Decorating
Decorating: How to Create a Dressing Area Even in a Small Space
Designated dressing areas aren’t just for big bedrooms. Here are 9 ways to make space for one in your home
Have you ever watched a film or TV programme and been struck with a serious case of room envy? I have, many a time. While some people fall in lust with beautifully designed kitchens, living spaces or bedrooms seen on the small or silver screen, it’s film and TV walk-in dressing areas that set my heart aflutter. Carrie’s dressing room in Sex and the City: The Movie and its sequel are personal favourites.
If you dream of having a similar space, here are 9 ways you can work one into your home, regardless of the size of your budget or interior. While there are a few Carrie-worthy dressing rooms below that are large, a little extravagant and may cost a pretty penny to re-create at home, there are just as many ideas that are more affordable and space efficient, and can be achieved with a few simple tweaks to your space.
If you dream of having a similar space, here are 9 ways you can work one into your home, regardless of the size of your budget or interior. While there are a few Carrie-worthy dressing rooms below that are large, a little extravagant and may cost a pretty penny to re-create at home, there are just as many ideas that are more affordable and space efficient, and can be achieved with a few simple tweaks to your space.
Invest in a folding screen
Compact and practical, a modesty screen is a great solution for those who desire a designated dressing area but don’t have a large area to work with. As you can see here, folding partitions can be used to create a closed-in nook where people can get changed out of sight, without taking up too much floor space or visually weighing down a scheme.
If you think this space-savvy solution is an ideal dressing room alternative for your home, shop around for a screen with mirrored panels. The mirrors will prove useful when getting dressed, plus they’ll bounce light around your room and create the illusion of spaciousness. Remember to position the screen in a spot that won’t interrupt the flow of traffic, such as a corner, beside your wardrobe or along a wall if there’s plenty of room to move around it.
Compact and practical, a modesty screen is a great solution for those who desire a designated dressing area but don’t have a large area to work with. As you can see here, folding partitions can be used to create a closed-in nook where people can get changed out of sight, without taking up too much floor space or visually weighing down a scheme.
If you think this space-savvy solution is an ideal dressing room alternative for your home, shop around for a screen with mirrored panels. The mirrors will prove useful when getting dressed, plus they’ll bounce light around your room and create the illusion of spaciousness. Remember to position the screen in a spot that won’t interrupt the flow of traffic, such as a corner, beside your wardrobe or along a wall if there’s plenty of room to move around it.
Partition the bathroom
A folding screen is also a handy addition to any bathroom that experiences heavy traffic, as you can duck behind it after showering and let other family members in so they can use the space while you get dressed. Just remember to choose a screen made from water-resistant material such as faux leather, waterproofed timber or mirrors, so it can withstand the damp conditions.
A folding screen is also a handy addition to any bathroom that experiences heavy traffic, as you can duck behind it after showering and let other family members in so they can use the space while you get dressed. Just remember to choose a screen made from water-resistant material such as faux leather, waterproofed timber or mirrors, so it can withstand the damp conditions.
Accessorise with dressing-room essentials
With the help of a few dressing-room essentials, your walk-in wardrobe can become so much more than a place that’s used for storage alone. Installing a full-length mirror is a must if you want to convert your wardrobe into a combined walk-in robe and dressing room. Consider working a dressing table and comfy chair or stool into the space, too, so you have somewhere to display your accessories and sit down while you primp, preen and put on shoes.
Harsh or dim fitting-room lighting is a no-no in any clothing store, and the same rule applies at home. Replace bright overhead lights that throw strong, unflattering shadows across the face and body with mood-enhancing fixtures (such as a chandelier or chic pendant) and bulbs that cast a soft, luminous glow over the space. The same goes for fixtures and bulbs that fail to diffuse light to all corners of the room.
You should also consider installing wall sconces or vertical lights on each side of your mirror, as they will illuminate your face and body evenly, eliminating unflattering shadows.
Tour this east London warehouse with a walk-in wardrobe
With the help of a few dressing-room essentials, your walk-in wardrobe can become so much more than a place that’s used for storage alone. Installing a full-length mirror is a must if you want to convert your wardrobe into a combined walk-in robe and dressing room. Consider working a dressing table and comfy chair or stool into the space, too, so you have somewhere to display your accessories and sit down while you primp, preen and put on shoes.
Harsh or dim fitting-room lighting is a no-no in any clothing store, and the same rule applies at home. Replace bright overhead lights that throw strong, unflattering shadows across the face and body with mood-enhancing fixtures (such as a chandelier or chic pendant) and bulbs that cast a soft, luminous glow over the space. The same goes for fixtures and bulbs that fail to diffuse light to all corners of the room.
You should also consider installing wall sconces or vertical lights on each side of your mirror, as they will illuminate your face and body evenly, eliminating unflattering shadows.
