I think it looks great

IMO no need for the shelf . But I also do not like a bunch of stuff that serves no purpose Alexa can sit on the dresser a nice lamp could hide the plug . If you red those books great if not why have them to dust . If you show the whole room that is also helpful You could plug Alexa in by a night stand instead.

Thanks for the input everyone! Here are couple different options playing around with setups - thoughts?

and this

It seems like there is too much on the top shelf. Maybe move one item to the top of the dresser?

Remove all the candles and holders, artificial greenery, any item smaller than a quart of milk, and the shelf. Hang the picture on the wall, just 3-4” above the top of the dresser. Better yet, do you have another similar picture? You could hang them side by side.

My question would ask what you would put there if you ONLY put stuff you are madly in love with on there. Take it all off, leave it blank for a week or a month, then add things you love seeing and/or use every day, Forget styling for now. Think about what works for you.

I would put the u-shaped candle holder on the dresser. It obscures the picture that is behind it. If you want to keep the shelf (and I think you should) you can still hang the picture on the wall in about the same place it is now. Other than that, I think your first picture is the best.

Agree no U shaped candle holder in front of picture, if you keep the shelf. Also too much stuff overall and does give off too much of an instant decorating vibe.
I’m not against the shelf per se but for me that’s if I need the dresser top room for something useful & want to add a bit of color or favorite item; for me the picture on shelf instead of on wall can be good if you like to rotate or change out small picture, family photo; small vase with stuff cut from the yard. ( I do fresh flowers in main living areas but will put a few hydrangea blooms or sedum or boxwood cuttings that can let dry, in bedroom , & change out.

There are tricks: height variations, groups of 3 are more pleasing, empty space/don’t overcrowd and use items that connect. Balance is key and less is more.

Looks great to me. The only tweak I'd make is to remove the brass candle and the dried flowers. Move the framed pic over to the left where the flowers were.

Ditto to Maureen’s comments.

Thanks everyone! I love and appreciate the suggestions. I think if I remove the shelf, the art is too small to be hung and I would need to get something new. I’m open to that if I find something, but for now I’m trying to work with what I have. I agree it looks too busy so here is what I have so far. I moved the U candlestick holder so you can see what it looks like on dresser vs shelf. I think I prefer it in shelf to balance out the frame.

Try top shelf with candle, remove the two tiny items and switch bust with black piece. The items on top of dresser are not working; what about something useful and that grounds the space overall.

Great idea!!