A vanity table is a piece of furniture designed for personal grooming and makeup. It typically includes a mirror, drawers for storing beauty products, and a flat surface for organizing cosmetics. Vanity tables are often placed in bedrooms or dressing rooms to support daily beauty routines.
In this post, we will learn all about vanity tables, their types, uses, benefits, and more.
What is a Vanity Table?
As mentioned above, a vanity table is made to provide a special space for personal care and grooming.
A vanity table is specifically tailored to fulfill your vanity needs. They usually come with a large mirror and various storage spaces (such as drawers and shelves). Thanks to the built-in storage spaces, it is easy to store makeup items and beauty products within the table itself and keep them all close at hand for when they’re needed.
Vanity tables come in different shapes and sizes, and are typically placed in bedrooms. They can also be placed in dedicated vanity rooms. In many cases, vanity tables are seen as a necessary piece of furniture to complete a bedroom’s décor and often carry the same color theme/construction style as the bed, wardrobe, chairs, and nightstands.
History of the Vanity Table
Vanity tables, in their present form, first became popular during the 17th century. The concept of a long table dedicated to personal care rituals took hold in France as the “poudreuse” and in England as the “lowboy.” The “poudreuse” was a small table that came with a foldable mirror on top. This was perhaps the closest thing to the modern vanity table that existed back then.
This is what a “poudreuse” looks like:
Image generated by AI for illustration purposes
In the 19th century, vanity tables became more and more common. They used to be crafted from rich wood and featured elaborate and ornate designs. They were a common sight in wealthier Victorian homes in England as well as in America.
After that, the concept and design of these tables improved and evolved to the point that we see them nowadays.
What are the Uses and Applications of a Vanity Table?
Although the main use of a vanity table is to provide a space for self-care and personal grooming, its purpose can vary from person to person.
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For many, a vanity table is used to store cosmetics and makeup products. While it serves as a beauty station, it's also designed for maximum storage and organization.
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Others use it primarily as a decorative piece. It provides the basics—a mirror and surface—but mainly exists to complement the room’s aesthetic.
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And for some, it’s a hybrid: storage, décor, and a fully functional grooming station where daily rituals take place.
What are the Benefits of a Vanity Table?
Here is a list of the benefits that you can enjoy with a vanity table:
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Improved organization of beauty products
A vanity table helps you organize and arrange your beauty products. Instead of putting them in drawers and shelves around the room, you can give them a special spot in one place. Thanks to the multiple compartments, drawers, etc., that most vanity tables have, you can organize the beauty products into various categories, such as makeup items, grooming appliances, and so on.
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Personalized and dedicated beauty space
Not only does a vanity table give you a special spot to organize your beauty products but also a dedicated space for your beauty routines. You can sit, apply your makeup, trim your hair, etc., at one designated place in your room instead of standing in your bathroom or sitting on your bed with a small mirror in hand.
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Provides ease and comfort
Vanity tables usually come with a matching stool/seat that you can sit on during your grooming sessions for ease and comfort. You don’t get tired, even if the session stretches on for a long time. The large mirror, on the other hand, gives you an easy viewing experience. You don’t have to twist and crane your head this way and that to get a look at the sides.
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Comes with built-in lighting
Many vanity tables nowadays, especially the modern and contemporary designs, come with built-in lighting. The lights are installed in places under the table or around the mirror so that they can give a bright glow without being harsh on the eyes. Thanks to the illumination, you can apply your makeup evenly on all sides without missing any areas.
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Works as a decoration piece
A vanity table can also improve the aesthetics of your room and give it a stylish touch. It can work as a decoration piece—an ornament—that completes the look of your room and makes it look complete.
What are the Different Types of Vanity Tables?
Vanity tables are categorized into different types depending on their method of construction and installation style. Here is a brief list of some of the main types:
Traditional vanity tables
Traditional vanity tables feature the simple and iconic design that has a tabletop surface, a mirror, and a set of drawers and shelves on the sides.
