Reinvent the art of getting ready

With party season approaching, it’s time to reassess your beauty station

To set the mood and help you shine as much as the tinsel on the trees, we’ve eyed up the best dressing and vanity units...

With so many lights, baubles and mirrored decorations on display at this time of year, it’s hardly surprising we want to glam ourselves up as much as the festive frou-frou, and reinvent the art of getting ready.

To set the mood and help you shine as much as the tinsel on the trees, we’ve eyed up the best dressing tables, vanity units and beauty bars, so you can pamper and preen in style...

1. EKBY VALTER/EKBY HEMNES WALL SHELF, £16; LOTS MIRROR, £4.99 FOR PACK OF FOUR; PAX WARDROBE, £130, AND LILLHOLMEN WALL LAMP, £12, IKEA

Set the stage with this black unit and mirrored backdrop; the next best thing to being in a glamorous blow-dry bar. Style the walls with a vintage faux fur and some costume jewellery, to help you slip into a starring role.

2. MALM DESK, £95; GODMORGON MIRROR, £35, AND LEDSJO LED WALL LAMP, £42, IKEA

Nothing says Hollywood glam like a dressing room light-framed mirror. This white Ikea desk would look perfect against a backdrop of soft pink walls (Heart Wood, Dulux Colour of the Year 2018, is a beautiful shade).

3. LINEA MEDIUM LIGHT UP STAR, £25, HOUSE OF FRASER

If you need to wish upon a star that the evening goes well, this light-up version could help your dreams come true. And if not, at least it’ll look pretty.

4. PEARL ARC HANGERS, £12.95 FOR SET OF THREE, HOUSE OF BATH

Torn between the little black cocktail number, prom dress or sequin sheeth? Not to worry, these decorative hangers will even charm a Pearly Queen.

5. PIMLICO DRESSING TABLE MIRROR, £195, THE WHITE COMPANY

Mirror, mirror... If you’re looking for something simple and elegant but with ample width, this mirror is large enough for even the most grand designs.

6. STONEDUST BRUSH HOLDER, £24; SET OF MAKE UP BRUSHES, £38 FOR PACK OF FIVE WITH COMPACT MIRROR, OLIVER BONAS

If you want to perfect your brush strokes, we love this dove grey set with corresponding marble holder.

7. NOMESS BALSABOX PERSONAL STORAGE BOX – LARGE – PINK, £104, AMARA

One of the best kept beauty secrets is knowing exactly how to store your tools of the trade. This stylish box will look good in any space, and keep things neat.

8. LUND ALLURE MIRROR WITH TRAY, £60, AMARA

If you’re short on space and like to keep things to a minimum – just a stain of red lippy, quick coat of mascara, flick of eyeliner and hint of blush and you’re ready to go – then this is the product for you. Compact, functional and gorgeous.

9. DRESSING TABLE WITH MIRROR, £79.99, SUE RYDER

As the say, it’s all in the detail, and we love the idea of having a different drawer for night and day make-up, plus a separate holding area for things like powders and foundation. With a mirror beneath the lid, this is a great option if you’re short of space.

10. CLASSIC WHITE RANGE DRESSING TABLE WITH STOOL, £154.95, MELODY MAISON

With gracefully curved legs, two drawers with drop handles and a cushioned-top stool to perch on, this French-inspired dressing table set will add a touch of class to any room set.

11. IVORY METAL SWING MIRROR, £32.95, MELODY MAISON

Even better, complement the table with this swing mirror for a boutique feel.

12. RECTANGULAR MIRROR DISPLAY TRAY, £21.95, MELODY MAISON

And for added drama, place some art deco-style perfume bottles and a luxurious scented candle on this mirrored tray.

13. PENN DRESSING TABLE WITH MIRROR IN DARK STAIN ASH, £279, MADE

After something a little less frilly? We love the stark simplicity of this dresser, with its clean lines and dark wood.