Does Every Bedroom Need a Dresser? | A Mornington Interior Guide for Practical, Stylish Living
When designing or refreshing a bedroom in Mornington, Australia—a bayside suburb known for its blend of coastal charm and modern living—homeowners often face a surprisingly contentious question: does every bedroom need a dresser? While this humble furniture piece has been a staple in Australian bedrooms for generations, emerging design trends, evolving storage solutions, and lifestyle shifts have challenged its once-unquestioned place. With Mornington Cabinet Makers, we’ll dive into whether a dresser is truly essential, examines modern alternatives, and offers insights tailored specifically to Mornington households seeking function and flair.

✅ The Traditional Role of a Dresser
Historically, dressers—also known as chest of drawers—have been the go-to furniture for storing clothing that doesn’t require hanging. From socks and underwear to T-shirts and accessories, they provide accessible storage with the added bonus of a flat top surface perfect for decor, mirrors, or even makeshift vanities. In many Mornington homes, especially older ones, dressers also serve as heirlooms or style pieces, blending antique aesthetics with practical use.
However, interior design has come a long way, and modern Mornington homeowners are starting to ask if a bulky furniture item like a dresser is still essential in every bedroom layout.
🏠 The Mornington Lifestyle & Bedroom Design Considerations
Mornington, located on the Mornington Peninsula, boasts a mix of heritage cottages, contemporary beach houses, and new builds—each offering different bedroom sizes and layout challenges. In older homes, smaller rooms make space optimization critical. On the other hand, larger modern homes may offer built-in wardrobes, walk-in closets, or custom cabinetry.
Here are local design factors that influence whether a dresser is needed:
- Limited Floor Space: Compact bedrooms in older Mornington homes may benefit from vertical storage like wardrobes or wall shelving instead of a dresser.
- Built-in Wardrobes: Many Mornington properties now include built-in robes (BIRs), reducing the need for additional furniture.
- Open-plan Aesthetics: Coastal chic interiors favour minimalism. A bulky dresser might clash with sleek, breezy themes.
- Storage-Purpose Overlap: Homes with walk-in robes or adjacent linen closets can make a dresser redundant.
🛠️ Storage Alternatives to a Dresser
Not every bedroom needs a dresser—especially when there are smart alternatives available that maintain both functionality and aesthetics. If you’re in Mornington and debating whether to invest in or remove a dresser, consider these options:
1. Built-In Wardrobes
A staple in many Australian homes, especially new developments in Mornington, built-in wardrobes (BIRs) offer ample storage with minimal space impact. Custom joinery allows for:
- Drawers for folded items
- Shoe racks
- Hanging rods
- Mirror-panelled doors
2. Under-Bed Storage
In rooms where floor space is a premium, under-bed storage drawers or containers provide an effective solution for clothes, linen, and shoes. Many Mornington homeowners opt for lift-up gas-strut beds which reveal hidden compartments—ideal for seasonal wardrobe rotation.
3. Floating Wall Shelves and Cabinets
Floating cabinetry allows homeowners to customize storage at varying heights while maintaining a clean, airy room feel. It also gives off a modern, beachside vibe that resonates well with Mornington’s contemporary design sensibilities.
4. Multi-functional Furniture
Pieces like storage benches, ottomans, and bedside tables with drawers can substitute for dressers while enhancing the room’s style and usability. This approach supports compact living, increasingly popular in Mornington’s newer apartment builds and granny flats.
For more, visit Mornington Cabinet Makers.
👨👩👧 Bedrooms Without Dressers: Who Does It Work For?
Bedrooms without dressers often work best for:
- Minimalists: Those who prefer clutter-free environments.
- Children’s Rooms: Where toy bins or cubbies may replace traditional dressers.
- Guest Bedrooms: Where storage needs are limited.
- Shared Spaces: Where wardrobe organization takes priority over multiple furniture items.
Many Mornington families are embracing open-concept bedrooms or studio-style living—particularly in renovated Airbnb-style holiday homes—where dressers aren’t necessary and modular storage reigns supreme.
🧠 Psychological & Lifestyle Considerations
A dresser isn’t just about function—it’s also about habit and visual cues. For many, having visible, accessible drawers provides a sense of order and routine. It’s where you start and end your day: grabbing clothes, putting away laundry, or applying a spritz of perfume.
However, as Marie Kondo-style decluttering becomes mainstream and sustainability-minded Mornington residents look to furniture minimalism, the emotional attachment to furniture is being reconsidered. If it doesn’t “spark joy” or serve a unique function, does it really deserve bedroom real estate?
💡 Expert Interior Tips for Mornington Homes
Interior designers across the Mornington Peninsula offer this advice for balancing function and style when reconsidering a dresser:
- Evaluate Your Clothing Storage Needs: Do you actually need separate drawer space, or can everything fit into your wardrobe setup?
- Prioritize Room Flow: Avoid overcrowding. Dressers in tight rooms can hinder movement and make the space feel smaller.
- Use Dressers as Statement Pieces: In larger rooms, a well-chosen dresser (e.g., reclaimed timber, Hamptons-style) can anchor the decor and double as a styling opportunity.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Repurpose: Turn a vintage dresser into a vanity or console in another room if it doesn’t serve your bedroom anymore.
🛍️ Where to Buy Stylish Storage in Mornington
If you’re thinking of replacing or upgrading a dresser, or finding alternatives, check out these local favourites:
- Mockingbird Interiors – Known for stylish and sustainable furniture pieces.
- Provincial Home Living – Mornington – Great for French country dressers and alternatives.
- Freedom Furniture Frankston – Offers modern modular pieces perfect for flexible storage.
- IKEA Richmond (just a drive away) – Great for under-bed storage systems and customizable wardrobe inserts.
🧾 Final Verdict: Does Every Bedroom Need a Dresser?
In a nutshell: not anymore—but it depends on your storage needs, aesthetic goals, and the layout of your space.
For Mornington residents embracing coastal minimalism, built-in wardrobes, and smart space-saving design, a dresser may be optional. But if you crave a central, accessible spot for daily essentials or a visual anchor for your room, a dresser remains a timeless ally.
Ultimately, your bedroom should reflect your lifestyle—whether that includes a dresser or a clever alternative.