Stylish dressing tables for every kind of bedroom

On the surface of things, a dressing table seems like a luxury. It suggests that one has time to sit and apply their makeup calmly, to do their hair as part of a stress free morning routine. It suggests that one is organised enough to have little pots filled with brushes and tools, rather than a great jumble of products which may, or may not, be leaking everywhere.

Yet, with fewer and fewer of us commuting and more time in the mornings to dedicate to ourselves in place of that commute, a dressing table could be just the thing you need. Gone are the days of applying mascara on the 7:15 train, praying not to be jostled by the strangers next to you. With a well organised dressing table, you can decrease the amount of time it takes to get ready in the morning. A dedicated storage space for your products means everything can be easily located- no more rifling through your makeup bag.

How to choose the best dressing table?

At House & Garden, we always say that the golden rule of buying furniture is to measure everything twice. It is so important to measure the area you want your dressing table to sit before investing in an expensive piece. The wrong size can offset a room horribly, even if the quality is excellent. A large, bright room might ask for a chunkier piece of furniture that will look at home in a more generous space. On the other hand, a smaller room may ask for a daintier piece. Thinner legs will allow light to flood underneath more easily, so consider this if your room has few windows.

Finally, make sure to think about how you are going to use your dressing table. If you want makeup products hidden away, then ensure your chosen piece has plenty of space for that. Do you want a built in mirror, or do you have a wall mirror you’d prefer to hang above it instead? Once you’ve considered these things, you should be ready to shop.

Can I use a dressing table as a desk?

One of the great things about dressing tables is that you can double them easily as a desk. A piece with drawers is particularly useful if you want to double up the function as you can hide away your makeup or work files when not in use. If you intend to use the piece as both, make sure it is the right height and that a chair can comfortably tuck underneath to ensure you don’t end up with back pain.

Where should a dressing table be placed in a bedroom?

To optimise natural lighting, a dressing table should be placed in front of a window. This way, you will be able to see how your application will look outside. If you use a lot of electronics, such as hair dryers or hot rollers, or want to plug in a vanity light, make sure you aren’t too far away from a socket.

Scroll on for our edit of the best dressing tables to buy now.