Dressing tables have been one of the most ancient essentials for home. It seems, a woman's — and, these days, a man’s as well — obsession for looking good makes dressing tables inevitable. After all, one needs to sit comfortably to even attempt to make one beautiful. What’s changed over the years is the size of a dressing table. The key question to a good dressing table these days is: How compact is it? This is because most bedrooms tend to be small now. Choosing a right dressing table can be bit of a task: The decor and colour of the room have to compliment the dressing table of your choice. So, everything, from the colour, style, size and mirrror placement would be a part of the decision making process. Here are a few suggestions…

The style

Before we continue, let me state it loud and clear: Art deco dressing tables, which don’t take up much room, are really in vogue these days. At its best, art deco style represents elegance, functionality and modernity. But, dressing table style could be classified under classic and contemporary. A classic piece tends to be a pedestal shape, with single or double drawers on either side and space in between to sit. Yes, it is true that they provide plenty of storage. But it is also true that they can be bulky and are best suited to larger bedrooms. A contemporary dressing table, on the other hand, could be the perfect solution to space crunch. To be contemporary, keep it simple. If you like your dressing tables to reflect a feminine charm, look out for pastel shades and curvy shapes.

The functionality

Mirrors, of course, make or break a dressing table. How and where a mirror is placed plays a key role in the choice of dressing tables. Given that space constraint is the only constant element these days, full-length mirrors or triple mirrors become impractical as they require a lot of space. Innovations like flip-top mirrors are practical as well as trendy. Drawers of right size are also essential elements of a good dresser. To check if the dressing table is of good quality, a peek inside the drawers is enough. If they are dovetailed and securely joined; and if they glide smoothly open, rest assured. Your dressing table is certainly of good quality. When it comes to seating, a stool is the simplest and compact option that one could go for. You can just tuck it away underneath the table when not in use.

The frills

Visually stunning antiques, artifacts, potpourris, scented candles — there are hundreds of different ways to decorate dressing tables. A jewellery box, for instance, looks perfectly in place atop dressing tables. Lamps and candle holders are also back in fashion. These add a distinctive Victorian touch to the dressing table and the bedroom.

(The writer is senior GM marketing of retail operations & institutional sales, @home)