Today, the Dressing Table is one of the accent pieces that add glamour and sophistication to our houses, the type of furniture that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with the latter often taking precedence. So, when did this trend begin? The first dressing tables, in fact, were not even tables. They were boxes, and they had existed for a long time. They were used by ancient Egyptians (particularly pharaohs) to store ointment jars, face paints, and perfumes. Hand mirrors made of polished metal were also available.
Later, the French developed their own versions of these ornate boxes, dubbed necessities. They included items such as perfume flasks, combs, nail files, and small scissors, and were intended for royalty and aristocrats. The maids carried the cosmetic boxes, which brings us to an important point: the cosmetic boxes were portable.
These boxes didn’t start being substituted by dressing tables with mirrors until the late 1970s. The first were hybrids, which were essentially tables with cosmetic boxes attached. The designs evolved over time, and by the mid-1980s, the modern-day dressing table had begun to take shape. The dressing table was already a matching part of the bedroom suite in the nineteenth century.
In Europe, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, the dressing table was a symbol of luxury and glamour. The designs in America, on the other hand, were simpler and more focused on functionality. The more recent designs incorporate both influences and reflect the wide range of styles that we’ve come to appreciate over time. Dressing tables with drawers, mirrors, ornate feet, small, massive, contemporary, vintage, and a variety of other features are available today.
With so many choices and styles to choose from, finding the right dressing table can be difficult. Here are a few pointers and suggestions to get you started. Choose if you want a custom table, a ready-made table, or a table that you can create yourself. They’re all viable choices. Then choose a style that reflects your personality while also complementing the rest of the room’s and home’s decor. After that, focus on the minor details. Decide whether you want a small or big table, for example.
Small dressing tables work best in small spaces or areas with lots of natural light. If the table is small, add a wall-mounted mirror and a small table lamp to free up small spaces, and make sure everything is neatly organized. Keep small items on trays and your belongings in drawers.