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teconomou

Styling a dresser

7 years ago

I could use a little help with this styling this bedroom, specifically the dresser. My designer suggested putting the mirror horizontally as shown but honestly I don't like this orientation. What do you think of the idea of switching the mirror to a vertical orientation?


There is plenty of light in the room with two bedside lamps and overhead recessed lighting but I have thought of adding a lamp to the dresser. That could bring some more vertical interest to the dresser. I plan to relocate the blue vase elsewhere in the house but would like to keep the glass tray (with its carafe, candle, and decorative matches). The black cone is a portable speaker (it can be moved). Maybe add a stack of books with a small vase on top? Should I keep the reclaimed wood tray? Thank you for your insights!

The rest of the room

The dresser that is the subject of this design dilemma.

Comments (24)

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Yes, you definitely need a lamp for this dresser. Get rid of the tray and stuff on it and put the lamp there. A dresser is not typically "styled" as it usually holds things we need when getting dressed (a dish for watch/ring), brush & comp, perfume or cologne, lotion.

  • 7 years ago

    Thank you Anglophilia. Would you change the orientation of the mirror?

  • PRO
    7 years ago
    The photos on my screen are distorted bare they wide screen shots? Just post regular size.
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Your lamps look under sized for the nightstands and headboard; I suggest lamps/shade height be tall or a bit taller than headboard. And I like your dresser as it is but would add a small vase with a vibrant colored plant or flowers, and yes, personally, I think silk is fine.

    teconomou thanked Susan Davis
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Your room is pretty and very charming....but if you want to tweak..... Pull the nightstands a couple inches away from the mattress,find taller and a bit larger lamps. Dresser-wise,add a lamp only if you will use it. (maybe repurpose one from nightstand) Consider adding a small living plant to the room somewhere,either on a nightstand or that dresser. A few flowers in a vase,too. If you can move the speaker,do so. I would also pull the dresser a bit away from the corner,just a couple inches. It does not have to cower in the corner like a tongue-tied and uninvited guest.

    teconomou thanked hollybar
  • 7 years ago

    Thank you hollybar for the funny analogy! I will definitely move the dresser a bit.

  • 7 years ago

    Flo here are updated pictures. The original ones look distorted on my laptop

    too.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Did you forget the photos? Your bedding and bench look very nice and "put together". I might hang a sheer behind your headboard to soften the look of the window and wall behind the bed.

  • 7 years ago


    Arg! Trying again!


  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago


    Here is the bed again

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    I think the mirror is fine, if it works for your height so you can see yourself in it. As to the surface, I would remove everything and reconfigure. Grouping items together usually is better than spreading them out. You have a glass top on this dresser (good idea) so you don't need additional trays except for a "look". I would group the vases or perfume bottles together to the left and leave space for the small glass tray for rings and bracelets, etc. that get everyday use. Then leave the rest clear space. you could put a tall lamp on the left side if you wish. It should be at least to the midway point of the mirror. Let me look for some example photos. bbl

  • 7 years ago
    I can’t understand why the photos are distorted. I have uploaded them several ways but they still look distorted. Believe me that the room looks much nicer in real life than these funny pictures convey. Really appreciate everyone’s thoughtful comments. Great ideas! Sadly, I can’t do live plants as it is a second home that we use around once per month.
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    I the mirror round or oval? In some of the photos it looks round in others oval. Based on the comments, I assume it is oval?

  • PRO
    7 years ago
    Here are a few ideas. You could get some green into the room using large green glass container (bottle glass) and 2-3 green faux leafs. That would be instead of lamp. Keep items at different heights too!
  • 7 years ago

    It is oval. Here is screenshot. Hopefully not distorted!


  • PRO
    7 years ago
    Dresser with lamp. Notice scale with mirror. About 2/3 height of mirror.
  • PRO
    7 years ago
    Round mirror. Can you see where lamp is too small in scale in relation to mirror and width of dresser. Also this would work better if lamp was on left side of dresser.
  • PRO
    7 years ago
    Interesting drapery for lighter look.
  • 7 years ago

    Lovely bedroom! I think I'd center the dresser on the wall and try the mirror hung vertically. Especially if you add a lamp to the left side, I think it'll work great vertically.

  • 7 years ago
    Flo, I really see what you mean. Thank you so much!
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Great, post changes and let us see what combo you come up with. Looks nice already so will only be great going forward.

  • 7 years ago

    I ended up buying larger scale grey lamps for the bedside table


  • 7 years ago

    And moved one of the original lamps to the dresser. Still tweaking it a bit.