How To Choose A Makeup Vanity

While you can find smaller or larger models, most makeup vanities range from 30 to 50 inches in width. They're as high as an average writing desk, and include one or more drawers.

In order to find the right size for you, ask yourself:

• Where are you planning on placing it? Measure that specific space, especially if it's squashed in a little nook or in-between two pieces of furniture; don't forget that, while they're usually designed to fit the stool underneath the table, you'll need to allow some extra room to pull it out and sit on it comfortably;
• How much storage do you need? The number of drawers makes all the difference. The largest desk with a tiny drawer won't do you any good if you already have three bagfuls of makeup, just like there's no point in investing in the most spacious model if you usually stick to the same four or five pieces.

Disposition and layout change, but you'll find four main types of storage:

• A single drawer, usually in the middle;
• A row of smaller drawers;
• A few extra drawers next to the mirror;
• More drawers coming down on one or both sides.

Consider these points before choosing your makeup vanity:

• How much makeup do you own? Are you planning on buying more? Run and inventory and separate your pieces by type: if you own many of each, you might want to have a separate drawer for nail polish, one for eyeshadows, one for brushes, and so on. Always add 10-20% extra room for each storage area, when possible. Investing in drawer organizers can be very practical;
• Are you planning on storing your jewelry, too? In that case, stay on the large side and choose a makeup vanity that has a couple of spare drawers, perhaps next to the mirror.
• Decide which products you would like to have hidden or and which out in the open. For a tidier space, of course, choose drawer and/or cabinet storage. For easier, quicker access, place attractive storage units on top of the vanity. If that's what you intend to do, make sure the top is large enough to accommodate them!
• Remember that hair styling tools tend to be either long or bulky. If you plan to store them in your vanity, take that into account -- you'll need a set of bigger, deeper drawers.

It's rare to find makeup vanities without mirrors. We'd only recommend them if you already have a large one on the wall against which you're planning on placing your new makeup vanity. Otherwise, these will be your main choices (some mirrors can fit more than one category):

• Standing: ideal if you always have a good source of natural light and want your vanity to be one of the first things you see when you walk into the room;
• Adjustable: usually oval-shaped, which introduces a decorative element, an adjustable mirror gives you more flexibility when applying your makeup;
• Flip-top: perfect to optimize space and make the room look less busy;
• Tri-fold: making it even easier to apply makeup, it allows you to check the result from different angles;
• Lighted: the traditional movie mirror with lightbulbs around its frame can provide an additional source of lighting.

Like any makeup artist will tell you, natural light is the best to apply makeup and ensure a cohesive result without later ending up spotting a terrible foundation line in all the pictures from that evening. If you can, place your makeup vanity next to a big window. 

However, not every room allows you to do so, and sometimes you might need to put your makeup on when the sun's already gone down. Your second-best option if you haven't got a good overhead light or lamp is a lighted mirror with natural white light: a bulb with a CRI of 90 or higher will allow you to see more colors. 

PRO tip: Whatever you do, avoid yellow or fluorescent lighting at all costs!

As an accent piece of furniture, your makeup vanity will stand out in your bedroom, but it should also look cohesive. Try and choose a color from the room's existing palette, and consider its décor style.

• Traditional wooden vanities are incredibly versatile and can work with rustic, vintage, mid-Century modern and French-country styles; for the last one, pick more ornate designs with lots of soft curves and details;

• Mirrored or painted wooden vanities with straight symmetrical shapes help convey a modern feel;

• Minimalist vanities are usually monochrome, have a plain mirror frame, particularly thin legs, and only one drawer;

• Minimalist elements work well in Scandinavian-inspired rooms too, but go for lighter woods or white designs; adding a separate texture onto your stool such as faux fur is another key element;

• For an eclectic and bohemian style, you can break the rules and experiment a bit more, but be careful not to create a mismatch of colors. Need some inspiration? Look for painted wooden tables with curved legs and lots of details;

• A combination of wood and dark metal without any ornate mirror frames can add to the raw, unfinished charm of industrial décors;

• White or pastel vanities with harmonious shapes, curved legs, trifold or adjustable round mirrors seem to be made to complement shabby chic rooms!

While style is a central element, there are some practical issues that you might want to keep in mind when choosing the material of your new makeup vanity:

• Whether natural, painted or stained, traditional wooden vanities are still the most popular, but you should be extra careful when applying nail varnish or other types of makeup that can stain it;
• Mirrored vanities are much easier to clean and will make your room look more spacious, but they can be more fragile and constitute a hazard for young children; let alone they will have to be cleaned VERY OFTEN.
• Your stool should be comfortable, but you might want to look for one that's easy to clean, too: a leather or vinyl top will be a blessing next time you spill foundation onto it!