What to Put Next to the Chest of Drawers?
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Time to read 10 min
Darling, let me tell you about the morning I walked into a client's bedroom and saw their lonely chest of drawers standing against the wall like a wallflower at a dance. It broke my heart! (And trust me, after twenty years in interior design, I've seen my share of neglected furniture.)
The space next to a chest of drawers is rather like prime real estate in your bedroom – it's begging to be styled thoughtfully, not left bare or cluttered with yesterday's coffee cups.
Now, let's talk about what actually works in that precious space beside your drawers. Think of it as creating a little conversation between furniture pieces – you want items that complement without competing.
A sleek accent chair paired with a small side table creates an instant reading nook that transforms your bedroom from purely functional to genuinely inviting. I once styled a Victorian chest of drawers with a modern velvet chair in dusty rose, and the contrast was absolutely divine!
The key is choosing pieces that echo either the height or the material of your chest – this creates visual harmony without being matchy-matchy.
Table of Contents
Why Do They Call It a Chest of Drawers? Designer's Choice: Rustic Chest Of Drawers What Makes a Good Chest of Drawers? How Do You Make a Chest of Drawers Look Nice? Our Most Popular Rustic Chest Of Drawers Thoughtful Chest of Drawers Styling Frequently Asked Questions About What to Put Next to the Chest of Drawers Related Readings
Why Do They Call It a Chest of Drawers?
Now, this is a delightful bit of furniture history that always amuses my clients! The term "chest of drawers" evolved from the medieval "chest" or "coffer" – essentially a large box with a hinged lid where people stored their worldly possessions. (Rather like that overflowing storage ottoman we all have, but without the convenience of drawers!)
The transformation happened gradually during the 17th century. Craftsmen began adding a single drawer beneath the main compartment of traditional chests. Then another. And another. Eventually, someone had the brilliant idea to eliminate the top compartment entirely, creating what we recognise today as a chest of drawers.
The name stuck because it literally described what it was – a chest filled with sliding drawers instead of one large cavity.
In different regions, you'll hear various names that tell their own stories. Americans often say "dresser" or "bureau," whilst in parts of Britain, you might hear "tallboy" for a tall chest or "lowboy" for its shorter cousin. My Scottish grandmother always called hers a "kist of drawers" – kist being the Scots word for chest.
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Designer's Choice: Solid Wood Chest Of Drawers
What Makes a Good Chest of Drawers?
After years of helping clients choose (and occasionally rescue) chests of drawers, I can tell you exactly what separates the exceptional from the merely adequate.
A truly good chest of drawers combines three essential qualities: construction integrity, functional design, and aesthetic versatility.
Let's start with construction because, darling, this is where you absolutely cannot compromise. Dovetail joints in the drawers are non-negotiable – they're rather like the bones of the piece, providing strength that lasts generations. Run your hand along the drawer sides; they should be at least 12mm thick, preferably 15-18mm for larger drawers. Thin drawer sides will bow over time, especially when loaded with heavy jumpers or jeans.
The drawer slides make or break your daily experience. Soft-close mechanisms aren't just luxurious; they protect both the furniture and your sanity (no more 6 AM drawer slams when your partner's sleeping). Test every drawer at the shop – they should glide smoothly when pulled from one corner, not just the centre. If a drawer sticks when new, it'll only worsen with use.
Size and proportion matter enormously.
The golden ratio for bedroom chests is roughly 40-50cm deep, 75-90cm wide for a single person's use, or 120-150cm for couples. Height depends on your space, but 100-130cm works brilliantly for most bedrooms. Any taller and you're struggling to see into the top drawer; any shorter and you're not maximising storage.
Material quality shows in the details. Solid wood obviously trumps veneer, but good quality veneer over engineered wood can be perfectly serviceable (and more affordable). Check the back panel – even if it's not solid wood, it should be properly attached and at least 6mm thick. Flimsy backing is a red flag for overall quality.
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How Do You Make a Chest of Drawers Look Nice?