Floating/wall-mounted vanity tables
Floating or wall-mounted vanity tables don’t have legs. They are installed on the walls of a room and are perceived as “floating” in midair, hence the name. The benefits of these tables are that they don’t take up much space and offer a lot of aesthetics. However, they are not easily movable.
Compact vanity tables
Compact vanity tables are made to fit in small spaces. They have a small table surface and a limited number of storage options.
Multi-functional vanity tables
Multi-functional vanity tables are made to serve the function of both a vanity and a nightstand. Technically, a vanity table that serves any purpose other than its primary one would be “multi-functional.” But, in the industry, the former description is what it usually refers to.
How to Choose the Right Vanity Table for Your Needs?
Since there are different types of vanity tables (and each type has products of different shapes and sizes), it is important to choose the right one for your needs. Here is how you can do that:
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Set a budget
As is the case with anything you buy for your home, you need to start by setting a budget. Setting a budget is an important step as it helps make sure that you don’t go reaching for something you can’t afford.
Instead of choosing a product, finalizing the deal, and then getting double-minded after seeing the price tag, it is better to be sure from the outset.
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Consider the placement ideas and available space
Next up, think about where you want to place the vanity table. Are you going to place it in your bedroom or your office? Your vanity room or your bathroom (if it’s large enough)?
Where you’ll place your vanity table decides the style that you should pick. It also changes the number of storage options you should look for. For example, if you’re thinking of placing the table in your bedroom, you’ll have to match it with the existing décor. Similarly, if you’re thinking of placing it in a vanity room, you could look for designs with fewer storage options, as the latter will already be available in the room.
You also have to calculate the space available for the vanity table. Measure the area using a measuring tape so that you can decide the maximum width that you can work with.
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Think about how many storage options you need
Depending on whether you’re a hobbyist or enthusiast, the ideal number of storage options will be different. If you’re just a hobbyist, even a couple of drawers or shelves will be enough since your items will be few. The opposite would be the case for enthusiasts.
To get an estimate, here is what you should do. Make an inventory of your everyday makeup items, such as your creams, tubes, etc., along with the appliances, such as your hair dryer, trimmer, etc. By looking at the total number of items you use on a daily basis, you will automatically be able to estimate how many storage options you need.
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Consider what mirror size you require
Mirror size depends on your routine.
For quick and simple makeup sessions, small mirrors can be sufficient. They can give a large enough view for you to work with while not making the table too bulky or heavy.
On the other hand, for elaborate beauty routines and grooming sessions, you’ll have to pick a larger mirror since you’ll need a bigger view.
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Calculate the dimensions as per your own height and measurements
Next up, you need to calculate the ideal makeup table dimensions based on your own height and measurements. You can read the linked blog post for an in-depth guide on how to do this. However, here is a brief table outlining the ideal table heights for average height groups:
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Height Group |
Recommended Table Height |
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Under 5' |
28 inches |
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5' to 5' 7" |
30 inches |
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Over 5' 7" to 6' |
32 inches |
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Over 6' |
34 inches |
The width of the table has to be calculated according to the available space, as mentioned in the second point above.
As for depth, vanity tables usually have a standard depth of 20 to 24 inches, which is enough for most makeup and grooming needs. Unless you have a particular reason to go bigger or smaller, you don’t need to concern yourself with this dimension.
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Think about lighting/power station requirements
Think about how much lighting you require. In bright vanity rooms, you’ll be fine without any dedicated LEDs on the table. In dimmer and darker bedrooms, however, make sure to get a table that provides sufficient illumination for your makeup needs.
As for a power station, it’s usually a good idea to get it regardless of whether you direly need it or not. It can help you charge your phone nearby and also power your appliances without stretching out a long extension lead.
If you don’t use a lot of appliances in your routine, a power station with just one or two sockets will be enough. However, if you feel like you’ll have to charge your phone and a makeup device together, while also using an appliance at the same time, then you should get a power station with a sufficient number of outlets and sockets.
