Interior design today includes such a variety of styles that each of us can turn our home into the most harmonious space for ourselves. Increasingly, people are striving to use attractive stylistic solutions that have only recently come into fashion.
However, the trend invariably remains the same direction every time, flowing into the “TOP” of design solutions from year to year, occupying a place either higher or lower. We are, of course, talking about a classic style that will never become outdated. So, we will always prefer elegance in clothing, and it is desirable that it also reign within the walls of our home.
Of course, such an atmosphere can only be created if furniture that matches it in appearance is selected. For example, a chest of drawers in a classic style could immediately set the desired tone for the entire room. Let's talk about what classic chests of drawers are and how to make one yourself.
Chest of drawers in a classic style
Classic style: features and nuances of implementation
This trend in interior design has existed, perhaps, since the very moment man became a civilized being. The classic style will look great in rooms characterized by the following parameters:
- spacious area;
- high ceilings;
- large windows.
However, if you wish, you can implement this style in a small apartment, with medium-height ceilings and traditional plastic windows. This is also an obvious advantage of the classic style.
The classic style has its own characteristics that need to be taken into account when arranging rooms and selecting chests of drawers
However, this versatility of use does not at all indicate that it will be easy to recreate the comfort of a classic within the walls of a family home or a newly purchased apartment. It is extremely important to choose the right:
- color scheme for walls, flooring, furnishings;
- decorative finishing elements;
- suitable furniture that will not only be beautiful, but also comfortable, which this style also implies.
Only if the three above conditions are met will you be able to enjoy the atmosphere of a stylish home created by yourself after the renovation is completed.
Agree, hardly any modern style can be as chic as the classics
From our point of view, the greatest pleasure when decorating a house in a classic style comes from the selection of classic color combinations, furniture shapes and bright furnishings. So, let's look at the basic rules that apply in this case to the trend in interior design that interests us.
Selection of shades for walls
The walls of a room decorated as a classic must have a light shade. Yes, they fit perfectly:
- light beige;
- Ivory;
- coffee with milk;
- pale yellow;
- sand;
- yellow-crayola;
- pale pink;
- peach;
- dusty blue;
- periwinkle criola, etc.
Classic chest of drawers in the nursery
Bright accent on window openings and decorative elements
In the classic style, individual color accents are placed in the areas of the window openings. So, depending on the basic color scheme of the room, the openings can be:
- olive;
- sandy;
- red brick;
- peach;
- purple, etc.
Decorative elements must be present, preferably painted in gold, or contrasting with the main shade of the walls.
Classic means the presence of many decorative elements
Colors, materials and features of furniture
Only wooden furniture is acceptable for a classic interior. It is customary to purchase cabinets, sofas, chests of drawers and other furniture from expensive types of wood, and, while preserving the natural texture of the wood, complement the overall atmosphere in the house. Unfortunately, the classic style really requires us to purchase and install high-quality wooden furniture. However, it is possible to find less expensive options made from laminated chipboard, however, they will stand out against the backdrop of expensive classic furnishings.
As for the shape of the furniture, the style we are considering categorically does not accept non-traditional geometry. So, for example, chests of drawers should have their traditional shape, slightly elongated, rectangular. The lines of their body should be smooth.
The shade of this solid piece of furniture should match the colors of the overall furnishings, complementing them
Speaking about classic chests of drawers more specifically, we can say that, both externally and functionally, they combine the functions of several objects at once:
- a chest for storing various types of household utensils, for example, bed linen, dishes, towels, etc.;
- a modern closet that has many pull-out drawers, inside which we have adapted to store the necessary documents, various accessories, clothes, underwear, etc.
If we talk about creating a classic style in a room, then we must mention that sometimes it is the chest of drawers that becomes, although not explicitly, the key figure in the furnishings of a particular room, ideally complementing the intended picture.
It is the multiple role of such a chest of drawers that makes it so popular, since a functional and beautiful cabinet will be useful in any apartment
The history of the origins of the classical style
This historical style arose in the 17th century and is based on architectural images of antiquity. The name of the style translates as ideal, exemplary. For several centuries it has been one of the most popular architectural design options.
The classic style of France had a rather impressive appearance. Exquisite decor in the form of crystal and gilding. The English version is more restrained; its distinctive highlight was the sophisticated painting on the ceilings.
