How to Style a Dressing Table

Every few months, sometimes sooner, we find ourselves asking, How do I style my dressing table so it actually looks good and stays tidy? 

It’s a familiar question, and with a few clever tricks, you can keep it looking chic whatever your style, storage needs, or taste.

This guide shares simple styling ideas that make any setup feel styled and not stuffed. So the next time you wonder what to put on a dressing table, you’ll know exactly what works (and what doesn’t). And once you’ve nailed the basics, switching up your look is easy. No starting from scratch.

Whether you’ve got a compact make up desk with drawers, or a fitted white vanity station, we’ve got you covered. 

Ready to create a space that looks like it belongs in a boutique hotel? Let’s get your get-ready zone sorted for good.

Benefits of Styling Your Dressing Table

Styling a dressing table isn’t just about looks, it’s about making it work for you every day.

A well-styled vanity can genuinely change the way you get ready, whether you’re off to the office or out for drinks. Here’s why it’s worth the effort:

• A smart setup means less clutter, fewer duplicates, and more room for the things you actually use.
  
  
• You get quick, easy access. No more digging around for your favourite lipstick.
  
  
• Getting ready in a calm space is like starting the day on green lights.
  
  
• It’s a fast way to boost the room's style and feel more put-together.
  
  
• Good storage protects your makeup and saves you from buying duplicates.
  
  
• A styled zone makes your daily routine feel like a special treat.

Now let’s get into the styling rules that make your dressing table look pulled-together, all of this without turning it into a clutter trap.

How To Clean And Organise Your Dressing Table In 4 Simple Steps

Before we get into the pretty bits, let’s get one thing straight: good styling starts with good setup. 

Here’s how to decide what kind of layout works best for your dressing table, whether you’ve got drawers, shelves, or neither.

1. Spot your storage. Use drawers for bulky items or anything sensitive to light. Think about skincare, heat tools, spare brushes. No drawers? Acrylic boxes or a slim trolley are your best friends.
   

2. Sort your stash and clean the vanity desk. Daily use (foundation, mascara, SPF), occasional (fancy lipstick, sheet masks), forgotten (that half-used glitter stick from 2017). Be honest—when did you last touch that blue glitter eyeshadow? Once done, clean all the surfaces.
   

3. Declutter what you don’t use. Be ruthless. If it’s crusty, dusty, or hasn’t been touched in months—it’s got to go. This is where space (and sanity) returns.
   

4. Organise what’s left. Group items by type or routine. Brushes with brushes, skincare together, palettes stacked smartly. Now you’re ready to style.

For more tips on keeping your dressing table organized, explore our guide on dressing table storage ideas for efficient, everyday use.

What Belongs on a Dressing Table? This 1-2-3 Styling Trick Sorts It Instantly

Styling a make-up station doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow the simple 3-part 1-2-3 styling formula, and you’ll get a space that looks styled, not stuffed. It’s a fresh, easy twist on the classic ‘rule of three’, a go-to principle for every interior designer.

It works for any setup. Whether you’ve got a small dressing table with drawers or a grand white vanity with a mirror and lights.

Here is how it works:

1. Anchor with One Statement Piece
Choose a single show-stopper: a bold mirror, a sculptural lamp, or an art piece. This focal item grounds your look and pulls the room together.

2. Layer in Two Functional Items
Add two functional heroes—like a marble tray for lipsticks and a holder for your most-used brushes. These pieces create a practical, clutter-free zone on any make-up desk with drawers.

3. Finish with Three Personal Accents
Finish with three small accents that feel totally you—a photo, a bud vase, and a ring dish. These details bring soul to the setup. Odd numbers please the eye (that rule of three at work) and inject personality into every vanity table with stool.

Tip: If you’re styling a fitted vanity station or a small dressing table under a window, keep the statement piece slim and scale down your accents to maintain balance.

That Rule of Three brings instant harmony that just feels right to the eye. It keeps your dressing table decor ideas fresh, minimal and magazine-worthy.

Watch out: if things look too busy, you’ve probably skipped step 2 or gone overboard at step 3.

Trending Dressing Table Ideas for 2025

No matter your space or setup, your vanity station can reflect who you are and what you love. Inspired by various trend predictions for 2025, here are ten standout dressing table styling ideas that will take your setup from basic to breathtaking. 

Art Deco Glam: Old-School Elegance

Channel the opulence of the roaring '20s with bold symmetry, polished gold finishes, and materials like marble or mirrored glass. A scalloped-edge mirror or velvet stool adds that final hit of vintage indulgence.

Perfect for: Lovers of Art Deco vanity dressing tables and bold sophistication.

Scandinavian Chic Style Simplicity: Light and Bright

Inspired by Nordic design, this style relies on soft tones, natural wood, and functional design. Keep accessories minimal — a circular mirror, a single ceramic vase, and a natural linen runner are all you need.

Perfect for: Those who want light and functional dressing table ideas. Especially if you are working with small bedrooms.

Boho Chic: Earthy and Free-Spirited

Mix patterns, textures, and natural elements like rattan and wicker. Colourful textiles and plants can take your dressing table from plain to totally free-spirited.

Perfect for: free-thinkers who love bohomeian or whimsical dressing table decor ideas.

Rococo Revival: Go Baroque or Go Home

This style is all about dramatic detailing. Think gilded mirrors, ornately carved wood, and rich textures. Add heavy drapery or vintage-inspired decor to complement the look.

Perfect for: Those who love luxury vanity tables and aren’t afraid to embrace drama. Try pairing it with dressing table accessories that add extra flair.

Japandi: Clean, Warm, Functional

Japandi blends Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian warmth. Opt for neutral colours, sleek lines, and simple materials like wood or stone. Focus on functional beauty with serene vibes.

Perfect for: anyone seeking a small dressing table with drawers or a compact vanity desk with a mirror in smaller spaces.

Cottagecore: Whimsical and Cosy

Embrace nature with floral accents, soft linens, and vintage-inspired furniture. Pair soft pastels with earthy tones for that nostalgic, countryside charm.

Perfect for: dreamers who want their space to feel like a cosy makeup dressing table retreat.

Minimalism: Less is More

In the minimalist world, your glow up station is streamlined and sleek. Stick to neutral colours, simple lines, and maybe one or two statement pieces, like a sculptural mirror or a small plant.

Perfect for: those who love clutter-free vanity tables and simple dressing table decor ideas.

Maximalism: Bold and Beautiful

Throw out the "less is more" idea! 

Maximalism celebrates everything bold, colourful, and eclectic. Think statement mirrors, vibrant accessories, and a mix of textures.

Perfect for: Those with bold personalities who want their vanity to reflect the best dressing table accessory ideas to stand out.

Urban Industrial: Raw and Real

For an edgy, modern twist, go for metal accents, exposed surfaces, and concrete tones. Combine with vintage finds to keep it grounded yet chic.

Perfect for: anyone who wants a modern industrial dressing table with a trendy, masculine vibe.

Retro Futurism: Vintage Meets Modern

This look blends nostalgia with innovation. Think futuristic designs with retro colours and materials, bold reds, blues, and metallics that make a statement.

Perfect for: Trendsetters who want a makeup dressing table with a quirky twist on retro.

Explore our range of dressing tables and get them delivered to your doorstep in 48 hours!

Where You Place It Matters: Layouts That Let Style Shine

You’ve styled it like a pro. You’ve nailed the 1-2-3 formula. But if your table is shoved in a dim corner or blocked by clutter, it won’t shine.

The bed rules the room, but the dressing table? That’s the crown jewel. Make it the pride of place.

The right position gives your small vanity table room to breathe and lets all your styling work pay off. Whether it's a white vanity with a mirror or a grey dressing table with drawers, placement is everything.

