Do you enter a room and immediately sense that something is off? The furniture is beautifully arranged, the colors are coordinated, yet the space feels disjointed, as if each piece exists on its own? The problem often lies not in the furniture itself, but in the absence of connecting threads between the interior elements.Classic chest of drawersor a cabinet can become that very focal point around which the entire living room composition is built—but only if you skillfully work with the architectural context, wall decor, and the overall design line.

Why does one chest of drawers look like a random piece leaning against a wall, while another is perceived as an integral part of the architectural ensemble? The secret is thatClassic Furnitureit was originally created not in isolation, but within the context of the architectural environment. The facades of chests echoed the wall moldings, the furniture cornices repeated the profiles of ceiling cornices, and the legs resonated with pilasters. Today, this principle is often ignored—and in vain, because it is precisely this that transforms a collection of items into a cohesive interior.

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The chest of drawers as an architectural object

A classic chest of drawers is not just a storage box. It is a mini-architecture with its own proportions, divisions, and decorative language. Look at a quality specimen: the plinth part with a baseboard or legs, the main body with facades divided by overlays and moldings, and the crowning cornice. Three tiers, as in a classical building—foundation, walls, roof. This tripartite structure gives the chest of drawers completeness and monumentality.

When such a piece is placed against a bare wall, dissonance arises. The rich decor of the facades contrasts with the emptiness of the background. The chest of drawers seems torn from its natural surroundings and placed in an alien environment. To restore harmony, you need to create an architectural context—treat the wall so that it becomes not a background, but a partner to the furniture.

Why treat the wall behind the chest of drawers

The wall behind the chest of drawers is not just a vertical surface. It is part of the composition that can either enhance or weaken the impression of the furniture. An untreated wall turns the chest into an island of decor in a sea of emptiness. A treated one turns it into the center of an architectural group, around which the entire space is organized.

Treating the wall solves several tasks. First, it creates a visual frame, highlighting the chest of drawers area and drawing attention to it. Second, it ensures stylistic unity—the wall decor echoes the furniture decor, creating a sense of thoughtfulness. Third, it adds depth and complexity to the interior. A flat wall is one-dimensional; a wall with moldings and panels is multi-layered, playing with light and shadow.

What does 'treating the wall' mean? It could be painting the area behind the chest of drawers in a contrasting color, creating a frame from moldings, installing wall panels, placing plaster overlays that echo the facade decor. There are many options; the choice depends on style, budget, and your aesthetic preferences. The main thing is not to leave the wall empty if you want the chest of drawers to become a full-fledged center of the composition.

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The role of the mirror above the chest of drawers

A traditional solution is a mirror above the chest of drawers. This is not just a functional element, but an important part of the architectural group. The mirror continues the vertical line of the chest upward, connects the furniture to the ceiling, and creates an illusion of more space. By reflecting the opposite wall or window, the mirror doubles the light and depth of the room.

Mirror size is critical. Too small and it will get lost, failing to create the desired effect. Too large and it will overwhelm the chest of drawers, disrupting the proportions. The optimal mirror width is 60–80 percent of the chest's width. Height depends on ceilings and style: in a classic interior with high ceilings, vertical mirrors up to two meters are appropriate; in modern apartments, more compact horizontal or square ones.

The mirror frame should echo the decor of the chest of drawers. If the facades are adorned with carved overlays with floral motifs, the frame can repeat these motifs. If the chest is strict, with geometric lines, the frame should be laconic, possibly with profiled moldings, but without excessive carving. The frame color should match the furniture tone or be contrasting, but always harmonious with the overall palette.

Mirror hanging height: the lower edge should be 15–25 centimeters above the chest of drawers' tabletop. This creates a visual connection but leaves room for placing accessories on the chest—vases, candlesticks, sculptures. If the mirror hangs flush against the chest, items on the tabletop get lost in the reflection, and the composition becomes cluttered.

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Moldings and frames: framing as the foundation

The simplest and most effective way to treat the wall behind a chest of drawers is to create a frame from moldings. This is a classic technique that worked in palace interiors and works in modern apartments. A frame made ofmoldinghighlights the chest of drawers area, gives it architectural significance, and connects the furniture to the wall.