The classical style came to Russia in the 18th century. The distinctive features of Russian classics are: symmetry and clarity, and their harmonious combination with elegant luxury. The premises do not look too strict, but at the same time they do not exude luxury.
Varieties of classic chests of drawers
The high decorative qualities, as well as the functionality of classic chests of drawers, have made them a very popular piece of furniture. You will be surprised, but sometimes people who do not know what the decor will look like in a classic style, in the store unerringly make a choice in favor of such a chest of drawers, already adjusting everything else to it.
The thing is that you can put a classic chest of drawers in almost any room:
- to the living room;
- bedroom;
- cabinet;
- nursery;
- even in the bathroom, if it is large enough for this.
Each classic chest of drawers has a certain functionality inherent in it initially, and is reflected in the features of its design
If we roughly group chests of drawers according to their design features into main groups, we can divide them into two categories.
Category 1. Tall chests of drawers with a narrow body. The name of such chests of drawers is linen. They usually store non-bulky items with small dimensions, for example:
- documentation;
- jewelry boxes;
- office;
- perfume;
- neckerchiefs;
- tablecloths;
- underwear;
- tights, etc.
Classic linen chest of drawers
These chests of drawers are particularly elegant, however, their spaciousness leaves much to be desired.
Category 2. The category is represented by classic chests of drawers, low but wide. They can have two, four, etc. drawers, and are great for storing bulky items inside cavities:
- books;
- linen;
- clothes;
- dishes;
- even shoes.
On top of such chests of drawers, since their area is really large, you can also place books or toiletries with a lamp.
Depending on where the chest of drawers is installed, the principles of its design also change.
However, the structural features of chests of drawers can also be determined by their original purpose. Yes, in the classical style it is customary to divide chests of drawers according to their belonging to a particular room. In the table below we will look at what we are talking about.
Table 1. Types of classic chests of drawers according to their purpose. (by room)
| Accommodation room | Description of design |
Bedroom chest of drawers | Dressers placed in bedrooms, as a rule, serve as a place for owners to place clothes, linen, and bedding. That is why their design is characterized by:
|
For the office | A chest of drawers, which is installed in the owner’s or hostess’s office, may include drawers of various heights that can be easily pulled out. So, the top one should be the lowest, and the boxes going below become higher and higher. In the first compartment, documents and office supplies are stored, and in the wider compartments various work devices, accessories and even storage facilities, similar to safes, are placed. |
For the living room | Chests of drawers installed in the living room, which most Russians refer to as a “hall,” are the most expensive models. Quite often, during their manufacture, the emphasis is placed precisely on external characteristics, and not on functionality, since in this case the piece of furniture will be more of a decoration, an interior detail. Characteristic features of chests of drawers intended for installation in the living room are:
|
For the dining room | Chests of drawers installed in the dining room, in terms of external parameters, are more similar to cabinets that have a small height. In some cases, they are equipped not only with drawers, but also with doors, while the shelves are all closed. Kitchen utensils and long-lasting food products can be kept inside. |
For bathroom | Dressers in the bathroom are always closed, however, they can also be equipped with doors, often glass, so that neatly folded towels, bathrobes and other utensils can be seen through them. Such chests of drawers are often installed under the sink; their front facade extends. |
In addition, the chest of drawers may differ in one more parameter - mobility.
Table 2. Types of chests of drawers, differing in mobility
| Variety | Description |
Mobile | The mobile chest of drawers is made on wheels. In other words, it has easily movable supports, and even a child can move such furniture from place to place. However, even wheels sometimes have difficulty traversing floor coverings such as:
|
Stationary | This type of model is made on legs, low or high, thin or thick. This does not matter, but the important thing is that it is almost impossible to simply move it, especially when things will be placed inside the drawers. In order to move such a chest of drawers, especially if it is wooden, you will need the effort of not one or two people, but at least three or four participants. |
Another parameter by which you can determine several varieties of a classic chest of drawers is the features associated with its installation in the room. Let's consider what types of classic chests of drawers can be distinguished according to this characteristic.
