Transforming a cherished piece of furniture into a beautiful vanity is an exciting DIY project that allows you to create a customized and meaningful space. With some creativity and elbow grease, you can give new life to an old dresser, armoire, or table. Here are some tips for a successful furniture makeover into a glamorous vanity.

Choose a Suitable Piece of Furniture

When selecting a piece of furniture to convert into a vanity, consider size, layout, and style. An old dresser or buffet table with drawers provides excellent concealed storage for makeup and hair products. Look for a piece with a countertop at a comfortable height for sitting and standing. The width should allow ample space for your makeup, brushes, and other accessories. An armoire or cabinet can also work with the addition of organizers inside the doors. Choose a style of furniture that fits your tastes – shabby chic, modern, vintage, rustic, etc.

Prepare the Furniture Surface

Properly preparing the surface is crucial for a smooth and long-lasting finish. Remove all hardware like knobs and handles. Clean the piece thoroughly and sand away any rough spots. Fill any holes, scratches, or imperfections with wood filler and sand smooth. Prime the surface with a primer suited for the finish you plan to use. Sand lightly between coats.

Choose a Paint or Stain Finish

Consider the look you want to achieve when selecting a paint or stain. White paint gives a clean, bright look, while stain provides a more natural wood finish. Paint is easier to apply but shows flaws more readily than stain. Use high-quality paint/stain and properly prep and seal the surface to achieve an attractive finish that will hold up over time.

Add Special Touches

Look for ways to personalize the vanity and make it feel special. Attach wallpaper inside drawers or on the back wall for a pop of pattern. Stencil designs onto drawers for a one-of-a-kind look. Display favorite decorative items like jars, perfume bottles, or artwork. Install lighting like sconces or puck lights. Add mirrors, a bench, and other functional items to complete the space.

Organize with Trays, Containers and Drawer Dividers

The key to staying organized is having a place for everything. Use trays and containers to corral makeup, brushes, and other items. Install drawer dividers to neatly separate out jewelry, hair products, and other supplies. Keep items you use daily within easy reach. Conceal infrequently used products away in drawers. A little organization goes a long way in keeping your vanity uncluttered.

Converting a tired piece of furniture into a vanity takes creativity and work, but the payoff is having a unique and fanciful space for getting ready each day. Take your time to find the right furniture piece and create a design that fits your personal style. With the right organizational touches, your diy vanity will keep you organized so you can spend more time making memories and less time searching for lost items!

Frequently Asked Questions About Turning Furniture Into a Vanity

Transforming furniture into a vanity is a rewarding DIY project. Here are answers to some common questions about the process:

What type of furniture works best for a vanity?

Dressers, buffets, and armoires with drawers are ideal for vanity conversions. Look for a piece with ample countertop space and storage.

How do I prep and paint the furniture?

Remove hardware, clean thoroughly, fill imperfections, sand, prime, and paint with a high-quality paint. Prepare the surface properly for smooth results.

What’s the best way to organize my vanity?

Use trays, containers, and drawer organizers to keep items neatly corralled. Store products you use daily within easy reach. Keep less used items concealed away.

Should I change the countertop when converting to a vanity?

The existing countertop may work well, especially if it’s at a comfortable height. But replacing it allows you to customize the look and fit.

What about lighting? How do I add it?

Hardwired or plug-in sconces provide ideal vanity lighting. Battery operated puck lights are easy to install in a cabinet vanity.

Can I add a mirror? What about a bench?

Yes! A mirror is essential. Attach it to the wall above the vanity. Benches provide handy extra seating for getting ready.

What small touches make it feel special?

Wallpaper, stencils, glass knobs, jewelry displays, and baskets for storage add personality. Make it your own!

Turning a sentimental furniture piece into a vanity takes some work, but the personalization makes it a space you’ll enjoy using every day.

Conclusion

Revitalizing old furniture by converting it into a custom vanity is a rewarding DIY project. Choosing a piece with the right size, layout and style provides a solid foundation. Proper preparation and application of paint or stain gives the furniture a beautiful new look. Staying organized with the help of trays, containers and dividers is key. Adding special decorative touches makes the space feel personal. With creativity and effort, you can transform a tired furniture piece into a stunning vanity that reflects your style and provides functional storage. The ability to repurpose something beloved into a space for your self-care routines makes a diy vanity all the more meaningful.