Period Dressing Table
A period dressing table brings centuries of practical craftsmanship and rich timber into a modern bedroom.
Period Dressing Table
A period dressing table serves as a dedicated station for grooming and morning routines, incorporating drawers and mirrors designed for daily use. Buyers searching for a period dressing table encounter a variety of forms spanning several centuries, including lowboys, kneehole desks, and toilet mirrors.
The pieces on this page draw from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, alongside Edwardian and Art Deco eras, with Georgian examples appearing frequently. Side tables and lowboys often double as dressing surfaces in surviving historic interiors.
Originating largely from British workshops, these tables reflect the domestic habits of past centuries through fitted compartments and adjustable mirrors. Oak and mahogany dominate the offerings, showing how regional makers adapted prevailing fashions for domestic clients.
How they were made
Cabinet makers utilised solid timbers like oak, mahogany, and walnut, often applying burr walnut or satinwood veneers to prominent surfaces. Crossbanding and inlaid details provide visual contrast on drawer fronts and tabletops.
Construction relied on traditional joinery methods such as dovetailing for drawer boxes and mortise and tenon joints for frames. Brass handles, escutcheons, and hinges secure the moving parts and complement the dark tones of the wood.
Surfaces received hand-applied finishes that enhanced the natural grain patterns of the timber. Glass mirrors, supported by adjustable wooden frames or bronze pedestals, complete the construction of the dressing and toilet mirrors.
The listings on this page span from the late 17th century through the Georgian and Regency periods up to Art Deco 1930 designs.
What varies in quality
The choice of timber underpins the visual appeal of a piece, with figured grains like burr walnut or finely figured mahogany marking out superior examples. Plain country oak versions prioritize utility over decorative veneer work.
Subtlety of carving and proportion distinguish workshop standards, ranging from plain country furniture to sophisticated city commissions. The retention of original brass hardware and glass plate contributes to the integrity of the piece.
Gillows of Lancaster
The Period Dressing Table Glossary
- Lowboy
- A small table with drawers, typically used as a dressing table or side table in the 18th century. These pieces usually feature cabriole or straight legs supporting a low set of drawers.
- Toilet mirror
- A small mirror mounted on a stand or miniature chest of drawers, placed upon a table for grooming. They often feature small drawers for storing cosmetics or jewellery.
- Kneehole desk
- A desk or dressing table featuring a recessed central space for the legs, flanked by pedestals of small drawers. This form allows the user to sit closely while working or applying makeup.
- Crossbanding
- A strip of veneer applied across the grain of the primary surface to form a decorative border. It frames the drawer fronts and tabletops of finer period furniture.
- Faux bamboo
- Wood carved or painted to resemble natural bamboo stalks, popular during the Regency and 19th-century periods. This decorative technique reflects an interest in exotic design motifs.
Period Dressing Table: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a period dressing table?
A period dressing table is an antique furniture piece designed for personal grooming, typically featuring drawers for storage and a flat surface.
These items encompass various historic forms, including lowboys, kneehole desks, and toilet mirrors dating from the 17th to the early 20th century.
How were period dressing tables used?
Historic households used these tables for morning ablutions, applying cosmetics, and storing personal valuables.
Drawers held powders and brushes, while tabletop mirrors helped users arrange their hair and garments.
How do I style a period dressing table?
Integrating an antique dressing table into a modern bedroom involves balancing its historical character with everyday utility.
Positioning the piece against a neutral wall allows the timber grain and brass fittings to stand out without cluttering the room.