Table 3. Types of chests of drawers by type of placement in the room
| Placement method | Description |
Hanging chests of drawers | Hanging chests of drawers are not found in the classic style very often, but they do occur. Their peculiarity is that they are not placed with their legs on the ground, as is usually customary, but are attached to the back panel directly on the wall. Such models are especially relevant for rooms where there is not much space. So, for example, you can successfully place such a chest of drawers in the hallway of a small private house, and put a low shoe rack under it. |
Floor chests of drawers | Floor-standing chests of drawers are installed directly on the floor, in contact with the floor surface with supports of various types and shapes. Such models are usually large in size and made entirely of pure wood. Floor-standing chests of drawers are excellent for rooms from which they will potentially no longer be moved, that is, for:
|
Chest of drawers in the living room interior
The legs, as the support of the chest of drawers, are also an important element, although more stylistic. Nowadays, modern chests of drawers may not have legs, but may simply sit on higher or lower pedestals, depending on the shape of the other furniture in the room. So, when you don't know which chest of drawers to choose for your living room or other room, the best thing to do is to compare it with other furniture that is there. But if you decide to choose a chest of drawers with legs, then match their shape and appearance to the style that reigns in the room.
Chest of drawers with four legs
A chest of drawers with simple, modern shapes will benefit from simple, straight legs made from natural wood, chrome or brushed steel or glass. With a glamorous style, we can be tempted to legs with spherical decorations, with shiny accessories, slightly curved, stylized in the Baroque style.
When choosing a vintage style, surprise everyone with original and beautiful elements from another era. And if, however, the natural style is most close to us, straight, square, “raw” wooden legs will perfectly complement the decor of the chest of drawers.
A pen can't be boring
Handles are not only practical, but in many ways, like legs, are a decorative element of every chest of drawers. The choice of handles is almost a matter of taste, the style of the chest of drawers and the interior you have chosen for your living room. There is a very wide range of pens on the market. We can choose from point handles, long handles, stylized handles, wooden handles or plastic handles.
We can also use handles decorated with crystals, colored or simply glass elements. Make sure that the handle we actually choose is one that attracts attention, enhances the charm of the dresser, or adds character to it.
What if we are fans of smooth, undisturbed surfaces? How then can you deal with a chest of drawers in which, for example, the glass fronts are themselves a decoration? Then choose an opening method for drawers and doors.
Materials for making classic chests of drawers
Chests of chests of drawers suitable for installation in a room with classic furnishings are especially pleasing to the eye with their solidity, which is only achievable if the chest of drawers is made of materials originally intended for this style.
Classic style chests of drawers can be made from a variety of materials, but initially they were made only from wood
Of course, in the case of classic furnishings, we are talking about solid wood, however, those who passionately want to furnish an elegant environment at home, but do not have enough money, also sometimes manage to find furniture made from cheaper materials, but which look simply amazing. Later in the article we will look at what materials we are talking about.
Tree of various species
So, to create a chest of drawers in a classic style, wood of such species as:
- pine is a strong and relatively inexpensive material;
- oak is the most suitable wood for this style;
- maple, from which chests of drawers last for ages;
- beech, which can withstand various temperature changes in the room with a bang;
- mahogany, which is a sign of the owner’s wealth, etc.
A wooden chest of drawers is a real decoration of the room
All of the materials listed are expensive. What we noted about pine only implies that it costs a little less than other types of wood, but sometimes it can also be difficult to buy.
However, it is wooden chests of drawers that are a true classic. Their advantages include:
- durability;
- resistance to external influences;
- slow wear, etc.
So, with proper care corresponding to the type of tree you have chosen, or rather the furniture made from it, such a chest of drawers can serve you without loss of functionality and original beauty for two decades or even more.
But how to make a chest of drawers out of wood with your own hands, without experience and special skills? This will be discussed in more detail in a special article.
MDF
A much cheaper material than wood, however, it is considered quite solid. Budget classic chests of drawers are made from it, which can be installed in a bedroom, nursery, or guest room. In general, where fewer people look.
The advantages of MDF are:
- its affordable price;
- variety of material assortment;
- visually pleasing;
- pliability.
A classic-style chest of drawers made of MDF does not look so beautiful, but not bad
Of course, you won’t make the classic chest of drawers of your dreams from MDF, but without having the opportunity to buy a more expensive piece of furniture right now, you can satisfy your need for aesthetics by adding it to the overall style of your home.
Chipboard
This material is considered very cheap, and it is characterized by very average performance indicators. From it you can only make chests of drawers that will be included in the “economy” category.
However, some furniture makers deliberately use a trick, and when making a chest of drawers from chipboard in a classic style, they use this material only on the body of the cabinet, while the facade, meanwhile, is made of MDF, for example, with glass inserts or other decor.
