Brighton 3-Drawer Chest — In Russet

Faux bamboo is one of the oldest and best tricks in decorating. When Europe fell hard for all things Chinese a couple of centuries ago, and the Prince Regent built his bamboo-mad pavilion in Brighton, cabinetmakers began turning ordinary wood to mimic the ringed, segmented look of real bamboo. It caught on and never quite left, because it does something clever: it brings a little wit and a little of the exotic to a piece without ever tipping into costume.

This three-drawer chest carries that tradition lightly. It's built from solid wood in a warm russet finish, with softly turned framing that reads as bamboo from across the room and as beautifully grained timber up close. Three proportioned drawers give you real, everyday storage: the kind of piece that looks like a decorating decision but works like a workhorse.

It's a natural beside a bed, standing a little taller than most bedside tables so you're not reaching down for your glasses. It's just as good in a hall holding gloves and keys, or in a bathroom stacked with towels: anywhere a plain chest would do the job, but a slightly charming one would do it better.