What is a dressing table for?
The procedure for transforming an ordinary woman into an irresistible beauty required a large amount of incense, powder, and lipstick. In order to always have any cosmetic product at hand, it was necessary to come up with a storage place. A small table with a mirror installed on it became such a place of magic.
It is a very charming piece of furniture that gives the environment a special character and unique charm.
This simple design turned out to be very convenient and has been tested for many decades. And today, when not every apartment has “extra” meters, modern fashionistas find a place for a small table on which they store their cosmetic “wealth”.
A makeup table will become a particularly relevant and interesting decoration for a small room.
Dressing table sizes for women
Dimensions are one of the most important selection criteria. It depends on them how comfortable the future hostess will feel at such a table and whether it is convenient to store toiletries in it.
There are certain standards for the size of ladies' bedside tables. This parameter can vary depending on the woman’s height, as well as the length of the product: the shorter it is, the higher the table. As a rule, the maximum height is 80 cm.
The length is determined by the size of the bedroom. It also depends on the design of the table itself: whether it has built-in light bulbs, drawers or a cabinet (their depth), how many there are and what size they are. The size of the adjacent mirror is also important: its width is no more than the length of the table. The minimum table length is 45 cm.
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Select the size of the dressing table depending on the area of the room, keep in mind that the decor and unusual design will increase the space taken up
Varieties of size range
With all the variety offered by furniture manufacturers, we can distinguish the following varieties of the most popular sizes.
Tables measuring 40 cm wide and 80 cm long are a compact version of furniture without a cabinet. It is sometimes equipped with a drawer for storing accessories, located under the tabletop. These options are ideal for a small bedroom.
The table model, standard in size, is suitable for almost any bedroom due to its compactness.
For a large bedroom, the optimal choice is a table with two cabinets. The width of this model is from 50 cm or more. The height is standard, 75 cm, and the length is at least 120 cm. This is necessary so that the woman sitting behind it can sit comfortably between the tables. Such models are ideal for large bedrooms, as they do not seem too bulky in a spacious room.
A table with two cabinets requires a large space so as not to clutter up an already small room
Types of structures
Taking into account the design and additional elements, the following types are distinguished:
Classic dressing table - is a regular table with four legs, placed against the wall on which the mirror is located. May have a drawer.
The corner vanity saves space by being compactly located in the corner by the window.
A trellis is similar to a dressing table, but in this case there is not one, but three mirrors. The central one is fixed, the side mirrors can be rotated. This gives you the opportunity to examine yourself from different angles.
Trellis due to three mirrors, two of which are rotating, gives a better overview when doing makeup
What is the name of a ladies table with a mirror?
A ladies table with a mirror has been used for centuries. Beauties of the 21st century also use it, but not everyone knows the correct name of this piece of furniture, which was originally part of a set, and later began to be used as an independent item, but not everyone knows the name of a small table with a mirror for cosmetics.
This small table received its funny name, a dressing table, which seems to our young contemporaries, but it is quite natural and has a historical explanation.
A little bit of history
A short excursion into history will help you find out what a woman’s table with a mirror is called. Fashion historians find mention of this element of furniture already in English records from two hundred years ago. It was installed in the bedroom, where there was a bed, a chest of drawers for linen, chairs or small stools and a table, which was completely at the lady’s disposal, where she displayed cosmetic and perfume accessories.
This location near the window guarantees high-quality natural light.
It is all the more surprising that it received its name not in prim England, but in sophisticated France. Its name is of French origin: “toilette”, which means outfit, suit, clothing. That is, this table means the place where the ladies dressed up. It is interesting that the ancient Egyptians used various incense for beauty, but did without this piece of furniture. This is due to the historical traditions of the states. In particular, the tradition of daily hygienic care did not immediately arise, even in later times in what seems to us to be an enlightened Europe.
A cute and comfortable dressing table is not only a dream, but also a necessity for every modern woman.
Without going deeply into the history of European hygiene traditions, it is worth noting that only from the middle of the 17th century did individual body care begin to be given significant importance. It is with attention to this area of human life that the appearance of stands in bedrooms is associated with the appearance of jugs of water and containers into which water was drained. Small tables have become the most convenient for these installations.
There was another reason for its appearance. The 17th century in France was a time of balls in palaces and luxurious outfits that could change several times during the many-hour celebration. A new outfit required a different make-up, and this required places to place cosmetics.
In modern design, this functional and useful interior element is again gaining popularity.
Gradually, from a purely functional item, the dressing table turned into a spectacular piece of expensive furniture. A mirror was attached to it, which was often placed in a beautiful gilded frame, and the table itself was decorated with fine inlay; its shape acquired signs of the Baroque style fashionable at that time. In addition, it was equipped with drawers, which significantly increased the value of the dressing table.
The selected table should be made of durable and high-quality materials.
Russian young ladies received dressing tables at their disposal in the 18th century and were immediately appreciated by them. Cosmetics and perfume bottles were stored in it; They dressed up in front of him after waking up and before going out in the evening.
By the way, it was originally intended not only for women: men also used it as a stand for a jug of water and a basin for washing.