How to design a frame

Start with measurements. Measure the width of the chest of drawers and the height from the tabletop to the ceiling (or to the desired upper boundary of the frame). The frame can be slightly wider than the chest—10–20 centimeters on each side—creating a niche effect. Or exactly the width of the chest, creating the impression that the furniture is built into an architectural opening.

In height, the frame can occupy the entire wall from floor to ceiling or be limited to the area above the chest. The first option is more monumental, suitable for spacious living rooms with high ceilings. The second is lighter, appropriate in compact spaces. If you choose a partial frame, its lower edge can align with the height of the chest's tabletop or be slightly lower, capturing the upper part of the facades.

The choice of molding profile depends on the style. For classic interiors, moldings with pronounced relief—flutes, grooves, floral motifs—are suitable. For modern classic—laconic profiles with soft curves. Molding width is usually 5–10 centimeters; for larger spaces, you can go wider.

Frame corners are mitered at 45 degrees so that the molding profiles join beautifully, without steps. This requires precision and the right tool—a miter box or miter saw. If you lack experience, it's better to entrust this work to professionals—crooked joints will ruin the entire effect.

Inner filling of the frame

What to do with the space inside the frame? There are several options. The simplest is contrasting paint. If the room walls are light, paint the area inside the frame in a darker or more saturated tone—this creates depth and highlights the chest of drawers area. The color can be close to the furniture tone or contrasting, the main thing is that it's harmonious with the overall palette.

A more complex option is patterned wallpaper. Damask, stripes, small geometric patterns—choose a pattern that doesn't conflict with the chest's decor. If the facades are rich in carving, choose more restrained wallpaper. If the chest is laconic, the wallpaper can be more expressive. Wallpaper is applied only inside the frame; the other walls remain monochromatic—this creates a panel effect.

A third option is fabric upholstery. Velvet, velour, linen—the fabric is stretched over the wall inside the frame, creating a luxurious texture and acoustic comfort. The fabric color can echo the upholstery of soft furniture or curtains, linking the interior elements into a single story.

A fourth option is decorative overlays inside the frame. Small carved elements, rosettes, corner scrolls are placed at the corners or center of the frame, adding volume and echoing the carving on the chest of drawers' facades. This technique is especially effective in Baroque and Neoclassical interiors.

Complex Compositions with Molding

A frame is a basic technique, but you can go further. Instead of a single frame, create a composition of several nested frames of different sizes—this adds depth and complexity. Or divide the wall into several panels using moldings—horizontal and vertical—creating a rhythmic structure that echoes the divisions of the chest of drawers' facade.

In spacious living rooms, you can treat the entire wall behind the chest of drawers with moldings, creating a unified architectural composition. The wall is divided into several vertical panels; the central panel—behind the chest of drawers—is highlighted with color or material. The side panels remain neutral or are decorated with paintings, sconces, or additional furniture pieces.

Moldings along the perimeter of the ceiling and floor (ceiling cornice and high baseboard) connect the wall decor with the room's architecture, creating a sense of thoughtful classical finishing. If the profiles of these moldings echo the profiles of the frames on the wall, the interior achieves stylistic integrity.

Overlays and carved decor: a dialogue between furniture and wall

If moldings create structure, thencarved appliquésadd detailing and character.interior wall decormade of wood or polyurethane—are three-dimensional elements that can be placed on the wall, creating an echo withfurniture decoron the chest of drawers' facades.

Choosing motif and scale

Carved overlays come in various shapes and sizes: from miniature rosettes a few centimeters in diameter to large panels a meter long. The choice depends on the scale of the furniture and the room. A large chest of drawers in a spacious living room can be paired with large overlays. A compact cabinet in a small room requires more delicate decor.

The overlay motif should echo the chest of drawers' decor. If the facades are adorned with acanthus leaves, similar leaves can be placed on the wall—in the corners of the molding frame, above the mirror, or on the sides of the chest of drawers. If the chest of drawers features geometric elements—diamonds, meanders—the wall decor can repeat this geometry on a different scale.

It's not necessary to duplicate elements exactly. Stylistic kinship is sufficient: if the furniture is Baroque, with intricate scrolls, the wall decor can also be Baroque but with a different pattern. If the furniture is in the Empire style, with symmetrical wreaths and laurel branches, the wall decor can use the same motifs but in a different combination.

