White dressing table with multiple drawers and a large vanity mirror framed by bright circular light bulbs, set against a neutral-toned wall.

How to Choose Your Perfect Dressing Table

Posted by Luxo Living on

A dressing table is more than just a piece of furniture—it's your personal sanctuary for morning rituals and evening wind-downs. Whether you're applying makeup, styling your hair, or simply organizing your jewellery collection, the right dressing table can transform your daily routine into a luxurious experience. Here's everything you need to know to choose the perfect one for your space.

Understanding Your Space Requirements

Before you start shopping for a dressing table, it's crucial to measure your available space carefully. Consider not just the table itself, but also the room you'll need for a comfortable chair or stool and the ability to move around freely.

Small Bedroom Solutions

In compact spaces, every centimetre counts. The key is finding a dressing table that's not too deep but still provides ample storage. Look for designs with a shallower profile that won't protrude too far into the room, while still offering multiple drawers for organization. Compact dressing tables with vertical storage solutions maximize functionality without overwhelming your space.

 

A clean, modern white vanity table with two drawers, featuring a large, square light grey Hollywood-style mirror bordered by round vanity bulbs. A beige upholstered bench is tucked underneath. On the table's surface are perfumes, a container of hair tools, and to the right, framed art. The setting includes a fluffy white rug and a garment rack visible on the left.

Consider positioning your dressing table near your wardrobe so you can easily coordinate outfits. A full length mirror placed nearby completes the setup, allowing you to see your entire outfit without taking up precious floor space. This strategic arrangement creates an efficient dressing zone even in the smallest bedrooms.

Spacious Bedroom Advantages

With more room to work with, you can opt for larger statement pieces with expansive surfaces and multiple storage compartments. Consider creating a dedicated vanity corner by placing your dressing table between two windows or against a feature wall. The extra space also allows you to add complementary bedroom furniture pieces like a stylish ottoman or bench nearby.

For those wanting a more custom-fit look that adapts to their specific space, consider an extendable dressing table like our Lassie Hollywood Dressing Table. With its adjustable width (110-170cm), you can arrange the drawers side by side for a compact setup or extend them for maximum desk space—offering incredible versatility to suit your room's layout perfectly.

A white Hollywood vanity dressing table with a large, rectangular mirror lit by exposed circular bulbs sits in a bedroom. The vanity has multiple drawers and a central open space for a seat. On the tabletop are various makeup items, brushes, perfume bottles, and a small jewelry display stand. The background shows a bright, modern bedroom with white walls, a tufted headboard, and neutral-toned curtains and bedding. A portion of the bed is visible on the right.

Multi-Purpose Considerations

Many people need their dressing table to serve double duty as a workspace or study desk. If this sounds like you, look for designs with larger surface areas and consider models with glass tops that are easy to clean and provide a professional look suitable for both beauty routines and productivity.

Choosing the Right Style

Your dressing table should harmonize with your existing bedroom décor while reflecting your personal aesthetic.

Hollywood Glamour

If you love a touch of celebrity-inspired luxury, Hollywood dressing tables feature iconic bulb-lit mirrors that instantly add glamorous appeal to any bedroom. These statement pieces create a glamorous focal point and provide exceptional lighting for makeup application. The theatrical mirror design makes you feel like a star during your daily routine. Popular Hollywood-style models include the Jenna, Lassie, and Gianna collections.

Query successful A wide white vanity table with a Hollywood LED mirror that has exposed round bulbs. The vanity features a central recessed area for seating and two flanking towers of fluted-front drawers (five on each side) providing ample storage. A chic, blush pink velvet ottoman with gold fringe and legs is tucked into the center space. The room has soft beige walls, a white fluffy rug, and a modern gold floor lamp with a frosted globe shade to the left. Query successful A wide white Hollywood vanity dressing table with a large, rectangular mirror framed by exposed circular light bulbs. The vanity features extensive storage, including two long drawers across the top and two flanking drawer towers, each with five drawers, creating a central open space. A blush pink velvet ottoman with a fringe detail and gold base is tucked into this open space. The tabletop is styled with various makeup, brushes, perfumes, and a jewelry stand. The vanity is set against a light grey wall in a bedroom with a visible white upholstered headboard, neutral curtains, and a bed in the background. A simple, modern white vanity dressing table with two storage drawers, paired with a large, square Hollywood LED mirror. The mirror is light grey and framed by round light bulbs. A narrow, upholstered beige bench is neatly tucked underneath the table. The tabletop is styled with perfumes and clear acrylic holders containing brushes and combs. The setting includes a fluffy white rug, a garment rack on the left, and small framed cat and floral art on the right.

Modern Minimalist

Clean lines, sleek finishes, and understated elegance define modern dressing tables. These designs often incorporate drawers without handles, geometric shapes, and neutral colour palettes. They're perfect for contemporary homes where less is more, and functionality meets sophisticated style.

