Laura Ashley Chest Of Drawers

Finding Your Perfect Storage Solution with British Heritage Charm

As I stand in my bedroom looking at the worn-out chest of drawers that has served me faithfully for the past decade, I know it’s time for a change. Not just any change—an upgrade that brings both function and beauty into my space. After weeks of research and store visits, I’ve fallen head over heels for Laura Ashley’s exquisite collection of chests of drawers. Their perfect blend of timeless design and practical storage solutions has completely won me over, and I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned about these beautiful pieces.

Finding the perfect Laura Ashley chest of drawers can transform not just your storage situation but the entire aesthetic of your room. This comprehensive guide reflects my personal journey through the world of Laura Ashley furniture, from discovering where to buy these coveted pieces to understanding what makes them worth the investment.

The Laura Ashley Legacy: More Than Just a Furniture Brand

Before diving into the specifics, let me share why I became so enamored with Laura Ashley as a brand. Founded in the 1950s, Laura Ashley began as a small business run by Laura and Bernard Ashley from their kitchen table in London. What started as a modest endeavor printing textiles eventually blossomed into one of Britain’s most beloved lifestyle brands.

The company’s furniture line carries the same distinctive aesthetic that made their fabrics famous—a perfect blend of country charm, Victorian elegance, and timeless British sensibility. When you purchase a Laura Ashley chest of drawers, you’re not just buying furniture; you’re investing in a piece of British design heritage.

I remember visiting my grandmother’s home as a child and being mesmerized by her Laura Ashley-decorated bedroom. The floral patterns, the solid wooden furniture, the attention to detail—all of it created an atmosphere of refined comfort that has stayed with me. Now, as I furnish my own home, I find myself drawn to the same quality and aesthetic.

Where to Find Your Laura Ashley Chest of Drawers

When I began my search for the perfect Laura Ashley chest of drawers, I quickly discovered multiple avenues for purchasing these beautiful pieces:

Official Laura Ashley Retail Locations

Despite changes in the retail landscape, Laura Ashley maintains physical stores in select locations across the UK and internationally. There’s something special about visiting a Laura Ashley store in person—the displays are thoughtfully arranged, and you can truly appreciate the craftsmanship and finish of each piece.

I visited one of their flagship stores last month and spent nearly two hours examining different chest options, opening drawers to test their glide, and running my fingers across the various finishes. The sales associates were incredibly knowledgeable and helped me understand the differences between collections.

Laura Ashley’s Online Store

For those without a store nearby (or those who prefer shopping in pajamas like me), the official Laura Ashley website offers their complete furniture collection. I found the online shopping experience to be intuitive, with detailed product descriptions, multiple images from different angles, and clear dimensions listed for each piece.

What I particularly appreciated was the ability to order fabric swatches before committing to a purchase. This feature proved invaluable when trying to coordinate my new chest of drawers with existing bedroom decor.

Authorized Retailers and Department Stores

Many department stores and furniture retailers carry Laura Ashley collections. Stores like John Lewis, House of Fraser, and Next often stock Laura Ashley furniture, sometimes even offering exclusive designs.

I discovered that shopping through these retailers occasionally means finding special promotions or sales that might not be available directly through Laura Ashley. During my search, I stumbled upon a seasonal sale at a local department store that offered a 15% discount on Laura Ashley bedroom furniture.

Secondhand Markets

For the budget-conscious or those seeking vintage Laura Ashley pieces, secondhand markets offer a treasure trove of possibilities. Websites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Gumtree frequently list pre-owned Laura Ashley furniture.

I spent many evenings scrolling through these listings and was amazed by the longevity of Laura Ashley pieces. Some chests of drawers from the 1980s and 1990s were still in remarkable condition—a testament to their quality construction.

Popular Laura Ashley Chest of Drawers Designs

Through my extensive research and showroom visits, I’ve identified several design collections that stand out in the Laura Ashley chest of drawers lineup:

The Provence Collection

The Provence collection captured my heart immediately with its French country-inspired design. These chests of drawers feature elegant curved fronts, delicate carved details, and often come in soft, painted finishes like antique white or pale sage.

