Are Dressing Tables Old Fashioned, or Are They Making a Comeback?
Posted by Luxo Living on
Dressing tables are not old fashioned. In fact, they have evolved into one of the most versatile and stylish pieces of bedroom furniture available today, blending practical storage with personal style. Whether you're working with a compact apartment bedroom in Melbourne or a sprawling master suite on the Gold Coast, a well-chosen dressing table can anchor the space and give you a dedicated spot for your morning routine.
Key Takeaways
- Dressing tables have modernised significantly and are far from outdated in 2025.
- Contemporary designs suit minimalist, Scandi, coastal, and Hamptons-style Australian interiors.
- A dressing table offers functional benefits that a shared bathroom mirror simply cannot match.
- Choosing the right size, finish, and storage configuration is what separates a great purchase from a cluttered one.
- Pairing your dressing table with coordinating bedroom furniture creates a cohesive, considered look.
- Budget-friendly and premium options are both widely available in Australia, starting from around A$200.
Why the "Old Fashioned" Reputation Exists in the First Place
The idea that dressing tables belong in your grandmother's bedroom largely stems from the ornate, dark-timber pieces that dominated Australian homes throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. These were typically bulky, heavily carved, and paired with oversized tri-fold mirrors. They took up serious floor space and were often inherited rather than chosen, which gave them a dated association.
Add to that the rise of en suite bathrooms in newer Australian homes from the 1990s onwards, and suddenly the dedicated vanity space inside the bedroom seemed redundant. Why set up a dressing table when you had a mirror and bench over the bathroom sink?
But here's the thing: getting ready in a bathroom has real limitations. Lighting is often harsh or poorly positioned, storage is shared, and there is rarely a comfortable place to sit. The dressing table solves all of these problems elegantly, and modern design has stripped away every element that once made them feel stuffy.
What Has Changed in Modern Dressing Table Design
Today's designs bear almost no resemblance to those heavy heirlooms. You will find:
- Slim-profile silhouettes with tapered or hairpin legs that keep the piece feeling light
- Matte and satin finishes in white, charcoal, sage, and blush tones that suit contemporary palettes
- Integrated cable management for charging phones, running styling tools, and keeping cords tidy
- Minimalist mirrors including round, arch-top, and frameless options rather than the old triple-panel style
- Smart storage with shallow drawers designed specifically for cosmetics, jewellery, and accessories
These changes mean that asking are dressing tables old fashioned in 2025 is a bit like asking whether bookshelves are outdated. The form has been completely refreshed, even if the function remains the same.
The Real Benefits of Having a Dedicated Dressing Table
Beyond aesthetics, there is a strong practical case for including a dressing table in your bedroom setup. Here is where the piece genuinely earns its place.
A Designated Space for Your Routine
When your morning routine has a fixed location, everything becomes faster and less stressful. You know where your moisturiser is, you know where your jewellery lives, and you are not hunting through three different rooms to find what you need. This is not a small thing. Research from Australian productivity coaches consistently points to the value of "habit anchoring," which is the idea that attaching a behaviour to a specific physical location makes it more automatic and less mentally taxing.
A dressing table creates exactly that anchor for your personal grooming routine.
Better Lighting Than Most Bathrooms
Bathroom lighting in Australian homes is notoriously variable. Builder-grade downlights positioned directly overhead create unflattering shadows that make it genuinely difficult to apply makeup accurately. A dressing table positioned near a window gives you access to natural light, which is the gold standard for colour accuracy. You can also add a lighted mirror or LED strip lighting around the frame to create consistent, even illumination regardless of the time of day.
Storage That Is Actually Designed for the Job
Bathroom vanities are designed for toiletries and towels. Dressing table drawers, on the other hand, are designed specifically for cosmetics, brushes, hair accessories, watches, and small jewellery items. Many models include divided drawer inserts or felt-lined compartments that keep everything organised and protected. If you currently have a collection of beauty products spread across the bathroom shelf, the bedside table, and a makeup bag on the floor, a dressing table will transform the situation.
How to Choose a Dressing Table That Fits Your Space and Style
Choosing the right piece comes down to four variables: size, storage, mirror type, and finish. Getting these right ensures your dressing table looks intentional rather than incidental.
Sizing: Match the Piece to Your Room
The most common mistake Australian shoppers make is buying a dressing table that is too large for the room. As a rough guide:
| Room Size | Recommended Table Width | Mirror Type |
|---|---|---|
| Small bedroom (under 10 sqm) | 80-90 cm | Separate wall-mounted mirror |
| Medium bedroom (10-15 sqm) | 100-120 cm | Attached or freestanding mirror |
| Large bedroom (15+ sqm) | 120-150 cm | Oversized freestanding or built-in mirror |
Always allow at least 60 cm of clearance in front of the table for a chair and comfortable movement. Speaking of which, the chair or stool you pair with your dressing table matters as much as the table itself. Explore bedroom chairs that combine comfort with style, since you will be sitting there every single day.
Storage Configuration
Consider your actual habits before choosing a drawer configuration. If you have a large collection of cosmetics, prioritise width with multiple shallow drawers. If you mostly store jewellery and a few daily essentials, a narrower piece with one or two deeper drawers may be sufficient. Some dressing tables also include a small hutch or shelving above the surface, which is useful if you prefer to display items like perfume bottles or a plant.
Mirror Options
The mirror is arguably the most important functional element. Three main options are:
- Attached mirror:Â Convenient and space-efficient, but limits your ability to change the mirror style later.
