Where Should a Bohemian Chest of Drawers Be Placed in the Bedroom?
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Time to read 9 min
Hello there, darling! As an interior designer who's spent countless hours creating dreamy bohemian bedrooms, I can tell you that placing a chest of drawers might seem straightforward, but there's actually quite an art to it. Rather like arranging flowers in a vase, it's all about balance, flow, and creating that effortlessly beautiful look we all crave.
I remember working with a client last year who had the most gorgeous vintage chest of drawers. Complete with intricate carved details and that perfect weathered patina. But she'd placed it right in front of her window. The poor thing was blocking all that lovely natural light!
We moved it to the opposite wall, and suddenly her entire bedroom came alive. The morning sun could stream in properly, and the chest became this beautiful focal point instead of an obstacle.
The key is understanding that your bohemian chest of drawers isn't just storage. It's a statement piece that can anchor your entire room's energy.
Table of Contents
Styling a Boho Bedroom: Creating Your Sanctuary Editor's Choice: Bohemian Chest Of Drawers Is It Better to Have a Wardrobe or Chest of Drawers? Is It Safe to Put a TV on a Boho Chest of Drawers? Our Most Popular Bohemian Chest of Drawers Creating Your Perfect Bohemian Bedroom Layout Frequently Asked Questions About Bohemian Chest of Drawers Placement Related Readings
Styling a Boho Bedroom: Creating Your Sanctuary
When styling a boho bedroom, think of your space as a canvas where every piece tells a story. Your chest of drawers should feel like it's always belonged there, rather like an old friend who knows exactly where to sit at your dinner table.
I always start by considering the natural flow of the room. Where do you naturally walk when you enter? How does the morning light dance across your walls?
These elements guide my placement decisions more than any rigid design rule ever could.
The bohemian aesthetic embraces that beautifully imperfect, collected-over-time feeling. Your chest of drawers might be paired with a vintage mirror, draped with flowing textiles, or topped with an eclectic collection of treasures from your travels.
Now, let's talk about the practical side of things. You'll want your chest positioned where you can easily access it during your daily routine. But not so close to the bed that you're constantly bumping into it. Trust me, I've made that mistake in my own bedroom!
Consider these key placement principles:
- Against the longest wall - This creates visual stability and maximises floor space
- Opposite the bed - Perfect for displaying decorative items whilst keeping the space balanced
- Near a window - Natural light enhances the textures and colours of your boho pieces
- Corner positioning - Ideal for smaller bedrooms where space is precious
- As a room divider - In larger bedrooms, use it to create distinct zones
The beauty of bohemian style lies in its flexibility. There's no single "correct" way to arrange your furniture. It's about what feels right for your lifestyle and brings you joy.
Creating a Boho Bedroom Interior? Check Out Our Boho Chest of Drawers Collection
Editor's Choice: Bohemian Chest Of Drawers
Is It Better to Have a Wardrobe or Chest of Drawers?
Darling, this is rather like asking whether tea is better than coffee. It entirely depends on your needs and space! I've worked with clients who swear by their massive wardrobes, and others who couldn't live without their collection of vintage chests.
In smaller bedrooms, a chest of drawers often wins hands down. They take up less visual space and can serve multiple purposes. Hello, makeshift dressing table!
Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of bedroom furniture.
However, if you're someone who owns more hanging clothes than folded items, a wardrobe might be your best friend. The key is honest assessment of your wardrobe habits.
Storage Solution |
Floor Space Required |
Best For |
Style Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
Chest of Drawers |
120cm x 45cm |
Folded items, small spaces |
High decorative potential |
Single Wardrobe |
60cm x 55cm |
Hanging clothes |
Clean, minimal look |
Double Wardrobe |
120cm x 55cm |
Large wardrobes |
Statement piece |
Combination Unit |
180cm x 55cm |
Mixed storage needs |
Maximum functionality |
I often recommend a combination approach in bohemian bedrooms. A beautiful chest of drawers paired with a smaller wardrobe or even a clothing rail creates that layered, collected look that defines boho style.
Remember, darling, your bedroom should reflect how you actually live, not how you think you should live.
Choosing a Chest of Drawers for a Boho Bedroom? Check Out Our Sustainable Solid Wood Boho Chest of Drawers Collection
Is It Safe to Put a TV on a Boho Chest of Drawers?
Now, let's chat about something I get asked about constantly, can you safely perch your television on top of your chest of drawers? The short answer is yes, but with some important caveats (because safety always comes first, doesn't it?).
I've seen too many beautiful antique pieces damaged by televisions that were too heavy or poorly positioned. Rather like balancing a stack of books, it's all about weight distribution and stability.
Your chest needs to be sturdy enough to support not just the TV's weight, but also remain stable when you're opening and closing drawers. I always recommend checking the manufacturer's weight limits, most quality pieces can handle 15-25kg without issue.
The height is crucial too. Your TV screen should be at eye level when you're sitting on your bed. If your chest is too low, you'll find yourself developing a crick in your neck (not very bohemian zen, is it?).
Consider the safety aspects seriously, particularly if you have children or pets. I always suggest using furniture anchors and ensuring all cables are safely managed. There's nothing bohemian chic about a tangled mess of wires!
For the perfect boho aesthetic, try draping a beautiful textile runner beneath your TV, or arrange some trailing plants nearby to soften the modern technology's edges.