What makes the Provence collection special is its versatility—these pieces can work in both traditional and more contemporary settings. I saw a Provence five-drawer chest in a friend’s minimalist apartment, and despite the room’s modern aesthetic, the piece added character without feeling out of place.

The Garrat Collection

For those who appreciate rich wood tones and traditional craftsmanship, the Garrat collection offers substantial pieces with a timeless appeal. These chests typically feature honey or dark cherry finishes that showcase the natural beauty of the wood.

I was particularly drawn to the Garrat nine-drawer chest—its impressive size and organization potential would solve my storage issues in one stunning piece. The brass hardware against the dark wood creates a handsome contrast that feels both classic and slightly masculine.

The Clifton Collection

The Clifton collection represents Laura Ashley’s take on elegant simplicity. With clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and a focus on proportion, these chests of drawers work beautifully in transitional interiors.

I spent considerable time examining a Clifton tallboy chest and was impressed by the thoughtful details—the subtle beading around drawer fronts, the perfectly proportioned feet, and the smooth-as-silk drawer operation. Sometimes, it’s the understated pieces that have the most to say.

The Henshaw Collection

For those seeking a more contemporary interpretation of the Laura Ashley aesthetic, the Henshaw collection offers sleek profiles with just enough traditional detailing to maintain the brand’s signature style.

The Henshaw six-drawer chest I saw featured a two-tone finish—a light gray outer frame with slightly recessed drawer fronts in a warm taupe. This modern approach to color blocking felt fresh while still honoring Laura Ashley’s heritage.

Understanding the Price Range: What You’re Paying For

Let’s talk about what might be the most practical consideration—cost. Laura Ashley chests of drawers represent a significant investment, with prices typically ranging from £400 to £1,500 depending on size, design complexity, and materials.

Entry-Level Options

At the lower end of the spectrum (approximately £400-£600), you’ll find smaller chests with simpler designs. These might include:

• Three-drawer bedside chests
• Compact five-drawer tallboys
• Basic designs with minimal detailing
• Painted finishes rather than exposed natural wood

I considered a lovely entry-level piece for my guest bedroom—a simple white three-drawer chest with crystal-like knobs. At £450, it offered Laura Ashley quality and style at a more accessible price point.

Mid-Range Options

The middle range (approximately £600-£900) includes:

• Standard five to seven-drawer chests
• More detailed design work
• Better-quality hardware
• A wider range of finish options
• Enhanced construction features like dovetail joints

This is where most of my serious considerations fell. A beautifully crafted six-drawer chest in the Provence collection, priced at £795, seemed to offer the perfect balance of quality, storage capacity, and aesthetic appeal.

Premium Options

At the top end (£900-£1,500+), you’ll find:

• Large statement pieces with eight or more drawers
• Exceptional craftsmanship with intricate detailing
• Premium wood species and finishes
• Special features like jewelry trays or hidden compartments
• Fully customizable options

I briefly flirted with the idea of splurging on a magnificent nine-drawer chest with curved fronts and hand-carved details. Priced at £1,350, it was beyond my budget, but I could certainly appreciate the artistry that justified its premium price tag.

What Justifies the Investment?

After examining dozens of chests across multiple price points, I’ve concluded that Laura Ashley’s pricing reflects several factors:

1. Construction Quality: Solid wood components, proper joinery techniques, and sturdy drawer boxes built to last decades.
2. Design Expertise: Each piece is created by experienced designers who understand proportion, function, and aesthetic longevity.
3. Brand Heritage: You’re partly paying for the Laura Ashley legacy and the reassurance of a respected brand.
4. After-Sales Support: The warranty and customer service associated with premium brands provide peace of mind.
5. Resale Value: Unlike budget furniture, Laura Ashley pieces often retain significant value over time.

