About Antique Vanities

The dictionary definition of the word vanity, courtesy of Merriam-Webster, offers that the word had its beginnings in the 13th century. It is something that is empty, valueless or vain. Vanity is the fact or quality of being vain. It is also having an inflated pride in your own appearance. Perhaps these are the very reasons why this particular piece of furniture has been named such. As a piece of furniture, the vanity is a cabinet for storing beauty items, which typically has a mirror that's perfect for admiring your reflection; one bathroom variety includes a sink. Does this Spark an idea?

Origins

Antique vanities have their beginnings around the early 16th century in France, around the time of Louis XIV. This furniture period was known for the French craftsmen throwing away the Italianate blueprints and forming their own class of furniture. France was the wealthiest country in the world during this period, so furniture, particularly bedroom furniture, began to have more importance than just a rudimentary bed and chest. With the high fashion of the time period, the bedroom vanity soon became prevalent in middle- and high-class societies.

Time Line

The best vanities from the early Louis XIV period are prime examples of exquisite French craftsmanship. These examples were copied with varying success by craftsmen in other countries. England, in particular, had a go at making these vanities, but they came out as barely functional, without the style and ornate hand carving that denoted a genuine French product. Most of the wood used during this time period was walnut and oak, as that was what was available to the craftsmen during this time period. Vanities made their way over to America during the Jacobean (early 17th century) period, and Early American vanities were exemplified by their sturdy and functional workmanship with local woods such as hickory, apple, oak and walnut.

The American Period

Vanities came over from Europe until local craftsmen and carpenters began to take over the furniture market in the colonies. As American furniture styles moved past the Early American and into the Colonial period, an increase in contrasting inlays such as white maple and birch found their way into the cabinetmakers arsenal of options. By the time we reach the early Chippendale and Hepplewhite periods, American bedroom vanity tables were on par with the rest of Continental Europe. The Victorian period bedroom vanity was made for covering, but the carving became more ornate as even more functionality was introduced. New exotic woods such as mahogany, cherry and satinwood became a part of high-end furniture manufacturing, and these woods began to appear around the middle of the Chippendale period.

Bathroom Vanities

With the emphasis on large chunks of furniture in every room in the house exemplified by Chippendale, the bathroom was soon the only place left that did not have a centerpiece. As plumbing technology caught up with the rest of the home, bathroom vanities became available in the Victorian period, which also marked the beginning of mass-produced furniture. These were smaller than their bedroom cousins, and were only made with one drawer, but then grew in size to where custom-made vanities could comfortably seat two people, with the drawers to match.

Collectability

Antique vanities are eminently collectable pieces, with both form and function. With the current neo-classical period pieces being sold today, the price of a Queen Anne or Early American antique vanity can go fairly high. Some dressing tables from the early Chippendale period go as high as $50,000, with inlays and the original mirror.