There is something so glamorous about a vintage vanity.
Above all, it always has me picturing a 1930’s film starlet. You know, all wrapped in a feather boa, primping under a lighted makeup mirror .
Because Vanity is about pride in appearance, it’s the perfect name for the place we use to get dolled up!
Since the vintage vanity is making a serious comeback, I got to wondering:
When did beauty routines get so involved? When did ladies decide, “Yeah, I’m actually gonna need another piece of furniture for this”?
As it turns out, the vanity table has always been a status symbol of beauty. In fact, no other piece of furniture worked so hard to keep up with our changing societal trends, and #beautygoals. And what’s more, these tables actually have a really interesting history as a gal’s favorite piece of furniture.
Whether you’re a vintage vanity lover or have a more mod taste, it’s fun to see how they’ve changed. After all, our beloved beauty treasure chests have kept up with us.
Hunting for the perfect vanity? I’ll show you which styles survived the changing times. Plus, how you can snag the perfect vanity style for your own home!
The Time Before Vintage Vanity Tables
Okay, so lets just come out and say this. After all, humans have always found tricky ways to look better than they actually are. Shocking, I know. Pretty much as soon we saw our reflections in a muddy puddle, we invented clever ways to go from hurt to hot.
Way back before anyone (probably) tried to trademark contouring, there were the ancient Egyptians. In fact, they stored their rare eye makeup colors, perfumes, and oils inside super fancy, ornate boxes. You could call it the very first vintage vanity!
In addition, Egyptian women guarded these as some of their most prized possessions. It was easy to get tossed in the Nile back then. That’s why you wouldn’t dare mess with her sacred beauty stash.
Source
Maybe society was advancing super slowly. Or maybe women were too busy trying to prove they weren’t witches. Either way, nothing really new happened in the beauty storage game for a long time.
As the years went on, these cosmetics treasure chests simply became more ornate. They also got detailed compartments and fancier handles, but not much else changed.
How Beauty Rituals Shaped the Vintage Vanity
Finally, something interesting started to happen, around the late 17th century in Europe. The beauty revolution was spreading like wildfire. So the once basic beauty boxes were retired for something bigger and better.
By that time, members of high society had some insanely long beauty rituals. I’m talking fussy clothing with a bazillion buttons, hairstyles way bigger than people’s actual heads, and of course, heavy clown makeup.
Besides, that wasn’t just for women. Men were also expected to jump on the train of fancy dress and over the top style.
Royals went through these tedious grooming routines daily. And they couldn’t even scroll through their instagram feeds to pass the time. I’m sure that no celebrity today would be able to endure that level of boredom.
Luckily, these nobles were always surrounded by their court (aka: squad). Plus, these little cliques were always on standby. So reigning ladies turned their boring beauty rituals into fun hang out sessions.
Meanwhile, these noble women wanted a space where they could chit chat while getting glammed up. Naturally, they turned to top furniture makers to come up some with some creative solutions.
First, designers borrowed ideas from popular men’s shaving tables and low boy tables. Then they came up with some stunning concepts. As a result, the first vintage vanity was a piece of furniture where you could entertain friends and catch up on writing. Most importantly, it stored the vast collections of powders, cremes, and wigs that noble ladies needed to look like a circus performer impressive.
The First Vanity Tables
London, 1787, Source
The Toilette Table
Early vintage vanity tables were known by the lovely name “Toilet Table”. And I know what you’re thinking but no, not because people did their business in them.
Instead, the term comes from the French word ‘toilette‘ which was a cute little handkerchief cloth. Ladies used them to wrap up their most delicate cosmetics before storing them away.
Since plumbing wasn’t common yet, some vintage vanity tables were designed with a compartment for a small water basin. After all, the heavy handed makeup of the 1700’s was a pain to remove. So it was ideal to have a place to wash your face.
Those were the days before makeup wipes. So you’ve really got zero excuses to pass out in full makeup nowadays.
One of the most amazing examples the early French vanity table, belonged to the famous Madame de Pompadour. At first, she was best known as the mistress of King Louis XV. But she was a totally iconic and respected lady in her own right.
Before Marie Antionette was rambling on about cake, Pompadour was influencing popular taste through her status at court.
Madame Pompadour & The French Vanity Table
Madame Pompadour was a trusted adviser to the King, so she was obviously like really busy most of the time.
However, she hated being held up for hours during her beauty routine. The Frenchies were still calling it her ‘toilette’. It was difficult for her that she couldn’t get any of her important matters checked off while waiting.