The secret to a stunning chest of drawers lies in the styling trinity: surface décor, hardware updates, and the surrounding space. Let's chat about each element that transforms an ordinary storage piece into a focal point.
Start with your surface styling – this is where the magic happens. Layer different heights using a table lamp (typically 50-70cm tall), a medium-height decorative object like a vase or sculpture (30-40cm), and something low like a decorative tray or stack of beautiful books. This creates what we designers call a "vignette" – essentially a mini still-life that tells a story about who you are.
Your hardware is the jewelry of your furniture. Swapping out dated handles for something contemporary can completely transform a piece. I recently helped a client update their grandmother's chest with brushed brass pulls, and suddenly that 1960s piece looked like it belonged in a boutique hotel. Measure your existing hardware spacing carefully – standard centres are usually 76mm, 96mm, or 128mm apart.
Here's my essential hardware update shopping list:
- New drawer pulls or knobs (match the existing hole configuration)
- Soft-close drawer slides if yours are squeaky
- Furniture polish or paint for a refresh
- Drawer liners in a gorgeous pattern
- LED strip lights for under-furniture ambiance
The area around your chest matters enormously. Paint an accent wall behind it in a complementary colour (I adore deep sage green behind natural wood). Hang artwork at eye level – roughly 145-150cm from the floor to the centre of the piece. The artwork should be about two-thirds the width of your chest for perfect proportions.
Don't forget about textiles! A beautiful runner across the top protects the surface whilst adding texture. Choose something that drapes slightly over the edges – about 10-15cm on each side looks intentional without being fussy.
Styling Element |
Ideal Measurements |
Visual Impact |
Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
Table Lamp Height |
50-70cm |
High |
£40-200 |
Artwork Width |
66% of chest width |
Very High |
£30-500 |
Side Spacing |
15-30cm minimum |
Medium |
Free |
Rug Extension |
30-45cm beyond chest |
High |
£50-300 |
Plant Height |
90-150cm |
Medium |
£20-100 |
Mirror Width |
50-75% of chest width |
Very High |
£40-250 |
What Do People Keep in the Chest of Drawers?
Oh, if chests of drawers could talk! I've organised hundreds of them over my career, and the contents always tell such personal stories. Let me share what typically lives in those drawers and how to organise them properly.
The top drawer traditionally houses what I call "daily essentials" – underwear, socks, and sleepwear. This placement makes perfect sense ergonomically; you're accessing these items most frequently, and the top drawer requires the least bending. (My clients over fifty particularly appreciate this logic!) Use drawer dividers here – bamboo ones are brilliant and adjustable. Allocate about 15x15cm per category of smalls.
The second drawer typically becomes the t-shirt and casual top territory. Fold them using the file folding method – where each item stands vertically – and suddenly you can see everything at once. This drawer often holds 15-20 t-shirts comfortably when properly organised. Athletes tend to dedicate this space to workout gear instead, which works beautifully with the easy-access principle.
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Thoughtful Chest of Drawers Styling
Right then, darling, let's bring everything together with some actionable steps that'll transform your chest of drawers from functional furniture to bedroom focal point. After all these years in design, I've learned that the difference between a room that works and one that wows lies in these finishing touches.
First, assess your current setup honestly. Stand in your bedroom doorway and look at your chest of drawers with fresh eyes. Does it feel balanced with the surrounding furniture? Is there breathing room around it, or is it suffocating against too many pieces? The ideal setup gives your chest at least 30cm of clear space on one side – enough for a person to walk comfortably past.
Next, tackle the styling in layers. Start with your anchor piece (usually a mirror or artwork), then add lighting, and finally layer in decorative objects. Remember the rule of odd numbers – three or five items create more visual interest than even numbers. But here's the secret: one stunning piece can be more impactful than five mediocre ones.
Consider the practical improvements that make daily life easier. Installing LED strips underneath adds ambiance and helps you find dropped earrings (we've all been there at 7 AM). Adding a small cushioned stool nearby creates a spot for folding laundry or sitting whilst you sort through drawers. These aren't just design choices; they're lifestyle upgrades.
The space beside your chest of drawers shouldn't be an afterthought.
