choosing a unifying element, such as tone, texture, or material, to anchor the scheme. For example, a traditional wooden chest pairs beautifully with a sleek painted bedside table when tied together through matching hardware or complementary finishes."
Once you’ve furniture is thoughtfully arranged, the way you dress your chest of drawers can evolve with the year. In spring, introduce a sense of renewal with pastel ceramics, delicate glassware and freshly cut blooms.
Summer invites woven textures, citrus-scented candles and sunlit surfaces. As autumn arrives, layer in amber glass, dried foliage and rich wood accents to echo the warmth outside. And in winter, embrace velvet-lined boxes, pine-scented candles and festive touches that bring comfort and charm.
Explore drawers that give you more
A chest of drawers is never just storage. It’s a surface for storytelling, a reflection of your style, and a staple of every bedroom. For those who lean toward the romance of French design or prefer the clarity of Japandi simplicity, the key is intention - choosing pieces that speak to your rhythm, your rituals, your rest.