10 Ways to Fit in a Dressing Table
There's a way to fit a dressing table into your bedroom, no matter what size or style you're working to
Dressing tables are one of those very particular pieces of furniture that aren’t crucial to the smooth running of our bedrooms (we have wardrobes, chests and beds for sleeping and storage, after all), but when you’re the proud owner of one, you’ll never want to give it up. Because there’s something very appealing and luxurious about sitting down and getting ready at a dedicated table littered with pretty bottles of perfume and trinket boxes.
Without doubt, dressing tables have an old-fashioned elegance all of their own, even if you’re a modernist at heart with your sights set on a chic, contemporary interior. Before you know it, you’ll be spending hours at your dressing table – not necessarily making sure you look good, but that your prized piece of furniture always looks the part. Here are 10 ways to squeeze one into even a small bedroom.
Without doubt, dressing tables have an old-fashioned elegance all of their own, even if you’re a modernist at heart with your sights set on a chic, contemporary interior. Before you know it, you’ll be spending hours at your dressing table – not necessarily making sure you look good, but that your prized piece of furniture always looks the part. Here are 10 ways to squeeze one into even a small bedroom.
2. Mix up your own look
You don’t need to be restricted by the choice of actual ‘dressing tables’ on offer in stores and online, as you can fashion your own look using much-loved separates. This table, chair and mirror combo has been effortlessly thrown together, the hotchpotch of styles – modern acrylic writing table, gilt wood mirror and antique chair – working wonderfully together. This is how to mix old and new and really nail the look.
You don’t need to be restricted by the choice of actual ‘dressing tables’ on offer in stores and online, as you can fashion your own look using much-loved separates. This table, chair and mirror combo has been effortlessly thrown together, the hotchpotch of styles – modern acrylic writing table, gilt wood mirror and antique chair – working wonderfully together. This is how to mix old and new and really nail the look.
3. Work it as a desk
There’s a natural synergy between a hard-working desk and a dressing table: both need a sturdy surface and adequate space for stashing your bits, plus a comfortable chair for crafting, relaxing or simply pampering.
So if you don’t have space for both a desk and a dressing table, pick a classic style that will enable both tasks. (Don’t forget laptops are a must for this set-up, as desktop computers will gobble up too much space.)
There’s a natural synergy between a hard-working desk and a dressing table: both need a sturdy surface and adequate space for stashing your bits, plus a comfortable chair for crafting, relaxing or simply pampering.
So if you don’t have space for both a desk and a dressing table, pick a classic style that will enable both tasks. (Don’t forget laptops are a must for this set-up, as desktop computers will gobble up too much space.)
4. Make use of the end of your bed
If you’ve planned in an ensuite, you might have used up all of your bedroom wall space in the process. But never fear, you might still be able to have a dressing table simply by butting one up to the end of your bed.
If you have a footboard, make sure the dressing table is lower, so clutter is out of sight while you slumber. If you don’t, make sure the table is the same width as your bed and stick to something neutral and classic that, visually, won’t hog the limelight.
If you’ve planned in an ensuite, you might have used up all of your bedroom wall space in the process. But never fear, you might still be able to have a dressing table simply by butting one up to the end of your bed.
If you have a footboard, make sure the dressing table is lower, so clutter is out of sight while you slumber. If you don’t, make sure the table is the same width as your bed and stick to something neutral and classic that, visually, won’t hog the limelight.
5. Create a romantic corner
A dressing table will instantly rev up the romance factor of your bedroom, particularly if you plump for a pretty, carved wood style. Seek out vintage originals from antiques fairs and second-hand shops, or simply opt for a good-quality reproduction.
The beauty of a petite number like this is that it can happily squeeze in under the eaves in an attic bedroom, making use of space that might otherwise be wasted.
A dressing table will instantly rev up the romance factor of your bedroom, particularly if you plump for a pretty, carved wood style. Seek out vintage originals from antiques fairs and second-hand shops, or simply opt for a good-quality reproduction.
The beauty of a petite number like this is that it can happily squeeze in under the eaves in an attic bedroom, making use of space that might otherwise be wasted.
6. Go for glamour
With masses of floor space to work with, fitting in a dressing table was clearly not an issue here – but the choice of material, size and style is spot-on for adding glamour.
This mirrored dressing table adds a fitting shot of sparkle to the already serene and stylish room. The muted amethyst stool warms up the delicate, washed-out palette, while the oversized mirror propped up behind the table creates a softer effect than a wall-hung one would.