Placing overlays on the wall

A classic option is symmetrical placement. Two identical overlays on either side of the mirror above the chest of drawers. Or four corner overlays in the corners of the molding frame. Symmetry creates order and solemnity, characteristic of classical styles.

Asymmetrical placement is a more modern, eclectic approach. Overlays of different sizes and shapes are arranged on the wall, creating a dynamic composition. A large overlay in one corner of the frame is balanced by a group of small ones in the opposite corner. This technique requires a developed sense of balance; otherwise, the composition may look chaotic.

Vertical placement of overlays on the sides of the chest of drawers is another option. Two vertical compositions of several overlays create a resemblance to pilasters, framing the furniture and enhancing its architectural significance. This technique is especially good for wide chests of drawers that need added height.

Material and finish of overlays

Wooden overlays are a traditional choice for classic interiors. Oak, beech, ash—noble woods with expressive grain. The wood can be stained to match the furniture or painted. Patination is often used—applying a contrasting tone (gold, silver, copper) with partial wiping, which emphasizes the relief and creates an effect of noble antiquity.

Polyurethane overlays are a practical alternative. They are lighter than wood, resistant to moisture, and easy to mount with adhesive. Polyurethane accurately imitates wood carving while being more affordable. After painting and patination, a polyurethane overlay can look indistinguishable from a wooden one.

Plaster molding is a choice for those who value authenticity. Plaster is a traditional material for interior molding; it has a special plasticity and nobility. However, plaster is fragile, heavy, and more difficult to install. For wall decor behind a chest of drawers, where there is no risk of mechanical damage, plaster is quite appropriate.

The color of overlays is an important point. They can match the wall color (creating a monochromatic relief), match the furniture color (strengthening the connection), or be contrasting (standing out as accents). Gold and silver overlays on a light wall are classic palace decor. White overlays on a colored wall are a more restrained modern option.

Coordination with the rest of the living room furniture

A chest of drawers does not exist in a vacuum. Around it is other living room furniture: sofa, armchairs, coffee table, shelves, TV stands. To prevent the interior from breaking into separate fragments, a common thread, a connecting link, is needed. What can serve as this link?

Unity of style and era

First and foremost—stylistic unity. AllClassic Furniturein the living room should belong to the same era or closely related styles. A Baroque chest of drawers will clash with a minimalist sofa. A classicist table does not get along with Rococo armchairs. Choose furniture from the same stylistic family or skillfully mix closely related directions.

If all the furniture is classic, ensure consistency in decorative elements. The type of carving, leg profiles, and handle shapes should echo each other. A chest of drawers with acanthus leaves requires that at least one other item—a coffee table, console, or mirror frame—features the same motif. This creates rhythm and repetition, which connects disparate elements.

Can you mix classic furniture with modern? Yes, but carefully. A classic chest of drawers can coexist with a modern, minimalist sofa if they are united by color, material, or proportions. For example, a chest of drawers and sofa in the same tonal range—dark oak and dark gray upholstery—will create restrained elegance. Or both pieces have clean lines: a chest of drawers with minimal carving and a sofa with strict lines.

Color Unity

Color is a powerful unifying factor. If all the furniture is in the same color palette, even items of different styles will be perceived as a set.Beautiful light furniture— a chest of drawers, console, shelving unit, or side table made of bleached oak or light beech creates an airy and fresh feel, characteristic of Provençal and Scandinavian interiors.

Dark furniture — wenge, walnut, mahogany — lends the living room solidity and respectability. It's important that the shade is uniform: either warm or cool. Warm walnut does not pair well with cool wenge. Choose furniture from the same wood species or stain different species to the same tone.

Contrasting solutions are also possible: a dark chest of drawers against a light wall, a light sofa opposite. But the contrast must be well-considered. If the chest of drawers is dark, it's good to make another item dark as well — for example, a coffee table or the frame of a large mirror. This creates balance, preventing the chest from looking like a random dark spot.

Material Kinship

Using common materials unifies the furniture. If the chest of drawers is made of solid oak, it's good for at least part of the other furniture to also be oak — the coffee table top, chair legs, shelving unit shelves. The wood is recognized by its texture, creating a visual connection.

