One of the most highly trafficked areas of the closet is the bureau! Often, this area is a focal point of the room, and the place where you start and end the getting-ready process. For this reason, I want to pay special attention to the details that can make this a more beautiful and functional place to land! This is the first logical place you go to get ready, and likely the last place you put on finishing touches to your look, so today I am sharing all the ways you can really design this area to work for you!

DISPLAY

Given that a bureau is one of the first areas you’ll see in the closet, I like to utilize this are for a curated display of accessories! Whether this is in the form of open shelving for handbags and decor, or a glass countertop to allow for merchandised display of jewelry, sunglasses, belts and more. Seeing as this is probably the place you will most often land when you come into the closet, and is easily accessible when walking out the door, it’s an ideal spot for the accessories you’ll use to tie together an outfit!

MIRRORS

I believe integrating a mirror somewhere at your vanity is critical! Not only is this going to visually expand the space, and nicely frame the open area above, but its an ideal location for putting on a pair of earrings or getting one last glance at your look before walking out the door! You can incorporate a decorative framed mirror, a wall mirror, or even a frameless mirror back that is built right into the millwork, taking up absolutely no space at all!

CHARGING

It’s always a great idea to incorporate charging areas at your bureau, since this is a great spot to stow away electronics overnight, or leave your phone to charge while you’re getting ready in the morning! I like to design charging drawers for my clients, with suede-lined interiors so devices are kept neatly stowed away and scratch free. Countertop outlets and wireless charging hubs are also a must, for added functionality and ease of use!

LAUNDRY

The bureau also can really work for you when laundry day comes around! Having a hidden hamper is a great way to ensure easy access, and that nothing ends up piled on the floor. You can also incorporate pull-out ironing boards, folding tables, valet rods and outlets for steaming, so that the bureau can accommodate every step of the laundry process!

ACCESSORIES / DECOR

Finally, the bureau is a great opportunity to decorate your closet with items that make you happy! Dressing up this space can do so much to make the closet feel thoughtful, and like a part of your home. I love to style my clients’ bureaus with fresh flowers, personal mementos, jewelry trays, candles, and of course a catch-all for easy access of keys, wallets, cash, and more! This is the perfect place to play with metals and fun finishes, and inject your closet with some personality!