Where to Put Chest of Drawers in a Boho Bedroom with Mirror?
Ah, now we're getting to one of my favourite topics! Pairing a chest of drawers with a mirror in a bohemian bedroom is rather like creating a little altar to your daily beauty rituals, it should feel both functional and magical.
The most enchanting arrangement I've created recently involved placing a weathered teak chest beneath a large circular mirror on the wall opposite the bedroom window. The morning light would bounce off the mirror and illuminate the entire space, creating this gorgeous, ethereal glow.
Think of it as creating a dedicated getting-ready zone. You'll want the mirror positioned at a height where you can comfortably see yourself while standing (usually about 120-140cm from the floor to the bottom of the mirror).
Our Most Popular Bohemian Chest of Drawers
Creating Your Perfect Bohemian Bedroom Layout
Now that we've covered the essentials, let's talk about bringing it all together.
Your bohemian chest of drawers should feel like the natural focal point it was meant to be, not an afterthought squeezed into whatever space was left over.
I always start by identifying the room's natural energy flow. Walk around your bedroom, where do your eyes naturally land? Where does the space feel most balanced? These instinctive reactions often guide the best placement decisions.
Remember, darling, bohemian style celebrates the beautifully imperfect. Your chest doesn't need to be perfectly centred or precisely aligned.
Sometimes the most charming arrangements happen when you trust your instincts over rigid design rules.
Consider the seasons too. In winter, you might want your chest closer to a radiator, whilst summer might call for positioning it where morning breezes can reach your favourite textiles and trinkets.
The beauty of bohemian design lies in its evolution. Don't be afraid to rearrange things as your needs change or as you discover new treasures to display. Your bedroom should grow and change with you, rather like a beloved garden that gets more beautiful with time and attention.
Position for daily flow - Place your bohemian chest of drawers where you naturally move through the room, ensuring at least 60cm clearance from the bed and considering how morning light hits the space
Create a functional styling zone - Pair your chest with a mirror at 120-140cm height to establish a dedicated getting-ready area, topped with layered accessories following the "rule of three" for visual interest
Prioritise safety and proportions - Choose a chest 80-95cm high for comfortable use, anchor pieces over 75cm to the wall for stability, and ensure TV weight doesn't exceed 15-25kg if placing electronics on top
Frequently Asked Questions About Bohemian Chest of Drawers Placement
What's the ideal distance between a chest of drawers and the bed?
You'll want at least 60cm of clear space between your chest and bed for comfortable movement around the room. This distance allows you to open drawers fully without hitting the bed and creates better visual balance in your bohemian bedroom layout.
Can I place a chest of drawers directly under a window?
Absolutely, provided the chest is lower than the windowsill and doesn't block natural light flow. This placement works beautifully in bohemian bedrooms as it allows morning light to highlight your decorative objects and creates a lovely backdrop for plants.
Should the chest of drawers match other bedroom furniture?
In bohemian style, matching furniture sets are less important than creating a cohesive feeling through colour, texture, and personal meaning. Your chest can be a completely different wood tone or style, the key is ensuring it harmonises with your overall aesthetic vision.
How high should a chest of drawers be for comfortable use?
The ideal height ranges from 80-95cm, which allows comfortable access to the top surface whilst maintaining good proportions in most bedrooms. Anything higher can feel overwhelming in a bohemian space, whilst lower pieces might look lost against standard ceiling heights.
What's the best way to style the top of a bohemian chest of drawers?
Layer different heights and textures, perhaps a table lamp, some books, a small plant, and a meaningful object or two. Avoid cluttering the surface, but don't leave it completely bare either; aim for that collected-over-time feeling that defines boho style.
Can I use a chest of drawers as a bedside table?
Certainly, though you'll want to ensure the height works well with your bed and that you can comfortably reach items from your sleeping position. This works particularly well in smaller bohemian bedrooms where multi-functional furniture is essential.
Should I anchor my chest of drawers to the wall?
If your chest is over 75cm tall or if you have children in the home, wall anchoring is a wise safety precaution. Most modern brackets are virtually invisible and won't compromise your bohemian aesthetic whilst providing important stability.
What's the minimum room size needed for a chest of drawers?
Even the smallest bedrooms can accommodate a narrow chest of drawers, look for pieces around 80cm wide by 35cm deep. The key is choosing proportions that complement rather than overwhelm your available space.
How do I incorporate a chest of drawers in an open-plan bedroom space?
Use your chest as a natural room divider or zone creator, positioning it to separate sleeping and dressing areas. This works beautifully in loft-style bohemian bedrooms where you want to maintain flow whilst creating functional zones.
Can I mix different wood tones with my bohemian chest of drawers?
Mixing wood tones is perfectly aligned with bohemian principles, think of it as creating a collected, well-travelled aesthetic. Just ensure there's some connecting element, whether through similar undertones, shared accessories, or complementary textiles.
What lighting works best around a chest of drawers?
Layer your lighting with ambient options like fairy lights or candles, task lighting such as a table lamp for practical use, and natural light where possible. Avoid harsh overhead lighting that can kill the romantic, bohemian atmosphere you're creating.
Should I leave space above my chest of drawers for wall décor?
Yes, maintaining some wall space above your chest allows for artwork, mirrors, or floating shelves that enhance the bohemian layered look. Aim for at least 15-20cm between the chest top and any wall-mounted elements for proper visual breathing room.
