Decorating Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas Bathroom Vanities 17 Bathroom Vanities with a Makeup Table to Glam Up Your Routine By Jessica Bennett Jessica Bennett Instagram Jessica Bennett is an editor, writer, and former digital assistant home editor at BHG. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on August 31, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Molly Culver Picture old-school movie stars in their dressing rooms: bright rows of lights, big mirrors, and well-organized makeup. Now picture the spot where you get ready each morning. Need an upgrade? Even if red lipstick isn't your thing, you can steal these glamorous gals' makeup vanity setup, carving out a space to primp, moisturize, or pluck your brows. As you plan your design, prioritize great lighting, stylish seating, and practical storage—or just flip through our bathroom makeup vanity ideas for all the inspiration you need. 01 of 17 Consider Your Routine Dana Gallagher A bathroom vanity with a makeup table should be thoughtfully designed to suit your daily routine. If you typically use hairstyling tools that need to be plugged in, for example, plan for electrical outlets near the vanity. Incorporate drawers and other storage solutions to house your go-to products or accessories. 02 of 17 Personalize the Space Edmund Barr Your primary bathroom is often for your eyes only, so why not personalize it? Decorate your bathroom makeup vanity with elements you love for a bright start to your day. Choose paint colors, materials, and finishes that reflect your style, and incorporate decorative accents that reveal your personality. Framed artwork, a vase of fresh flowers, or a pretty tray are simple but high-impact accessories. 03 of 17 Choose Your Perch Wisely Megan Chaffin For bathroom vanities with a sitting area, choose seating that is practical, functional, and stylish. This upholstered stool offers a comfy perch, matches the bathroom's beige wall color, and can easily be slid underneath the makeup vanity. 04 of 17 Pick Strategic Lighting Molly Culver Equip your vanity with proper lighting to avoid unflattering shadows on your face while you apply makeup. If a window is available, position the vanity nearby to capitalize on natural light. If you're relying on artificial light, install fixtures on either side of the mirror—this will illuminate your face more effectively than overhead lighting alone. 05 of 17 Blend with the Surroundings Emily Minton-Redfield Don't let your makeup vanity be an afterthought. When planning your bathroom layout, think about where one fits in for both functionality and efficiency. The area between two sinks, for example, can make an ideal spot to store cosmetics, jewelry, and other getting-ready essentials. This modern bathroom makeup area tucks into the sliver of space between freestanding vanities, repeating the wood finish and countertop material for a cohesive look. 06 of 17 Deck Out Your Drawers Edmund Barr Ease your morning routine with smart storage solutions for your makeup vanity. These drawers are outfitted with dividers that sort cosmetics by category. The various-sized compartments suit different types of makeup, including larger items like eye shadow palettes and small tubes of lipstick or mascara. 07 of 17 Choose the Right Counter Height Michael Partenio Regardless of the style of your makeup vanity, there's a universal design principal to consider: Make sure the countertop can be comfortably reached from a sitting position. In this bathroom, the makeup counter sits several inches lower than the surrounding vanity. Standard bathroom vanity height is 30 to 34 inches, but 26 to 29 inches is more common for sit-down vanities. 08 of 17 Use Furniture as a Makeup Vanity Stacey Brandford Combine different pieces of furniture for a custom makeup vanity setup without the expense of a built-in. A mirrored table keeps this vanity nook light and airy, while the cushioned chair adds elegance with its curvy lines. On the wall, a full-length mirror provides plenty of primping space and reflects natural light from windows opposite the makeup area. 09 of 17 Install a Makeup Mirror Werner Straube Mirrors are crucial for a well-equipped makeup vanity. A large wall-mounted mirror is ideal for checking your overall appearance, but you'll need a closer look for tricky tasks like applying eyeliner or lipstick. Consider mounting a smaller mirror on a nearby wall that you can extend outward or tilt as needed. 10 of 17 Look for an Unoccupied Nook Emily Followill Does your bathroom have a neglected corner? An odd space you don't know how to use? Consider placing a makeup vanity in the unoccupied spot. In this all-white bathroom, the makeup station is positioned directly in front of a large window but is still out of the way of primary footpaths. Sconces mounted on either side boost illumination during times of day when natural light is lacking. 11 of 17 Add Vintage Touches Michael Luppino Nooks are meant to be charming. If your bathroom architecture lacks character, bring it in with vintage elements, like the ornately carved mirror and antique chair outfitting this makeup vanity. Tongue-and-groove wall paneling wraps the small space in timeless charm, while collectibles line open shelves for a personal touch. 12 of 17 Incorporate Elegant Details Ryann Ford Amplify the luxurious feel of a bathroom makeup vanity with elegant style choices. Here, marble countertops and polished nickel hardware dress up a bright white makeup area. Wallpaper with a metallic floral pattern adds a sophisticated sheen. 13 of 17 Respect the Scale of the Room Edmund Barr If your bathroom is sprawling, it's possible to carve out a makeup area without compromising the open feel. In this expansive example, a corner by an open bathtub is the perfect location for a makeup area (note the additional mirror in the corner). To optimize soaring ceilings, consider using teak beams like these to draw the eye upward. 14 of 17 Connect to the Sink Area Werner Straube Blend your makeup area with the rest of your bathroom by incorporating it into your vanity. Since this bathroom is small, one side of the counter was turned into a dressing table, wrapping around the corner to create a distinct (yet still connected) spot. A low skirted chair tucks underneath and brings a punch of color and pattern. 15 of 17 Go Sleek and Simple Mark Lohman Your primping spot need not take up a lot of room. This modern bathroom makeup vanity tucks between a clear-glass shower enclosure and translucent sliding glass doors leading to the toilet compartment. The sleek ebony-stained table and sand-color limestone slab top complement the bathroom's minimalist style. 16 of 17 Install an Extra Sink Janet Mesic-Mackie This bathroom makeup area sparkles with traditional style. Its shapely curves, mirrored-glass table, and luxurious marble countertop evoke the glamour of old Hollywood. The petite sink built into the counter is a welcome convenience when applying or removing makeup. 17 of 17 Tuck into a Recessed Wall Michael Partenio This built-in makeup area carves out a pocket of grooming space without getting in the way. Beaded-board paneling and deep baseboards on the cabinetry add architectural character. A combination of drawers and cabinets provides plenty of storage for cosmetics, styling tools, and extra towels. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit