Antique Vanities

Up to the Middle Ages, chests and boxes were the only types of storage available to most people. However, advances in woodworking meant that carpenters could make more elaborate and useful designs, such as cabinets and shelves.

While most nobles would store their cosmetics in small, decorative boxes, the 17th century led to the rise of dressing tables, which combined a table with shelves and a mirror. These were equally popular with men and women — men used them predominantly while shaving and grooming, while women used them to get ready for important events.

Vanity tables became increasingly ornate and complex as woodworkers competed to gain the attention of rich clients. That’s why many antique vanity tables are packed with decorative features, including gilt mirrors, ivory or gold inlays, curlicues, and even hidden compartments.

However, despite all of these embellishments, the basic components of the vanity remain the same: a chair, a dresser containing storage compartments for cosmetics, and a mirror.

Shop Vintage & Antique Vanities

Fireside Antiques offers antique vanity tables with mirrors in a host of fine woods, including mahogany, cherry, and walnut. You can choose your style ranging from Victorian dressing tables, 18th-century French vanities, or even Art Deco vanities from the early 20th century.

These vanities can add a dash of style and elegance to your bedroom while remaining durable enough to become a treasured family heirloom. Whether looking for clean Gustavian pieces from Sweden or ornate masterworks from France and Italy, our range of antique vanities will inspire your inner interior designer.

Why Use an Antique Vanity?

Dedicated vanity tables have fallen out of fashion, and most of us use bathroom vanities or walk-in closets. However, if you need more than just a space to do your hair and makeup, an antique vanity can be a conversation piece and an excellent platform to display your expensive beauty products. Most vanities have compartments for cosmetics and even jewelry, making them perfect organizing tools if you have many products and no place to store them.