Textiles also work towards unity. The upholstery of the sofa and armchairs can echo fabric inserts on the walls (if you used this technique in the chest of drawers area). The color of the curtains can repeat the tone of the wooden furniture or contrast, but harmoniously.

Metal hardware — handles, legs, decorative elements — should also be coordinated. If the chest of drawers handles are bronze, it's desirable for the handles of other items, lamp frames, and table legs to also be bronze or brass. Mixing gold, silver, copper, and chrome in one interior is risky — it will result in a stylistic hodgepodge.

Lighting as part of the composition

Light determines how we perceive furniture and decor. Even a perfectly designed composition with a chest of drawers, moldings, and overlays will fail if the lighting is poor. Proper lighting highlights details, creates depth, and directs attention.

Central and Local Lighting

A central chandelier provides general, fill light for the room. But to highlight the composition with the chest of drawers, local light is needed. Wall sconces on either side of the mirror above the chest of drawers are a classic solution. They illuminate the mirror for functional purposes and highlight the wall decor, creating a play of light and shadow on the relief of the moldings and overlays.

Sconces should harmonize with the overall style. For classic interiors — fixtures with imitation candles, crystal pendants, fabric shades. For modern classic — sleek sconces with metal shades. Mounting height: approximately at the level of the upper third of the mirror, symmetrically on both sides.

An alternative to sconces is built-in lighting. An LED strip can be hidden behind a cornice above the chest of drawers, creating a soft glow on the wall from top to bottom. Or behind the frame moldings, illuminating the area inside. Such lighting is invisible but effective, turning the wall into a glowing panel.

Accent lighting

To enhance drama, use accent lighting — small directional spotlights that highlight specific elements. A spotlight aimed at a carved overlay or a beautiful vase on the chest of drawers singles out that object from the general space, making it the hero of the composition.

Accent lighting is especially effective in the evening when the general light is dimmed. Several points of light — an illuminated chest of drawers, illuminated paintings on other walls, a floor lamp by the sofa — create an intimate atmosphere, transforming the living room from a daytime formal hall into an evening cozy refuge.

The color temperature of light is important. Warm light (2700–3000K) emphasizes the warmth of wood, creates a cozy atmosphere, and suits classic interiors. Cool light (4000–5000K) creates clarity and modernity but can make classic furniture look cold and unwelcoming. For classic styles, choose warm or neutral-warm light.

Mistakes to avoid

Creating a harmonious composition with a chest of drawers at the center is a delicate task. It's easy to make a mistake, and the result will be far from ideal. Let's examine typical missteps.

Isolation of the Chest of Drawers from the Wall

The most common mistake — a chest of drawers stands against a bare wall without any treatment. A plain painted or wallpapered surface does not support the furniture, does not create context. The chest of drawers looks like a temporarily placed item, not part of the interior.

The solution — minimal wall treatment. At least a frame of moldings or contrasting paint in the area behind the chest of drawers. This will take a day's work but will radically change the perception.

Mismatch in scale

A large, massive chest of drawers under a tiny mirror. Or vice versa — a delicate nightstand under a huge floor-length mirror. Disproportion jars the eye, the composition falls apart. The sizes of the elements should correspond to each other.

The mirror should be approximately 60–80% of the width of the chest of drawers. The height of the mirror depends on the ceiling height but should not be dwarfed nor gigantic relative to the furniture. Wall decor — overlays, moldings — should also be proportionate. A large plaster rosette on a small wall behind a narrow chest will look absurd.

Stylistic inconsistency

A baroque chest of drawers with lavish carving, a minimalist frameless mirror, modern geometric sconces. Elements from different stylistic universes don't get along, creating visual noise. Even if each item is good individually, together they don't work.

Choose elements from the same stylistic family or closely related directions. If the chest of drawers is classic, the mirror should also be classic — with a carved or profiled frame. Light fixtures — with a touch of historicism. Wall decor — in the spirit of classic plasterwork. Eclecticism is possible but requires great skill and taste.

Over-decorating

The desire to 'decorate more' leads to overload. A chest of drawers covered in carving, the wall behind it covered in overlays and moldings, a mirror in the most complex frame, sconces with an abundance of decor. The eye has nowhere to rest, everything screams simultaneously. The result — not luxury, but gaudiness.