Because she was an unofficial minister of the arts, she hired a top royal furniture maker. Her request? A vanity table where she could carry out all of her tasks in the ultimate style.
Inside Madame Pompadour’s Vintage Vanity
His creation was a Rococo style vanity, that’s as much a functional marvel as a work of art. This gorgeous dressing table is adorned with dainty flowers. It even features a tower motif inspired by the Pompadour coat of arms.
The mechanical vanity was cleverly engineered. When the top slides back, the front moves forward to reveal a HUGE mirror (for the time, because glass was pricey).
The sliding mechanism extends the surface area, leaving plenty of room for visitors to pull up a chair other side. It’s also got some concealed storage compartments, perfect for hiding away little objects.
For Madame Pompadour, it was a gorgeous place to visit with her gal pals. She also wrote letters and stored her beloved cosmetics there. Her vanity perfectly represented her interests and skills. It also captured the trends of her era at the Palace of Versailles. Even today, it’s the vintage vanity that started it all.
Pompadour was well known for receiving all types of guest while sitting at her elegant dressing table.
Her vanity became the new GOALS, and inspired other women to continue on with the seated tradition.
Evolution of the Vintage Vanity Table
Here’s how the vintage vanity changed, decade by decade.
1800’s Vintage Vanity Table
By the 19th century, the vanity had floated over to Victorian England and America. It also got a newly classed up name: the dressing table.
They slowly became a crucial part of the standard bedroom suite. In addition, furniture makers used dark oak, walnut, and mahogany to make trendy matching sets.
Queen Anne style vanity tables became all the rage, but were less flashy than their previous french ancestors. These dressing tables had chic cabriole legs with an S curve. But they lacked the over the top ‘Rococo’ flair that was a must have years before.
1900’s Vintage Vanity Table
By the 1900’s, glass had become easier and cheaper to make. So ladies were ready to see themselves on a full size scale. As a result, the once dainty small mirrors grew to take center stage of these vintage vanity tables.
The Tri Fold Mirror vanity table was the next popular style to be seen in homes everywhere. It featured a central oval mirror, and two smaller “wing” mirrors on each side. Some of these wing mirrors even folded inward so that you could get a 360 view of your primping efforts!
1930’s Art Deco Vintage Vanity
By the 1930’s the art deco movement was in full swing, and with it came big changes to the vanity table. The Waterfall vanity was a simpler design, with an even larger circular mirror and fairly simple details.
Instead, waterfall vanities were covered in exotic veneers that ran the short length of the surface. It created that trademark waterfall edge that vintage vanity fans still go crazy for today.
Source
1950’s Mid Century Vintage Vanity
In the 1950’s, mid century modern decor took over. As a result, the once curvy pieces became stiff, with very sharp, clean lines. The mirrors above these vintage vanity tables also adjusted, swapping the oval for rectangular shaped designs.
The legs on mid century vanities became thin little sticks. They remind me of those triangle peg games you play at Cracker Barrel. Needless to say they aren’t the prettiest, but the sleek style was a welcome change in that era.
1970’s Vanity Table
In the 1970’s, furniture designers started to play wildly with different shapes and materials for vanity tables. For example, they used satin pine, metals, and lighter colored materials to finish off these oddly shaped designs.
No wonder the 70’s is “the decade that taste forgot.” After all, they had some seriously ugly vanity tables.
On the up side, the cosmetics industry had grown. So these vintage vanity tables added more storage to keep up with bigger hairspray collections.
1990’s Vanity Table
Later, the 1990’s brought in modern designs and a sleeker look for the vanity. Also, acrylic and glass topped vanities were all the rage.
It also brought in the trend of clear trays and organizers as the ‘en vogue’ way to store beauty goodies.
Plus, brass coating was on EVERYTHING for some reason, including vanity tables, and it was not cute at all.
The Modern Makeup Table
By the 2000’s, the vanity started looking forward again.
Early 2000’s Vanity Table
At first, modern vanity tables with space age designs showed up on the scene. They had some pretty interesting finishes, like colored lacquers and shimmering effects. All over mirroring was another popular vanity style. Of course, it probably came in handy for blending that pesky foundation line under your chin.
Vanity tables also went all in on the Y2K look, and were a nod to the glitter obsessed era trend.
Late 2000’s Vanity Table
Eventually, vanity styles shifted again, this time looking to the past. In the late 2000’s french provincial and victorian designs got a facelift, giving new life to the vintage vanity.
