The Most Versatile Antique

If you want to invest in an antique that’s versatile and can move from room to room, then the chest of drawers is calling your name. More casually called a dresser, this piece of furniture can make a statement in the bedroom or walk in closet (classic), a kitchen (daring), a bathroom (elegant), or in the dining room (unexpected). 

Bedroom

Add old world charm to the bedroom, by bringing in an antique dresser. We prefer this option over a vintage bed frame or headboard because retrofitting either can be complicated; plus we’re big fans of modern day mattresses!  If you plan on using the dresser to store everyday items, look for drawers that are in working order and handles that can take the daily use.  Dovetail joints are a good sign that you’ve picked one with brawn and beauty.

Walk In Closet

Here are two words you’ll rarely find spoken together: walk-in-closets and historic home. We give thanks to ALL the modern day storage, but when you gravitate towards the warmth of old-world-charm, the walk in closet can feel boxy and cold. Add an antique chest of drawers instead of another row of built-ins. Opt for a design that feels flirty and curvy if you want a softer, feminine feel to the square lines of a closet. Line antique drawers with acrylic dividers to safely tuck away precious accessories.

Dining Room

Thanks to Mad Men, the cocktail cart has been resurrected, but the thought of wheeling tiers of glass and spirits from room to room peaks my anxiety. I like my bar set-up to be stationary and easy on the eyes.

Enter the ‘bar dresser” which is hand down, my favorite design trend to pop up recently. Aged worn wood makes glass decanters shine brighter. It’s that contrast and texture design rule. Add cut marble or a handled tray to protect the wood and style with your favorite stemware. Add a lamp (or sconce above) for late night, speak-easy vibes. Apartment Therapy reported on this trend, too. 

Kitchen

Shake up design expectations by repurposing an antique dresser as a kitchen island. Look for a real showstopper; maybe a burled wood piece with beautiful handles and exaggerated lines that will contrast, but complement, your cabinets. 

Look for one that’s the appropriate height to prep on or hire a craftsman to add height. You don’t want to injure your back by bending over while chopping. I would recommend adding a loose piece of marble or a zinc top and storing items that you don’t use everyday in the drawers. It takes a brave soul to pull this one off, but when it’s done right, it’s ALL your guests will talk about at the next dinner party.

Bathroom

Sigh...A few years ago, EVERYONE was adding a sink to a 1970’s faux-french vanity, coating it in a few layers of poly and calling it a day. Similar to the ball jar trend, our collective design aesthetic has moved on.

But let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater. By using a TRULY one-of-a-kind unique dresser, you can still make a beautiful, classy design statement. I think the key here is to use a high quality antique (European or American Pine) with lines that are unusual; on either end of the spectrum (either minimalist or maximalist). Then keep the sink shape and faucet design clean and simple. 

You can also add a chest of drawers to the bathroom as a functional furniture piece for storage. Style the top as you would a vanity and store extra linens and towels in the drawers. 

Foyer

Emily Post emphasizes that all guests to your home should be greeted with warmth and enthusiasm. An entry should be designed well, giving those that enter a small preview of the style and showmanship hospitality they will find once inside.

But modern times call for modern solutions; a place to throw your keys, stash the dog leashes, or place a package you don’t want to forget to mail are 2022 must haves. Using an antique dresser in an entry space gives you an area to simultaneously show off a stylized vignette AND provide a centralized location so you never lose your keys again.