Pick the right shape There are two types of dressing table – pedestal and console
A CONSOLE has one or more drawers across the width. Look out for lift-up lid designs, which are perfect for hiding clutter. GOOD FOR? Consoles are often slimmer, so they are better suited to tighter spaces
A PEDESTAL has drawers on one or both sides, with space in between for you to sit. Pedestal tables are often fairly bulky pieces, but offer good storage. GOOD FOR? Big bedrooms – a bay window is the perfect spot
Select the perfect finish Think about the style you're trying to create or complement
CLASSIC WOOD Painted, polished or distressed; in solid wood or laminate
VERSATILE UNFINISHED Usually in wood or MDF, these can be painted to match your bedroom scheme
GLAMOROUS MIRROR Very chic, but not so practical for those with small children
STATEMENT LEATHER OR FAUX SNAKESKIN Don't feel you have to match it to other furniture – this is a statement buy, so choose something with
a contrasting finish
Your dressing-table check list
HOW MUCH SPACE DO I HAVE? Your bed should have at least 45cm of walk-around space, so make sure there's enough room around your dressing table to move the stool and open any drawers.
WHAT ABOUT DRAWER SIZE? Consider what you want to keep in your table – if you need to store underwear and accessories, look for deeper drawers than if you just need to store cosmetics.
DO THE DRAWERS GLIDE? Check the action – they should glide and have stoppers to prevent them being pulled too far out.
DOES IT COME WITH A MIRROR? A tri-fold mirror can be angled to give you the best all-round view, but it will be bulkier than a single mirror. If space is limited, mount your mirror on the wall above the dressing table to leave the surface clear.
WHAT ABOUT SEATING? Most designs have a stool or chair. If you don't have much space, go for a stool that can be tucked underneath. Choose neutral upholstery to work with any scheme.
A CONSOLE has one or more drawers across the width. Look out for lift-up lid designs, which are perfect for hiding clutter. GOOD FOR? Consoles are often slimmer, so they are better suited to tighter spaces
A PEDESTAL has drawers on one or both sides, with space in between for you to sit. Pedestal tables are often fairly bulky pieces, but offer good storage. GOOD FOR? Big bedrooms – a bay window is the perfect spot
Select the perfect finish Think about the style you're trying to create or complement
CLASSIC WOOD Painted, polished or distressed; in solid wood or laminate
VERSATILE UNFINISHED Usually in wood or MDF, these can be painted to match your bedroom scheme
GLAMOROUS MIRROR Very chic, but not so practical for those with small children
STATEMENT LEATHER OR FAUX SNAKESKIN Don't feel you have to match it to other furniture – this is a statement buy, so choose something with
a contrasting finish
Your dressing-table check list
HOW MUCH SPACE DO I HAVE? Your bed should have at least 45cm of walk-around space, so make sure there's enough room around your dressing table to move the stool and open any drawers.
WHAT ABOUT DRAWER SIZE? Consider what you want to keep in your table – if you need to store underwear and accessories, look for deeper drawers than if you just need to store cosmetics.
DO THE DRAWERS GLIDE? Check the action – they should glide and have stoppers to prevent them being pulled too far out.
DOES IT COME WITH A MIRROR? A tri-fold mirror can be angled to give you the best all-round view, but it will be bulkier than a single mirror. If space is limited, mount your mirror on the wall above the dressing table to leave the surface clear.
WHAT ABOUT SEATING? Most designs have a stool or chair. If you don't have much space, go for a stool that can be tucked underneath. Choose neutral upholstery to work with any scheme.
