Your Ultimate Guide to Buying a Dressing Table: From Style to Functionality

A dressing table adds value to any bedroom it adorns, as it is both stylish and functional. Often referred to as a vanity table, a quality dressing table provides you with the perfect spot to get ready for the day and will provide you with ample space for carrying out daily grooming rituals.

The best ones also have storage built in, allowing you to have your essential potions and creams on hand for easy access.

Whether you are shopping for a new vanity table or updating your current one, you will have plenty of choice when choosing the ideal table to suit your space. Today, we will delve into the different styles and functions of dressing tables, helping you on your journey towards buying the perfect piece for your bedroom.

Shopping for your entire bedroom? Then, check out our indepth bedroom guide. Packed to the max with lots of insight into furnishing your bedroom the right way.

Functions of a dressing table

A dressing table is far more than a functional piece where you prep for the day or night ahead. It’s the perfect choice for adding an element of pampered luxury to your boudoir.

Transforming spaces: how dressing tables define ambiance

This classic piece of bedroom furniture serves as a focal point in any style of bedroom, standing as a testament to your personal style and elegance. The right one has the power to elevate the entire ambiance of a room. 

Whether you have a modern minimalist bedroom or a vintage-inspired refuge, a vanity table unifies the space, making it an essential component in any bedroom decor.

Where elegance meets functionality: unravelling the workhorse

Designed with practicality in mind, it also serves as a daily workhorse, allowing you to keep all your beauty products, jewellery, and accessories organised and within reach.

Its drawers and compartments are deliberately designed to accommodate things of varying sizes, ensuring that everything from your favourite lipsticks to priceless jewellery has a designated home. The simplified design reduces clutter and facilitates retrieval.

You can carry out your grooming rituals with ease when you accompany your table with a well-lit mirror. Additionally, with the added convenience of organised storage, the dressing table becomes a vital component in streamlining daily activities, ensuring you begin and end your day with a touch of elegance and efficiency.

Top considerations when choosing a dressing table

There are many factors to consider when choosing a vanity table for your bedroom, such as the style, storage, functionality, mirror, and size of the dressing table, so that it will work to suit your needs.

1. Measure your space and find the perfect spot

Measure the width, height, and depth of your space to ensure your table will fit. Take a good look around your room and determine where you would like to position your dressing table.

Placing it next to a window will give you the additional advantage of benefiting from natural light, which is great for preparing for the day ahead. No matter where you place your table, make sure it doesn’t interfere with the flow of the room.

2. Does it have a mirror included?

Dressing tables generally come with a mirror, as their main function is to work as a grooming station. A good-quality mirror will serve you well for many years and requires only a light dusting to keep clean.

Mirrors come in an array of sizes, such as single, double, or triple fold-out mirrors (also known as trifold mirrors), which allow you to view yourself from multiple angles. Make sure to place the mirror at a comfortable height so that you can see your entire face and upper body. It should also be angled correctly to avoid any distortions.

When choosing a mirror for your vanity table, you should also consider the lighting in your room. Good lighting is essential for applying make-up and doing your hair while preparing for the day ahead. If your space is limited, a table with an attached mirror is a  good option, as it will save on space.

Alternatively, you have the option of choosing a table without a mirror, and you can hang a mirror on the wall above it, or you may select a free-standing mirror to complement the space.

2. Has the vanity table substantial storage?

Consider the main function of your dressing table. Its a great way to store your lotions and potions, jewellery, and accessories all in one place, so make sure it has enough storage for your needs. Do you have a lot of accessories to store? Some vanity tables also provide built-in storage under the tabletop for additional items.

If you need extra storage space, then opt for a dressing table with several drawers or compartments, or for a minimalist look, opt for a table with a single drawer to store your essentials.

The size of drawers varies considerably; for example, some drawers are shallow and are ideal for storing small items such as lipsticks and eyeliners, while others are deeper and can store larger items like hairdryers and curling irons.

Some come with cabinets, which provide additional storage space. These are usually located below the tabletop, and they sometimes have shelves or compartments that help you organise your accessories.

