The Dressing Table

What is a Dressing Table?

In fact, a dressing table is more a desk than a table, although desks in one form or another have been considered a variation of the table.  Perhaps, the flat surface upon which we work is so close to the flat space of a table top that there is a blending of forms.

A dressing table in heavier forms has an open space in the middle of the base for one's legs, allowing a person to slide up close to the flat surface top.  A mirror is usually attached to the back of the piece.  Often drawers form the base, rather than traditional table legs.  In other cases, the table may have four legs with a flat wide drawer in the middle directly below the top table surface.  In many cases, there are small drawers mounted near the back on top of the dressing table.

What is the Purpose of a Dressing Table?

Women, in particular, appreciate the dressing table.  In movies we see glamorous women brushing their hair as they sit in front of the dressing table, just before bed.  However, most often the table holds jewelry or adornments for either the man or the woman.  Looking inside the small drawers on top of the table surface, one could find cuff links or earrings. 

The purpose of the dressing table is to provide a space where a woman (or man) can sit, usually on a stool, in front of a mirror to add the finishing touches to makeup applications, hairdos, or to decide on the appropriate necklace for the evening.

When did Dressing Tables Come into Existence?

It is believed that royalty during the 16th and 17th centuries commissioned dressing tables.  We must remember that often the king would wear a powdered wig and even he would need a final glimpse of himself to feel self-assured as he proceeded to his court.

Remember the tales of the "ladies in waiting"?  Just imagine the queen sitting before the dressing table as her ladies dressed her and added the finishing touches.

Dressing Tables Today

In the 1930's and 1940's in America, the dressing table was found in most bedrooms.  They were a part of the bedroom suite along with the bed, the chest of drawers, perhaps an armoire or lingerie chest.  Dressing tables were the predecessor of the dresser.  As we needed more storage space for our undergarments, we needed more drawers.  As life became less formal and more casual, there was less need for hours of primping or in many cases women moved their makeup to the bath area.

The demise of the dressing table as an essential piece of bedroom furniture reflects societial trends, the need for more storage space and dressing on the run.

Dressers essentially replaced dressing tables, although in modern bedrooms that can accomodate them there has been a resurgence in dressing tables.

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Read More About Dressing Tables...

	This is an example of an updated Queen Anne style dressing table with bench and mirror. The Queen Anne styling has definitely been updated for a more feminine look. The feet of the table and the bench are more [Read More...]