Why don't use runners there is plenty of designs and colors so pick what goes with your decor

Yes, I use them -- but the old fashioned ones for I live in an antique house -- but any of the table runners would probably look nice and you can probably get some to coordinate or match your bedding.

I think the colors and pattern are what would determine if the dresser scarf is modern or contemporary.

Dresser scarves are currently not en vogue. That being said, I still love and use them and I'm 36 lol. I'm a "use what you love" type of person.

If you want to update your dresser top to a more current design trend, add in colourful glass or ceramic in a lamp or vase. Add colour with books too. That will brighten the area without having to paint :)

Other ideas are to use white or silver to bring some light to that area.

If you search for "dresser top" here on houzz you will find lots of photos, and you can filter it to your specific style!

Can you post a photo of your space?

I made runners for my dressers using fabric left over from when I made my bedroom drapes. My dressers are white, and I wanted to darken them.

I have large beveled edge mirrors on mine.

While there are indeed modern looking runners one could get, I would not want to add a dresser scarf unless I was going to a specific period look.

I would opt for functional decorative items - or just decorative items. A tray to hold items; a beautiful jewelry box; a vase or just something that makes you happy to look at.

I like to use them depending on the room. I use one on a table in the bedroom under a painting. I have two white end tables on either side of the bed. Being white anything liquid put on them would leave a mark. I measured the circumference of the tables went to a glass shop and they made them up glass tops. I have a collection of old menus from ocean liners from the early 1900’s and a few later years. This is before they came to be known as cruise ships. They were beautifully illustrated and I put those under the glass for nightstands. If you have something to display think about a glass top.

Meant to add pics

Love Miss Lindsay's idea instead of a scarf. Think about adding a modern tray in a beautiful color that works with the possible lamp.

No, they're not current as others have said, but so what? If you want to lighten the look of the sides as well as the top of the dresser, fabric is a great idea. You can make something or perhaps use a tablecloth, thin shawl or blanket. Just any fabric you like. Who's going to see and judge it? It's your room, arrange it to your liking. :)

jalarse, that's a lovely idea for anyone who collects printed materials. Be nice to do with those oh-so-pretty birthday cards I always mean to pin up... :) Lovely painting, btw.

My mother-in-law spent WEEKS creating an intricate embroidered dresser scarf for me, not my particular style. But, yes, I use it, and it makes her so happy when she sees it! But there are lovely table runners in so many styles and colors you could perhaps use. We also had a glass table top cut to fit a small table to protect it from busy grandchildren......

I collect Chinese porcelain and so made a grouping of that with one or two other pieces. I don't need a lamp there but that would be another way to add color and interest, for instance a Chinoiserie style. Using what you love should be your guiding principle.

Yes !

They call this fresh -

https://www.houzz.com/products/striped-table-runner-menthe-prvw-vr~97222865

A bit elegant in many colors - antique item on it ?

https://www.houzz.com/products/la-linen-sheer-mirror-organza-table-runner-14x108-coral-prvw-vr~51301533

Others for $10 -- holiday look? turn the lights down and have LED candles on it.

[https://www.houzz.com/products/sequined-table-runner-silver-prvw-vr~16474306[(https://www.houzz.com/products/sequined-table-runner-silver-prvw-vr~16474306)

My hairdresser has a piece of glass cut for the top of her dresser/chest of drawers, so she can change the material/wall paper/gift wrap paper she puts under the glass, to suit her whim. It looks great.