Accent Chests That Add Style and Storage to Any Room
An accent chest is one of the most versatile furniture pieces you can add to your home. It provides valuable storage while bringing personality and visual interest to any space. Whether placed in an entryway, living room, bedroom, or home office, an accent chest combines everyday function with decorative appeal in a way few other furniture pieces can.
At Furniture Fair, you'll find accent chests in a variety of sizes, finishes, and styles to complement every home. From rustic farmhouse and traditional wood designs to sleek contemporary and modern collections, our selection makes it easy to add both storage and style to any room.
From the Furniture Fair Showroom
"Accent chests are one of our favorite pieces to recommend because they solve two problems at once. They provide valuable storage while adding personality to a room, and they're versatile enough to move with you as your home evolves. It's one of those pieces customers often find new uses for over the years."
Brad Auberger, Florence Store Manager
What Is an Accent Chest?
An accent chest is a compact storage piece designed to add both function and visual appeal to a room. Unlike a traditional dresser, which is built primarily for bedroom clothing storage, an accent chest is more decorative, more versatile, and small enough to work in nearly any space throughout the home.
Most accent chests feature multiple drawers or shelves, giving you a practical place to store everyday items while also serving as a display surface for lamps, photos, decor, and more. Whether you need extra storage in a tight space or want a statement piece that brings character to an empty corner, an accent chest is a smart, stylish solution.
Where Can You Use an Accent Chest?
One of the biggest advantages of an accent chest is its versatility. Here are some of the most popular ways to use one:
Entryways
An accent chest in the entryway creates a welcoming first impression while providing storage for keys, mail, gloves, and other everyday essentials. Add a lamp and a mirror above, and you have an instant focal point that sets the tone for your entire home.
Living Rooms
In the living room, an accent chest provides extra storage for blankets, games, remotes, or electronics while doubling as a display surface. It's a great alternative to a traditional coffee table or end table when you want both storage and style.
Dining Rooms
An accent chest in the dining room can store linens, serving pieces, candles, and entertaining essentials. It also provides a convenient surface for displaying serving dishes or seasonal decor during holidays and family gatherings.
Bedrooms
Accent chests work beautifully in bedrooms as a compact alternative to a full-size dresser. They're perfect for storing clothing, linens, or personal items, and their smaller footprint makes them ideal for guest rooms or bedrooms with limited space.
Home Offices
In a home office, an accent chest keeps supplies, files, and paperwork organized while adding a touch of warmth and personality. It's a practical addition that helps keep your workspace tidy without feeling purely functional.
How to Choose the Right Accent Chest
The best accent chest is one that fits both your space and your lifestyle.
Think About Storage
Consider what you plan to store in the chest. If you need deep storage for blankets or bulky items, look for chests with larger drawers. For smaller items like keys, mail, or accessories, a chest with multiple shallow drawers may be more practical.
Choose the Right Size
Measure your space carefully before choosing an accent chest. A chest that's too large can overwhelm a small room, while one that's too small may not provide enough storage or visual impact. Be sure to leave enough room for drawers to open fully and for comfortable movement around the piece.
Coordinate Your Style
Your accent chest doesn't need to match every piece of furniture exactly, but it should complement your existing decor through materials, finishes, and overall design. Whether your home leans farmhouse, traditional, transitional, or contemporary, coordinating finishes helps create a cohesive look.
Add Personality
Because accent chests are decorative by nature, they're a great opportunity to introduce a new finish, texture, or style to a room. A distressed finish can add rustic charm, while a sleek painted piece can bring a pop of color and modern flair to an otherwise neutral space.
Accent Chest vs. Console Table
Many shoppers wonder whether they need an accent chest or a console table. While both can enhance a room, they serve different purposes.
Choose an accent chest if you:
Need closed storage for everyday items, linens, or personal belongings
Want a statement piece that adds personality and visual interest
Prefer a compact storage solution that works in multiple rooms
Like the look of drawer storage combined with a display surface
Choose a console table if you:
Need a narrow surface for display, lighting, or decor without storage
Want a piece that sits behind a sofa or against a wall with minimal depth
Prefer an open, airy look with shelves rather than closed drawers
Many beautifully designed homes include both pieces because they serve complementary functions. An accent chest provides storage and personality, while a console table offers display space and visual balance. Pairing an accent chest with matching end tables and a coffee table creates a coordinated living room collection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accent Chests
An accent chest provides both storage and visual interest. It can be used in entryways, living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, or home offices to store everyday items while adding personality and style to the space.
Yes. Accent chests work beautifully in bedrooms as an alternative to a traditional dresser. They provide compact storage for clothing, linens, or personal items while adding a decorative touch.
While both provide storage, a dresser is typically larger and designed primarily for bedroom clothing storage. An accent chest is more compact, often more decorative, and versatile enough to be used in any room throughout the home.
Common ways to decorate an accent chest include adding a table lamp, framed photos, decorative bowls, books, plants, candles, or seasonal decor. A mirror or artwork hung above the chest can also create a striking focal point.
Yes. Despite their compact size, most accent chests feature multiple drawers or shelves that provide meaningful storage for everyday items, making them a practical addition to any room.
Shop Smarter with Furniture Fair's Good, Better, Best Buying System
Not every accent chest is built the same. Differences in construction, materials, finishes, and craftsmanship all contribute to long-term durability and everyday value.
Furniture Fair's Good, Better, Best buying system helps simplify the shopping process by explaining what changes as you move through different quality levels. Instead of comparing furniture based on price alone, our furniture professionals help you understand the differences in construction, design, and materials so you can confidently choose the right accent chest for your home and budget.
Why Shop Furniture Fair for Accent Chests?
Furniture Fair offers accent chests designed to complement every decorating style, from traditional and farmhouse to modern and contemporary. Whether you're adding storage to an entryway, creating a focal point in a living room, or finding a compact solution for a bedroom, our collection includes quality furniture built to fit your home and your lifestyle.
When you shop with Furniture Fair, you'll enjoy:
A wide selection of accent chests in various sizes, finishes, and styles
Choosing the right accent chest is only the beginning. Furniture Fair's complimentary design services help bring your entire room together. Our experienced design team can assist with room layout, furniture placement, coordinating end tables, TV stands, lighting, rugs, and other finishing touches that create a welcoming space for everyday living and entertaining.
Whether you're furnishing a single room or redesigning your entire home, we're here to help you create a space that reflects your style and works for your lifestyle.
Learn More About Accent Chests
Explore these helpful resources from our Learning Center:
An accent chest is one of those furniture pieces that quietly transforms a space. It provides storage, adds personality, and helps every room feel more complete. Browse our collection online or visit a Furniture Fair showroom to compare styles, finishes, and sizes in person. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect accent chest for your home.
Collectors Edition 125th Anniversary Daffodil ChestMade in USASolid WoodCustom Order