Whether you choose a reading chair, a tall plant, or simply leave it clear for movement, make it an intentional decision. Think about your morning routine – do you need somewhere to lay out tomorrow's outfit? Would a full-length mirror here save you trips across the room? Design with your real life in mind, not an Instagram fantasy.
Finally, remember that your chest of drawers is probably one of the most-used pieces in your bedroom. It deserves the same attention you'd give to choosing a sofa or dining table. Update the hardware if it's looking tired, refresh the surface with a beautiful runner or tray, and organise the contents so opening each drawer brings satisfaction rather than stress. These small investments of time and modest budget create the bedroom sanctuary you deserve.
Strategic placement is everything – Whether you choose a reading chair, floor lamp, or statement plant, maintaining 30cm minimum spacing whilst considering your daily routine transforms the area next to your chest of drawers from dead space into functional beauty.
Surface styling creates the magic – Layer varying heights with a 50-70cm table lamp, medium decorative objects, and low-profile trays, whilst updating hardware and adding a runner to turn your chest of drawers from purely functional storage into a stunning bedroom focal point.
Organisation meets aesthetics – Use the top drawer for daily essentials with bamboo dividers, file-fold t-shirts in the second drawer for visibility, protect knitwear in middle drawers with cedar blocks, and reserve bottom drawers for bulky items – making every drawer opening a satisfying experience rather than a daily frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Put Next to the Chest of Drawers
What's the ideal distance to leave between a chest of drawers and other furniture?
You should maintain at least 30cm between your chest of drawers and adjacent furniture pieces. This allows comfortable passage and prevents the room from feeling cramped or cluttered.
Can I place a chest of drawers next to a window?
Absolutely, positioning a chest beside a window works beautifully for natural light whilst getting dressed. Just ensure curtains or blinds can operate freely without catching on the furniture.
What size mirror should I hang above my chest of drawers?
Choose a mirror that's approximately 50-75% of your chest's width for perfect proportions. Mount it 15-20cm above the chest's surface for optimal viewing height.
Is it okay to put a TV on top of my chest of drawers?
Yes, if your chest is sturdy and the right height for comfortable viewing from bed (usually 100-120cm tall). Ensure the TV doesn't exceed the chest's width for visual balance.
What plants work best next to a chest of drawers?
Snake plants, ZZ plants, and pothos thrive in bedroom conditions and look stunning beside furniture. Choose varieties that match your chest's height for balanced proportions.
Should I put a rug under my chest of drawers?
A rug extending 30-45cm beyond your chest on all sides creates a defined zone and protects flooring. Choose low-pile options to prevent drawer catching.
Can I place two chairs next to my chest of drawers?
Two chairs can work if you have ample space (at least 150cm of wall length). This creates a symmetrical, hotel-like aesthetic that's particularly striking in large bedrooms.
What's the best lighting to put next to a chest of drawers?
A floor lamp positioned 15-20cm from the chest's edge provides excellent task lighting. Choose adjustable designs for versatility in directing light where needed.
How do I style the wall space next to my chest of drawers?
Create a gallery wall starting 30cm from the chest's edge, or install floating shelves for vertical storage. This maximises wall space whilst maintaining visual flow.
Is it appropriate to place a bookshelf next to a chest of drawers?
Yes, a bookshelf works brilliantly if it's similar in depth to your chest (within 10cm difference). This creates a cohesive storage wall without protruding awkwardly.
What shouldn't I put next to a chest of drawers?
Avoid placing items that block drawer access, radiators that could damage wood, or exercise equipment that creates clutter. You can learn more about furniture placement principles in this helpful Wikipedia article on furniture .
Can I use the space next to my chest for a dressing table?
A narrow console table or floating shelf at 75cm height creates a perfect vanity space beside your chest. Add a wall-mounted mirror and stylish stool for complete functionality.
What's the minimum space needed next to a chest for walking?
Maintain at least 60cm of clear pathway for comfortable movement, or 90cm if it's a main traffic route. This prevents frustrating furniture dodging during daily routines.