Check whether the table is treated with a special coating that will prevent dirt and minor mechanical damage.
What is it called in different countries
The dressing table was firmly established in the boudoirs of noble ladies. At the same time, it was constantly changing, shape and size were transformed, as a result, several versions of this furniture appeared in different countries, which were called differently:
- in England they used a design of two bedside tables connected to each other and a mirror attached to them, which was called the Kneehole;
- Poudreuse - a small table with a mirror used widely in France;
- what is the name of a three-leaf mirror with a bedside table? We found out when the trellis appeared - a furniture set that included a table or cabinet with a three-leaf mirror and an ottoman;
- the so-called manor table became a Russian version of the dressing table, which was used in the 19th century and was a chest of drawers with a mirror attached to it.
Any quality vanity table will have good and detailed instructions.
On the verge of the 17th and 18th centuries, another piece of furniture appeared - a dressing table (with a strange translation from French, meaning “pier”, “pier”. It was a full-length mirror, which was initially placed in the pier between the window openings, and was later placed on legs.
Before you start choosing, you need to decide how many items you will store in it.
Where and when did the first tables with a cosmetic mirror appear?
Although the name dressing table comes from a French word, it is believed that the first separate tables with mirrors appeared in England in the 17th century and became an independent piece of furniture already at the beginning of the 18th century.
At that time, the Baroque style reigned in art, and the furniture was decorated with an incredible amount of gilding, beautiful paintings, curls and even elements of sculpture. Tables, cabinets with mirrors, poufs from the Baroque period in England are still among the most expensive and beautiful luxury items.
The tables with a mirror and compartments for cosmetics, created at a later time, in the Art Nouveau style, have no less exquisite shapes and decorations. Ornaments with floral motifs, interspersed with enamel and silver, make them more of an object of art than a practical item of use.
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However, in the original version, the dressing tables were quite simple. They consisted of a kind of desk with drawers for cosmetics with a mirror attached to it. Such tables performed several functions at once: a chest of drawers, a washbasin, a mirror. The surface was used for combs and perfumes, as well as for fixed lamps.
What is the name of a woman's table with a mirror and an ottoman in different countries?
Dressing tables have many names. Here are some of them:
- Kneehole - English furniture in which the mirror was attached not to the table, but to two bedside tables that replaced legs.
- Poudreuse, a small table with a mirror attached to it, was common in France.
- A manor table is a Russian version of a dressing table in the 19th century, connecting a chest of drawers with a mirror.
- A trellis is a three-leaf mirror with a table or bedside table, usually an ottoman was included in the set.
- Dressing table (translated from French as pier) is a full-length mirror on legs.
Despite the fact that the pace of life has noticeably accelerated, dressing tables have not yet lost their popularity. Undoubtedly, they have become more functional and modern in style, but, in principle, they have changed little.
Types of dressing tables and their arrangement
Dressing tables have not lost their relevance today and are presented in various versions with the obligatory installation of a mirror:
- a dressing table that can be installed in small rooms: it will visually enlarge it;
- the tricuspid trellis is designed for side viewing and can be used for self-styling hair;
- An interesting option was a table with a rotating mirror mounted on a rotating platform; it has two sides: one – normal, the other – with an increase in the image, which is especially valuable when applying makeup;
- the console is decorated with a retractable mirror, which can be pulled out as needed; at the same time, the surface of the table can be used not only for its intended purpose, but also as a writing desk;
- A designer dressing table will look spectacular.
Please note that a large number of shelves and drawers affects the size and bulkiness of the selected model.
The nuances of creating the right lighting
An important component of the effective use of a dressing table is proper lighting. It’s good if the room is sunny, and when applying makeup, the face is illuminated by natural light.
- The most successful option would be to place the table near a window through which daylight will evenly illuminate your face. In this case, the mirror is installed with its back side facing the window.
- It is good to position the structure so that the sun's rays penetrate from the left side, although the illumination will not be as uniform as in the first case.
- The entry of light from the right side will not be the most correct solution, and the light will be distributed unevenly.
With a little thought, you can find the optimal solution for your interior.
However, it is necessary to take into account that the face needs to be put in order in the evening. Artificial lighting will help with this: the lamp should be positioned so that the face is fully illuminated. The most rational solution would be a “light frame” in which you can enclose a mirror. This method of lighting will create the most comfortable conditions.
When you choose a dressing table and a chair or ottoman for it, be guided by your height and try to sit down at it in the store.
If this is not possible, you can place wall or floor lamps on both sides near the dressing table. They should distribute soft, even light, without harsh shadows.
Attention! It is not recommended to use energy-saving cold light lamps for lighting: they will make the face excessively pale, and applying cosmetics will not bring the desired effect.
Don't forget to install sockets near the dressing table.
Seat selection
The makeup application procedure takes a significant amount of time, so it is important to sit comfortably near the mirror on the seat. Suitable for this:
- ottoman - a low stool with a soft seat;
- a comfortable armchair or chair;
- small soft sofa.
