A dressing table adds a touch of romance and glamor to any woman’s bedroom. These pieces of furniture are coming back into fashion as women seek more elegance in their lives. Akiko Busch, in her book "Geography of Home" refers to a dressing table as "a place to indulge one's fancies and compose one's soul."
Dressing tables originated in 18th century France. They were called ‘toilette’ or ‘toilet tables’ because women used to wrap their cosmetic items in a small, square linen cloth (the toilette) before they put them in a chest.
Although very popular in Victorian times and in the early nineteenth century, vanities went out of fashion somewhat in the somewhat tasteless nineteen-seventies because of the emphasis on minimalism and practicality.
There are many different types of dressing tables to choose from when decorating a bedroom. Large, draped, kidney-shaped tables are very luxurious and can look wonderful in the right setting. Antique Victorian or French tables are very popular at present. Some have elaborate mirrors and beautiful carvings. A simple table with a standing mirror can do the job equally well.
The mirror is probably the most important part of their dressing-table and good lighting is useful to prevent make-up faux pas!
A dressing table is often a highly personal place where special cards, photographs and other treasured momentoes are kept.
I love this image mostly for the beautiful reflection in the mirror - is it Paris, do you think?
This kidney shaped, skirted dressing table was very popular when I was a young girl. I think it was called a "Dolly Varden" My mother had one and I remember a drama when she had just had it recovered and my sister spilled a whole bottle of nail polish over it! My mom walked in and found my sister on her knees praying at the side of the bed! :) I can't remember if the prayers helped or not.
If your bathroom is large enough, you can always place your dressing table there.
A mirrored tray holds perfume bottles and flowers.
A tray filled with pretty containers is used to organise make up brushes and other beauty paraphenalia.
Vintage silverware is beautiful on a dressing table.
I love a dressing table and have had one in my bedroom since I was a child. I like the ritual of sitting there in the mornings before I face the world or getting ready for a night out. Are you in favour of a dressing table, or do you just do your titivating in the bathroom mirror like many of my friends?
Till next time
Sharon x