When I consider that I’ll likely use this chest of drawers daily for at least the next 15-20 years, the per-day cost of even a premium piece becomes quite reasonable.

Materials and Construction: What Sets Laura Ashley Apart

One aspect that truly impressed me during my research was the attention to materials and construction methods used in Laura Ashley chests of drawers.

Wood Types and Quality

Laura Ashley primarily uses several wood types across their collections:

• Oak: Found in many of their heritage-inspired pieces, oak offers exceptional durability and a distinctive grain pattern. I was drawn to an oak chest with a limed finish that highlighted the natural character of the wood.
• Cherry: Used in more formal designs, cherry develops a rich patina over time. The Garrat collection showcases beautiful cherry pieces with a depth of color that photos simply can’t capture.
• Mahogany: Reserved for their most premium offerings, mahogany provides a luxurious reddish-brown tone and exceptional stability.
• Pine: Used in more casual or country-style pieces, pine offers a knotty, rustic character. I saw several painted pine pieces that perfectly captured that English cottage aesthetic.

Engineered Wood Components

While purists might prefer furniture made entirely from solid wood, I learned that even high-end manufacturers like Laura Ashley strategically use engineered wood components for certain applications. These might include:

• Drawer bottoms (where solid wood might crack over time)
• Back panels (where flexibility is beneficial)
• Internal dividers and organizational elements

The key difference I noticed between Laura Ashley and less expensive brands was the quality of these engineered components—premium hardwood veneers over high-density fiberboard rather than thin paper veneers over particleboard.

Finish Options and Techniques

The finish applied to a chest of drawers dramatically affects both its appearance and longevity. Laura Ashley offers several finish types:

• Natural Wood Finishes: Clear coatings that protect while showcasing the wood’s natural beauty
• Stained Finishes: Colors that enhance or alter the wood’s natural tone while preserving grain visibility
• Painted Finishes: Solid colors, often in soft neutrals or pastel shades
• Distressed Finishes: Techniques that create an aged or antique appearance
• Two-Tone Finishes: Combinations of natural wood and painted surfaces

I spent considerable time examining a chest with a hand-distressed chalk paint finish. The subtle variations created by this labor-intensive technique gave the piece character that mass-produced furniture simply can’t match.

Construction Details That Matter

Beyond materials, several construction details separate quality chests of drawers from inferior options:

• Drawer Construction: I noticed that Laura Ashley drawers feature dovetail or finger joints rather than stapled corners. When I pulled a drawer fully out to examine it, I was impressed by the solid wood construction of the drawer box itself.
• Drawer Guides: The drawer operation was remarkably smooth thanks to high-quality side-mounted wooden guides or, in more contemporary pieces, ball-bearing metal glides.
• Back Panel Attachment: Rather than flimsy stapled backing, Laura Ashley chests feature properly fitted back panels that contribute to the piece’s structural integrity.
• Dust Panels: Many higher-end Laura Ashley chests include dust panels between drawers—horizontal dividers that prevent contents from falling between drawers and add structural stability.

Design Styles and Aesthetic Options

What impressed me most about Laura Ashley’s chest of drawers offerings was the range of design styles available—from decidedly traditional to surprisingly contemporary.

Traditional and Vintage-Inspired Designs

For those who appreciate classic British style, Laura Ashley offers numerous chests of drawers with traditional design elements:

• Ogee bracket feet or turned bun feet
• Raised panel drawer fronts
• Applied moldings and carved details
• Antique-inspired hardware
• Fluted columns or pilasters

I found myself drawn to a magnificent bow-fronted chest with delicate inlay work that could have come straight from a Georgian country house. These heritage pieces offer a sense of history and permanence that feels increasingly valuable in our disposable culture.

Country and Cottage Styles

The style that most people associate with Laura Ashley is their interpretation of English country or cottage aesthetic:

• Painted finishes in soft colors
• Simpler silhouettes with gentle curves
• Turned wood knobs or simple bail pulls
• Beadboard or v-groove details
• Slightly distressed or aged finishes

I spent a long time contemplating a lovely sage green chest with beaded drawer fronts and ceramic knobs—it perfectly captured that relaxed country charm while still feeling sophisticated.