With interior design trends of shabby chic and french farmhouse taking over, these copies are still wildly popular today.
2010’s Makeup Table
The biggest update for modern vanity tables? They sprawl across whatever space they occupy. It’s pretty common for them to take up a wall, closet, or even an entire room.
Similarly, vanity closets and vanity rooms are new trends that show no signs of slowing down. In fact, serious makeup lovers are even adding shelving and extra drawers around their vanities to hold their treasure troves.
This shift in design goes right along with the huge growth of the beauty industry in the past few years. As a result, makeup artists found social media fame by sharing pics of their dreamy collections.
Today, the most popular style is a girly glam mix seen all over Pinterest. Usually, these vanity tables are a simple white desk with deep drawers. A glamorous light up vanity mirror usually completes this look. Add a set of narrow column shelves, too.
Madame Pompadour inspired the ladies of her time. Today, beauty lovers have inspired modern vanities with tons of storage.
How To Find Your Perfect Vanity
Luckily, today’s ladies have more options when choosing furniture styles, thanks to a little thing called the internet.
Equally important, choose a style you’ll love long term that also fits your storage needs.
Here are a few suggestions of vanity styles that will check both your boxes!
Vintage Vanity Lover
Today, furniture brands make gorgeous copies, and a real vintage vanity is easier to find than ever. In fact, online vintage marketplaces have real pieces from any design period a girl could dream of.
Some of my favorite vintage vanities are repainted to give them a modern shine, like this dazzling one here.
While I’m partial to the romantic designs of vintage vanity tables, they don’t always provide the most storage space. Opting for one of these more dainty makeup tables? Make sure a few simple drawers will cover your storage needs.
Makeup Minimalist Vanity
More of a makeup minimalist? Opt for a vanity table with a few drawers and a simple mirror. For example, you can choose a style that doubles as a desk for a home office.
Is your vanity gonna work double duty? Choose a style with a lift up mirror, or use a lighted makeup mirror. I have one at my desk/vanity combo so that I can easily move it out of sight.
Modern Beauty Lover Vanity
If you have a medium sized beauty collection, there are tons of options. First, look for a vanity table with several drawers, so you can sort items by type. You can find them in classic vanity table styles, or some with a more modern twist.
Next, make sure the top is large enough for some helpful beauty storage organizers. You can also make your daily items easier to find. Just stash them in a separate compartment of some clear cosmetics organizers.
DIY Modern Vanity
If you’ve got a large collection, you can even put together the vanity of your dreams.
First, start with a base made from a set of office storage drawers.
Next top the drawers with a simple table top, and add a glass cover if you’re feeling fancy. Then add a glam light up vanity mirror. Finally, finish the look with some vertical shelving units to complete the space.
Don’t forget to jazz it up with some cute vanity accessories. Then you’ve got a Pinterest worthy DIY vanity fit for a beauty queen.
Glam Vintage Vanity
If you’re not into the simple DIY vanity look, you’ve got plenty of options with built in storage.
Instead, choose a set with plenty of deep drawers. It should also have surface area for personal touches down the road. Overall, this Hollywood vintage vanity style has a classic look that will always be super chic.
The Future Of The Vanity Table
The old saying goes “form follows function.” Over the years, the vintage vanity has perfectly shown our love of beauty.
In the future, the DIY vanity will stay popular. That’s because you can customize the size as your makeup collection grows.
Beauty walls, closets, and rooms won’t slow down either, because makeup is such a popular hobby for ladies around the world.
Shop the Vintage Vanity Look
Here are all my favorite vanity pieces in one place. Just tap any product to see it!
So which of these lovely vanity styles is right up your alley? Let me know in the comments which style is your favorite!
And if you are looking for more decor tips, check out all my interior design guides for more inspo! And for more vintage vanity tables, make sure to follow Flourishmentary on Pinterest and check out the ‘Vintage Vanities & Makeup Table Ideas’ board!
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I use my grandmother’s treddel sewing machine. The drawers are small but I don’t wear a lot of makeup. I protect the top with a scarf and use a lighted mirror. Looks good and works for me.
Hey Marsha! That is such a cool and unique idea for repurposing an antique- Thanks for sharing!
This was a lot of fun to read – and I don’t even wear makeup! I really enjoyed the history and seeing all the different forms the vanity has taken over the centuries.
Thanks so much Kyla! It was super fun to research and put together!
