Indulgent dressing tables

You might think that a dressing table is an indulgence only for those with tons of square footage in their houses and big bedrooms. Dressing tables by their very name are usually feminine, originally meant as a place to put on your makeup and jewels (think Downton Abbey!). They can, in fact, be wonderful desks and well suited to the multi-purpose bedroom.

Elle Decor - Designer: Suzanne Coleman Bancroft

I like the idea of getting out of bed in the morning, making some coffee, and sitting down at a lovely mirrored Venetian dressing table like this to scan the paper on my computer.  

Designer: Suzanne Kasler

This Suzanne Kasler design has a more modern dressing table with clean lines. Always place a lovely lamp, a few photos, and of course some flowers!

 At auction, if we start with some mirrored examples, this Art Deco style mirrored dressing table sold at a Doyle New York auction for $1,500 off an auction estimate of $1,500 - $2,500. It's a more substantial shape, and 54" wide.

This more diminutive French mirrored dressing table (circa 1950) would fit in even a smaller bedroom. It's 36" wide, and sold at a Christie's auction in New York for $563 off an auction estimate of $1,500 - $2,000. It's quite cute, and you might put a clear acrylic chair with it like the one in the top photo. Don't forget the photos and flowers as well!

Many dressing tables will come with an incorporated mirror for putting on your jewels and make up! I like this Art Deco style fruitwood table. It has lovely details. It measures 37" wide, and sold at a Doyle New York auction for $563 off an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200.

This is a fabulous Art Deco style version. This is Paul T Frankl designed, circa 1930, and sold at a Christie's auction for $2,500 off an auction estimate of $3,000 - $5,000. It's painted wood, mirrored glass and bakelite. I think it's gorgeous!

If you have a more traditional leaning, there are many options in 18th and 19th century dressing tables. This is coming up in a Bonhams sale in new York April 13th. This is Lot 2317, and is described as a Queen Anne inlaid walnut dressing table first quarter 18th century. It's quite small at 31" wide, and would fit anywhere. It' has an auction estimate of $2,500 - $3,500. 

This table is included in a Christie's Interiors sale 5 - 6 April in New York. This is Lot 689, and is described as a late 18th century George III dressing table. It is 24" wide, and has an auction estimate of $1,000 - $1,500.

There are lots of dressing table styles to add to your bedroom, and to dress up with photos, a small lamp, and a very discreet laptop. Wake up in the morning and indulge yourself!