Transitional and Contemporary Options

What surprised me most was discovering Laura Ashley’s more contemporary offerings:

• Clean-lined silhouettes with minimal ornamentation
• Two-tone finishes combining painted and natural wood elements
• Updated hardware in brushed nickel or matte black
• Geometric design elements
• More substantial scale and proportion

A sleek six-drawer chest in pale gray with simple bar pulls caught my eye—it maintained Laura Ashley’s quality standards while fitting beautifully into more modern interiors.

Color Options and Finishes

The color palette for Laura Ashley chests of drawers tends to reflect their British heritage—sophisticated, understated, and timeless rather than trendy.

Natural Wood Tones

For those who appreciate the beauty of wood grain, Laura Ashley offers several natural finishes:

• Honey Oak: A warm, medium-toned finish that showcases oak’s distinctive grain
• Dark Cherry: A rich, reddish-brown finish with depth and character
• Walnut: A chocolate-brown tone that feels both traditional and contemporary
• Natural Pine: A lighter finish that highlights pine’s knots and casual character

I was particularly taken with a chest finished in what they called “aged oak”—a process that gave new wood the silvery patina of centuries-old timber.

Painted Finishes

Laura Ashley is perhaps best known for their painted furniture in a sophisticated palette:

• Soft Whites: Ranging from bright white to creamy ivory and antique white
• Grays: From pale dove gray to deeper charcoal tones
• Blues: Including duck egg, powder blue, and naval blue
• Greens: Sage, mint, and forest green options
• Specialty Finishes: Distressed, antiqued, or color-washed treatments

I spent considerable time comparing three different white finishes—it’s remarkable how distinct they appeared when viewed together, from a bright, clean white to a softer, warmer ivory.

Two-Tone Options

Some of the most visually interesting pieces combined different finishes:

• White frames with natural wood drawer fronts
• Painted bodies with contrasting top surfaces
• Different paint colors on interior and exterior surfaces
• Combinations of matte and glossy finishes

A chest with a gray-painted frame and drawers fronts in natural oak created a striking contemporary look while maintaining warmth and character.

Size and Configuration Options

Another aspect I carefully considered was finding the right size and drawer configuration for my specific needs.

Standard Chest Configurations

Laura Ashley offers several standard chest configurations:

• Three-Drawer Chests: Compact pieces often used as bedside tables or in smaller spaces. Typically 24-30 inches wide and 28-32 inches tall.
• Five-Drawer Chests: The classic bedroom chest size, providing substantial storage while maintaining a reasonable footprint. Usually 30-36 inches wide and 45-50 inches tall.
• Six to Seven-Drawer Chests: These wider, shorter configurations often feature two columns of drawers. Typically 42-54 inches wide and 30-36 inches tall.
• Nine-Drawer Chests: Statement pieces with ample storage, often featuring three columns of drawers. Usually 54-60 inches wide and 30-36 inches tall.
• Tallboy Chests: Narrow, tall configurations ideal for smaller rooms with limited floor space. Typically 20-24 inches wide and 48-60 inches tall.

After measuring my available space (twice!), I determined that a traditional five-drawer chest would best suit my needs, providing ample storage while fitting perfectly between my window and closet.

Specialized Configurations

Beyond standard chests, Laura Ashley offers several specialized configurations:

• Combination Units: These might feature both drawers and cabinet storage, often with decorative glass doors.
• Media Chests: Designed with open shelving or cord management for electronics.
• Lingerie Chests: Tall, narrow chests with smaller drawers specifically designed for clothing items.
• Jewelry Armoires: Chests with specialized compartments for jewelry storage, sometimes disguised as standard chests.

I was intrigued by a clever combination piece that featured five standard drawers plus a hidden jewelry drawer with velvet-lined compartments—practical storage with a delightful secret element.

