Historians usually date dressing tables as beginning in the 1690's and from that time forward, throughout the William and Mary period, these vanity pieces were found in profusion. A piece of furniture qualified as a dressing table if it had some sort of accompanying mirror and a place for cosmetics, brushes, other things needed take care of personal grooming.
This post spotlights the skirted dressing table. Whether gathered or box-pleated the feminine skirted dressing table came into vogue in the 1920's. From the 20's to the 40's the decorator advice for girls was to use old curtains or last years party dress to fabricate pretty skirts for their dressing tables.
The idea of a woman’s dressing table being the centerpiece of the bedroom, a little corner of elegance solely her own for adornment, seems so romantic. Today, skirted dressing tables have reclaimed their place as a decorative statement as more and more women tire of the bathroom or even the sofa as a place to put on their makeup and primp a bit. Even younger women are discovering and embracing their femininity and the skirted dressing table is a perfect way to help create a feminine yet chic bedroom look.
I was surprised as I researched for this article how many of you are looking for tables to buy and tutorials that will help you create your own skirted dressing tables. My advice is to use some restraint and make them chic and classy. Don't go overboard with the lace and ruffles or you loose the refinement and end up with your space too little girly looking. Done right the skirted dressing table is an affordable way to add a touch of elegance to your bedroom.
In France, the dressing table was called a poudreuse. In England it was sometimes called a Beau Brummel for the then prince of fashion, George Bryan Brummell. It is said he took 5 hours to dress and insisted his shoes be polished with champagne. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the dressing table was used by men just as much as by women. Men could keep their hair powders, razors, oils, and combs there.
The skirted dressing table is usually a small explosion of all things feminine as you can see here. Perfume bottles tend to be luxurious and elegant and keeping these pieces on display in little dishes or trays adds a delicate touch to the decor. I love this skirt!
Carefully selected and displayed antique perfume bottles and jars with silver tops adorn this skirted dressing table. The mirrored top makes the crystal and silver even lovlier.
Skirted dressing tables can come in different shapes. Most people think of the kidney shaped table but square ones are pretty too and easier to find.
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You can choose to dress you table in several ways. Lace always gives a romantic feel as long as it's not over done. Too much lace gets childish and you lose the allure.
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This skirted dressing table is soft and feminine and has just a hint of lace. Every dressing table needs one or two pretty lamps. Then go about adding your favorite personal items.
Look for a fabulous antique looking glass. I just had to say that, it sound so much more romantic than mirror. I love the three layers of fabric that that create interest and texture for this beautifully skirted dressing table.
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I just like the aesthetics of skirted dressing tables. This is more fun than just putting plastic bottles etc. away in a drawer or cabinet. Ditch the plastic and go for glass and silver, ivory or tortoise shell, and feel oh so much more feminine!!!
Some of you prefer a simple and elegant gathered skirt for your dressing table. Cream is the perfect accent for the papered floral walls and chair. Glass or mirrored tops are a lovely throwback to earlier days.
Marie-Caroline Willms EMCI INTERIORS
I adore this cream skirted dressing table and the way it is nestles into that wallpapered corner. The window treatments add to the draped, yet airy, sophisticated look. I think this is the right chair for this table too.
Atlanta-based designer Patricia McLean
You don't actually have to use the skirted table as a vanity. Maybe you just need a pretty side table for lamps, pictures, or other personal items.
Penny Morrison Interiors
This ballerina style skirted dressing table with a profusion of tulle is really pretty and feminine. An antique porcelain tray is a nice addition for organizing vanity items.
Enhance you skirted dressing table with the right seat. There are so many lovely styles to choose from. The curule seat is a good choice. Don't forget those little dress maker details. A trim of tassels on the table is perfection.
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If you like pattern you might be inspired to coordinate your skirted dressing table to wallpaper or fabrics in your bedroom. This traditional style kidney shaped table has a gathered skirt and I like the way they have finished the edge. You could even pad it for some extra style.
Skirted dressing tables provide a little space of indulgence and have a feminine way of luring you away from everyday life.
You may have space for a skirted dressing table in your bathroom. This great floral table has lots of dress maker details that finish it off beautifully. Remember those little details speak volumns!
Layers of ruffles may be your desired look like the skirted dressing table in fashion designer Veronica Toub's stylish Paris apartment. They say lightweight fabrics make the best ruffles. I vote for no more than three layers!
You can also have your skirted dressing table fabric smocked like this one to create little rows of pretty pleats.
Box pleats are the right choice if you want your skirted dressing table to have a more tailored look.
via Pinterest
Box pleats seem to look better on skirted dressing tables in bedrooms that mix antique and modern.
Feminine skirted dressing tables are a great way to fill up a nook or cranny.
via Pinterest
Try using a vintage shawl as the top layer of your skirted dressing table. Be creative and find something unique.
There are other many kinds of tables you can add a skirt to and create your own version of the skirted dressing table. Think outside the box!
Ruthie Sommers
They may seem old fashioned to some but there are those of us who think pretty skirted dressing tables can provide beautiful focal points for any bedroom.
Via Pinterest Jean Harlow in Diner At Eight.
Here is a lady that knew her way around a skirted dressing table. Don't you love the fringe layers? Glamour is sorely missed these days.
To see more vanities visit
http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2013/02/beautiful-vanities-for-modern-woman.html
http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2013/02/beautiful-vanities-for-modern-woman.html
Click here to see the previous post
http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2017/05/my-french-style-living-roompictures-as.html
This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer
