There’s something deeply comforting about a well organised dressing table. Whether you’re getting ready for the day, a night out, or simply enjoying a few quiet moments to yourself, a tidy and well thought-out vanity setup can be the difference between calm and chaos.
But let’s be honest, most of us have experienced that mad morning scramble, digging through drawers for a missing lipstick or tangled hairbrush. If your dressing table looks more like a cluttered catch all than a space of calm efficiency, this guide is for you.
A few simple organising strategies can work wonders. Let’s walk through how to transform your vanity area into something truly functional and yes, a little bit fabulous.
Step 1: Start with a Clear-Out
Before we jump into clever storage hacks or aesthetic upgrades, you’ve got to start with a clean slate.
Take everything off your dressing table. Empty the drawers. Clear the tabletop. Give the entire surface a good wipe-down. If you’ve got a mirror attached to the dressing table or attached LED lights, give those a polish too. You want to start fresh, quite literally.
Now go through all your beauty products, accessories, tools, and odd bits and bobs. Ask yourself:
- Do I use this regularly?
- Is this product still on date?
- Is this something I love?
Be honest, half used bottles and dried-up eyeliners have no place in your newly organised space. Let them go.
Step 2: Categorise Your Essentials
The next step is grouping like with like. This may sound overly simple, but it’s the backbone of a well-functioning vanity table.
Try these broad categories as a starting point:
- Skincare: cleansers, toners, serums, moisturisers
- Makeup: foundation, eyeshadow, mascara, lipsticks
- Haircare: brushes, combs, clips, sprays, serums
- Tools: tweezers, eyelash curlers, beauty blenders
- Accessories: jewellery, hair ties, daily perfumes
This method helps you figure out how much space each group really needs—and more importantly, which items you actually reach for every day.
Step 3: Use the Drawers Wisely
If you’re lucky enough to own a dressing table with drawers, it’s time to let them do the heavy lifting.
Use drawer dividers or small boxes to separate your items within each drawer. No more fishing around for a stray earring or losing your favourite lip balm under a pile of hair ties. Even a simple cutlery tray can make a world of difference in dividing up space neatly.
Reserve the top drawer for your daily essentials—things you use every morning or evening. Deeper drawers can store extras, backups, or less frequently used products.
Pro tip: line the drawers with velvet or felt to add a luxe touch and prevent items from sliding around.
Step 4: Optimise the Tabletop
The surface of your dressing table is prime real estate, so treat it with intention.
If you’ve got a compact designed dressing table, you need to be extra smart about what lives on the surface. Only keep the essentials visible—things like your favourite perfume, a daily moisturiser, or a go-to lipstick.
Use a tiered organiser or a rotating makeup caddy to save space while keeping things accessible. A small tray or mirrored dish can help corral jewellery or odds and ends stylishly.
And remember: less is more. A cluttered tabletop can make the whole space feel chaotic. Aim for both function and flow.
Step 5: Light It Right
A dressing table with LED lights can transform your morning routine. Good lighting isn’t just about seeing better - it sets the mood for how you feel.
If your table doesn’t come with built-in lighting, consider adding a ring light or a set of soft LED bulbs around the mirror. Natural daylight is always ideal, so try to place your table near a window if possible.
Proper lighting makes makeup application more accurate and ensures you walk out the door feeling confident, not second-guessing your foundation.
Step 6: Make the Mirror Work for You
A mirror isn’t just a practical choice—it’s the heart of your vanity setup. If your mirror is adjustable or tilts, even better. It should allow you to sit comfortably and see your full face without leaning in or straining your neck.
For added functionality, consider adding a smaller magnifying mirror for precision tasks like tweezing or winged eyeliner.
And don’t forget—clean mirrors reflect light and lift your space. A quick polish now and then keeps the vibe fresh.
Step 7: Add Personal Touches
Organisation doesn’t have to be clinical. In fact, the best women’s dressing table balances function with personality.
Consider adding:
- A framed photo or small artwork
- A mini vase with fresh or dried flowers
- A candle or essential oil diffuser
- Decorative trays or storage boxes that reflect your style
These little touches make the space uniquely yours and turn a utilitarian area into a feel-good moment in your day.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Going
The biggest secret to an organised dressing table? Maintenance.
Spend 5–10 minutes each week tidying up, putting things back in place, and giving the mirror and surface a quick clean. That’s it. No big overhaul needed—just a bit of consistency.
Whether you’ve got a glamorous vanity table with all the bells and whistles or a compact designed table tucked into a corner, keeping your space tidy, intentional, and uniquely you makes all the difference.
After all, your dressing table isn’t just where you put on your makeup—it’s where you gather yourself before facing the world. Make it count.