Dressing Tables Positives: Why This Forgotten Furniture Piece Deserves a Comeback

There was a time, not too long ago, when a dressing table was the quiet centre of the bedroom—a small universe of brushes, perfumes, handwritten letters, and heirloom jewellery. It wasn’t about vanity, really. It was about ritual, reflection, and that liminal moment between who you are at home and who you present to the world. And now, slowly, it’s coming back. And with it, a new appreciation for the many dressing tables positives we forgot to value.

While open-plan living, minimalism, and fast routines have shifted our interiors into more utilitarian spaces, the humble dressing table remains one of the few pieces that insists on time. It suggests a pause. A moment to sit down, to arrange, to prepare—not just your face, but your mood, your day, your focus. It might just be the most emotionally intelligent piece of furniture in the house.

So, what makes a dressing table so special? Beyond the surface-level ideas of beauty routines or nostalgia, there’s a deeper case to be made. From hidden organisation tricks to emotional wellbeing, from flexible space usage to sheer decorative potential, the dressing tables positives stack up. Here’s a closer look at why you might want to reintroduce one into your space—and what it can do for your lifestyle.

1. Dressing Tables Positives: Creating Daily Mindful Rituals

Let’s begin with the emotional layer. A dressing table isn’t just a place to brush your hair. It’s a space that encourages ritual—a word that has, unfairly, taken on a lofty tone. In truth, rituals are just small habits with heart. Sitting down at your table, lighting a candle, applying moisturiser with both hands instead of rushing through it—it’s these little moments that pull us into ourselves, however briefly.

More than anything, this is your space. Not the shared kitchen, the communal lounge, or even the bed. The dressing table is yours. A place for you to slow down, reconnect, and centre yourself before stepping out into the world. It’s your invitation to pause.

There’s also something quietly grounding about a seated routine. Whether it’s ten minutes before a Zoom call or the way you end your night with a few drops of lavender oil and a book, that seated pause can recalibrate your entire day. It’s not just a piece of furniture—it’s a form of self-preservation.

2. Dressing Tables Positives: Smart Storage and Subtle Functionality

One of the less glamorous but deeply satisfying dressing tables positives is its hidden storage potential. From velvet-lined drawers to clever compartments, these tables are an organisational dream. But not for paperwork or kitchen gadgets—for the beautiful, the intimate, the delicate.

Hair clips, tweezers, silk scarves, rings you wear once a month but can’t bear to part with—these things deserve a proper home. The dressing table provides just that. No rummaging through bathroom cabinets or cluttering up bedside drawers. Everything has a place, and more importantly, a place that makes sense.

You can even go a step further and incorporate storage systems within the drawers: small boxes, trays, ring holders, perhaps even a velvet pouch or two. It becomes a curated space—not a dumping ground, but a little museum of your daily life.

3. Dressing Tables Positives: A Flexible Design Asset

Dressing tables don’t have to scream “boudoir.” One of the biggest dressing tables positives is their ability to flex in both style and purpose. Console table by day, makeup zone by morning, and laptop station by afternoon—they can be everything from hybrid desks to decorative corners, depending on what you need.

With the right mirror, the same table can host Zoom meetings and skincare sessions alike. Add a lamp, and it’s a reading nook. Add a runner, and it softens into a hallway piece. The key is to choose a shape and style that blends with the rest of your room—whether that’s mid-century modern, rustic cottagecore, or bold maximalism.

Even more interesting is that you don’t need a “dressing table” in the classic sense at all. A repurposed desk, a narrow vintage writing table, a wall-mounted slab of marble—they all work. The magic lies in the function and intent, not the label.

4. Dressing Tables Positives: A Statement of Personal Aesthetic

Let’s not ignore the visual side. A dressing table offers one of the most versatile surfaces in a room to decorate. Think of it as your mini interior design canvas. Framed photos, a dish for your rings, a small vase of fresh stems, perhaps a stack of old love letters wrapped in ribbon—each detail tells your story.

It’s not a shelf or a sideboard, competing with books and family trinkets. It’s not the kitchen counter, where everything needs to earn its keep. This is personal. It’s the curated chaos of who you are in quiet moments. Even the stool you pair it with says something—chic and modern, or soft and traditional?

Want to go even more specific? Maybe your dressing table corner is inspired by your travels—hand-painted ceramics from Seville, a dried rose from Paris, a scarf bought in Kyoto. When designed intentionally, this space becomes an expression of your identity, dreams, and nostalgia. That’s a power very few other furniture pieces hold.

5. Dressing Tables Positives: For Every Life Stage and Style

Another understated dressing tables positives argument is how adaptable they are across life stages. Teenagers might use them as vanity spaces filled with lip gloss and sticky notes. Young professionals may turn them into half-office, half-beauty zones. New parents can stash wipes and lotions behind the facade of perfume bottles. Empty nesters? A place for memory and self-reflection.

Their style can change as your taste matures. Paint it. Reupholster the stool. Swap out the mirror. Replace the handles. No other piece of furniture is quite as forgiving to reinvention.

And if you’re decorating for someone else? A dressing table makes a brilliant gift—an 18th birthday present, a first-home gesture, a wedding surprise. It’s romantic and practical all at once.

6. Dressing Tables Positives: How to Make It Work in Your Space

You don’t need a palace-sized bedroom to claim a dressing table. The trick lies in placement and proportions. Corner spots often work beautifully—particularly when paired with natural light. Look for slim profiles, mirrored finishes, wall-mounted mirrors, and floating shelves if space is tight.

Lighting is everything. A single wall sconce, a flexible-arm lamp, or even battery-operated under-mirror bulbs can change your experience entirely. And remember: comfort matters. Don’t sit on a stool that looks cute but hurts after five minutes. Add a cushion. Invest in something padded.

And most importantly? Make it yours. Whether that means a marble tray of serums or a tiny bell to call the dog into the room, don’t be afraid to let it evolve. This is not a showroom piece—it’s a private universe.

FAQ: Dressing Tables Positives

Q: Are dressing tables outdated in modern interiors?A: Not at all. Dressing tables are experiencing a resurgence thanks to their emotional, aesthetic, and functional benefits. With sleek, modern designs available, they fit seamlessly into contemporary homes.

Q: I have a small bedroom. Can I still have a dressing table?A: Yes. Opt for slimline styles, wall-mounted options, or even fold-out versions. Consider dual-purpose furniture like a desk that doubles as a dressing space.

Q: What essentials should I keep on my dressing table?A: Start with the basics: mirror, good lighting, storage trays or boxes, your daily skincare, a small decorative element like flowers or a photo, and a comfortable seat.

Q: Can men use dressing tables too?A: Absolutely. A dressing table is for anyone who values a personal, intentional space—whether for grooming, journaling, or just collecting their thoughts.

Ready to Design Your Dream Space?

At BY Design And Viz, we don’t just style homes—we craft deeply personal environments. Whether you're looking to reintroduce the elegance of a classic dressing table or create a multi-functional vanity nook in a tight space, we’re here to help. Our team specialises in both interior and architectural design, combining practical layouts with visual storytelling.

Let us help you create a space that reflects you. Contact us today to start your design journey with BY Design And Viz.