If the house is your castle, creating a bedroom that feels fit for royalty should sit very high on your agenda. Finding the right dresser and styling it correctly is one of the most important steps.

Whether you’ve moved into a new property or want to breathe fresh life into a tired looking home, a dresser will play a key role in both the aesthetic and function of the room. It is suggested that the average American updates their room every 3-5 years, but a winning dresser could stand strong for decades.

However, you’ll only be happy with your dresser once you’ve styled it correctly. This guide on what to put on top of a dresser should point you in the right direction.

What Should I Put On Top Of A Dresser?

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Understanding Dressers Vs Chest Of Drawers

When considering bedroom furniture, there are several key features to consider. The bed will obviously take center stage while wardrobes and bedside tables are popular choices too. One of the biggest dilemmas, however, comes from choosing between dressers and chests of drawers for your room.

Both items are designed to store clothes while additionally enhancing the room’s design. However, there are clear differences, as detailed below:

Dressers	Chests Of Drawers
Usually at waist height.	Tall and narrow. Often around chest height.
Deep drawers.	Drawers are arranged in a single column.
Doubles up as a vanity.	Creates a small footprint.
Leave a big footprint.	Great for tight spaces like alcoves.
Often have multiple drawers per row.	Little room for decoration above.

There is no single right or wrong answer on which is best. However, most people find that dressers are ideal for master bedrooms or larger rooms. If you plan to use it as a vanity desk or make use of the space above to enhance the room’s look, dressers are ideal.

A Quick Glance At How To Style Your Bedroom Dresser

Before looking at specific ways to style your dresser or items to place above it, you must first determine the overall objectives.

Firstly, you will want to consider modern dresser design ideas. After all, the attributes of your dresser will naturally help dictate what’s possible from the styling and overall bedroom design. When it comes to accentuating this piece of furniture with decor and accessories, though, items typically fall into one of the following two categories;

Decorative accents that enhance the look of the dresser while simultaneously improving the overall look of the bedroom. This can boost the atmosphere, which will help you start and every day in a positive way.
Functional additions that add convenience to daily activities. Whether this relates to beauty routines or getting organized with your diary and daily responsibilities, the right additions make the dresser a valuable asset.

Some of the features will support both goals. For example, lighting provides a functional benefit but also sets a positive vibe within the room. Similarly, a mirror can be both practical and visually impressive.

Why It Matters

Many people question whether the dresser design even matters, especially after purchasing a product that looks attractive on its own. Nevertheless, knowing what to put on your dresser has a huge impact on the room for several reasons, including but not limited to;

Functional updates help make efficient use of the bedroom layout.
The dresser can be a central feature in setting the room’s vibe.
An organized room can promote better sleep, and the plethora of rewards that follow.
When the dresser is in good health, its lifespan will probably improve too.
It’s easier to relax in the room when you know you’ve mastered the design.

It can directly impact your health, happiness, and finances. For that reason, it is no exaggeration to state this is one of the most important aspects of all interior home design plans.

The Best Functional Items To Use On Top of Your Dresser

When designing your bedroom and thinking about dresser styling, it is very easy to focus solely on aesthetics. However, smart homeowners appreciate the fact that function always comes first. After all, the aesthetics will soon be compromised if you fail to get the practical elements under control.

One of the smartest additions could be a glass dresser top cover. This protects the wood (or whatever material is used) below without compromising the appearance. It is a particularly useful option if you intend to do your makeup at the dresser as the glass surface is a lot easier to clean. You do have to take extra care if you have children, though.

Other top features include, but are not limited to;

Mirror - the most common dresser companion. A mirror supports grooming, makeup application, hair styling, and outfit checks while helping the room feel larger.
Jewelry Organizer - A dedicated tray, stand, or box sits on top of the dresser. It keeps necklaces, rings, bracelets, and watches easily accessible while preventing tangles.
Catch-All Tray - A simple, flat tray is ideal for storing everyday essentials. This can include keys, wallets, sunglasses, and loose change. It prevents misplacements.
Table Lamp - The additional lighting is great for getting dressed while also creating a softer ambiance than harsh overhead lighting.
Charging Station - A discreet charging dock is very practical. It keeps phones, smartwatches, earbuds, and other devices powered without creating cable clutter.
Small Storage Boxes - Long but shallow decorative boxes can be used to store documents, accessories, beauty products, or sentimental items.
Perfume Display - A perfume stand or display adds convenience thanks to easy access. It also helps you keep track of when a particular perfume is running low.
Makeup Organizer - Compartmentalized organizers help keep cosmetics tidy and readily available. They also prevent damage to carpets or other bedroom features.
Digital Clock - A stylish clock provides practical functionality without requiring you to check your phone first thing in the morning.
Notebook Or Planner - Ideal for homeowners who like to organize schedules, track goals, or maintain a bedside journal. Not least if ideas hit you as you drift off.

