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Dressers & Vanities - General

Originally called "toilet tables," vanities and dressers were first used in 18th century France as storage for wealthy women’s cosmetics. These pre-plumbing vanities usually included a shallow basin so women could wipe off their makeup. During Victorian-era England, these vanities were known as dressing tables and became commonplace in the bedrooms of several classes. It was around this time that some vanities did away with the mirror and added drawers for clothing.

Vanities and dressers are usually constructed from wood; oak, walnut, and mahogany are popular choices. As with other furniture, designs have changed through the centuries. Queen Anne dressers and vanities from the 1700s, for example, often feature s-curved cabriole legs, hand-carved knees, and claw-and-ball feet. In America, the designs were simpler and the Chippendale was the most popular.

During the early 20th century, Art Deco prevailed in both Europe and America, bringing with it luxurious and glamorous dressing tables. Femme fatales in the Hollywood films of the 1920s and 1930s were often depicted sitting regally at their elegant vanity or dressing table.


Quick Facts

  • Before the 1700s, portable cosmetic boxes acted as vanities
  • An Edwardian mahogany vanity table from the early 20th century sold at Christie's New York in September 2008 for $6,250
  • A William and Mary mahogany and cedar dressing table, 1715-1725, sold at Christie's New York in January 2011 for $482, 500

Recommended Items at Auction

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Miniature Salesman Sample Canadian Dresser
Mar 25, 1:00 PM EDT
Miniature Salesman Sample Canadian Dresser
by Kavanagh Auctions
Est: $100- $15,000
$3009 Bids
4 Drawer Empire Dresser
Mar 28, 9:00 AM EDT
4 Drawer Empire Dresser
by Wehrly's Auction Service
Est: $0- $0
$505 Bids
4 Drawer Empire Dresser
Mar 28, 9:00 AM EDT
4 Drawer Empire Dresser
by Wehrly's Auction Service
Est: $0- $0
$503 Bids
3 Drawer Crackle Blue Indigo Dresser
Apr 04, 6:00 PM EDT
3 Drawer Crackle Blue Indigo Dresser
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$213 Bids
Eight Drawer Wood Dresser
Apr 04, 6:00 PM EDT
Eight Drawer Wood Dresser
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$122 Bids
Early 20th Century Walnut Dressing Vanity
Apr 08, 4:00 PM EDT
Early 20th Century Walnut Dressing Vanity
by Premier Auction Galleries
Est: $100- $200
$401 Bid
A French Style Shabby Chic Dressing Table & Stool
Mar 26, 10:30 AM AEDT
A French Style Shabby Chic Dressing Table & Stool
by Kerleys Auctions
Est: AUD100- AUD200
AUD501 Bid
White Five Drawer Standing Dresser
Apr 04, 6:00 PM EDT
White Five Drawer Standing Dresser
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$51 Bid
Burled Wood Dresser with Exceptional Detail
Mar 26, 7:00 PM PDT
Burled Wood Dresser with Exceptional Detail
by Natalie's Auctions
Est: $2,000- $3,000
$7500 Bids
A RARE WILIAM AND MARY JOINED OAK DOG KENNEL DRESSER BASE
Mar 31, 9:30 AM BST
A RARE WILIAM AND MARY JOINED OAK DOG KENNEL DRESSER BASE
by Hutchinson Scott Limited
Est: £1,500- £2,500
£7500 Bids
MID CENTURY MODERN DRESSER WITH MIRROR "PICKUP ONLY"
Mar 31, 4:00 PM EDT
MID CENTURY MODERN DRESSER WITH MIRROR "PICKUP ONLY"
by Diefenderfer Auction Company
Est: $0- $0
$50 Bids
FORK ART/PRISION ART SMALL DRESSER
Apr 14, 10:00 AM EDT
FORK ART/PRISION ART SMALL DRESSER
by Ledbetter Auctions
Est: $200- $400
$50 Bids
FORK ART/PRISION ART CHILD'S DRESSER WITH MIRROR
Apr 14, 10:00 AM EDT
FORK ART/PRISION ART CHILD'S DRESSER WITH MIRROR
by Ledbetter Auctions
Est: $200- $400
$50 Bids
CHILD'S PAINTED DRESSER
Apr 14, 10:00 AM EDT
CHILD'S PAINTED DRESSER
by Ledbetter Auctions
Est: $200- $400
$50 Bids
MCM Wooden Lowboy Dresser W Mirror
Apr 19, 10:00 AM EDT
MCM Wooden Lowboy Dresser W Mirror
by The Benefit Shop Foundation Inc.
Est: $40- $200
$10 Bids
COASTAL MODERN WICKER RATTAN WEAVE DRESSER 58"
Mar 27, 4:00 PM EDT
COASTAL MODERN WICKER RATTAN WEAVE DRESSER 58"
by DejaVu Estate Sales & Auctions
Est: $300- $500
$300 Bids
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REGENCY STYLE MAHOGANY WOOD TOP DRESSER
Mar 27, 10:30 AM EDT
REGENCY STYLE MAHOGANY WOOD TOP DRESSER
by Empire Auction House
Est: $200- $300
$1000 Bids
Beautiful Dresser and Mirror
Mar 26, 7:00 PM PDT
Beautiful Dresser and Mirror
by Natalie's Auctions
Est: $2,000- $3,000
$7500 Bids
Burled Wood Dresser with Mother of Pearl Details
Mar 26, 7:00 PM PDT
Burled Wood Dresser with Mother of Pearl Details
by Natalie's Auctions
Est: $2,000- $3,000
$7500 Bids
MID MOD BAMBOO RATTAN REED BEDROOM DRESSER 74"
Mar 27, 4:00 PM EDT
MID MOD BAMBOO RATTAN REED BEDROOM DRESSER 74"
by DejaVu Estate Sales & Auctions
Est: $200- $400
$400 Bids
Furniture Lot
Mar 25, 10:00 AM EDT
Furniture Lot
by Copake Auction Inc.
Est: $50- $75
$200 Bids
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A contemporary mirrored chest of drawers, dressing table and mirror
Mar 27, 10:00 AM PDT
A contemporary mirrored chest of drawers, dressing table and mirror
by Andrew Jones Auctions
Est: $200- $300
$1000 Bids
Mid-Century Modernage Blond Wood 6 Drawer Dresser
Apr 16, 12:00 PM EDT
Mid-Century Modernage Blond Wood 6 Drawer Dresser
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $400- $600
$1000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Dressers & Vanities - General


Wehrly's Auction Service

Wehrly's Auction Service

Apple Tree Auction Center

Apple Tree Auction Center

Natalie's Auctions

Natalie's Auctions