Styling Tips To Decorate Your Dresser Top

Let’s face it, as much as we’d all like the tops of our chest of drawers to be perfectly pristine 24/7, more often than not, they become lost in layers of nightmarish clutter. Over time, lotions, potions, trinkets, and nick-nacks get strewn across the surface in an abstract portrait of your personality, which not only makes your bureau look untidy but your whole bedroom, too. Unfortunately, there’s only so many times you can use the excuse of ‘controlled chaos’ before you get sick of looking at the amalgamation of mess. If this sounds like you, don’t fret: we’re here to help you take control of the clutter once and for all! 

Beyond just giving your chest of drawers a tidy though, why not make sure they look good with some attractive styling? From handy storage options to decorative touches, you’ll find all the best methods and inspiration you’ll ever need to style your very own beautiful bureau right here.

The first step to your new and improved chest of drawers is to get rid of all the rubbish on top. Grab a bin bag and dispose of all the old face wipes, makeup remover pads, empty bottles of products and anything else that needs chucking out. Starting with a clean space will help you in the future when it comes to organising your belongings. 

When you’ve gotten rid of all of the things that need throwing away, give your chest of drawers a good clean with some all-purpose cleaner. If cloths and sprays seem too much of a faff, get your hands on some universal wipes instead. Quick, easy, and fabulously mess-free, wipes take all the hassle out of cleaning, giving you loads more time to enjoy the rest of your day. On the subject of cleaning, make sure you give your surface (and all the items you want to place on top) a good dust. Particularly beneficial if you suffer from allergies, a good-quality duster will pick up every speck and prevent the dust from swirling around the room.

The next step to curating a beautiful bureau is to sort out all of the items that will be stored there. If you use your chest of drawers as a space to apply makeup or perform your skincare routine, you may be inclined to keep said items on top for easy access. This is perfectly fine but, instead of having them haphazardly strewn across the surface, why not invest in a handy cosmetics organiser? The drawers and compartments will help to keep your goodies tidy and within easy reach at all times, and there’s nothing quite like a 2-in-1 storage display box to give your furniture that sought-after Insta aesthetic! 

You can find all kinds of storage options for your belongings, including clear ones like this acrylic makeup storage unit, which enables you to see everything while still keeping it dust-free. These look particularly good if your cosmetics of choice come in coordinated packaging. Whether they’re adorned with rose gold accents or covered from top to bottom in sleek and stylish black, a full set of corresponding cosmetics can look extremely luxurious in a transparent organiser. Looking for something that makes more of a statement? This acrylic rotating organiser works in a very similar way to a lazy Susan, giving you access to all your beauty essentials from all angles. With an ornate design that looks straight out of a princess’ palace, this opulent organiser is a sure-fire way to inject style into your bedroom.

Having the right (or wrong) lighting can really make or break the mood of your room. Sometimes the ceiling light just doesn’t cut it and you want to create a cosy, comfy space with some ambience - it’s time to get some fairy lights! 

Fairy lights, also known as string lights, are small LED lights that can be strung up around your room or draped stylishly over your chest of drawers. They’re a great option for bedrooms as they create a comforting, warm glow in your room and use very little electricity. You can pick them up with a battery pack if you don’t have access to a power source or with a mains-powered plug and wire. And, if the top of your furniture is made from a reflective surface (such as glass, mirror or even high gloss), string lights can look particularly impressive, indulgent and oh-so opulent. Fabulously flexible and perfectly pocket-friendly, fairy lights are the affordable lighting solution you didn’t know you needed! 

Another wonderfully soothing lighting option for your chest of drawers is a salt lamp. Salt lamps are small lights made from pieces of Himalayan pink salt. They emit a comforting, warm, orange or pink glow and are thought to have lots of benefits, such as helping you sleep better and even boosting your mood. Placing a salt lamp on your bureau is a wonderful way to improve the lighting of your bedroom, making a cosy and atmospheric addition to your space.

Bringing a touch of nature into your home is one of the best ways of elevating your décor. Not only do they provide a delightful decorative aspect, but they can also help you feel more relaxed and less stressed. Artificial plants are wonderfully easy to include in your home as they require absolutely zero care (other than the occasional dust with a cloth). Plus, they’ve come a very long way in recent years, dropping that undesirable synthetic aesthetic in favour of a more realistic look. In fact, you can pick up some artificial plants that look as close to the real thing as it gets - no one will be any the wiser! 

Alternatively, if you still prefer the real deal, plants like succulents make a lovely, low-maintenance addition to your home. Just like the artificial alternative, these plants make beautiful additions to your chest of drawers. What’s more, they can also offer plenty of health benefits, such as improved sleep and cleaner air depending on the type of plant you get!

Top tip: If you’re looking for some real plants for your home, make sure they’re safe for any pets to be around!

Using a coordinated colour theme and making use of layers is a great way to make your chest of drawers look presentable. One of the most popular decorative methods in interior design is the rule of three, which suggests that items arranged in odd numbers are more aesthetically pleasing, effective and memorable. Add in a tiered design, where items stand at different heights, and you’ve got yourself a truly show-stopping display. 

Choose a colour theme that you love or opt for one that you can change with the seasons. Gather items such as vases, plant pots, storage tubs, and other decorative accessories that match with this colour scheme for a really well-curated look. 

If you’re not into the idea of having everything matching and prefer a most eclectic look, a mismatched style might be for you. This style works best when you pick out one feature and run with it. By way of illustrating, if you generally opt for artificial plants in your décor, incorporate some vibrant artificial flowers for an ethereal nature theme. Or, if opulence is what you’re looking for, pair your salt lamp with ornaments in jewel tones for that high-end look. Approaching it this way will ensure a cohesive look while still allowing you the freedom to play with the styling.

Items of different heights are a good way to make the most of your space while still looking good - the dream! By using storage jars and pots of alternating heights, you will be able to see everything you need all in one place. Grab a matching set of jars, such as this 5pc Joseph Joseph Jars Set - perfect for keeping your pens, brushes, cotton pads and other trinkets neat and organised.

Once you’ve organised your belongings, stashed away your essentials, and arranged your plants, it’s time to tackle those final finishing touches to add a splash of personality to your space. Grab your photo frames, personal treasures, and cherished memories, and arrange them to add a bit more ‘you’ back into the setup. Play with your arrangement until you create the display you desire and you’re done! Switch on the fairy lights and bask in the zen of your new and improved chest of drawers.

Of course, if your existing furniture is in dire need of an upgrade, there’s only so much you can do to keep it looking its best. If you’re on the hunt for a new chest of drawers to spruce up your space, check out our selection of chest of drawers guides to spark your interior inspiration. From a handy how-to guide for first-time homeowners looking to buy new bedroom furniture to a line up of our favourite wooden wonders, you’ll find all the information you need to make the best choice for your style and space among these carefully curated guides. 

Inspired to do some more redecorating? Take a peek at our simple tips to revamp your room for less. From affordable additions to pizzazz-injecting projects, we’ve got a whole host of ideas to help you transform your bedroom into the beautiful boudoir of your dreams. So, what are you waiting for? Your dream home is just a few clicks away…