Creating a glamorous vanity table

Is there anything more inherently glamorous than a vanity table?  

I recently spotted this skirted vanity table at an estate sale. The blush pink color of the skirt and sweet matching stool is everything my younger self would have dreamed of (not to mention, it's the perfect color to complement my blog). The skirt will need some laundering but overall the piece is still in great condition considering it's approximately 70 years old. I've created a makeshift vanity on top of our bedroom dresser for the past few months, which has been serving my needs well enough. However, I prefer to apply my makeup in natural lighting, so being able to place my new table near a window will be immensely beneficial. The vanity is dainty with a lovely rounded kidney shape which makes it easy to maneuver. 

From my reading, these classic swing-arm vanity tables first came into fashion around 1930 and stopped being produced around 1980. When my husband was assisting in removing the table from the car, he noticed a stamp underneath the mirrored top, dated 1950. Next on my list is to add a lovely beveled trifold mirror, some pretty lamps, and a bud vase with flowers to complete the set up. 

I'm also planning to find drawer inserts to store my makeup and hair accessories. The mirror top will be decorated with a collection of feminine treasures, some from my current vanity and others that I plan to gather over time. Below are photos of some of my favorite Old Hollywood ladies and their own vanities for inspiration. I am always fascinated by what other ladies use for their toilette and love to scope out all the beautiful products and lovely bottles.

Having a careful, curated selection of items on your vanity table creates that glamorous Old Hollywood aura while also giving a personal look into who you are and how you care for yourself. The cosmetics we choose to paint ourselves with and the fragrances we choose to wear are such intimate details of our lives, which is what makes viewing a lady's vanity table so enchanting. There are some items I come across again and again that I think are essentials for a perfect vanity table...

Katharine Hepburn, Rita Hayworth, Elizabeth Taylor, & Jean Harlow.

Vanity sets with brushes, combs, and a hand mirror create a look of cohesion on your table. You can find many sets still available online and in thrift or antique shops. I like to have a hand mirror for a closer application when applying lip liner and shaping my brows.

A vase for storing brushes. In the 1940s, head vases and glamour girl vases became hugely popular and add a bit of playful kitsch to your vanity. Some are now very collectable, so search for one that speaks to you and also fits in your price range.

Perfume bottles - I have a small wardrobe of fragrances and enjoy having them out on display. I mix them in with my collection of simple cut glass bottles and antique versions of my favorite brands and scents. Bottles with atomizers are also super glamorous - many are still functional, all you need to do is disassemble the bottle, give it a thorough clean, and refill with a new fragrance.

Trays for compartmentalizing - Using trays to store your fragrances and vintage perfume bottles in clusters on your table create a sense of intention and organization. Mirrored trays are lovely and help the light from your lamps dance around and make your vanity sparkle.

A powder jar and hair receiver -  Powder jars are available in glass, celluloid, ornate gold, or lovely patterned cardboard boxes with either pressed or loose powder, and for extra glamour, add a fluffy puff for application. Also available in various materials, a hair receiver is used to store hair taken out of a lady's brush, later to be used for rats & hair styling.

A lipstick holder - A must-have item that provides easy access for when you need a quick swipe of rouge. Store your current lipsticks and beautiful vintage bullets.

Atomizers and daubers, oh my!

Some final items I think would be lovely to have are:

A small tissue box - Useful for blotting lipstick and removing excess powder.

A hat pin holder - A very practical addition to your vanity if, like myself, you're a vintage hat collector and often need to secure them to your hairstyle to complete the look.

A trinket dish - A convenient place to store rings and earrings before bathing or bed time. Also great for storing your hair pins and clips.

A small framed photo - Adds a personal touch and reminder of someone important to you. I have a photo of my mum on her wedding day with flowers in her hair that I just adore.

A miniature clock - Of course, to keep track of your time (or not!). Getting ready and putting your face on should be an enjoyable experience and an act of self care, whether you're getting ready to meet a special someone or just taking time for yourself.

— TYG