Practical Considerations: What You Need to Know Before Buying

As my decision narrowed to a few favorite options, I considered several practical aspects that would affect my long-term satisfaction with the purchase.

Delivery and Assembly

Laura Ashley chests of drawers typically arrive in one of two ways:

• White Glove Delivery: Higher-end pieces often come fully assembled and are delivered by specialized furniture movers who place the piece exactly where you want it in your home. This service may incur an additional fee but eliminates assembly concerns.
• Flat-Pack Delivery: Some more affordable options arrive in flat-pack form, requiring home assembly. While this reduces delivery costs, it’s important to assess your comfort level with furniture assembly.

I opted for the white glove delivery service for peace of mind, especially considering the substantial weight of a solid wood chest of drawers and the precision required to ensure drawer alignment.

Maintenance Requirements

Different finishes require different maintenance approaches:

• Solid Wood with Clear Finish: These need protection from direct sunlight to prevent fading and should be dusted with a soft cloth. Occasional treatment with furniture wax or polish helps maintain the finish.
• Painted Finishes: Generally easier to maintain, requiring only regular dusting. Avoid harsh chemicals that might damage the paint.
• Specialty Finishes: Distressed or antiqued finishes may have special care requirements to maintain their distinctive appearance.

I requested specific care instructions for the pieces I was considering and was impressed when the sales associate provided a detailed care guide specific to each finish type.

Drawer Mechanisms and Features

The functionality of a chest of drawers depends significantly on its drawer mechanics:

• Traditional Wooden Guides: Found in more heritage-inspired pieces, these can develop a lovely smoothness over time but may require occasional waxing.
• Metal Ball-Bearing Slides: Offer effortless operation and are typically found in more contemporary pieces.
• Soft-Close Mechanisms: Premium Laura Ashley chests often feature soft-close drawers that prevent slamming.
• Drawer Stops: Quality pieces include stops that prevent drawers from being accidentally pulled all the way out.

I tested each drawer on my shortlisted chests, paying attention to the smoothness of operation and how the drawers felt when fully extended. This hands-on assessment revealed quality differences that weren’t apparent from photographs alone.

Environmental Considerations

As someone increasingly concerned about sustainability, I investigated Laura Ashley’s environmental practices:

• Wood Sourcing: Many Laura Ashley pieces use timber from managed forests, though this varies by collection.
• Finishes and Adhesives: Higher-end pieces typically feature water-based finishes with lower VOC emissions.
• Manufacturing Processes: Some collections are manufactured in the UK, reducing transportation emissions, while others are produced internationally.
• Longevity: Perhaps the most significant environmental benefit is the durability of these pieces—furniture that lasts for decades rather than years represents significantly reduced resource consumption.

I was pleased to learn that the collection I favored used oak from certified sustainable European forests and featured low-VOC finishes.

Finding the Perfect Match: Coordinating with Your Decor

A chest of drawers doesn’t exist in isolation—it needs to work with your overall interior design scheme.

Matching Bedroom Collections

Most Laura Ashley chests of drawers belong to broader bedroom collections that include:

• Beds and headboards
• Bedside tables
• Wardrobes and armoires
• Dressing tables and mirrors
• Blanket chests and storage ottomans

While I initially planned to purchase only a chest of drawers, I found myself tempted by the cohesive look of a complete collection. The harmonious design elements across the collection created a sophisticated, coordinated appearance that appealed to my aesthetic sensibilities.

Mixing and Matching with Existing Furniture

For those not starting from scratch, Laura Ashley chests can be skillfully integrated with existing pieces:

• Consider wood tones and finishes that complement rather than exactly match your current furniture
• Look for repeated design elements (curved fronts, similar hardware, comparable scale)
• Use textile accessories to bridge between different furniture styles

I realized that a painted Laura Ashley chest would actually work beautifully with my existing cherry wood bed frame—the contrast between the two created a more collected, evolved look than perfectly matching pieces.

