This Bedroom Staple Can Work Wonders in a Dining Room (It’s Perfect for Small Spaces!)

I’m all about thinking creatively when it comes to repurposing furniture throughout a home. Turning a brass bar cart into a chic bedside table? I’ve done that before. Using a trunk as a coffee table? Yup, I’ve embraced that look in a former apartment and loved it. When you stop viewing furniture items as being required to serve one purpose and one purpose only, you’ll be surprised at the clever reuses that might cross your mind.

Along these lines, my latest design fixation is using a dresser in the dining room in lieu of a more traditional buffet or sideboard. There are so many stylish dressers on the market, whether you like to shop vintage or new. So if you’re short on space but still need lots of storage, why not bring a cute chest into your dining room rather than a dated, much bulkier piece? 

Turns out design pros are on my side with this clever repurpose. “I often prefer a dresser or chest to a traditional sideboard in the dining room,” says designer Grace Frederick. “Not only do they come in a range of sizes, which makes them ideal for tricky layouts, but they also open the door to antiques that bring so much soul and character to a space.” 

Frederick also appreciates that unlike some sideboards, which only offer doors, a dresser’s drawers make it easier to sort items by category. “It’s much easier to keep track of linens, place mats, votives, and candles when everything is neatly compartmentalized,” Frederick says. “And if you’re lucky enough to score a chest with deep drawers, it’s a wonderful way to tuck away stacks of plates within arm’s reach, without sacrificing style.” 

When it comes to styling your dining room dresser, you can do so just as you would a standard server. “I like adding a pair of lamps or a tray on top of dressers in dining rooms,” says designer Natalie Hager. “They help anchor the center focal point of a room providing a perfect opportunity to show off a beautiful piece of art.” 

Looking to embrace this trend in your own dining room? First things first, consider shopping your own home before purchasing anything new. Maybe there’s a piece that’s been underutilized in a guest room or basement and is just waiting to be moved into your dining space, where it’ll truly shine. Not finding anything promising? Go the secondhand route! As someone who is constantly refreshing Facebook Marketplace, I’d suggest browsing there to see what kind of dressers come across your local feed. 

Whether you crave a rustic-looking piece or a more contemporary looking, sleek option, you’re sure to encounter plenty of dresser types so that you can source something that nicely suits your aesthetic. (Better yet: no long lead times or hefty white glove delivery fees! What could be better?).