Bespoke Dressing Tables

A dressing table might feel like a luxury, but we believe it is an incredibly practical piece of furniture and no bedroom or dressing room is complete without one. Dressing tables are a very personal space where you start and end your day. And because they are used every single day, they need to be well-built, well-designed and look good.

Our top five things to consider when choosing or specifying a bespoke dressing table:

1. Dressing table size and height

The height and size of both the dressing table and chair are crucial for comfort and usability. Make sure there is enough space for the chair and a person sitting on it to fit under the table and that the chair or stool tucks away easily when not in use. As an absolute minimum, the clearance needed under the dressing table including any drawers is 60cm and the optimum height for the dressing table surface is 72cm.

If space is limited in the bedroom or dressing room, consider extending a chest of drawers to the side and adding a knee recess to create a dressing table. If the only available space is a recess – such as between wardrobes or in a window recess – consider bridging the space with a floating dressing tabletop and a slimline drawer underneath. This not only makes the most of the space but also provides some storage and room for a stool or chair.

2. How the dressing table will be used

If the dressing table will be used to store jewellery, accessories, or makeup, dressing tables with drawers that offer both depth and a variety of compartments are essential. If there is only space for a slimline drawer, this can still be deep enough to store watches, brushes, combs, hair accessories and jewellery. Our joinery team are known for their attention to detail and will craft bespoke drawer dividers to fit the dimensions of specific items. If the dressing table will be used for make-up, they will add a glass, quartz or marble top for easy cleaning and a touch of luxury.

We recommend planning the location of power sockets in relation to the dressing table carefully. We can build the power sockets into the inside of a lift-up top or a drawer to keep cables and small appliances such as hair dryers and chargers out of sight.

3. Dressing table chair

The choice of dressing table chair or stool is entirely dependent on space available and how the dressing table will be used. If space allows, we recommend dressing table chairs (also known as vanity chairs) with low backs and arms so as not to inhibit movement. Dressing table chairs with comfortable padded low backs is a regular bespoke order at our workshops. Our upholstery team finish these in fabrics with matching or contrast piping, though a soft leather is also suitable for a dressing table chair.

A stool will suffice if the dressing table will only be used for short periods of time and space is limited. We can make stools of any shape, fully upholstered or a traditional stool with a seat on a frame – it is all dependent on the design scheme you have created for the dressing room or bedroom. Storage can be added under the seat of the stool if needed.

Whatever type of seat you choose for a dressing table, it is incredibly important to check the height of the seat in relation to the underside of the dressing table. There needs to be enough space for the seat to fit underneath the dressing table surface with space for the legs of a person sat on it.

4. Dressing table mirror

A dressing table isn’t complete without a beautiful mirror. The mirror should be proportionate to both the table and the room. In a recess, make the mirror as wide as the recess or at least as wide as the knee space to create a balanced look. We can craft a bespoke mirror to match the dressing table and other furniture in the room to create a cohesive look.

5. Dressing table lights

Harsh lighting from above or below can create unflattering shadows. Natural light is ideal, but if your client gets ready in the early morning or evening, additional lighting is essential especially for shorter days in winter. Ideally a dressing table will be positioned near a natural light source such as a window. Any additional lighting needs to shine directly on the face or from both sides at once for the best results. When space has been tight on some of our previous projects, we have built lift-up mirrors with integrated LED lighting into the top of the dressing table.

Which wood is best for a bespoke dressing table?

We recommend a hard-wearing wood such as oak for dressing tables. This can be stained to match the rest of the furniture or the design scheme of the room, and we often add an ultra-strong spray finish such as clear PU (Polyurethane) with a low sheen to seal and protect the timber surface.

Why choose a bespoke dressing table?

Choosing bespoke furniture means each piece has been tailored to fit perfectly within your design scheme and the client’s needs. At Origins Design, we offer custom-made dressing tables with all the options you need such as drawers, chairs and stools, storage solutions, mirrors and lighting. Whether you need a dressing table that fits perfectly in a dressing room, bay window or a compact design for a small space, our bespoke solutions will make sure you get exactly what you need. All of the furniture we make is crafted in our workshops in Esher. Every piece is also completely bespoke, which means you can choose your style, size, finish and details to create your own individual piece.

Hopefully we’ve given you some food for thought for the dressing tables in your next interior design project. If you want to discuss your furniture ideas and needs, our technical design team and craftspeople are ready to discuss your project. Please get in contact and don’t forget to have a look at our Instagram feed for more dressing table images and inspiration.