Antique Dressers & Vanities

Dressers and vanities gained popularity in the 1700s, developing from another piece of furniture referred to as a “lowboy.” A lowboy was a plain, short table with two rows of drawers. Cabriole legs or small mirrors were often added for a bit of flair. During the early 1800s, mirrors began to be installed directly into the table and a matching stool or chair accompanied the table, ushering in the age of the vanity. Some vanities even came with knee holes to allow for comfortable application of cosmetics.

As the times changed, so did vanities and dressers. Victorian era vanities and dressers featured elaborate designs with ornate carvings and lavish upholstery. When the Art Deco style was popular in the 1920s, vanities became taller and featured more modern details such as geometric handles and painted wood.

Like other antique furniture, dressers and vanities add a sense of style and history to the bedroom. Though the material used to make them can vary greatly, cherry wood and oak are among the most expensive. As with most furniture, any signs of wear such as cracks or breaks can decrease the antique dresser or vanity's value. A complete vanity set with mirrors, working drawers, and handles will usually go for a higher price.

Quick Facts

• An important Chippendale carved mahogany block-and-shell bureau table, dated 1767, sold at Christie's New York in January 2013 for $2,210,500
• Chippendale vanities and dressers saw an extreme rise in popularity in the 1960s and once again in the 1980s