Chipboard is better suited for the body, and MDF is better for the front part
Additional materials
Additional materials for these chests of drawers can be:
- decorative elements;
- accessories.
So, regardless of the case material, buy reliable fittings, since the chest of drawers is used very actively. Antique-style fittings are often used in classic style.
As for special inserts, in this case we can talk about:
- glass;
- stucco;
- gilding;
- carved overlays, etc.
Classic does not imply an excess of decor, so you can do without it
How to choose for different rooms?
Classic style implies sophistication and luxury - this is what you should proceed from when choosing a chest of drawers.
Cabinet
The chest of drawers must be used for its intended purpose. Offices, as a rule, exist in the home of high-ranking officials, therefore, the model should emphasize the person’s status. A classic chest of drawers for a business person should be equipped with drawers that differ in height. For example, the top one has the smallest height so that it is convenient to store documentation, while the wide ones store expensive accessories. As for color, dark types of wood are suitable.
Living room
For the living room, as a rule, they choose a model that primarily performs a decorative function. A chest of drawers made of natural wood is best suited. Wood allows the use of a variety of finishes: varnishing, aging, carving and more. Very successful furniture for the living room is a display chest in which you can display elegant dishes and unique figurines. In addition, such chests of drawers visually make the room more spacious, reflecting light and space. A very stylish model is a chest of drawers with a bar; you can keep wine, glasses, and wine glasses in it. The same model is also suitable for the dining room.
Bedroom
A chest of drawers for a bedroom can be made of any type of wood, but there is an important nuance - it must have deep drawers for storing things. For the bedroom, you should choose a chest of drawers that matches the interior. Excessively dark wall decoration requires a lighter shade of furniture; if the bedroom faces south and is often flooded with sun, you can choose a chest of drawers made of dark wood. The main purpose of the bedroom is to relax; people usually relax in it, so the chest of drawers should not irritate with its contrast.
Bathroom
You can often see a chest of drawers in bathroom interiors. It can be combined with a sink or without it. As a rule, it is equipped with a large number of drawers in which it is convenient to store towels, underwear, and cosmetics. It may seem that a classic wooden model is out of place in the bathroom, but this is not so. In order for wood to serve for a long time, it must be periodically treated with special substances. The most reliable, but expensive way is polymer film. A wooden chest of drawers looks harmonious in a spacious bathroom.
Choosing a color scheme for a classic chest of drawers
A classic chest of drawers should be distinguished not only by the correct geometry, but also by the correct coloring, wherever it is installed. Of course, no matter how traditional the classical style remains, some deviations from strictly following the original postulates have become acceptable.
However, it is normal for each specific room to choose your own color options for the chest of drawers. Let's look further at what we're talking about.
Chests of drawers for the living room
Chests of drawers painted in noble wood colors are usually installed in the living room. If they are made of wood, then there is no need to paint anything; just select a beautiful impregnation for a specific type of material and varnish the product over the entire surface. So:
- for delicate classics, light aspen is suitable;
- for a bright interior the density and richness of beech;
- For a contrasting environment, a juicy hornbeam will come in handy;
- For stylish fawn, calm classics, oak is the best choice.
Very beautiful oak chest of drawers for the living room
If your budget allows, you can even install a mahogany chest of drawers in the living room, which to this day is considered an indicator of a full wallet and good taste of the owners of the house.
Dressers for the bedroom
The shades of chests of drawers installed in the bedroom, as a rule, should be made of light wood in order to visually expand the space, calm the person’s mind before bed, and somehow dispel the thick darkness of the night.
It is better not to place bright or dark wood in the bedroom, as the brain will unconsciously react to it and become excited, which will ultimately prevent the residents of the house from quickly going to bed and getting enough sleep, and this will already entail problems with wakefulness.
Light-colored chests of drawers look better in the bedroom
For children's room
It is also better to choose chests of drawers for a children's room in light shades, in order to calm the mind of your baby, his better concentration on activities, relaxation and games. As practice shows, children do not really like dark colors, and too bright ones will irritate them. A light shade will fit perfectly into a classic setting, and will add air and light to the room.
Classics are also good for children
Materials
To make a chest of drawers in a classic style, noble types of wood are most often used, but materials such as MDF and laminated chipboard are also popular. Let's look at them in more detail.
