How to Style A Dressing Table to Add Glam Back to Getting Ready
It’s time to revive dressing tables adorned with beautiful (and practical) decor — here’s how.
The dressing table in my beloved childhood bedroom
In old photos and films, we see classy women getting glammed up for a night out seated at a dressing table, or vanity if you prefer to call it that. Invariably, everything she needs is laid out before her – makeup, perfume, hair brush — each one beautifully designed, along with other objects that delight. Let’s bring the proper dressing table into modern life!
A lady’s dressing table is not just a place to get ready, it’s where one can enjoy a quiet, luxurious moment to oneself. If you have a dressing table laid out with all of your lovely things, you will be far more inclined to sit down and enjoy the simple pleasures of putting on makeup and spritzing perfume rather than just rushing through these mundane activities. Ultimately, having this dedicated space encourages you to slow down and look after yourself.
We’re sharing ideas for how you can upgrade your dressing table with practicality and beauty in mind along with some examples, from past and present, that ooze glamour and femininity.
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Silver dressing table decor
The toile that covers the walls, curtains and bed skirt always makes me happy
Dressing Table / Vanity Decor
In general, dressing table decor is quite delicate and compact, made of finer materials like porcelain, crystal, and silver. It’s a great place to incorporate vintage items especially if they’re passed down in your family. As one of the most intimate spaces in the home, the dressing table is meant to display the items that are most personal and special to you. It’s not about pleasing anyone else, only yourself. What do you love looking at? What do you want to be reminded of every time you get dressed?
Jewelry storage
Keep jewelry easily accessible (or make it easy to put away after a long night) while also adding a unique decorative touch. Use candlesticks to stack bracelets; busts to string necklaces; small dishes to hold delicate jewelry.
Organizing trays
Select your most attractive compacts and perfume to display on the dressing table, then keep them organized in one of these charming trays.
Storage cups
Keep mascara, eye liner and brushes handy with these beautiful storage cups (some of which are glasses or vases). Alternatively, you can reuse a beautiful candle once it’s finished.
Decorative accents
Select a few pieces that may have once served a functional purpose but now are mostly just for adornment, like a vintage vanity set, perfume bottle, or clock.
Personal touches
Add personal touches like small picture frames, boxes to fill with mementos, and delightful objets that mean something to you.
Ambiance enhancers
Set the mood and enhance the ambiance with soft lighting, candles, and vases to keep filled with fresh blooms at all times.
Dressing Table Inspiration
Image: Willow Crossley
The utterly romantic and classic toile de Jouy covering the walls and the skirt of the dressing table creates a breathtaking setting for getting ready. A large bouquet and a few select decorative vanity decor accents, like a miniature bust, figurine and dishes, complete the setting.
Image: Emma Ainscough
In this space designed by Emma Ainscough, the dressing table with a matching stripe skirted table and chair is a focal point. A mix of contemporary and vintage pieces decorate the dressing table, nodding to the past but feeling right at home in the present moment.
Image: Justine Cushing
With a floral skirt and complimentary vases and lamp shades, both decorated with flowers, Justine Cushing’s skirted dressing table is the epitome of feminine design. Other dressing table decor includes a miniature bust, clock, perfume bottles, and the finishing touch, a casually strewn strand of pearls.
Image: @lgw.designs
Chintz and striped seating make a bold statement in this dressing table area. Meanwhile, the top of the dressing table holds a myriad of treasures including miniature picture frames, porcelain objets, a vanity set, a bud vase and glass jars with silver tops.
Image: Patricia Mclean
Behold a peaceful corner with this white skirted dressing table adorned with thoughtfully chosen vanity decor. Twin glass lamps anchor the dressing table with a box in the center along with a large floral arrangement and a couple of small decorative accents.
Image: Vogue Magazine (by Francois Halard)
This dressing table offers a ‘more is more’ approach to styling which feels so personal. A central tray overflows with beautiful makeup compacts and jewelry. The eye moves around to perfume bottles, a picture frame, and a collection of decorative objets and boxes.
Image: Jared Hughes Design
There’s an elegant simplicity to this peach skirted dressing table. The vanity decor is mostly silver including the twin lamps, the tray holding the perfume bottles, and a small clock. A porcelain dish and a glass vase break it up yet still look in perfect harmony with the silver pieces.