- Freestanding mirror:Â Flexible and often more aesthetically striking, though it adds to the overall footprint.
- Wall-mounted mirror:Â The cleanest look for small rooms; keeps the table surface uncluttered and makes the room feel larger.
Finish and Colour
White and light timber finishes are the most popular choices in Australian bedrooms right now, particularly for coastal and Hamptons-inspired interiors. Charcoal and black dressing tables suit industrial and contemporary-minimalist spaces. Warm timber veneer works beautifully in Scandi-influenced rooms. Whatever finish you choose, it should coordinate with your other pieces rather than compete with them, much like how bedside tables work best when they complement the overall room design.
Dressing Tables and the Modern Australian Bedroom
The resurgence of interest in dressing tables is not happening in isolation. It is part of a broader shift in how Australians are thinking about their bedrooms, moving away from the minimal "just a bed and a wardrobe" approach toward creating genuinely considered, multi-functional spaces.
Pinterest and Instagram have played a significant role here. Searches for "dressing table inspo Australia" have grown steadily since 2020, driven in part by the pandemic period when people were spending more time at home and rethinking every room. The bedroom became a sanctuary rather than just a place to sleep, and the dressing table fitted naturally into that vision.
Coordinating your dressing table with other pieces in the room is worth thinking about carefully. Matching the timber tone or hardware finish with your bedside tables creates a cohesive, interior-designed look without requiring professional help. Similarly, choosing a chair or stool in a complementary fabric ties the whole vignette together.
Things to Know
- Not all dressing tables come with mirrors included. Check the product description carefully before purchasing, as a separate mirror purchase can add A$100-A$400 to your total cost.
- The minimum comfortable seat height for a dressing table stool is around 45-50 cm. Measure your table height and subtract 25-30 cm to find your ideal seat height.
- If you use a hair dryer or styling tools at your dressing table, an Australian standard double power point nearby is not optional. Plan for this before positioning the piece.
- Solid timber dressing tables generally hold their value better than MDF or particleboard options, which is worth considering if you move house frequently or like to resell furniture.
- A lighted mirror with adjustable colour temperature (warm/cool/daylight) is one of the best upgrades you can make to any dressing table setup.
- Dressing tables do not have to be exclusively feminine. Many contemporary designs in charcoal, black, or natural oak suit any gender and any personal style.
What to Spend: A Realistic Budget Breakdown
Australian pricing for dressing tables varies considerably depending on materials, size, and brand. Here is a realistic overview:
| Budget Range | What You Can Expect |
|---|---|
| A$200-A$500 | MDF or engineered wood, basic drawer configuration, usually no mirror included |
| A$500-A$1,000 | Better quality construction, more storage options, some solid timber elements |
| A$1,000-A$2,000 | Solid timber or high-quality veneer, premium hardware, often includes mirror |
| A$2,000+ | Custom or designer pieces, bespoke sizing, premium finishes |
For most Australian households, the A$500-A$1,200 range offers the best balance of quality, aesthetics, and longevity.
Ready to Refresh Your Bedroom Setup?
If you have been using a bathroom mirror, a folding table, or simply making do without a dedicated space for your morning routine, now is the right time to change that. Start by measuring the available wall space in your bedroom, deciding on your preferred finish, and setting a clear budget. Then browse the full range of dressing tables at Luxo Living to find a piece that suits your style, your space, and your daily habits. Take your measurements with you and compare at least three options before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dressing tables suitable for small bedrooms?
Yes, dressing tables are available in compact sizes that work well in small bedrooms.
Look for narrow models around 80-90 cm wide and pair them with a wall-mounted mirror to avoid adding visual bulk. Keeping the surface clear of clutter also helps the piece feel proportionate in a smaller space.
Do dressing tables have to match the rest of the bedroom furniture?
They do not have to match exactly, but coordinating finishes and hardware creates a more polished look.
A common approach is to match the timber tone or metal hardware finish rather than buying a perfect set. Mixing a white dressing table with white or light oak bedside tables, for instance, works well without looking overly matchy.
What is the best mirror style for a dressing table?
A round or arch-top mirror is the most versatile option for contemporary Australian bedrooms.
These shapes soften the straight lines of most furniture and work across multiple style categories including Scandi, coastal, and minimalist. A lighted mirror is worth the extra investment if you apply makeup regularly.
How do I keep a dressing table organised long-term?
The key is having a drawer or section for every category of item you use, so nothing defaults to sitting on the surface.
Use drawer dividers or small trays to separate cosmetics, hair accessories, and jewellery. Declutter once every few months and remove anything that does not belong on or in the dressing table.
Can men use a dressing table?
Absolutely. A dressing table is simply a functional surface with storage and a mirror, which is useful for anyone with a grooming or getting-ready routine.
Many contemporary designs in dark finishes or natural timber have no gendered associations whatsoever. A compact charcoal or oak dressing table can suit any bedroom aesthetic regardless of who uses it.
The Bottom Line on Are Dressing Tables Old Fashioned
The honest answer is that the question of whether are dressing tables old fashioned comes down entirely to design choice and personal style. The concept is timeless. The clunky, carved-timber execution that gave these pieces their dated reputation is simply a product of a particular era, and that era has long passed.
Modern dressing tables are functional, stylish, and genuinely useful in any bedroom where you value having an organised, dedicated space for your morning routine. If you are ready to invest in a piece that will improve both your daily routine and the look of your bedroom, start by browsing and comparing options that fit your space and budget.