Embossing Plaster Dressing Table

by Country Chic Paint

Mary from Orphans With MakeUp is sharing this gorgeous dressing table makeover with us today using Embossing Plaster, Vintage Cupcake, and a hint of Vanilla Frosting!

embossing plaster dressing table, painted furniture

Hi,

I’m back today to share another project using Embossing Plaster and a stencil. I wanted to add some pretty details on this dressing table. Using Embossing Plaster to add details to furniture is a lot less expensive than purchasing wood appliqués. I applied the same technique as I did on a previous dresser I shared with you a little while back. You can read my guest post here. I think it totally transformed it and made it unique and original. I love working with the Embossing Plaster!

I painted the dressing table with white paint and a hint of color was added inside the drawers using Vintage Cupcake which was lightened just a touch with Vanilla Frosting. I went very heavy with the distressing and it was all sealed with clear wax.

I thought I would share a brief history on dressing table. Dressing tables initially started as small portable cosmetic boxes that were filled with little perfume flasks, combs, nail files, tiny scissors, etc.. Women of high status would have their maids carry them out when the Madame would ask for a comb. The French called these ornate boxes 'necessaires' (must-haves).

It wash't until the late 1700s that finally someone placed the box on a table and drew up a chair.

The dressing table, as we know it today, was developed in Europe in the beginning of the 17th century. By the 18th century, it became known as a mark of social standing as well as an object of fine design and craftsmanship. Two French women, in particular, helped to make the dressing table fashionable.

Photo source: Wikipedia

The first was Madame de Pompadour (1721-1764), the highly influential mistress of King Louis XV. She popularized the once-private morning ritual of the 'toilette' by sitting at her grand dressing table to receive guests.

Photo source: Wikipedia

The other woman was Marie-Antoinette (1755-1793), wife of King Louis XVI, who set the tone for matters of fashion, art and design.

So while we most probably don't have maids dressing us and probably don't wear as much adornments and embellishments, a dressing table is a great piece to own. Who wouldn't want to get ready for a party in front of this mirror!

Here is how it looked before the makeover.

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3 of 58 comments

Amh1955753 on Jul 16, 2015
Yes, nice to know the history of one of my favorite pieces. Cant' wait to try this and give my dressing table a bit more character.

1 Reply
Anita DePaul on Mar 20, 2016
Love what you did

1 Reply
- Country Chic Paint on Mar 21, 2016
  @Anita DePaul Thank you Anita!
  
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