Classic Elegance

Traditional dressing tables feature ornate details, curved legs, and rich finishes. These timeless pieces add a sense of heritage and sophistication to bedrooms, working beautifully in both period properties and modern homes seeking a touch of classic charm.

Scandinavian Simplicity

Characterized by light woods, functional design, and minimalist aesthetics, Scandinavian-style dressing tables emphasize both beauty and practicality. These pieces typically feature natural materials and neutral tones that create a calming, clutter-free environment.

Storage Solutions That Work

Consider what you'll be storing in and around your dressing table to ensure you choose adequate storage options.

Drawer Configurations

Multiple small drawers are perfect for organizing makeup palettes, lipsticks, and small accessories. They allow you to categorize items and keep everything easily accessible. Deeper drawers work well for hairdryers, straighteners, and larger beauty tools. Look for felt-lined drawers if you plan to store jewellery—they protect delicate pieces from scratches.

Jenna Hollywood Makeup Vanity Table with LED Mirror in White features a large lit mirror, 13 drawers, pink organizer, makeup brushes, and a gold chair with a bow backrest. Adeline Glass Top Dressing Table in Black, featuring a sleek glass surface with organized compartments for cosmetics. Includes a partially opened drawer with brushes and a white stool against a panelled wall.

Open Shelving

Some dressing tables incorporate open shelves, which are ideal for displaying beautiful perfume bottles, candles, or decorative boxes. Open storage keeps your most-used items within easy reach and adds a personalized touch to your vanity area.

Hidden Compartments

Designs with lift-up tops or secret compartments are excellent for storing items you want close at hand but out of sight. These clever features help maintain a tidy, clutter-free surface while maximizing storage capacity.

The Importance of Proper Seating

Never underestimate the importance of comfortable seating at your dressing table. You'll likely spend 15-30 minutes here daily, so comfort matters.

Height Considerations

Your seating should allow your arms to rest comfortably on the table surface with your shoulders relaxed. Adjustable-height stools offer flexibility, especially if multiple people will use the vanity. Most dressing tables work well with seats between 45-50cm high.

Comfort Features

Padded seats make your morning routine more enjoyable, especially during longer sessions. Backless stools work well in smaller spaces, while chairs with backs provide extra comfort and support. Consider a dressing table stool that complements your vanity's style—upholstered options in velvet or boucle add a luxurious touch.

Stacey Tassled Velvet Foot Stool Ottoman in Cream features cream velvet upholstery, fringe tassels, and gold-tone legs, resting on a gray shag rug, enhancing elegance in any space. Paisley Velvet Round Accent Stool in White, featuring a plush round cushion atop a geometric metal base, perfect for adding elegance and comfort to any living space. Angel Bouclé Ottoman in Cream White sits on a brushed brass-tone base, upholstered in cream bouclé fabric. It rests on a light rug, with a beige chair and wooden cabinet leg visible nearby.

Style Coordination

Your seating should complement your dressing table's design. A Hollywood glamour vanity pairs beautifully with a plush velvet or bouclé stool, while a modern minimalist table looks stunning with a sleek metal-legged seat. Don't be afraid to mix metals or add a pop of colour with your seating choice.

Many customers choose to pair their dressing table with dedicated makeup vanity ottomans designed specifically for vanity use. Alternatively, some opt for an office chair with adjustable height and back support—particularly practical if your dressing table doubles as a workspace.

Mirror Matters

The mirror is arguably the most critical element of any dressing table setup.

Integrated Mirror Designs

Many dressing tables come with mirrors that are part of the overall design, creating a cohesive look straight out of the box. These complete vanity setups ensure the mirror is perfectly proportioned to the table and positioned at an ideal height for makeup application and grooming.

Mirror Styles

Circular mirrors offer a softer aesthetic and work well in modern or bohemian spaces, creating a gentler, more organic feel to your vanity area. Rectangular mirrors provide the most viewing area and suit traditional or contemporary settings. Hollywood-style mirrors with surrounding lights are particularly popular, offering both dramatic visual impact and exceptional functionality for makeup application.

Lighting Essentials

Proper lighting can make the difference between flawless and frustrating makeup application.

LED Mirror Lighting

Many modern make-up vanities now come with integrated LED lighting around the mirror. These provide even, shadow-free illumination that mimics natural daylight—essential for accurate makeup application. Look for adjustable brightness settings and colour temperature options (warm, cool, and neutral light) for maximum versatility.

A sleek, Adeline Wall Mounted Touch Screen Mirror with a bright, integrated LED light strip outlining the inner edge, set above a black vanity or dresser with two visible drawers and silver-tone round knobs. The surface features various clear and decorative bottles of perfume, lip glosses, makeup items, and clear acrylic holders with hair brushes and combs. The mirror's frame is black, and the overall style is modern and minimalist.

Natural Light Positioning

Whenever possible, position your dressing table near a window to take advantage of natural light. Morning light is particularly flattering and provides the most accurate colour representation for makeup. However, avoid placing your vanity directly in front of a window, as backlighting can create shadows on your face.