Here’s how to give your make-up dressing table the position it deserves:

• Under a Window (when possible): Natural light is the gold standard for makeup. Placing your table under a window means you can see your face clearly without harsh shadows—ideal for precise routines. Just avoid placing the mirror directly in front of bright sunlight that causes glare.

• Against a Side Wall with Thoughtful Lighting: No natural light? No stress. Position your vanity unit with mirror and lights or mirrored dresser table near a power source and add layered lighting. Think of LED strips, wall sconces, or a daylight bulb lamp. The key is soft, even light, not overhead harshness.

• Give It Breathing Room: Your dressing table with stool shouldn’t feel squashed between wardrobes or boxed in at the foot of the bed. Every station is needs a visual space to look elegant.

• Turn It Into a Feature: If you’ve styled it right, don’t hide it. For instance, a grey dressing table with a mirror and velvet stool can become a design anchor, not just a functional one.

One more tip: mirror placement matters. Tilted or lift-up mirrors are brilliant for both visibility and saving space.

Materials & Finishes That Elevate (Without Starting from Scratch)

Love your current dressing table but wish it had a different vibe? You don’t always need a whole new unit to get a fresh look. With the right finishes, you can update what you already have—or decide when it’s worth moving on.

Here’s how to refresh the one you own, or make switching to a new one effortless:

✅ Vinyl Wraps for a Fast Style Swap

Vinyls come in marble, woodgrain, or high-gloss finishes that can completely transform a modern vanity made from MDF or engineered wood.

⚠️ But application is fiddly: bubbles, adhesive mess, and trimming nightmares are real. A flat-packed vanity with the same finish might take the same time to assemble, minus the frustration.

✅ Polish Wood for a Natural, Lasting Finish

If your table’s solid wood—don’t cover it, celebrate it. A light sand and polish gives you a natural, warm finish that shows off the quality you already own.

⚠️ Takes elbow grease. But it’s worth it for solid wood pieces that age beautifully with care.

✅ Swap the Mirror for an Instant Update

Is the mirror looking dated or spotted from age or moisture? A sleek lift-up mirror or oversized frame can completely change the mood of your space.

⚠️ Replacing old mirrors (especially glued ones) can be costly or risky—why not go for a new dressing table that already includes one?

✅ Add Marble (or the Look of It) for Luxe Appeal

Marble or stone slabs bring high-end appeal, but they come with weight and safety concerns.

⚠️ Don’t place a heavy slab on a weak frame. It can crack, tip, or warp your table. If you even have a slight doubt like these. Skip the stress and try our lighter, marble-finish options that are built to balance beauty and safety.

✅ Refresh with Linen, Knobs & Small Touches

Swap your dressing table stool cover for a fresh linen cover. Install new drawer knobs with brass or matte black colours for added contrast. For a quick fix, just add a fabric runner for soft texture.

⚠️ Avoid over-accessorising! Too many contrasting finishes can make your table look chaotic, not curated.

Not ready to DIY? A Fresh Start Might Be Easier

If your current setup feels flimsy, fussy, or just not worth fixing. Just skip the hassle. Our flat-packed space saving dressing table comes with premium finishes, smart storage, and all the style. Easy to assemble, easy to love.

What Not To Do After Styling Your Dressing Table

Even the most beautiful dressing table can lose its shine if you fall into these common traps. Skip these five styling missteps, and your setup will stay looking sharp, not sloppy.

Don’t crowd the surface.

Your Vanity table isn’t a storage unit. Leave negative space so your mirror, tray, or lamp can shine. If everything’s on display, nothing stands out.

Don’t mix every finish you own.

A little contrast is good. Chaos isn’t. Stick to one or two finishes—like matte black and brass—so your space feels designed, not thrown together.

Don’t rely on overhead lighting.

Downlights cast shadows and distort colour—especially unflattering at eye level. A soft bulb or mirror with built-in lighting makes all the difference.