Tree
Typically, a wooden chest of drawers is made from alder, maple, oak and other varieties. These materials are expensive. The numerous advantages of these types of wood in creating chests of drawers have made them popular in the market. The most important advantages include: long service life, reliability, and environmental friendliness. Dressers made of mahogany, pine or beech look very attractive, in addition, they are durable.
laminated chipboard
In practice, 80% of furniture is made from chipboard. Economy class options solve everyday problems in people's homes. The first advantage is its low cost compared to expensive wood options; in addition, the product is highly durable and does not require special care. There are no luxurious elements in furniture products made from laminated chipboard, but its functional qualities are quite good. Sometimes laminated chipboard is combined with other materials - in this case, the furniture design is improved.
MDF
MDF is one of the most popular materials; quite attractive furniture is made from it. The material is highly environmentally friendly, since it is made from a wood-fiber base using sanding methods. This material is characterized by a wide selection of colors and textures and a long service life. An MDF chest of drawers is easy to care for - just wipe the product with a slightly damp cloth using a furniture care product.
How to make a chest of drawers for a bathroom in a classic style
So, we are interested in a chest of drawers for the bathroom. Since it is too difficult to assemble it yourself, we will use a ready-made Soviet-style chest of drawers, left over from your grandparents.
Step No. 1 – collect the necessary materials
So, let’s collect the necessary materials and tools that we may need in the process of making a stylish classic chest of drawers for the bathroom.
Use an unnecessary Soviet-style chest of drawers for work
- A wooden chest of drawers of the Soviet type, standing idle or inherited from elderly relatives.
- Overhead type sink.
- Sink mixer.
- A mirror preferably has a wooden frame.
- Any wood paint that you like and matches the decor of the room.
- Wax for wood.
- Dresser handles.
- Sander.
- Brushes.
- Wire mesh.
- Primer and putty for wood.
- Tap water.
- Decorative overlays.
Additional materials
Step No. 2 – clean the chest of drawers from old paint and varnish
Using a sanding machine and sanding pads on it, as well as a scraper, remove the old layers from the chest of drawers:
- paints;
- varnish
This is necessary in order to decorate the item again.
The same thing will need to be done with a wooden mirror, only you will most likely have to work not with a grinding machine, but simply with your hands, which will take more time.
Remove old paint, varnish or other coating from the surface of the chest of drawers before applying a new one.
Step No. 3 – cut out holes for the sink and faucet
The sink will be placed on top of the dresser. Take it and apply it to the surface of the product, make marks. Now you will need:
- cut a hole for the sink;
- Make a hole in the shelves for the mixer and siphon.
Think in advance about how you will connect the sink to the communications, and do all the work based on this.
What the hole for the countertop sink will be will be determined by its shape and dimensions.
At the same stage, tear off the old dresser handles and throw them away, we will no longer need them.
Step No. 4 – paint the chest of drawers, mirror and its parts
Carefully inspect the chest of drawers and mirror for unevenness and holes. All chips, holes and other damage must be covered with putty, allowed to dry, and then the surfaces of the products must be wiped down again.
Afterwards the primer is applied. After it has completely dried, stir the paint and begin applying this layer, applying it several times as the previous one dries.
You are free to choose the shade for the chest of drawers yourself, but remember, it must be classic
Please note: Before painting the dresser legs, apply the decorative trims we have prepared to give them an obvious classic style.
Step No. 5 – installation of the plumbing system and installation of the chest of drawers
Install the sink and faucet, carefully sealing all the cracks with sealant, and then bring the chest of drawers and the pipes in it to the water supply and connect. Fix the chest of drawers against the wall, since now it will always be there, otherwise the sink will stop working.
Don't forget to install new handles and add decorative trims
A mirror is installed behind the sink. It is better to screw it to the wall, but you can also screw it to the chest of drawers if there is enough space behind the sink for this.
Now you can screw the handles to the chest of drawers and enjoy the work done.
Bathroom chest of drawers with built-in sink
Let's sum it up
A chest of drawers in a classic style is a real functional find that will not only please your eye, but will also ideally complement the overall decor of your home. Classic is a timeless trend in interior design, which is why it is a win-win. This means that having bought or made a chest of drawers in the style in question, you will be happy to use it for many years. Think about it, it’s so easy to do. Almost all of us have wooden Soviet chests of drawers sitting idle, which can be decorated very beautifully if you try hard enough, without investing almost any money in the work.