This was a fun little read! I’ve been looking for a vanity to buy and it was nice to have names to go with the styles I’ve been seeing! But, I’ve been trying to figure out why some of them have such a low “desk” part in the middle. Like if you were sitting down it would hit your shins! I don’t really understand why and haven’t found an answer. Did you come across anything in your research?
Hi Dalia! So glad you’ve enjoyed it! Those styles were very popular in the 40’s, and I believe that people used small stools under their vanity tables instead of a traditional chair! Not really sure why but it’s a cute look! Best of luck finding your perfect match!
I have 3 different styles of vintage makeup vanities. I have one that sits very low on the floor with a large frameless mirror. When standing in front of the mirror a woman could check out her entire outfit/wardrobe eliminating the need for another full length mirror. I’m just speculating of course. I’m no expert on any of this. Just what I have personally observed from my own units.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and seeing the styles, that one from the 1990’s was hilariously fugly!!!
Hahah yes it totally was! Thanks for reading!
You may find my table a bit more inspiring, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHCQ4C9A6AY&t=2s Until recently, I had a store that specialized in luxury vanity table items such as the ones shown.
Great read! My mother bought me an antique, trifold, vanity when I was in junior high school. It’s traveled back oveeseas with me as a army spouse. I’m turning 55 this year and I’ll be dressing it up in old Hollywood glam.
Hi Shelly! That’s amazing that you’ve been able to keep it with you all these years! I am a big fan of that hollywood glam look for a vanity :;) Thanks for reading!
Hello! I absolutely love this article, I am a makeup artist and obcessed about makeup and vanity’s! And I’ve got two vanity’s right now, one in my bedroom And one for working! I love this history about how this was created, very very interesting and informative to me! I was no idea about this…. Thanks so much for sharing ! Kisses ???
Hi Helena! I found it so fun to learn about, and it’s so cool to see how they’ve adapted to make our beauty routines easier! As a MUA it’s so nice you have two! So glad you enjoyed it, and thanks so much for reading!
I was wondering why the vintage vanity I purchased is really low to the ground? I asked if it’s a child’s vanity but it is adult size! You would use a very small stool I guess! Can I send you a picture?
I have the same Robles with my vanity. It’s very close to the floor. I’m wondering if there’s a chair to go with it or if I can build a pedestal for it.
A bit late, but to possibly answer Carrie and Angel’s question: vanities WERE really low to the ground! You normally sat on a very short stool–I use a footstool/pouf (my favorite kind is the “ugly” ’50s styled one in the article-hah!). They were definitely not desk height like most vanities are nowadays. It takes a bit to get used to, but I can almost promise your, your vanities are the right height for what they are. 🙂 Here are some examples:
https://fscomps.fotosearch.com/compc/CLT/CLT003/1950s-teen-girl-sitting-at-vanity-round-stock-photo__j7259.jpg
Notice how she’s actually taller than the vanity, and the girl sitting doesn’t have her feet flat on the floor–not enough room to sit at it like you would a table.
https://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large-5/woman-applying-make-up-in-front-of-vanity-table-bw-george-marks.jpg
Look at how her knees are higher than the surface, and imagine how short it would be if she was standing at it.
https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/2/woman-at-dressing-table-holding-mirror-george-marks.jpg
Same vanity, different picture.
https://cdn6.dissolve.com/p/D1338_2_990/D1338_2_990_1200.jpg
This one is pretty tall but, again, imagine the height if she was standing next to it.
I love vintage vanities and would love to see pictures of yours. 🙂
Hi Mariele! Thank you for sharing all these awesome vintage vanity tables! I love seeing these versions and hearing about how different they used to be! Thanks for sharing!
excellent! Thank you so much.
I loved this it was very informative and helpful. Keep up the good work.?
So glad you enjoyed this Liza! Thanks for reading!
In the 1900’s/1930 vanity table, why is the middle part low?
I recently bought a tri fold mirror style reminiscent of the late 1800s with mushroom shaped handles. I plan on stripping the dark brown shellac or whatever has worn away on top and staining it a light walnut color along with all the other furniture in a golden solid oak I have . I really wanted a early 1900s tri fold mirror but they sell out quickly online…
Taylor,
Your descriptive narrative and numerous prose held me captive and enthralled the entire article. Not only was it informative, your humor is captivating and refreshing. Boring? Not at all!! You had me to the ending, eager for more. So much so, that I went so far as to read all the comments and wishing it would go on forever. Brilliant!! 5 years later, you are still collecting a captive audience. Kudos!