Chest of drawers with mirror - what are they: types and design

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.

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.

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.

Backlight options

The best lighting for a makeup table is natural daylight, so place the furniture near a window. This option is not always easy to implement, and therefore it is necessary to use additional lamps. Products must meet a number of requirements:

Intensity. Lamps equipped with a dimmer will help you understand how makeup looks in different lighting conditions. The devices will be more expensive compared to traditional products.
Directionality. The light must be directed to the center of the reflection, otherwise shadows will appear on the face.
Degree of distraction. Preferably a soft glow that is pleasing to the eye. Lamps made of plastic or frosted glass are optimal. You should not use models decorated with patterns.
Power. If there are a couple of lamps, the dressing table will be fully illuminated with 100 W lamps. If there are more than two sources, 3.5 W products are suitable.
Colorful temperature. Cool shades reflect fine details, while warm shades are pleasing to the eye. The ideal solution would be neutral light (4100–5000K).

Characteristics of a table that extends from under the tabletop, selection criteria
The quality of the applied makeup or hair styling depends on the correct lighting of the mirror. The described tables are complemented by different types of lighting:

Outdoor. Equipped with cartridges, located on the surface of the mirror. Pros: ease of use, ability to replace the light bulb. The downside is that if the device is selected incorrectly, the reflection will be distorted.
Internal. The lamps are mounted around the perimeter of the mirror. One of the advantages is the attractive appearance, the disadvantage is low brightness.
Special. Serves for decorating dressing rooms and provides an optimal level of lighting. The disadvantage of such illumination is its high cost.

Internal

Outdoor

Special
Typically, when arranging makeup tables, the following lamp options are used:

With lampshades. It is worth giving preference to white light, then the reflection will be the clearest. Optimal glass and plastic products provide high quality lighting. Their disadvantage is that the color options distort the shades.
Halogen spot devices. They are not used too often because they produce blurry light. They perform a decorative function; comfortable use is possible only if there is a large number of lamps.
Sconce. They will appeal to people for whom the appearance of the makeup table is important. Pros: looks attractive, rotating models provide ease of use. The downside of sconces is that sometimes you have to use additional light sources.
Halogen. The body of the product consists of quartz, which does not tolerate grease, so the light bulb will have to be changed by holding it with a napkin or piece of cloth. Pros: long service life, even soft light. Cons: heats up during operation, color distortion.
Fluorescent and neon light bulbs. Placed on top of the mirror, they provide rich light. Their disadvantage is that the lamps distort colors, so they are not suitable for makeup tables.
LEDs and LED strips. Used as a supplement to main light sources. Pros: attractive appearance, optimal intensity, power, long service life. Minus - they are not used independently.

Types of folding tables for the balcony, stages of self-production

The level of lighting for dressing tables is selected in accordance with personal preferences and recommendations of specialists. It is better not to use classic incandescent lamps when applying makeup. These products give yellowish tones to the shades of cosmetics.

You cannot place the table directly in front of the window, as the sun's rays will glare, creating unnecessary inconvenience.

Sconce

Light bulbs with shades

LED strips

Halogen

Spot

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.

Dressing table sizes

Of the parameters, there are only two that are really worth paying attention to. This is the height of the tabletop and its minimum width. The height of the dressing table is determined in much the same way as the height of the desk. In theory, it should be matched to the height of the owner. After all, women spend a lot of time looking in the mirror. At the same time as the height of the table, you need to choose a chair, armchair or banquette - it depends on what you plan to place next to it.

Boudoir table - for a classic style bedroom

A certain standard is the tabletop height of 75 cm, but you need to focus on your height. Next, we determine from the height of the seat. When a woman sits, her legs should be bent at the knees at an angle of 90° or close to this value - this is the most comfortable position. So choosing the height of a chair or armchair is not so difficult.

You also need to know the minimum width of the tabletop. In stationary models (with legs) it is 40-45 cm, in wall-hung models it is 30-35 cm. A lot of cosmetics will fit on such a tabletop, and there will be enough space in the drawers. If you plan to use some of the drawers as a chest of drawers, the width can be increased to 50-55 cm. But keep in mind that even with a depth of 40 cm, organizers (space delimiters) are required for cosmetics. For even deeper ones, stationary dividers (made of plywood or fiberboard) will be needed, otherwise it will be completely inconvenient.

The dimensions of the dressing table are adjusted depending on the height of the owner and the available space

If the women's table is equipped with a hanging mirror, you also need to know at what height to hang the mirror. This parameter also depends on height. Sitting in front of a mirror, a lady should look approximately at the center of the mirror surface. If desired and the size is sufficient, you can lower the edge by 10-15 cm. The main thing is that the top of the head is visible.

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

Read

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.

Features of special make-up mirrors

A mirror intended for applying makeup first appeared at the beginning of the twentieth century. The product was popular among movie and pop stars and creative personalities. Nowadays, special reflective surfaces are successfully used in city apartments and country houses. They serve as full-fledged decorative elements and allow women to take care of themselves in the most comfortable conditions. The advantages of such models include:

Uniform light. The flow is dispersed over the entire mirror surface. The lamps are positioned so that the face can be clearly seen from all sides. As a result, you won’t have to focus on the window.
Ease of use. The makeup table does not require additional lighting. As a result, a woman will be able to use the furniture in the morning, mid-day or evening without causing inconvenience to household members.

Criteria for choosing a laptop table for a bed, the best brands and models

Dressing room mirrors fit harmoniously into any interior. Despite the fact that the products are associated with retro style, they will look attractive in classic design, hi-tech, minimalism, and Provence. The models have a bright appearance and bring a touch of luxury to the room.

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 with mirror

A dressing table with a mirror is a piece of furniture that is used to store cosmetics, hygiene items and other toiletries. Typically placed in the bedroom, dressing room or bathroom. There is a mirror on the table, under which there are small drawers, shelves and pull-out sections. The dressing table is organized so that it is comfortable to sit in front of the mirror and apply makeup and do your hair.

A similar piece of furniture to the dressing table is the dressing table. They are similar in design and purpose, but the latter is equipped with a dressing room mirror - this is a mirror with lights around the perimeter. At the end of the 20th century, a fashion for such solutions for the home appeared; Previously, they were located only in dressing rooms and beauty salons.