Dressing Tables: Combining Function and Style in the Bedroom

A dressing table gives you somewhere to sit, see clearly and keep make-up, skincare and jewellery in one place, instead of spread across every surface in the bedroom. It does not need to be big to make mornings easier, but it does need to be in the right spot and the right size for the room.

Types of dressing table

Our dressing tables collection covers several designs. Here is what each one suits best:

Not every dressing table comes with a mirror or stool, so check what is included on the product page. Several ranges sell a matching dressing stool separately, and you can pair any table with a mirror from our mirrors collection.

Where to put it

Light is the most important factor. Natural daylight is the most accurate for make-up, so the ideal spot is facing a window or with a window to one side. Sitting with your back to the window puts your face in shadow, which is exactly what you do not want.

If the only free wall is away from the window, plan your lighting. A mirror with lights around it, an LED dressing table, or a pair of lamps either side of the mirror all give even light without harsh shadows. A single overhead light is the least flattering option.

Other placement points:

• Leave enough room behind the stool to pull it out and sit down, about the depth of the stool again.
• Have a socket close by for a hairdryer, straighteners or the LED lights.
• Keep it away from radiators, as heat is not kind to cosmetics or to furniture finishes.
• In a shared room, a dressing table opposite the bed can double as a TV stand or a place to drop keys and a watch.

Storage, size and comfort

Work out what you need to store before you choose between single and twin pedestal. A couple of shallow drawers will hold make-up and brushes; a hair dryer and a collection of skincare need more. Drawer organisers keep small items from rolling around.

Think about who will use it, too. A teenager may want a dressing table that doubles as a homework desk, while a shared main bedroom may need something with twin pedestals so both of you have a drawer or two.

Check the knee space too. If you sit at the table for a while, you want room for your legs without banging the drawer fronts. The stool should slide fully under the table when you are not using it, which keeps the room tidy and the walkway clear.

A tidy dressing table is a pleasure to sit at, so plan the top surface as well. Keep only what you use daily on display, ideally on a small tray that lifts off for cleaning. Brushes stand happily in a pot, and a shallow bowl stops rings and earrings disappearing. Everything else goes in the drawers. Cosmetics last longer away from direct sunlight, so a closed drawer beats an open shelf by a sunny window.

In a small bedroom, a slim single pedestal design or a dual-use dressing table and desk is often the best answer. If you need a dedicated workspace instead, have a look at our desks.

Making it part of the room

Several of our ranges include a dressing table alongside matching wardrobes, chests and bedsides, so you can keep the finish consistent across the room. Our bedroom sets and wider bedroom furniture collection are the easiest places to start.

For the rest of the room, our guides to bedside cabinets and chests of drawers will help you choose pieces that fit. Delivery is free to England, Wales and most of Scotland and usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, and returns are accepted within 14 days.