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Pick a color and style that suits the existing décor
When buying a vanity table, pick a style that goes along with your existing décor. Make sure you match the:
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Colors
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Material
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Construction style (Your vanity table should have a similar style of construction as the other items)
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Hardware finish (The knobs and handles should match so that there is no clashing in the aesthetic)
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Look for an included seat, if needed
If you don’t have an existing seat or chair to go along with the vanity table, make sure it comes with one. Many vanity tables provide a matching seat that you can comfortably sit on during your beauty routines. The benefit of getting a matching seat is that it not only goes along with the aesthetic, but can also be neatly tucked away when not in use.
How to Set Up Your Vanity Table?
Moving on, let’s talk about how you can set up your vanity table once you acquire it.
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Choose and prep the location
First, choose the location for the table and prepare it. Clean the place thoroughly and remove any items that may obstruct the table.
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Assemble the table (if needed) as per the provided instructions
If the table has been delivered unassembled, set it up according to the provided instructions. Use the provided hardware (screws and brackets, etc.) to set up the legs, table top, and drawers. Unassembled tables have elaborate manuals that detail every required step.
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Clean the table once assembled
During the assembly, a little dust and debris can end up on the table. Once you are done setting it up, take a dusting cloth and clean the table from top to bottom.
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Organize your items carefully
Next, organize all your beauty products and items on the table. Categorize them in the drawers/shelves and put the frequently needed stuff on the tabletop.
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Set up the lighting
Plug in the wire for the lighting and carefully tuck it away so that it doesn’t become an eyesore. If the table has a power station, plug it in as well.
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Add your own personal touches and enjoy!
After that, all that remains is for you to add a few personal touches (such as a small artificial plant or any other decoration piece). With that, your setup will be complete, and you can enjoy your new table with a quick makeup session.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Vanity Table?
Before we wrap this post up, here are a few tips on how you can clean and maintain your vanity table. By following these tips, not only will you enjoy your table to the fullest, but you’ll also get it to last longer.
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Make sure to dust the table regularly
Use a dusting cloth to clean and dust the table on a daily basis. This can help prevent the build-up of dust and debris, which can not only make your table unsightly but also cause damage over time.
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Protect the tabletop from spills
Spills from creams and tubes can damage the table surface and leave permanent marks. Be very careful when using your makeup items, and place them securely in a holder/organizer when you’re done.
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Keep your belongings neatly organized
Keep all of your belongings neatly organized in the drawers, shelves, and organizers so that there is no clutter. Cluttered items can damage the table by spilling over or by scratching the surface.
Wrapping Up
And with that, we’re going to end this post.
A vanity table, also known as a dressing table, provides a dedicated space where you can perform your beauty routines and self-grooming sessions. There are different types of vanity tables, including compact, floating, multi-functional, and traditional.
In the post above, we’ve looked at the benefits that these tables provide, along with some tips on how you can buy the best one for your needs. We’ve also outlined the steps for setting up a vanity table as well as how you can take care of it.
We hope you enjoyed this article. If you did, make sure to check out our blog page for more interesting reads!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a vanity table used for?
A vanity table is used for applying makeup, styling hair, and storing beauty products. It typically includes a mirror, drawers, and a flat surface. Many people use it as a personal grooming station.
What is the difference between a vanity and a dressing table?
The main difference between a vanity and a dressing table is that a vanity typically includes a mirror and is used for applying makeup, while a dressing table may or may not have a mirror and is used more generally for grooming or storing personal items.
Why is it called a vanity table?
It is called a vanity table because the term "vanity" historically referred to a woman’s dressing table and reflected the focus on appearance and personal grooming. The name links to the idea of beautification and self-admiration.
What is another name for a vanity table?
Another name for a vanity table is a dressing table. In some regions, it is also called a makeup table or a beauty station.
What do Americans call a dressing table?
Americans commonly call a dressing table a vanity. The term "vanity" is the preferred term in the United States for a table used for personal grooming and makeup.