With masses of floor space to work with, fitting in a dressing table was clearly not an issue here – but the choice of material, size and style is spot-on for adding glamour.
This mirrored dressing table adds a fitting shot of sparkle to the already serene and stylish room. The muted amethyst stool warms up the delicate, washed-out palette, while the oversized mirror propped up behind the table creates a softer effect than a wall-hung one would.
7. Luxe it up with bespoke
If you’re lucky enough to have a bedroom capacious enough to include a dressing area, this is the ideal place to put a dressing table. This bespoke piece in a gentle, creamy grey hue has been placed in the centre of the room so the user will benefit from as much natural light as possible. Invest in a tabletop mirror with side wings for good reflections and zero shadows.
If you’re lucky enough to have a bedroom capacious enough to include a dressing area, this is the ideal place to put a dressing table. This bespoke piece in a gentle, creamy grey hue has been placed in the centre of the room so the user will benefit from as much natural light as possible. Invest in a tabletop mirror with side wings for good reflections and zero shadows.
8. Try a vanity unit
The stylish array of basin vanity units on offer these days will do the job of the dressing table very well, so if you have an ensuite bathroom, why not double up?
Choose an ornate design on legs (in a bright colour, if you dare) topped with stone. Wall-mounted taps are a good idea, as they free up space on top for lotions and potions. Be aware that you might not get as much storage with this option, as the top drawer is generally a false one for hiding the underside of the basin and plumbing.
The stylish array of basin vanity units on offer these days will do the job of the dressing table very well, so if you have an ensuite bathroom, why not double up?
Choose an ornate design on legs (in a bright colour, if you dare) topped with stone. Wall-mounted taps are a good idea, as they free up space on top for lotions and potions. Be aware that you might not get as much storage with this option, as the top drawer is generally a false one for hiding the underside of the basin and plumbing.
9. Slot in a pampering spot
If you’re fitting a bank of wardrobes in your bedroom, consider having a dressing table built in, too. It’s possible to buy wardrobe and dressing table combinations off the shelf, but having them built bespoke means they can be tailored to your exact dimensions and taste.
This velvet stool adds a glamorous note and highlights the dressing table area, but if you’re short of space you could choose one that would slot neatly underneath when not in use.
If you’re fitting a bank of wardrobes in your bedroom, consider having a dressing table built in, too. It’s possible to buy wardrobe and dressing table combinations off the shelf, but having them built bespoke means they can be tailored to your exact dimensions and taste.
This velvet stool adds a glamorous note and highlights the dressing table area, but if you’re short of space you could choose one that would slot neatly underneath when not in use.
10. Rely on classics
You can’t go wrong with light, clean-lined furniture in the bedroom, as this smart dressing table and wardrobe combo shows. The fuss-free outlines bely the hard-working storage both elements incorporate, while the neutral base is perfect for working in colour and print elsewhere in the bedroom, with fabric or wallpaper for example.
To add more character, consider mixing your styles: this period carved chair makes a real statement against the modern dressing table.
TELL US
Have you managed to squeeze a dressing table in? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments.
MORE BEDROOM STORIES
14 Savvy Tricks to Boost Your Bedroom Storage
How to Make Your Bedroom a 24-Hour Sanctuary
Balancing Act: Designing a His and Hers Bedroom
You can’t go wrong with light, clean-lined furniture in the bedroom, as this smart dressing table and wardrobe combo shows. The fuss-free outlines bely the hard-working storage both elements incorporate, while the neutral base is perfect for working in colour and print elsewhere in the bedroom, with fabric or wallpaper for example.
To add more character, consider mixing your styles: this period carved chair makes a real statement against the modern dressing table.
TELL US
Have you managed to squeeze a dressing table in? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments.
MORE BEDROOM STORIES
14 Savvy Tricks to Boost Your Bedroom Storage
How to Make Your Bedroom a 24-Hour Sanctuary
Balancing Act: Designing a His and Hers Bedroom
Even smaller bedrooms can work in a dressing table with a touch of clever planning. This classic, painted vanity unit has been slotted in right next to the bed, allowing it to multi-task as a bedside table as well.
It offers a natural spot for the bedside lamp which, in turn, helps to illuminate anyone getting ready for a night on the town. If the table is too small for a freestanding vanity mirror, simply hang one on the wall instead.