How to Build a Wood Makeup Vanity Table

How to Build a Wood Makeup Vanity Table
Published: Dec 19, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
3 minute read

Build a simple table consisting of a top and legs, or find intricate plans for a fancier table.

Things You Will Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Paper
  • Pencil
  • Scale ruler
  • 1/2-inch thick plywood
  • Planed wooden boards
  • Saws for cutting joints
  • Sanders
  • Sandpaper
  • Cloth
  • Wood planers
  • Router
  • Glue
  • C-clamps
  • Table legs
  • Screws
  • Mirror
  • Fabric
  • Small stool
  1. Measure the space for your table using a measuring tape. Design the legs, top and drawers of the table on paper using the 1/6 scale on an architect's scale ruler. This means every inch on your design will equal 6 inches in the real world. Work within the designated space so as not to overpower the room. Square and kidney-shaped tops are among the simplest designs, and the table might have one or more drawers.

  2. Assemble all wooden boards needed for the top. Glue and clamp boards to create a flat plane for cutting. After the surface is dry and solid, trace the top of the vanity table on the surface and cut. Alternatively, use half-inch thick plywood for the top. Cut the top with a jigsaw if you are making a kidney-shaped vanity table. A tabletop saw will work on a square top.

  3. Sand all of the wood's surfaces with a piece of medium grain sandpaper. Use a cloth to wipe away any extra debris.

  4. Dill holes in each corner of the top no closer than 3/4 of an inch from any edge. Each hole should be half the size of the screw's thread. Glue each leg to the underside of the top where the holes are and allow them to dry. Then fasten screws through each hole on the top to secure the legs.

  5. Stain or paint the makeup vanity table. If you plan to leave the top bare with no type of covering, apply a couple of coats of sealer. This enables someone applying makeup to wipe up spills easily. If the table is square, consider installing small or large tiles. Mirror tiles can be installed to create a top as well.

  6. Place the small stool in front of your vanity table and enjoy.

The Drip Cap

  • Putting on makeup or fixing hair at a vanity table is easier than standing in front of a bathroom sink or dresser.
  • A vanity table does not need to be large, but make it large enough to accommodate a stool stored beneath it.
  • Design the legs, top and drawers of the table on paper using the 1/6 scale on an architect's scale ruler.
  • After the surface is dry and solid, trace the top of the vanity table on the surface and cut.
  • Cut the top with a jigsaw if you are making a kidney-shaped vanity table.
  • Use a cloth to wipe away any extra debris.

Photo Credits

tape measure 1 image by Martin Grice from Fotolia.com

tape measure 1 image by Martin Grice from Fotolia.com

Judi Light Hopson

Judi Light Hopson is a national stress management expert and psychology issues writer. Her column on relationships, co-written with a nurse and a psychologist, is distributed by McClatchy Newspapers to over 300 major publications…

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