The principle 'less is more' is relevant for classic styles too. Choose one or two focal elements with rich decor, let the rest be more restrained. If the chest of drawers is heavily decorated, the wall behind it can be simpler — a frame of sleek moldings without overlays. If the wall is complex, it's better to choose a chest of drawers with a simpler shape.

Ignoring light

A beautiful composition is not visible in the dark. Insufficient lighting devalues the effort. The relief of moldings and overlays lives thanks to light and shadow — in flat light, it is lost.

Plan lighting as an integral part of the composition. Local light at the chest of drawers is mandatory. Even simple sconces transform the perception, revealing details and creating volume.

Practical Scenarios for Different Living Rooms

The theory is clear, but how to apply it in practice? Let's consider several specific scenarios for living rooms of different sizes and styles.

Compact Living Room in a City Apartment

Area of 16–18 square meters, ceiling height 2.7 meters. A chest of drawers 100–120 centimeters wide, 90 centimeters high. Style — modern classic, restrained and elegant.

Solution: Above the chest of drawers — a horizontal mirror in a simple profiled frame, 80 centimeters wide, 60 centimeters high. The wall behind the chest of drawers is treated with a frame made of thin moldings (profile width 5–6 cm); inside the frame is painted a couple of shades darker than the main walls — creating a delicate accent for the area without heaviness.

On either side of the mirror — simple wall sconces with fabric shades providing soft light. On the chest of drawers — a pair of small vases or candlesticks that do not overload the composition. The rest of the living room furniture — sofa and armchairs with clean lines, a coffee table on slender legs — adheres to the same restrained aesthetic. Color palette — light walls, chest of drawers in light oak or painted light gray, furniture upholstery in neutral tones.

Result — light classic without overload, the chest of drawers becomes an elegant focal point of the wall but does not overwhelm the small space.

Spacious living room in a country house

Area of 30–35 square meters, ceiling height 3.2–3.5 meters. A wide chest of drawers 160–180 centimeters, 100 centimeters high. Style — full classic with Baroque elements.

Solution: Above the chest of drawers — a vertical mirror in a carved gilded frame, 120 centimeters wide, 150 centimeters high. The wall behind the chest of drawers is treated with a complex system of moldings: several nested frames are created, with the central one — behind the mirror and chest of drawers — being accentuated. Inside the central frame, the wall is covered with fabric (velvet or velour) in a rich color — emerald, sapphire, burgundy.

In the corners of the frame, carved appliqués with acanthus leaves are placed, echoing the carving motifs on the chest of drawers' fronts. On either side of the mirror — classic candle-style sconces with crystal pendants. On the chest of drawers — a composition of tall candlesticks, a vase with flowers, possibly a small sculpture.

The rest of the living room furniture — sofa and armchairs with carved legs and rich upholstery, a massive coffee table with a marble top, consoles along other walls. All furniture adheres to a unified Baroque classic style. Color palette — cream or light golden walls, dark wood furniture, textiles in rich colors.

Result — a formal living room with a clearly defined compositional center; the chest of drawers and the wall behind it are perceived as a single architectural ensemble.

Living room in Provence style

Area of 20–22 square meters, ceiling height 2.8 meters. A chest of drawers 120 centimeters wide, painted in a light color with a distressed effect. Style — French country romance.

Solution: Above the chest of drawers — an oval or rectangular mirror in a simple wooden frame painted white or cream with patina. The wall behind the chest of drawers — light, possibly with a small floral wallpaper pattern inside a frame of thin white moldings.

Wall sconces on either side of the mirror — simple, possibly with wrought iron elements, providing warm light. On the chest of drawers — ceramic vases, woven baskets, bouquets of lavender or wildflowers. The rest of the furniture — light, with simple forms, possibly woven elements. Sofa and armchairs with linen or cotton slipcovers in pastel tones.

Result — a cozy, bright living room with a romantic mood; the chest of drawers as the compositional center works delicately, not dominating but harmonizing with the overall atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions

Is it mandatory to hang a mirror above the chest of drawers?

No, it's not mandatory, but it's traditional and functional. The mirror visually extends the chest of drawers upward, connects the furniture with the wall, adds light and depth. Alternatives — a painting, a panel, a composition of several small pictures or mirrors, a wall clock. The main thing is that the element above the chest of drawers matches in size and style.

Can a chest of drawers be placed not against a wall, but in the center of the room?