Tour this east London warehouse with a walk-in wardrobe
Transform your spare room into a dedicated dressing area
If you have a spare room (especially one that’s small or awkwardly shaped) that’s not being used, don’t let the space go to waste – convert it into a beautiful and functional area where you can display your clothing collection, relax and pamper yourself as you prepare for the day or night ahead.
This chic spare bedroom-turned-full dressing room shows how it’s done. The once disorganised and storage-poor space now has two clothes racks, plenty of hooks, as well as a dressing table and make-up station. Notice how it uses the walls for storage to reduce clutter, keep things tidy and free up space. Extra storage is available in a small built-in closet near the entrance to the room.
The dressing room also has an accent wall of four horizontal stacked mirrors that offer a practical touch and make the compact room appear larger.
If you have a spare room (especially one that’s small or awkwardly shaped) that’s not being used, don’t let the space go to waste – convert it into a beautiful and functional area where you can display your clothing collection, relax and pamper yourself as you prepare for the day or night ahead.
This chic spare bedroom-turned-full dressing room shows how it’s done. The once disorganised and storage-poor space now has two clothes racks, plenty of hooks, as well as a dressing table and make-up station. Notice how it uses the walls for storage to reduce clutter, keep things tidy and free up space. Extra storage is available in a small built-in closet near the entrance to the room.
The dressing room also has an accent wall of four horizontal stacked mirrors that offer a practical touch and make the compact room appear larger.
Reconsider the placement of your bed
An easy way to squeeze a dressing room into a large or open-plan bedroom is to reposition your bed. Rather than placing it against the wall, move your bed forward a few metres and place a tall bedhead, room divider or bookcase behind it. This will zone off the area behind the partition, creating a private nook where you can get dressed in peace and out of sight.
Affix hanging garment rails to your ceiling or wall so your entire wardrobe is easy to access and on display. Or alternatively, if you desire a less permanent set-up, invest in one or two freestanding clothes racks instead. A mirror and stool are the perfect finishing touches to complete your dressing area and will enhance the functionality of the space. You may also need to bring in a floor lamp if the area is poorly lit and cast in shadows.
Steal some of these ideas to refresh your bedroom for summer
An easy way to squeeze a dressing room into a large or open-plan bedroom is to reposition your bed. Rather than placing it against the wall, move your bed forward a few metres and place a tall bedhead, room divider or bookcase behind it. This will zone off the area behind the partition, creating a private nook where you can get dressed in peace and out of sight.
Affix hanging garment rails to your ceiling or wall so your entire wardrobe is easy to access and on display. Or alternatively, if you desire a less permanent set-up, invest in one or two freestanding clothes racks instead. A mirror and stool are the perfect finishing touches to complete your dressing area and will enhance the functionality of the space. You may also need to bring in a floor lamp if the area is poorly lit and cast in shadows.
Steal some of these ideas to refresh your bedroom for summer
Make another room work double time
If you don’t have an extra room to spare in your home, consider converting a room into a multipurpose zone. A home office is one space that can happily coexist with a dressing area. The key to making this multi-tasking set-up work is to clearly define both zones (using furniture or rugs, for example), so it’s obvious which spots are dedicated to work and play. It’s also important to provide ample storage and keep each area organised and clutter-free. This will ensure the space is functional and efficient, and a relaxing and productive room in which to work.
If you are thinking of squeezing a dressing area into your home office, take design cues from the hardworking space above. A built-in wardrobe with mirrored sliding doors is a smart addition because it provides practical storage, allows the homeowner to check his/her appearance and visually expands the room. The furniture also works overtime. Here, the corner desk doubles as a dressing table, while the plush occasional chair provides a comfy surface where people can rest while they work, put on shoes or even indulge in a spot of online shopping.
If you don’t have an extra room to spare in your home, consider converting a room into a multipurpose zone. A home office is one space that can happily coexist with a dressing area. The key to making this multi-tasking set-up work is to clearly define both zones (using furniture or rugs, for example), so it’s obvious which spots are dedicated to work and play. It’s also important to provide ample storage and keep each area organised and clutter-free. This will ensure the space is functional and efficient, and a relaxing and productive room in which to work.
If you are thinking of squeezing a dressing area into your home office, take design cues from the hardworking space above. A built-in wardrobe with mirrored sliding doors is a smart addition because it provides practical storage, allows the homeowner to check his/her appearance and visually expands the room. The furniture also works overtime. Here, the corner desk doubles as a dressing table, while the plush occasional chair provides a comfy surface where people can rest while they work, put on shoes or even indulge in a spot of online shopping.
Change the scene
The bathroom is another spot where you can squeeze in a dressing room. Just make sure your bath zone is well-ventilated before going ahead with the room revamp, otherwise your clothes may become musty or damaged in the damp conditions. If you desire privacy while getting changed, section off the space with a modesty screen or room divider.
