A beautifully painted dresser deserves to be styled beautifully. The way you style the top of a dresser — what you place on it, how you arrange it, what you hang above it — can make the difference between a piece that looks finished and one that looks like it's still waiting for something.
Here's how we approach styling a painted dresser, with ideas for every colour and style.
The Principles of Dresser Styling
Before we get into specifics, a few principles that apply regardless of the colour or style of your dresser:
- Odd numbers work better than even. Three objects look more interesting than two or four. Group in threes where possible.
- Vary the height. A mix of tall and short objects creates visual interest. A row of objects all the same height looks flat.
- Leave breathing room. Don't cover every inch of the dresser top. White space is part of the styling.
- Repeat materials or colours. Repeating a material (timber, brass, ceramic) or a colour across multiple objects creates cohesion.
- One statement piece. Every dresser top benefits from one larger statement piece — a mirror, a large vase, a piece of art — that anchors the arrangement.
Styling by Dresser Colour
Arctic White or Parchment Dresser
White and cream dressers are the most versatile — they suit almost any styling approach. Our favourite styling for a white or cream dresser:
- A round timber or rattan mirror above the dresser
- A small bunch of dried pampas grass or native Australian flowers in a ceramic or rattan vase
- A timber tray to corral smaller items (perfume, jewellery)
- A small ceramic or stone object for texture
- A candle in a brass or ceramic holder
The key with white dressers is warmth — add natural materials (timber, rattan, ceramic, linen) to prevent the styling from feeling cold.
Navy or Charcoal Dresser
Dark dressers suit styling that contrasts with the dark colour — light, warm objects that pop against the dark background.
- A large round mirror with a brass or timber frame
- White or cream ceramic vases with dried or fresh flowers
- Brass candlesticks or a brass tray
- A stack of books with light-coloured spines
- A small plant in a white or terracotta pot
Sage or Gumleaf Dresser
Green dressers suit organic, nature-connected styling — natural materials, earthy tones, botanical elements.
- A timber or rattan mirror
- A ceramic vase with dried botanicals or native Australian flowers
- A small potted plant or succulent
- Timber or stone objects
- Linen or cotton fabric elements (a small folded throw, a linen pouch)
French Provincial (Parchment or Crème Brulée) Dresser
French provincial dressers suit romantic, layered styling with antique and vintage elements.
- An ornate gilt or antique brass mirror
- A small vase of fresh flowers — roses, peonies, ranunculus
- Antique brass or ceramic perfume bottles
- A small framed print or artwork
- A decorative tray with antique brass or ceramic objects
What to Hang Above a Painted Dresser
What you hang above the dresser is as important as what you place on it. Options:
- A mirror — the most practical and most popular choice. A round mirror above a dresser is a classic combination. Size matters — the mirror should be roughly two-thirds the width of the dresser.
- A piece of art — a large print or painting above a dresser creates a gallery-like effect. Choose art that complements the colour of the dresser.
- A gallery wall — a curated collection of smaller prints and objects above the dresser. Works particularly well above a white or cream dresser.
- Nothing — sometimes the dresser itself is enough. A beautifully painted dresser with great hardware doesn't always need something above it.
Hardware as Part of the Styling
The hardware on your dresser is part of the styling — it should be considered alongside the objects on top and the mirror or art above. Brass hardware on a navy dresser, for example, sets a warm, Hamptons tone that should be reflected in the styling choices. Rattan handles on a sage dresser set a coastal, organic tone.
If you're not happy with how your dresser is styling up, sometimes the issue is the hardware rather than the objects on top. Our hardware guide covers how to choose the right hardware for your piece.
For colour inspiration: Best Paint Colours for Australian Homes 2026
Shop Artisan Chalk Finish Paint and cabinet hardware at Sweet Pea Interiors.
