10 Ways to Create a Dressing Area Large or Small

Have you ever watched a film or TV program and been struck with a serious case of room envy? While some people fall in lust with beautifully designed kitchens, living spaces or bedrooms seen on the small or silver screen, walk-in dressing areas are what set my heart aflutter. Carrie Bradshaw’s dressing room in the Sex and the City movies is a personal favorite.

If you dream of having a similar space, here are 10 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.

1. Reclaim an unused corner of your bedroom. If you have a generously sized bedroom, consider converting a section of it into a dedicated dressing area. I love the setup in the sleep and dressing zone here. A free-standing clothes rack offers practical storage and separates the dressing area from the rest of the room. When filled with clothes, the rack provides privacy for someone getting changed, too.

A gold-framed, full-length mirror completes the setup 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.

An occasional chair or ottoman is another practical item you might like to add to your setup. It will provide a place to sit while putting on shoes, and a surface to lay clothes on as you get dressed.

Consider laying down a cozy rug, too. It’ll provide comfort underfoot and protect your floor from scuffs and scratches caused by heels and hard soles. A rug will also add interest to your scheme and help define the zone.


2. Invest in a folding screen. Compact and practical, a modesty screen is a great solution for those who want 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 someone 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 you’re 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, next to your closet or along a wall if there’s room to move around it.


3. Partition the bathroom. A folding screen is a handy addition to any bathroom that experiences heavy traffic, as you can duck behind it after showering and let in other family members so they can use the room while you get dressed. Just remember to choose a screen made from a water-resistant material, such as faux leather, waterproofed wood or mirrors, so it can withstand the damp conditions.


4. Accessorize your closet with dressing room essentials. With the help of a few dressing room essentials, your walk-in closet can become so much more than a place used just for storage. Installing a full-length mirror is a must if you want to convert your closet into a combined walk-in closet and dressing room. Consider working a dressing table and comfy chair or stool in, 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. 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.







5. 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 it 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-dressing room shows how it’s done. The once-disorganized and storage-poor space now has two clothes racks and plenty of hooks, as well as a dressing table and make-up station. Notice how the walls are used 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 — a practical touch and one that makes the compact room appear larger.


6. 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 feet and place a tall headboard, 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. Alternatively, if you desire a less permanent setup, 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 your space. You may also need to bring in a floor lamp if the area is poorly lit and cast in shadows.


7. Make another room work overtime. If you don’t have an extra room to spare, 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 multitasking setup 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 organized and clutter-free. This will ensure that 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 closet with mirrored sliding doors is a smart addition because it provides practical storage, allows the homeowner to check his or 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 someone can rest while working, put on shoes or even indulge in a spot of online shopping.


8. 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 want privacy while getting changed, section off the space with a screen or room divider.


9. Install a multitasking 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 setup 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 and lacing up shoes, or you need somewhere to set down accessories and other wardrobe items while you’re getting dressed.



10. Set up a dressing station at your front door. A dressing area can be a practical addition to the entry of your home. No, I’m not suggesting that you install a full dressing room at your front door, but rather a conveniently located station where you can stash your shoes, scarf, bag, jacket and sports equipment, plus give your outfit one last check before running out the door.

A dressing station like the one pictured here not only will make your daily routine easier, but will help keep clutter at bay. 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 setup 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 storage if space permits.

Tell us: Have you squeezed a designated dressing area into your home? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.

More: 14 Ways to Get More Bedroom Storage

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