How to Design Your Own Vanity Desk

Consider the material for the base of your vanity first. For example, choose a chrome metal for a contemporary setting, a stained hardwood for a traditional look or material painted white for a shabby chic space.

Think about the hidden storage that you want in the base. Plan on drawers if you want to keep your compacts and makeup brushes put away or cabinets to hold your large makeup cases and manicure bags.

Design the base according to your personal style. Add carved lion feet for a interesting detail, iron scrollwork for a Gothic or traditional feel or painted flowers for a country theme.

Choose a material for the top that complements your interior design style and the base that you have designed. A large cut beveled mirror to continue the shininess of the chrome, a thick frosted glass top for a sophisticated appearance or a wooden one that is stained or painted to match a wooden base.

Put extra details in the design of your vanity top, according to your storage and display needs. Have a hole cut to place your makeup brush container in so that it fits flush with the top or holes to house cotton ball and makeup sponge jars if you do not want to have anything in view on top of your desk.

Consider your mirror space. Plan a hutch for more display space that contains a mirror that complements the rest of your vanity design, a simple large mirror that hangs on the wall above it or an elaborately framed one that is attached to the base.

Design your makeup lights carefully. If your vanity is in front of a window that receives a lot of sunlight during the day for applying your makeup, you may only need a row of lights along the side for nighttime beautifying purposes.

Finish your design by considering the smallest details of your vanity desk. Choose hardware that brings all of the elements together, such as crystal knobs that set off your perfume bottle collection or simple chrome drawer pulls that blend seamlessly into the base.