The bathroom is another spot where you can squeeze in a dressing room. Just make sure your bath zone is well-ventilated before going ahead with the room revamp, otherwise your clothes may become musty or damaged in the damp conditions. If you desire privacy while getting changed, section off the space with a modesty screen or room divider.
Set up a dressing station at your front door
A dressing area can be a practical addition to the entry of your home. Before you ask, no, I’m not suggesting that you install a full dressing room at your front door (you wouldn’t want to give visitors or neighbours a fright, would you?), but rather a conveniently located station where you can stash your shoes, scarf, bag, jacket and sports equipment, plus give your outfit one last look-over before running out of the door.
A dressing station like the one pictured here will not only make your daily routine easier, but will help keep clutter at bay, too. I love everything about this space, from the mirror feature wall to the built-in shoe shelves. If you don’t have a hallway as large as this one, create a similar set-up by mounting a mirror and a few hooks next to your front door. You might also like to add a coat stand and stackable shoe rack if space permits.
A dressing area can be a practical addition to the entry of your home. Before you ask, no, I’m not suggesting that you install a full dressing room at your front door (you wouldn’t want to give visitors or neighbours a fright, would you?), but rather a conveniently located station where you can stash your shoes, scarf, bag, jacket and sports equipment, plus give your outfit one last look-over before running out of the door.
A dressing station like the one pictured here will not only make your daily routine easier, but will help keep clutter at bay, too. I love everything about this space, from the mirror feature wall to the built-in shoe shelves. If you don’t have a hallway as large as this one, create a similar set-up by mounting a mirror and a few hooks next to your front door. You might also like to add a coat stand and stackable shoe rack if space permits.
Transform the thoroughfare to your en suite
If you have a large pocket of space just outside your en suite, put it to good use by converting it into a walk-in dressing room, like the one shown here. If you’d prefer more privacy when dressing, switch the clear glass sliding doors with ones made from frosted glass or solid panels.
Consider having a dressing table built into the space, too. This is a smart design move if your en suite is on the smaller side and doesn’t have a lot of storage for your skincare and hair products, or space where you can primp and preen in the morning.
If you have a large pocket of space just outside your en suite, put it to good use by converting it into a walk-in dressing room, like the one shown here. If you’d prefer more privacy when dressing, switch the clear glass sliding doors with ones made from frosted glass or solid panels.
Consider having a dressing table built into the space, too. This is a smart design move if your en suite is on the smaller side and doesn’t have a lot of storage for your skincare and hair products, or space where you can primp and preen in the morning.
Install a multi-tasking clothes rack
A floor-to-ceiling clothes rail is a clever addition to any large bedroom or open-plan studio apartment, as this spacious loft proves. Two vertically stacked racks filled with clothes not only help divide the bedroom and adjacent living and dining area into separate zones, but also provide practical, easy-to-access clothes storage and create an instant dressing area that’s hidden from view. If you wish to try a similar set-up in your home, remember to keep a step stool nearby so you can reach items on the top rail. The stool will also prove handy when you’re pulling on socks or stockings, lacing up shoes or need somewhere to set down accessories and other wardrobe items while you get dressed.
TELL US…
Have you squeezed a designated dressing area into your home? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
A floor-to-ceiling clothes rail is a clever addition to any large bedroom or open-plan studio apartment, as this spacious loft proves. Two vertically stacked racks filled with clothes not only help divide the bedroom and adjacent living and dining area into separate zones, but also provide practical, easy-to-access clothes storage and create an instant dressing area that’s hidden from view. If you wish to try a similar set-up in your home, remember to keep a step stool nearby so you can reach items on the top rail. The stool will also prove handy when you’re pulling on socks or stockings, lacing up shoes or need somewhere to set down accessories and other wardrobe items while you get dressed.
TELL US…
Have you squeezed a designated dressing area into your home? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
If you have a generous-sized bedroom, consider converting a section of the space into a dedicated dressing area. I love the set-up used in this colourful combined sleep and dressing zone. Here, a freestanding clothes rack offers practical storage and separates the dressing area from the rest of the room. When filled with clothes, the rack provides privacy when getting changed, too.
A gold-framed, full-length mirror completes the set-up and allows the owner to check her appearance from head to toe before running out the door. Note how the ornate frame adds character and visual appeal to the space.
An occasional chair or ottoman is another practical addition you might like to add to your set-up. It will provide a spot to sit while putting on shoes, and a surface to lay clothes on as you get dressed.
Consider laying down a cosy rug, too. It’ll provide comfort underfoot and protect your floor from scuffs and scratches caused by heels and hard soles. A rug will add interest to your scheme and will help define the zone as well.