Supplementary Lighting

Consider adding table lamps on either side of your mirror for additional ambient lighting. This creates a warm, inviting atmosphere for evening routines. Ensure overhead lighting in your bedroom doesn't cast unflattering shadows on your face when you're seated at your vanity.

Material and Finish Options

The materials used in your dressing table affect both its appearance and longevity.

Engineered Wood

Most contemporary dressing tables use high-quality engineered wood, which offers excellent stability and durability at accessible price points. These materials accept various finishes beautifully and resist warping better than some solid woods.

Glass Elements

Glass-topped dressing tables create an airy, sophisticated look and are incredibly easy to clean—a practical consideration given the potential for makeup spills and product residue. The reflective surface also helps bounce light around the room, making spaces feel larger. Popular models with glass tops include the Adeline and Gianna dressing tables, which combine elegant glass surfaces with functional storage.

Colour Choices

White dressing tables are perennially popular for good reason. They brighten rooms, create an illusion of more space, and complement virtually any décor style—from coastal to contemporary. White dressing tables are particularly effective in smaller bedrooms or rooms with limited natural light.

Black dressing tables make bold style statements and add sophisticated drama to bedrooms. They pair beautifully with metallic accents, jewel-toned textiles, or monochromatic colour schemes. Black dressing tables are also practical as they show less day-to-day wear than lighter colours.

Natural wood tones bring warmth and organic beauty to bedrooms. They work particularly well in Scandinavian, boho, or rustic-inspired spaces and age gracefully over time.

Essential Features to Consider

Surface Space

Ensure your dressing table has adequate surface area for your daily essentials. If you use multiple products simultaneously, you'll need more space than someone with a minimal routine. Consider whether you'll keep products out on display or stored away when not in use.

Cable Management

In our tech-connected world, cable management is essential. Look for dressing tables with built-in cable holes or channels to neatly route cords for hairdryers, straighteners, LED mirrors, or phone chargers. Tidy cable management prevents clutter and creates a more polished look.

Assembly Requirements

Most dressing tables are delivered flat-packed for safe transport and easy delivery to your home. This practical approach means your dressing table can be shipped quickly and safely, without the risk of damage during transit. Assembly is typically straightforward, with clear step-by-step instructions provided and only basic tools required. Many people find the assembly process satisfying and enjoy being part of bringing their new furniture to life.

Creating a Complete Vanity Setup

Coordinate Your Bedroom

Your dressing table shouldn't exist in isolation. Create a cohesive look by coordinating it with other bedroom furniture pieces. Match finishes and hardware styles with your wardrobe, bedside tables, or tallboys and lowboys for a pulled-together aesthetic.

Add Personal Touches

Personalize your vanity area with decorative elements like a beautiful jewellery box, fresh flowers in a stylish vase, scented candles, or a small tray to corral daily essentials. These finishing touches transform a functional space into a personal retreat.

However, we'd suggest keeping your tabletop relatively minimal—avoid overcrowding the surface with too many items. A clutter-free surface is not only more aesthetically pleasing but also makes cleaning much easier. Makeup spills and dust happen, and you'll appreciate being able to quickly wipe down your dressing table without having to move dozens of products. Store most items in drawers and keep only your daily essentials on display.

Practical Shopping Tips

Measure Carefully

Measure your available space three times to ensure accuracy. Don't forget to measure doorways, staircases, and hallways to confirm your chosen dressing table can actually reach your bedroom. Create a paper template of the table's footprint and place it in position to visualize the fit.

Check Dimensions

Pay attention to all dimensions—width, depth, and height. Ensure the height works comfortably with standard seating options. Consider the mirror height too, especially if you're particularly tall or short.

Think Long-Term

Choose a timeless style that won't feel dated in a few years. While trendy designs are tempting, classic aesthetics ensure your dressing table remains stylish as your tastes evolve. Quality construction means your investment will serve you well for many years.

Making Your Final Decision

Choosing the perfect dressing table comes down to balancing aesthetics, functionality, and budget. Consider your daily routine, storage needs, available space, and personal style. Don't rush the decision—your dressing table will be a daily companion, so it's worth taking time to find the right match.

Visit showrooms when possible to see pieces in person, test the height and comfort, and examine build quality. If shopping online, check return policies in case the table doesn't work as expected in your space.

Transform Your Daily Routine

The right dressing table elevates your bedroom from purely functional to genuinely luxurious. It creates a dedicated space for self-care, organization, and those quiet moments of personal preparation that bookend each day.

Whether you're drawn to Hollywood glamour or minimalist modern design, prioritize features that matter most to you. With thoughtful consideration of space, storage, lighting, and style, you'll find a dressing table that makes every morning feel special.

Ready to create your dream vanity space? Start exploring your options today and discover how the perfect dressing table can transform not just your bedroom, but your entire daily routine.

Looking for more bedroom inspiration? Explore complete furniture collections to create a cohesive, stylish sanctuary.