3. Consider the design and materials used

A well-designed, fashionable, and attractive pamper station will enhance the overall décor of your bedroom.  If your budget allows, opt for high-quality materials such as oak or sturdy metal for better durability.

If you have a modern bedroom, you may opt for a vanity table with clean lines and a sleek design. Alternatively, if you have a more traditional bedroom, you may choose a table with ornate details and a more classic style.

Dressing tables made of solid wood will be more durable, and for the most part, they will be more expensive than other options. There are many budget-friendly options, such as engineered wood and dry- processed medium-density fibreboard (MDF). These will be functional and affordable, but they may not be as durable as other options on the market.

4. Lighting is key

The lighting you select for your vanity table is key to the style of the piece, and it is also useful when applying make-up and for general grooming procedures. There are a variety of  tables with built-in lighting options, that are both attractive and functional.

Depending on your preference, you could opt for LED strips or light bulbs around the mirror–also known as a Hollywood mirror.

Lighting helps to create the right ambience and provides a clear view of your reflection; it is therefore an essential feature of any dressing table.

Your vanity table lighting should be bright enough to provide an accurate reflection, and the lights should be placed at eye level on both sides of the mirror to provide even light distribution.

5. Size as a consideration

Factor in the overall size of your bedroom and the general space available to you when selecting the ideal dressing table for the room. The perfect one should not be too big or too small, and it should complement the room. So make sure to consider the measurements of the space prior to going furniture shopping.

6. Versatility required

Some vanity tables come with features that allow them to double as desks. This is particularly useful in smaller spaces.

If you require a multi-functional dressing table, look for one with a large surface area and choose an ergonomic seat that fits the measurements of the table. Always select one with enough surface area to fit your grooming products and other items, as this will benefit you long-term.

7. Are you comfortably seated?

You’ve heard us say it enough, because it’s true: comfort really is king! If not included as part of a dressing table set, make sure to choose a chair that fits your pamper station perfectly. The chair should fit well under the table, and you should have enough leg room.

It should also be the correct height for the tabletop. The right chair also gives you the opportunity to add a pop of colour to the space or to make a chair a key accent feature.

Dressing table styles and designs

There are a huge variety of dressing table styles and designs on the market, and the one you choose will be largely down to your individual style and taste. You will also need to consider the décor of your bedroom so that you can find one that will complement the overall design of the space.

When it comes to choosing dressing table styles, let’s take a look at some of the most popular choices:

Mid-century modern style

Mid-century modern-style dressing tables may include subtle curves and tapered legs, which are typical characteristics of this design era. The style features clean lines and focuses on functionality with a mix of materials such as wood, metal, and glass.

Contemporary style

If you like minimalist designs and clean lines, then a contemporary-style dressing table may work best for you. These modern dressing tables feature materials such as glass, high-gloss finishes, and sleek aesthetics. They may also incorporate light features such as LED lighting.

Vintage style

If retro-chic is your style, then a vintage vanity table will complement your space perfectly. There are a variety of vintage dressing tables with design features such as antique-style mirrors, distressed paintwork, and handcrafted details.  Mid-Century Modern and Art Deco-style vanity tables would also fall into the category of both retro or vintage as well as modern. 

Traditional or rustic

Country or rustic vanity tables create a warm, cosy feel. They are elegant and stylish. They are ofen built from natural materials, such as distressed or reclaimed wood, and they work perfectly in most bedrooms.

Scandinavian style

Generally made of light-coloured wood, the Scandinavian-style vanity table focuses on functional design and simplicity. They feature clean lines and create a minimalist yet cosy ambience.

Industrial style

Industrial-style dressing tables have a sturdy and practical aesthetic. They include details such as exposed screws or bolts, and they use a combination of metal and wood.

Crafting moments, one reflection at a time

Before choosing the ideal dressing station for your space, consider the design, size, and storage of this classic furniture staple.

A high-quality dressing table is both functional and fabulous and should serve you for many years to come, so choose wisely and enjoy this fabulous statement piece, which will help to add ease and comfort and, of course, a luxe touch to your lifestyle.  Check out just a small selection of some of our top-selling dressing tables below.