You don’t want to overcrowd the surface. However, adding the small practical features that actively enhance your life has to be a step in the right direction.

The Best Aesthetic Items To Use On Top Your Dresser

While the dresser should be used to bring convenience to your life, it’s very beneficial to have an aesthetically pleasing one too. It can enhance your mood and help bring the entire room to life in a more impactful way. We all have different design tastes, but some of the most popular items are;

Krila Modern Natural 6-Drawer Dresser with Charging Station

Decorative Mirror - Beyond its practical benefits, a statement mirror can become the visual centerpiece of the dresser arrangement.
Artwork - Alternatively framed prints, paintings, or photographs instantly add personality while helping to establish the room's overall look.
Plants And Greenery - Whether real or artificial, plants introduce texture, color, and a sense of freshness to the bedroom.
Candles - Decorative candles add warmth and help create a relaxing atmosphere, especially when watching a film or reading books.
Vases - A vase filled with fresh flowers, dried arrangements, or seasonal foliage adds softness and visual variety. It can also aid the natural vibes and indoor air quality.
Coffee Table Books - Stacked books can introduce color, height variation, and a sophisticated designer-inspired look.
Sculptures And Decorative Objects – Small artistic pieces provide character and can reflect personal interests or tastes. Personalized options are also available.
Picture Frames - Family photos and reminders of cherished memories help make the bedroom feel more personal while also providing an emotional boost when needed.
Accent Lighting - Stylish lamps or LED lighting can highlight decorative displays while contributing to the room's mood.

Again, you won’t want to create clutter. Still, with the right additions in place, the dresser loses the showroom feel and becomes part of a home. More importantly, that personality makes it an extension of you. The bedroom will feel vastly more welcoming as a result.

Integrating Dressers Into An Overall Bedroom Style

Mastering the dresser as a standalone feature is one thing, but true success comes from utilizing it to unlock the potential of the bedroom as a whole.

Firstly, as a homeowner, there are several practical factors to consider. Having a clear budget will influence your decision when comparing styles, materials, and features. Likewise, knowing whether you’re using existing beds or renovating the entire room will influence your next moves.

It’s also important to consider the primary purpose of the dresser. Is it a storage feature or a vanity that has some added storage? This enables you to consider how many drawers are needed but also subsequently supports your decisions on what to place on top of the dresser. Knowing the storage capabilities of dressers, wardrobes, and other furniture allows for a far better overall finish.

Of course, you also need to consider the style (traditional, contemporary, etc.) as well as eco-friendly demands. All decisions should be made with one eye on your future needs to. As for integrating the dresser with the surroundings, you’ll need to;

Place the dresser against a suitable wall that allows for easy access to drawers without blocking walking routes.
Position the dresser so that it does not obstruct windows and natural lighting, or radiators and HVAC systems.
Keep the height of your dresser proportionate to the bed frame height, wardrobe height, and other furniture.
Ensure that there is enough floor space around the dresser as well as between the dresser, bed, and other furniture.
Understand electrical outlet access needs if you plan to place lamps, charging stations, or beauty appliances on the unit.

When you additionally leave enough clearance above and around the dresser for artwork and decorative features, you won’t go wrong.

Selecting The Right Dresser For Your Bedroom

Choosing the right products to put on top of your dresser, and on the wall behind it, can elevate the bedroom. However, the dresser itself provides the foundation for building a great look and ensuring that this space is utilized in a functionally efficient manner.

Contemporary 9-Drawer Champagne Bedroom Dresser for Storage in Gold

To find the right dresser you must consider the dimensions, color, features, and overall styling. Here at Homary, we proudly offer a wide selection of dressers, meaning you can always find the right choice for any bedroom design. Whether you know what you’re looking for or need further advice, we’re here to help. Contact us today to find out more or place an order.

Dresser Styling FAQs

Should I place a mirror on the dresser or mount it above?

Generally, mounting the mirror makes more sense for a dresser. It will naturally sit at a convenient height while also providing safety and stability. It also frees up surface space for other items that you may wish to store here.

Can I use real plants to improve the look of my dresser?

Absolutely. Many homeowners opt for real plants as it adds to the air quality as well as the aesthetic. Precautions should be taken to maintain airflow and avoid water damage to the dresser. Alternatively, plastic plants may be used.

Should the dresser match my bed?

Not necessarily. While it can, many people highlight the contrast to create an intentional look. It is a great way to build a layered and personalized design, but it must deliver an overall aesthetic that feels consistent and deliberate.

What about leaving the dresser top empty?

Most people will add at least a handful of items to the dresser top, but leaving it naked is another option. It supports a clean and minimalist design while personality can come from the backdrop of a mirror or patterned wallpaper.

How tall should my dresser be?

A standard horizontal dresser will typically be between 762 mm and 914 mm tall. However, some may be as tall as 1143 mm while children’s dressers may be noticeably smaller. The key is to find a height that is comfortable for your intended use while suiting the room.