Start with the space you have
Before you fall in love with a finish or a silhouette, measure your room like a designer. Map the wall where the dresser will live, then confirm clearances for drawers to open without bumping into doors, nightstands, or a bed bench. As a rule of thumb, leave at least 30–36 inches of walkway in front so the piece feels intentional rather than crowded. If you’re replacing a smaller chest with a longer double dresser, tape the new footprint on the floor first to preview scale from every angle.
Pick materials and finishes that match your vision
A contemporary bedroom reads calm and cohesive when materials repeat thoughtfully. Walnut veneers bring warmth and depth, while white or beige high gloss surfaces bounce light for a crisp, gallery‑clean look. Matte lacquer feels soft and architectural; metal pulls or slim legs add a modern note without visual weight. If you love a refined European look, browse our curated selection of modern dressers and chests to compare tones and sheens side by side.
Choose the right storage layout
Think function first. A double dresser with six to nine wide drawers is ideal for couples or larger wardrobes, keeping daily essentials at an easy height. Tall chests save floor space and are perfect when you want vertical storage that won’t dominate a wall of windows. Soft‑closing glides keep motion quiet and preserve the finish around the drawer fronts—a detail you’ll appreciate every day. Many of our designs include felt‑lined top drawers for jewelry and watches, plus full‑extension hardware so nothing gets lost in the back.
Mind your proportions and height
Most dressers range from 30 to 36 inches tall; pair that with a mirror whose bottom edge sits a few inches above the top, or choose a wall‑mounted mirror for a lighter, floating effect. If your bed has a tall headboard or the room features high ceilings, a slightly longer, lower dresser can visually balance the composition. In cozier rooms, a narrower case keeps the footprint elegant without sacrificing presence.
Details that set a modern piece apart
Contemporary doesn’t mean plain. Look for thoughtful millwork—fluted drawer fronts, shadow‑gap reveals, waterfall edges, or integrated finger pulls—that adds texture while keeping lines clean. Elevated bases and metal toe‑kicks create a subtle floating effect and make vacuuming easier. If ambient lighting matters to you, consider LED‑accented mirrors or under‑glow bases to add a soft halo at night.
Coordinate with your bedroom set
For a polished, designer result, align your dresser with the finishes and language of your bed and nightstands. Our collections make this easy: many bedroom sets include matching dressers and mirrors so you can build a cohesive suite without guesswork. For example, explore the crisp, high‑gloss look of pieces like the Granada Dresser in White Gloss or the warm modernity of walnut‑finished designs. Whichever route you choose, keep hardware, leg style, and sheen consistent to maintain that calm, contemporary flow.
Plan delivery and placement
Big pieces are simplest when the logistics are handled. United Furniture Group includes free in‑home delivery and setup on most orders, so your dresser arrives protected and ready to use. Clear a path, protect flooring, and confirm the dresser’s final wall before delivery day to make the process seamless.
Ready to find yours?
Browse our hand‑picked dresser collection to compare sizes, finishes, and storage layouts. Each piece is selected for clean, timeless design and durable construction—so your bedroom feels elevated now and for years to come.
