Can You Have a Chest of Drawers in the Living Room? An Interior Designer's Guide
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Time to read 6 min
Darling, let me tell you something that might surprise you - some of the most stunning living rooms I've designed feature pieces that traditionally belong elsewhere in the home.
After 15 years of interior design experience, I've learned that breaking conventional furniture placement rules often leads to the most spectacular results. Today, let's chat about why a chest of drawers might be exactly what your living room needs.
Table of Contents
Breaking Living Room Storage Conventions: Why a Chest of Drawers Might Be Perfect Perfect Placement: Where Should Your Living Room Chest of Drawers Go? Mastering Scale: How to Incorporate Larger Furniture Pieces in Your Living Room Design Our Most Popular Chests of Drawers Can You Have a Chest of Drawers in Your Living Room? Your Complete Guide to Making It Work Can You Have a Chest of Drawers in the Living Room? FAQs Related Readings
Breaking Living Room Storage Conventions: Why a Chest of Drawers Might Be Perfect
When we place a chest of drawers in the living room, it often takes on a rather sophisticated alias.
In the design world, we might call it a lowboy, credenza, or bureau (rather like how a sofa might be called a settee in certain circles).
These terms often reflect the piece's specific style and function, but don't let the fancy names fool you - at its heart, it's still our beloved chest of drawers, just wearing a party frock, if you will.
In modern interior design, we're seeing more and more traditional bedroom furniture finding its way into living spaces. The key is understanding how these pieces transform when placed in a different context.
A chest of drawers becomes more than just storage - it's a statement piece that can anchor a room while hiding away all those bits and bobs we'd rather not display.
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Perfect Placement: Where Should Your Living Room Chest of Drawers Go?
The placement of your chest of drawers can make or break its success in your living room. I always tell my clients to think of it as placing a beautiful piece of art - it needs the right stage to shine.
Consider these standard measurements for optimal placement:
Position |
Minimum Clearance |
Ideal Height |
Maximum Width |
|---|---|---|---|
Behind Sofa |
90cm |
75-85cm |
Same as sofa |
Along Wall |
60cm from seating |
90-100cm |
120-180cm |
As TV Stand |
45cm from wall |
50-65cm |
TV width + 20cm |
In Alcove |
Flush fit |
100-120cm |
Alcove width |
The beauty of a chest of drawers lies in its versatility. I recently helped a client place a gorgeous Georgian piece in an awkward alcove, and it transformed what was once dead space into a stunning focal point with practical storage.
Mastering Scale: How to Incorporate Larger Furniture Pieces in Your Living Room Design
Now, let's talk about scale - because, darling, size really does matter in interior design.
When working with larger pieces like a chest of drawers, we need to consider the room's overall composition.
Think of your living room as a carefully orchestrated symphony, where each piece plays its part in perfect harmony.
The most important elements to consider when adding a substantial piece of furniture are:
- Room proportions and traffic flow (leave at least 75cm for walkways)
- Visual weight balance (pair heavy pieces with lighter elements)
- Existing furniture scale (ensure your chest complements, not overwhelms)
- Light distribution (consider how the piece affects natural light flow)
- Storage requirements (be honest about what you need to store)
When a Chest of Drawers Isn't Quite Right
Sometimes, despite our best intentions, a chest of drawers might not be the perfect solution for your space.
In my experience, knowing when to explore alternatives is just as important as knowing how to style a chest of drawers perfectly.
Consider the space you're working with - perhaps a floating console might better serve your needs, or maybe a series of smaller cabinets could provide more flexibility.
The key is to understand your specific requirements and be honest about how you'll use the space day to day.
Our Most Popular Chests of Drawers
Can You Have a Chest of Drawers in Your Living Room? Your Complete Guide to Making It Work
When it comes to answering "can you have a chest of drawers in the living room," the resounding answer is yes - but as with all design decisions, success lies in the execution.
I've seen countless living rooms transformed by the thoughtful addition of a chest of drawers, proving that this versatile piece can create storage solutions that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
The key is to approach the placement with intention, considering how this piece will serve your specific needs.
A chest of drawers in the living room isn't just about storage - it's about creating a focal point that adds character to your space.
Whether you choose an antique piece that tells a story or a sleek modern design that complements your existing décor, the right chest of drawers can elevate your living room's style while providing essential storage. I've found that clients who embrace this unconventional approach often end up with the most distinctive and functional spaces.
The beauty of incorporating a chest of drawers in your living room lies in its adaptability. As your needs change, this versatile piece can evolve with you - today it might house board games and throws, tomorrow it could become a sophisticated media unit or display surface.
Start with one piece, style it thoughtfully, and watch how it transforms your living room from merely functional to fabulously practical.
Can You Have a Chest of Drawers in the Living Room? FAQs
What's the difference between a chest of drawers and a credenza?
A chest of drawers typically features multiple stacked drawers for vertical storage. A credenza usually has a combination of drawers and cabinets, often sitting lower and longer than a traditional chest of drawers.
Can I use an antique chest of drawers in a modern living room?
Mixing periods and styles can create a wonderfully eclectic look that adds personality to your space. The key is to ensure the piece's scale and finish complement your existing décor.
What should I store in a living room chest of drawers?
Living room chest of drawers are perfect for storing media items, games, throws, and seasonal accessories. They can also house important documents and electronics that you want to keep accessible but out of sight.
How tall should a chest of drawers be in a living room?
The ideal height depends on your room's proportions, but generally, living room chests should be between 75-100cm tall. This height allows for comfortable access while maintaining visual balance.
Can a chest of drawers work as a TV stand?
A sturdy chest of drawers can indeed function as a TV stand, provided it's the appropriate height and width. Ensure it can support your TV's weight and has proper ventilation for any media equipment.
What's the best material for a living room chest of drawers?
The choice of material depends on your style and usage, with solid wood being the most durable option. For more information about furniture materials, you might find the Wikipedia article on chest of drawers helpful.
How do I style the top of a chest of drawers?
Create a balanced arrangement using varying heights of decorative objects, perhaps a lamp, some books, and a few personal items. Remember to leave some negative space to avoid a cluttered look.
Should the chest of drawers match other furniture?
While matching isn't necessary, your chest should complement your existing furniture. Consider coordinating elements like hardware or wood tones to create cohesion.
What's the minimum space needed around a chest of drawers?
Allow at least 60cm of clearance in front of the drawers for comfortable access. Traffic paths should maintain a minimum of 75cm for easy movement.