Yes, but this changes its role. A chest of drawers against a wall is part of an architectural composition, connected to the vertical plane. A chest of drawers in the center or perpendicular to a wall is a space divider, a zoning element. In this case, wall treatment behind it is not needed, but the beauty of the chest of drawers' back panel and its visibility from all sides are important.

How to coordinate a chest of drawers with a TV on the same wall?

If the chest of drawers and TV are on the same wall, it's important to decide which is primary. Option one: the TV is integrated into the composition — hung above the chest of drawers instead of a mirror. In this case, moldings and decor frame the TV, turning it into a picture. Option two: the chest of drawers and TV are separated onto different sections of the wall, each with its own framing. Option three: the TV is hidden behind sliding panels or a painting, opening only during viewing.

How much does wall treatment with moldings and appliqués cost?

The cost depends on materials and complexity. A simple frame made of polyurethane moldings with painting — from 5–10 thousand rubles (materials + labor). A complex composition with wooden moldings, fabric upholstery inside, carved appliqués can cost 30–50 thousand and above. The work can be done independently, saving on installation, but it will require time and care.

Can these techniques be used for a TV stand?

Absolutely. A TV stand follows the same principle as a chest of drawers. The wall behind it is treated with moldings, the TV is integrated into the architectural composition. Wires and equipment are hidden, creating the impression not of a chaotic pile of electronics but of a thoughtfully designed media center integrated into a classic interior.

Are additional items needed on the wall next to the chest of drawers?

It depends on the composition. If the wall behind the chest of drawers is richly decorated with moldings and appliqués, additional items are not needed — it would be overloaded. If the treatment is minimal, wall sconces, small paintings, decorative plates on the wall can be placed on either side of the chest of drawers. The main thing is symmetry or thoughtful asymmetry, not chaos.

How often should the decor be updated and can it be changed?

Classical interior decor — moldings, appliqués — is not seasonal decoration but part of the architecture. It is created for years and decades. You can change the paint color (repaint the wall and moldings in a new shade), the textiles inside the frames, the accessories on the chest of drawers. But the structure itself — frames, appliqués — remains constant.

Conclusion: a symphony of details

Classic chest of drawersIn the living room, it's not just a piece of furniture for storing linens or dishes. It's a tuning fork that sets the tone for the entire space, an architectural object around which the composition is built. But for it to resonate at full strength, context is needed — a finished wall, coordinatedinterior wall decor, harmonious surroundings from the rest of theclassic furniture.

Moldings create structure by framing the chest of drawers area and connecting it to the wall. Carved overlays add detail, echoing thefurniture decoron the facades. The mirror continues the vertical line, controls light and space. Color, material, and style unite disparate items into an ensemble. Lighting reveals details, creates mood, and directs attention.

All these elements must work in harmony, like instruments in an orchestra. The conductor of this orchestra is you, your taste, understanding of proportions and style. You can follow proven classical schemes — symmetry, pairing, traditional motifs. You can experiment by mixing eras and approaches. The main thing is not to leave the chest of drawers in isolation, but to create a worthy environment for it.

A living room with a skillfully built composition around a chest of drawers gains integrity, character, memorability. Upon entering such a space, a person immediately understands: everything here is thought out, here lives taste and respect for details. This is not a showroom where items are placed randomly. This is a real interior where every element is in its place, where furniture, architecture, and decor speak the same language.

For many years, STAVROS has been helping to create such interiors, offering the widest range ofclassic furniture, architectural decor, moldings, carved overlays, elements made of solid wood and polyurethane. Every chest of drawers, every cabinet from the STAVROS collection is a piece of furniture art, created with consideration for classical proportions and modern quality requirements. Natural solid oak and beech, precise processing on high-tech equipment, manual finishing of details — all this guarantees that the furniture will last for decades, preserving beauty and functionality.

STAVROS offers not only furniture but also everything necessary to create an architectural context: moldings of various profiles, carved overlays of all styles and sizes, cornices, pilasters, balusters. Professional consultants will help select elements, create a harmonious composition, and calculate the amount of materials. With STAVROS, creating a classic interior where every detail is in its place becomes an achievable reality, not an unattainable dream. By choosing STAVROS, you choose quality tested by time and beauty that will never go out of style.