Don’t treat drawers as a black hole.

Good storage isn’t about hiding clutter. It’s about sorting what you actually use. If your drawer is full of “just in case” products, it’s time to edit.

Don’t forget about proportions.

A giant mirror on a tiny table? Or a huge tray that swallows your surface? Scale matters. Match items to the size of your setup to keep it feeling intentional.

Ready to Elevate Your Dressing Table?

Styling your make-up station doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few thoughtful touches can make all the difference. Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist vibe, a bold statement, or a cosy retreat, there’s a style for every space.

So, what are you waiting for? A few simple changes can make your beauty routine feel like a treat, not a chore. It's all about finding what makes you feel good, from the style to the little touches that bring it all together.

Explore our dressing table collection and get started on your stylish transformation today!

Frequently Asked Questions:

How to style my dressing table so it’s both useful and lovely?
For timeless dressing table styling, start with a standout piece—like a bold mirror or bit of art—and then add a tray for your everyday bits, a light for getting ready, and small touches such as a sprig in a vase or your favourite perfume. 

Stick to one colour story and mix a few textures (glass, matt ceramics, soft fabric) so it looks interesting. Think of it as your own little stage each morning.

How do I decorate my dressing table to show off my own taste?
Let in natural light if you can, or pop on a warm table lamp. 

Choose a mirror that suits the table's style, then build around it with a few well-picked bits—odd numbers work best (three or five), such as a vase, a small keepsake box and a framed print. Use the wall above for a picture or memo board to add height and personality.

What accessories make a dressing table look instantly stylish and useful?
Start with a tray to gather your essentials, a soft-glow lamp for warmth, and a nice mirror that fits your style. Add a catch-all dish for jewellery and one unique item. 

Maybe a framed photo, keepsake, or scented candle for personality. Stick to a cohesive look by matching finishes or textures, and don’t overcrowd the space. A little breathing room lets each item stand out. 

How do I style dressing tables in black, white, or grey without losing warmth or personality?
Each colour has its charm—here’s how to make it work beautifully:

• For a black dressing table lighten the look with reflective or clear pieces—think glass trays, mirrored boxes, or metal candle holders. Add a soft-touch element like a velvet drawer insert or plush stool, and bring in greenery to balance the boldness.
  
  
• White dressing table with drawers can feel fresh with shiny accents like crystal, chrome, or glass. Introduce one or two soft colours (like blush or sage) so it doesn’t feel too clinical. Clear organisers provide a clean look while showing off your style.
  
  
• Grey dressing table with mirror and stool works best when warmed up with brass or wooden touches, like a wooden tray or gold frame. Layer in soft materials, like linen or velvet. Play with shape and height using items like a tall mirror and round dish.

What is the best lighting for a makeup vanity?
Whether you have a vanity unit with mirror and lights or something more minimal, choose lights with adjustable warmth—cool for precise makeup, warm for a cosy feel. A dimmer switch is handy. 

Match any metal finishes across handles or frames so it looks put-together.

Where’s best to position a bedroom dressing table? 
Placing a dressing table in front of the window is ideal, but not right up against it—sheer curtains help take the glare off. If you’re pushed for space, angle the mirror so it bounces daylight. 

Keep bedside bits like phones and chargers in a separate tray or drawer so your beauty station stays for beauty.

How do I make the most of a makeup desk that’s got drawers?
Sort drawers with small dividers so you know where each lipstick or brush lives. Line them with cotton or velvet to keep things quiet and protected. On top, only show what you reach for every day—a mug of brushes, a tray of go-tos and your mirror.

What’s the best way to style a small dressing table with drawers?
When working with a small dressing table, think vertically as well as horizontally. Use a tall mirror and stack a couple of books or small risers to lift items. Keep to a simple colour palette, and let a drawer do double duty for makeup and your phone charger. A small basket underneath can hide hair tools, and a wall-mounted light frees up surface space.