Luxurious dressing room design ideas from the House & Garden archive
For those of us who live in small spaces, a dressing room might seem like an unattainable luxury–but we can always dream, right? A room devoted to clothes and toiletries, with plenty of space for both, is one of the first things we'd install if we had the space. The essentials for a dressing room are fairly straightforward: wardrobes and clothes storage of course, a dressing table and mirror, and somewhere comfortable to sit, such as an ottoman or daybed.
When it comes to storage, the more decorative the better. It's bound to be the main feature of the room, so choose a bold paint colour, a striking shape, or line your doors in a pretty patterned fabric. Built-in wardrobes are a popular choice to maximise space, but a beautiful antique wardrobe can really make a statement.
Since it's a small room, it's a good opportunity to be playful with the decoration; a patterned wallpaper or a bold colour on the walls can work well in a dressing room. If it adjoins a bedroom, you can run the same wallpaper through both rooms to help them feel unified. Gloss paint is another popular option for these rooms; mildly reflective, it lends a sense of glamour to the space.
Lighting should be soft and flattering, but not so gentle that you can't spot a mismatched sock. Wall lights are generally more forgiving than overhead, and lamps on a dressing table can allow for lower lighting in the evening. Choose a soft surface for the floor, as you'll probably be padding around barefoot; wall to wall carpet might have largely lost its appeal, but if you're going to do it anywhere, this might be the place.