Makeup vanities not only make getting ready for the day ahead nice and easy with all your beauty products organized and to hand. They also make a great focal point for your bedroom, combining style and practicality.
Here are our expert tips for choosing a new makeup vanity for your home
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Before you start looking at makeup vanities, decide first on how you will mostly be using it. Are you looking for a classic model with loads of space for perfumes and cosmetics? Do you want a lot of space to store items neatly tucked away? Or is your vanity table likely to be more for show or used mainly as a mirror?
Here are the main types you will need to consider.
Classic
A dream for most little girls that grows with us into adulthood, the classic makeup vanity has plenty of space, a huge mirror and ample drawers and shelves.
A little like those big white wedding dresses, while classic vanities have a lot of allure and charm, they are not always suitable for everyone's style.
Ideal if you want a traditional, very feminine look and you have plenty of space, classic vanities are less suited to smaller bedrooms and modern or minimalist styles.
Flip-up
For fuss-free looks opt for a flip-up makeup vanity. Great if you don't want your makeup and perfume on show but need it all to be ready in the blink of an eye.
Opt for a flip up vanity and you simply lift up the mirror to reveal a concealed storage space under the lid - and voila, you've got all your essentials to hand.
Great for minimalist or modern homes, flip-up makeup vanities feature clean lines and clutter-free designs. They are available in a range of sizes, so you can save space with more compact versions.
As they also double-up as a handy writing desk when closed, flip-up vanities are the most practical option.
Wall-mounted
Short on space? Check out wall-mounted makeup vanities.
As they attach directly onto your wall, they save you space. They tend to be shallower than many traditional models for this very reason. You can also store items under them when not in use.
Wall-mounted makeup vanities come in a wide range of designs, so whatever your style, you're sure to find one to suit your home.
As their leg-free design contrasts with traditional models they tend to work best in a modern, contemporary setting, even when traditionally styled, providing an excellent focal point.
Corner
Not sure if you've got enough space to accommodate a makeup vanity? Think again. A corner makeup vanity is an ingenious space-saving solution.
Its three-pointed design means it takes up next to no floor space and most models have built-in storage space so you can really make the most of having a dedicated space to get ready and organize all of your beauty products and accessories.
Once you've decided upon your ideal type of makeup vanity, you'll want to find the right style to match your decor.
Wooden makeup vanities
Best for traditionally styled bedrooms, classic wooden vanities with embellishments and a white painted finish will add femininity and elegance. However, stained or varnished finished can work well in traditional, rustic style bedrooms also.
Choose models with cabriole legs and scroll of leaf motif for a more classic look.
Pared-back wooden versions that resemble writing desks with natural colors and flip-up mirrors work great in minimalist or modern bedrooms or dressing rooms.
Chunky white or natural finish vanities with drawers and removable mirrors tend to look best in rustic style, traditional rooms.
Glass-top vanities
This style of vanity works well with a modern decor.
It is also a great choice for smaller rooms lacking in natural light. The translucent nature of glass will make your vanity appear less imposing than one with a mahogany stain for example.
Use your glass top vanity to bring out the elegance in your room, without being over the top. Team it with a modern, fuss-free mirror for a streamlined, modern look, or a one with feminine embellishments for a quirky mix of traditional and modern.
Look best in a modern decor.
Less suitable if you have a lot of beauty products and accessories as storage is often limited or non-existent.
Team with a metal frame for a minimalist look.
Metal
Modern vanities often combine glass with a metal frame for a functional style that provides angular lines and sharp contrasts.
These vanities are a good choice for modern or minimalist looks. Keep them clear for clean lines and surfaces or dress them up with a few selected bottles of scent for a feminine touch in your modern decor.
Metal framework and structure add a utilitarian, functional feel in dark colors. This looks great in modern or minimalist bedrooms.
Choose white coated metal for a more feminine look with scroll details. These models can be space-saving designs for smaller more traditional bedrooms.
Here are some of the main features you'll need to consider when choosing your makeup vanity.
Stool
For traditionally styled, elegant bedrooms, you will want to make sure that your vanity comes complete with a matching stool.
This is also true for minimalist and modern looks where a seamless look is required.
For rustic, eclectic and shabby chic looks, you could select a different style stool, or one that simply takes your fancy for a mix and match approach.
If you purchase your stool and vanity table separately, be sure to measure up carefully. While most vanities are designed to accommodate a regular chair, you should measure the height of your vanity and allow 10-12" of space between the top of your stool and the bottom of the tabletop to allow for leg room.
Mirror
The mirror is a key part of your vanity. Here are some of the different types you should consider.
Spinning - a traditional mirror spins, allowing you to angle it for greater precision when styling your hair or applying makeup. Some people prefer a large traditional mirror with embellishments for their looks and outfit viewing, then rely on other smaller versions for makeup.
Three-pane mirrors - a great choice to get views of your profile, three-pane mirrors are another classic choice but provide extra practicality for makeup and hairstyling.
Light-up mirrors - go for a practically lit mirror to help you get the little details just right or bring out your inner starlet and go for a retro vintage Hollywood look with lit-up bulbs around the frame.
Drawers
If you have plenty of small beauty accessories or jewelry items, then a makeup vanity with drawers is a good choice.
Some versions have lined drawers for your valuables, others may have smaller mirror side drawers for small items and larger under top drawers for brushes, makeup, and hair accessories.
Shelves
Shelves are a nice touch for showing off your pretty scent bottles or for keeping your frequent-use items to hand.
Just bear in mind that if you tend to have a lot of products that you don't really want on show then you'd be better off prioritizing a model with shelving or cabinets.
Cabinets
While traditional style, elegant makeup vanities don't feature cabinets, you will find some chunkier, rustic models that do. Cabinets are a good choice if you have a lot of beauty products and need extra storage.
Built-in power outlets
If you use a lot of different electrical beauty and styling appliances, you may like to look for a makeup vanity complete with built-in power outlets.
This makes switching over from your hairdryer to your straighteners a breeze, without having to reach down and behind or over to the nearest outlet.
