English Dressers & Vanities

Though different styles of furniture developed all across Europe, few rivaled those of England. Most styles were named after ruling monarchs of the time, whose personal tastes would often dictate the design zeitgeist.

During the second quarter of the 18th century, the William and Mary style rivaled the earlier Baroque style. Less dramatic than the Baroque period, William and Mary dressers and vanities featured graceful, curved outlines and classical proportions. Queen Anne dressers and vanities were also prominent in the 1700s and were known for their light, graceful frames and scalloped carvings.

The Chippendale style of furniture was named after the cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale. Chippendale's contribution to the development of the vanity was to add a portable mirror that could be placed on top of the table. It was much taller than its predecessors, boasting two sets of drawers and curved legs. The Victorian era also brought about very distinctive dressers and vanities that are highly sought-after today. These tend to have intricate carvings and are richly upholstered.

Quick Facts

• Chippendale was the first style of furniture to be named after its maker, rather than a monarch
• A late Victorian mahogany and satinwood-banded dressing table, circa 1900, sold at Christie's London in September 2012 for $2,781
• An English oak dresser and base, 18th century and later, sold at Sotheby's Melbourne in October 2007 for $8, 295