Bone Inlay Chest of Drawers Australia: The Complete Guide

A chest of drawers is one of the hardest working pieces of furniture in any home. It needs to be functional, durable and beautiful enough to anchor a bedroom or living space for decades. A bone inlay chest of drawers does all of that and then some.

This guide covers everything you need to know about bone inlay chests of drawers, from how they're made to how to style them in your home.

What is a bone inlay chest of drawers?

A bone inlay chest of drawers is a handcrafted storage piece where the external surface is decorated with thousands of individually placed pieces of bone set into a resin base. The bone pieces, traditionally camel bone, are hand-cut into geometric or floral patterns by skilled artisans, then carefully inlaid one piece at a time into the wooden frame.

The result is a surface of extraordinary intricacy and beauty. No two pieces are exactly alike. Minor variations in pattern and tone are not flaws. They are the signature of genuine handcraft.

At Arya & Earth, our bone inlay chests of drawers are made exclusively by master artisans in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, the birthplace of bone inlay furniture and still its spiritual home.

Why choose bone inlay over standard chest of drawers?

Most chests of drawers you'll find in Australian furniture stores are mass produced from MDF, veneer or low-grade timber. They look fine initially but rarely age well. Drawers warp, surfaces chip and the overall piece starts to look tired within a few years.

A bone inlay chest of drawers is a fundamentally different proposition. The solid wooden frame is built to last generations. The bone inlay surface, when properly cared for, retains its beauty indefinitely. Rather than replacing it every five to ten years, you're buying a piece that will still look stunning in thirty years.

There's also the question of character. A mass-produced chest of drawers looks like every other mass-produced chest of drawers. A bone inlay piece is genuinely individual, a conversation starter, a focal point, a piece of art that happens to also be a functional storage solution.

Choosing the right bone inlay chest of drawers for your home

Before you buy, consider these key factors:

Size: measure your space carefully. A chest of drawers needs clearance to open its drawers fully, typically 60 to 70 centimetres in front of the piece. Consider the height too. A taller piece can make a dramatic statement in a high-ceilinged room but may feel overwhelming in a smaller space.

Colour: bone inlay chests of drawers are available in a wide range of colours and patterns. Classic black and white geometric patterns suit contemporary and transitional interiors. Softer tones like taupe, terracotta and stone work beautifully in warmer, more organic interiors. Bold blues and teals make a striking statement in a bedroom or dressing room.

Pattern: geometric patterns are the most traditional and versatile. Floral patterns add a softer, more romantic feel. Arch patterns create a sense of movement and elegance. Consider the other elements in your room. The pattern of your chest of drawers should complement rather than compete with your existing decor.

Drawer count: consider how much storage you actually need. A four drawer piece suits a guest bedroom or dressing area. A six drawer piece is more practical for a master bedroom where it's serving as the primary clothing storage.

How to style a bone inlay chest of drawers

A bone inlay chest of drawers is a statement piece that deserves to be styled thoughtfully. Here are some ideas:

In the bedroom: place it against a feature wall and keep the styling minimal. A simple lamp, a small vase of flowers and a tray for jewellery or keys is all you need. Let the piece speak for itself.

In the living room: use it as a sideboard or media unit. Style the top with a mix of heights, a tall lamp, a medium-height vase and a low decorative object. Add a piece of art above it to create a cohesive vignette.

In the hallway: a smaller chest of drawers in an entry or hallway provides both storage and a beautiful first impression. Style with a mirror above and a simple arrangement on top.

In a dressing room: pair with a full-length mirror and use it to store accessories, jewellery and smaller items. The decorative surface means it doubles as a display piece even in a purely functional space.

Colour combinations that work

Black and white bone inlay pairs beautifully with white walls, natural timber floors and brass or gold hardware. Works in both contemporary and traditional interiors.

Blue sapphire is striking against white or off-white walls. Creates a bold focal point. Works particularly well with natural linen bedding and warm timber tones.

Terracotta and warm tones work beautifully in earthy, organic interiors with natural materials like rattan, jute and linen. Pairs well with warm white walls and natural timber.

Havana taupe is a sophisticated neutral that works in almost any interior. Particularly beautiful in rooms with a warm, layered palette.

Onyx black is dramatic and luxurious. Creates maximum impact against lighter walls. Works in both bold contemporary spaces and more traditional rooms.

How to care for your bone inlay chest of drawers

Bone inlay furniture is more durable than its delicate appearance suggests, but it does benefit from basic care.

Dust regularly with a soft dry cloth. This prevents dust from settling into the crevices between the bone pieces.

Wipe spills immediately. Bone inlay is not waterproof. A damp cloth will clean most spills without damaging the surface. The key is to act quickly and dry the surface afterwards.

Avoid placing it in direct sunlight. Prolonged UV exposure can cause the bone to yellow over time. If your room gets strong direct sun, consider positioning the piece away from windows or using window treatments to filter the light.

Use coasters and placemats. If you're placing drinks or food on top of your chest of drawers, always use protection. Heat and moisture are the two main enemies of bone inlay surfaces.

Polish occasionally with a soft dry cloth. You don't need any specialist products. A gentle buff with a soft cloth is all that's required to maintain the natural sheen of the bone surface.

What to look for when buying

Not all bone inlay furniture is equal. Here's what separates a quality piece from a cheap imitation:

Origin: ask where it was made. Genuine Rajasthani pieces are made by artisans with generations of expertise. Cheaper imitations from other regions often use lower quality bone, inferior resin and less precise inlay work.

Inlay density: in a quality piece the bone pieces fit together tightly with minimal gaps. Large gaps filled with excess resin are a sign of inferior workmanship.

Drawer quality: open and close every drawer. They should slide smoothly and sit flush when closed. Poorly fitted drawers are a sign of a rush job.

Weight: a quality bone inlay chest of drawers is substantial. If a piece feels light, the underlying frame is likely low quality timber or MDF.

Finish: run your hand across the surface. It should feel smooth and even, with the bone and resin sitting flush. Any roughness or unevenness indicates poor finishing.

Arya & Earth bone inlay chests of drawers

At Arya & Earth we carry a range of bone inlay chests of drawers handcrafted by master artisans in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Each piece is available in a range of colours and patterns, with both in-stock Melbourne pieces for immediate delivery and made-to-order options for customers wanting custom colours or sizes.

Every Arya & Earth piece comes with our lifetime guarantee. We stand behind the quality of our craftsmanship completely.

Free shipping Australia-wide on every order.

Frequently asked questions

How long does delivery take? In-stock Melbourne pieces ship within 2 to 5 business days Australia-wide. Made-to-order pieces have a 12 to 14 week lead time.

Can I order a custom size or colour? Yes, contact us to discuss your requirements.

Do you offer Afterpay? Yes, Afterpay is available on all orders.

What if my piece arrives damaged? Contact us immediately with photos and we will arrange a replacement or repair at no cost to you.

Is the bone ethically sourced? Yes, all bone used in our furniture is a byproduct of the food industry and sourced ethically.

Ready to find your perfect piece?

Browse our full bone inlay chest of drawers collection and find the piece made for your home. Free shipping Australia-wide on every order.