Working with Different Decorating Styles

One of Laura Ashley’s strengths is their versatility across different interior styles:

• Traditional Interiors: Heritage-inspired chests with rich wood finishes and classical details
• Country or Cottage Style: Painted pieces with a relaxed, romantic aesthetic
• Transitional Spaces: Cleaner-lined pieces that bridge traditional and contemporary
• Modern Rooms: Surprisingly, many of their two-tone or monochromatic pieces work in contemporary settings

I experimented with visualizing different chest styles in my bedroom and discovered that a more transitional piece actually created an interesting tension with my otherwise traditional decor—sometimes the unexpected choice yields the most satisfying result.

Making the Investment: Financing and Value Considerations

Given the significant investment a quality chest of drawers represents, I carefully considered the financial aspects of my purchase.

Payment Options and Financing

Laura Ashley, like most premium furniture retailers, offers several payment approaches:

• Outright Purchase: The simplest approach, sometimes with a small discount for full payment
• Layaway Programs: Some retailers allow you to secure a piece with a deposit and make payments before delivery
• Store Credit Cards: Often offering promotional financing with no interest for a defined period
• Third-Party Financing: Options like Affirm or Klarna that provide installment payment plans

I opted for a promotional financing offer through the retailer’s credit program, which allowed me to spread payments over 12 months without interest—making the investment more manageable while still owning the piece outright.

Sales and Promotional Timing

Through my research, I discovered several patterns in Laura Ashley furniture promotions:

• Seasonal Sales: Major promotions typically occur in January (post-holiday) and August (before new collections arrive)
• Floor Sample Sales: Periodically, display models are sold at significant discounts
• End-of-Collection Clearance: When designs are being phased out, remaining stock is often discounted
• Package Deals: Purchasing multiple pieces from the same collection sometimes triggers additional discounts

By timing my purchase to coincide with a seasonal promotion, I was able to save nearly 20% on my chosen chest—a substantial amount that I redirected toward upgrading to a premium finish option.

Long-Term Value Assessment

Beyond the immediate purchase price, I considered the long-term value proposition:

• Cost Per Use: When amortized over a 20+ year lifespan, even premium furniture becomes quite reasonable on a per-day basis
• Resale Value: Quality pieces retain significant value, unlike disposable furniture that quickly becomes worthless
• Repair vs. Replace Economics: Well-made pieces can be refinished or repaired rather than replaced
• Emotional Value: The daily pleasure of using and seeing a beautiful piece has real, if unquantifiable, value

When viewed through this lens, the price differential between Laura Ashley and less expensive alternatives became much easier to justify—especially considering I’d previously replaced lower-quality chests multiple times in the same timeframe.

My Final Decision: Finding My Perfect Laura Ashley Chest

After weeks of research, store visits, sample comparisons, and budget calculations, I finally made my decision. I selected a five-drawer chest from the Provence collection in a soft, antique white finish with subtle distressing and elegant brass hardware.

What ultimately sold me on this particular piece was the perfect balance it struck between beauty and functionality. The drawers were generously sized and moved with a satisfying smoothness. The finish had depth and character rather than looking flat and manufactured. The proportions suited my space perfectly, and the style complemented my existing furniture while elevating the overall aesthetic of my bedroom.

Was it an investment? Absolutely. But as I write this several months after my purchase, I can honestly say it’s been worth every penny. I smile each morning when I open those perfectly crafted drawers. I appreciate the subtle details—the beaded edge on the top surface, the carefully applied distressing that gives the piece character, the solid feel of the brass handles.

Finding the perfect Laura Ashley chest of drawers can transform not just your storage situation but the entire aesthetic of your room. Mine certainly has, and I look forward to enjoying it—and perhaps even passing it down—for many years to come.

Whether you’re just beginning your search or closing in on your decision, I hope my experience helps guide you toward finding your own perfect Laura Ashley chest of drawers. Remember, this isn’t just furniture—it’s an investment in your daily environment and a piece of design heritage that brings both function and beauty into your home.