If you want to approach your makeup on a more professional level, then lighting will come to your aid.
The choice of seat is not of fundamental importance, the main thing is that it is comfortable for the owner herself.
The nuances of choosing a dressing table
When placing a dressing table in the interior, it is important that it is easy to use and fits into the overall interior of the room, is spacious, durable and stable. The most successful installation location is considered to be the bedroom, but when choosing, it is worth considering some features that will help you conveniently place it in a room of any size:
- if the room is spacious enough, the main condition will be the correct placement of the table and its harmonious design combination with other furniture;
- for a small bedroom a corner table is suitable;
- if the bedroom does not exist as a separate room, an impromptu dressing table can be decorated by installing a mirror on a chest of drawers or bedside table as needed, providing good lighting;
- a table in a minimalist style can be hidden by a curtain or cabinet door;
- in a room with a minimal set of furniture, you can use a compact console with an almost invisible storage system and a light chair or ottoman.
If the room allows, place a table by the window. Natural light is the best companion for beautiful makeup and beautiful hair.
What is a dressing table
Dressing table - a design made of a large mirror with drawers at the base. Some models have open shelves built in for small items, and a full-fledged cabinet is placed under the mirror, in which it is convenient to store things.
In the 20th century, psishes—mirrors on a hinge—were popular. Some dressing tables have just such structures built into them. Hinges allow you to change the angle of the reflective surface so that you can see yourself from different angles.
A modern dressing table fits harmoniously into the bedroom interior, holds useful little things and allows you to see yourself in full height.
How to restore an old table
Where to put the table
The quality of makeup application depends on the correct placement of the dressing table.
The most acceptable location is near the window, when daylight evenly fills the room.
When deciding on a particular model of dressing table, pay attention to its capacity.
Less successful would be to place it sideways near the window, so that the light falls from the left side, without the appearance of shadows on the face.
You should not place it in front of a window: your face will be in the shade, and applying makeup will be extremely inconvenient. In addition, if the sun often peeks into the room, its rays reflected from the mirror surface will create extremely unfavorable conditions for carrying out procedures.
The number of drawers and shelves has a positive effect on the placement of necessary small items.
What other types of furniture are there for cosmetics?
It is not always possible to purchase a full-fledged dressing table. This problem is especially relevant for residents of small apartments, where every centimeter is accounted for. However, this does not mean that a woman needs to give up self-care.
Do not forget that the table should also convey elegance and beauty, and not be a piece of furniture for a warehouse.
Many cosmetics and perfumes are stored in the bathroom, but this is not always convenient: high humidity in the room creates discomfort when applying makeup. But even in a small room you can find a place to store cosmetics and apply makeup. To do this, you can use a chest of drawers or a cabinet with a removable mirror. You can store a large amount of cosmetics on their shelves. At the same time, she will be reliably protected from “encroachments” by children and inattentive handling of medications by other family members.
For cosmetic procedures, if it is not possible to install a dressing table, you can use a desk, where you can place a mirror as needed, and at least one of the drawers can be used for storing cosmetics.
The entire process of choosing a mirror configuration depends entirely on your preferences and needs.
In particularly difficult situations, a folding structure installed on the inside of the door of a women's wardrobe with a mirror can be used as a dressing table. Drugs can be stored on a specially installed molding there.
Distinctive features of the trellis
Trellis - a cabinet with a three-leaf mirror. Among our today's heroes, this is the only furniture that has a mirror with doors. It is worth noting that a trellis can be called either a table mirror or a wall mirror, but a dressing table can only be a floor mirror.
The convenience of a three-leaf mirror is that you look at yourself from all sides by changing the angle of the side flaps. The central mirror is always larger than the side mirrors. When the reflective surface is not needed, it is covered.
The table can also have a trellis, in which case the large cabinet will be replaced by two small bedside tables. They are placed under the side mirrors. If there are no cabinets, small drawers are built into the trellis - this design has a lot of free space under the table.
How to care for your dressing table
Like any piece of furniture, it requires certain care, depending on the material from which it is made:
- the surface of a dressing table made of chipboard (pressed sawdust) is quite fragile and deformed under the influence of moisture: to care for it, it is enough to wipe the surface with damp wipes using mild cleaning agents;
- MDF is a higher quality and wear-resistant material, but when maintaining it you need to avoid using abrasives;
- It is enough to wipe natural wood with a napkin and treat the surface of the table with special high-quality cleaning agents with antistatic properties;
- caring for mirror surfaces is traditional.
The main rule when choosing a table with a mirror is absolute ease of use.
If you follow these simple rules, the furniture will look aesthetically pleasing for a long time.
Dressing table seat: chair, armchair or ottoman?
The main rule when choosing one of these furniture elements is absolute ease of use. That is why, if you have enough space in the dressing table area, choose a comfortable chair with a soft back or a small and comfortable sofa. By organizing such a “workplace”, you will forget about the inconvenience of applying makeup or styling your hair. This is an extremely useful acquisition.
If you spend little time on grooming procedures or don’t have a lot of space, you can choose a comfortable stool with a soft seat.
