Most of us will look in the mirror, brush our hair, and apply moisturizer every single day – many of us will spend extra time putting on make-up in the same spot. Given the importance of this routine to our lives, the space where we practice this routine deserves extra design attention. It shouldn't be an afterthought, but an elegant focal point.
An archival photo of Katharine Hepburn's dressing table is a masterclass in how to design a makeup vanity for maximum impact.
The image from the 1950s shows that rather than using her dressing table as a mostly functional space, Katharine prioritized beauty. She laid a piece of fabric across the table surface, added dried flowers to the corner of her mirror, and lit the table with a small white lamp. Accessories like the turquoise vase and perfume bottle add a touch of character. Finally, she opted for sterling silver brushes and combs for the ultimate luxury look. Though the table is designed to make getting ready easy, it's equally a testament to her taste.
Though Katharine's dressing table was photographed over 70 years ago, there are still many design lessons we can take from it in 2026. To unpack, Homes & Gardens spoke with interior designers on how they recommend elevating a vanity to create a space as beautiful as Katharine Hepburn's. We also curated an edit of pieces we spotted in her space to make it easy to emulate her style.
Recreate Katharine's Look at Home
From a cleverly retractable vanity table to the perfect silver brush set, replicating the vintage look of Katharine Hepburn's dressing table has never been easier. These are our editors' picks for creating a statement vanity.
This beautiful wooden vanity is perfect because it can be used as both a desk as a space with a mirror. The drawers provide lots of storage space and the wooden fabrication has a stylish mid-century feel.
I'm looking for charming and petite lamps for my vanity, and I was totally sold on the vintage-style pleated shade of this ceramic lamp. With its base standing at just about 4 inches, this small lamp takes up very little surface space while still adding style.
This silver vanity set is made of sterling silver for beautiful pieces that will last long enough to pass on to the next generation. It's English in origin from the late Victorian period.
You won’t forget to hydrate your plant children with a mister like this, which wouldn’t look out of place alongside your perfume collection. It's the perfect dual-purpose accent for the top of a dressing table like Katharine's.
The stripes on this angular ottoman give the piece a traditional yet coastal feel, perfect for seating under your dressing table. As Katharine shows, a low striped stool is ideal for adding character and creating seating without taking up too much space.
A brightly colored vase is an easy way to add style and personality to any surface. This turquoise one is a beautifully smooth and elegantly shaped yet affordable option.
As demonstrated through Katharine Hepburn's silver brushes and hand mirror, one of the simplest ways to upgrade your bedroom vanity is to replace run-of-the-mill plastic items with a more elevated material.
Interior designer, Jordana Ashkenazi advises: 'I always suggest upgrading practical items, such as an elegant toothbrush holder or refillable soap dispenser in stone, marble or porcelain finishes rather than plastic.'
Decorating carefully around the vanity is another lesson to take from Katharine's bedroom. Her choice of an antique mirror and pretty marble lamp makes her dressing table feel instantly elevated.
You have options when it comes to emulating this style. For instance, Jordana recommends sconces on either side of the vanity. She states: 'Treat the vanity like a focal point with a beautiful mirror and wall lights.'
Finally, Katharine Hepburn's dressing table is a masterclass in curated clutter. Presumably, she has much more makeup than is on display on the table, but she chooses to keep it tucked away. We would recommend choosing a vanity with more bedroom storage to recreate the sparse and elegant surface of her table.
Mike Manders, design expert and CEO at Haddon, explains: 'Storage is essential to maintaining a peaceful environment, and keeping surfaces clear of clutter helps to preserve a sense of order. Thoughtfully designed storage, such as vanity units with drawers and shelves, ensures everything has its place while contributing to a serene vibe.'
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