I know you are just dying to see my styled nightstands with my new lamps, but I ordered a few new things for them that have not arrived yet :( Soon…I promise.
Meanwhile, I am going to share my formula for styling highboy dressers or tall chests of drawers (you can see how I styled a long dresser here). These are an often overlooked surface, but they shouldn’t be ignored.
I think the height throws people off. Well, in my opinion, there are no rules when it comes to styling the top of a tall dresser, except odd numbers are still your friend. Everything you have heard about the proper height for hanging art goes out the window. Instead, just focus on what works for that space and makes your dresser top a pretty vignette.
My tall dresser styling formula is:
lamp + artwork + shapely or interesting decor
Simple, right?!
Let’s look at two examples in my home.
In my Master Bedroom, we created this flowing gallery wall starting above the TV and extending over the dresser. The intent was to help the TV blend in. Some of the pieces in the gallery are leaning on the dresser. That creates a connection with the dresser.
I layered a small lamp in front. Off to one side I placed our pair of mid-century geese figurines (interesting decor). They are just a quirky little touch to finish it off. The rest of the surface is blank. This is my husband’s dresser and he prefers a more minimal look. Plus, he often sets his wallet and watch on top of the dresser.
In my studio, I have a tall chest of drawers for fabric storage. Knowing what worked in my bedroom for the dresser top, I added a curvy lamp and with a mix of functional and shapely decor. The jars hold my favorite paint samples and brass stencils. For a little personal touch, I added the T&L (for Teal & Lime) brass stencils on the plate stand. On the other side of the dresser, I added a cute round fan.
On the wall above the dresser, I am starting a small gallery wall. It started with a clearance find at Lowe’s (shown in the lower left). Then, I found this Midwest print. And, I just ordered this gorgeous print to round out the trio I plan to hang above the dresser. I rarely find art that speaks to me, so when I do I pounce! Here is my mockup of the gallery:
Here is a quick visual recap of my tall dresser styling formula:
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I think that’s what is missing on the tall dresser in my bedroom. The tall lamp. I have one on the piano that does not really go as well as I slowly have changed out decor in there. I’m going to see if I can move it in here! I have stuck a square object where the lamp should be and never liked it. Now I know why! Thank you for the tip!
Gwen, I say definitely give it a try. Even if you don’t use the lamp, it will add great shape and scale on top of the dresser.