I’ve been working hard at redoing our office to accommodate some makeup storage. After a lot of searching for the right solution, I decided on a DIY makeup vanity using IKEA pieces! Keep reading to learn about the situation I was dealing with, what I needed, and the specific setup I chose for my vanity.
A Need for Change!
I’ve actually had this idea for a couple years. Our office was not a happy, creative space like it should be. It was cluttered and cramped. We shared a desk that had been primarily Mark’s desk. I sat at his desk daily to do my makeup and used a portion of it to do my projects, but our stuff was piling up and getting mixed together. I had boxes of makeup stacked in the corner of the room too. It was not a good situation!
I knew I wanted a vanity to sit at as well as a set of drawers to house my beauty products. The problem was that I didn’t have a whole room to work with, so I had to be smart about it. I couldn’t just take over the entire room (I take up most of the apartment as it is – as girls, we just have a lot of stuff, ya know?). So, point is, Mark needs his own space too.
DIY Makeup Vanity using IKEA pieces
After browsing vanities everywhere, I found that most appealed to me visually, but weren’t functional enough. Many of them had only a few drawers – nowhere near enough storage for the growing makeup collection of a beauty blogger! I didn’t have room to get a set of drawers along with a vanity and I actually liked the idea of having one unit for everything anyway. I turned to IKEA to create my own DIY makeup vanity setup.
I decided on putting together a couple of Alex drawer units with a big, glossy table top.
My IKEA vanity set up:
- 2 Alex drawer units
- Linnmon table top in high gloss/white, 59″ x 29 1/2″
The 2 alex drawer units were a no-brainer. They gave the perfect amount of drawer space. The table top was a little harder of a decision because IKEA offered different sizes and finishes. Ultimately, I liked the glossy finish the most and I thought the 59″ length provided plenty of room for leg space. The table top width does not match the depth of the alex drawer units (22 7/8″) so there is quite a bit of overhang in the back. I haven’t found this to be an issue at all though. The table top stays in place thanks to some rubber stoppers that came with the drawers. Overall, the whole thing makes for a very sturdy setup.
Everything about this DIY makeup vanity turned out perfect. I love how it looks. I can’t help walking into the room every few minutes just to admire it. I was able to fit all of my makeup in the drawers with room to spare. Mark still gets his desk with his own space and I get my own girly space. Now we can both be in the room, doing our own things without encroaching on each other.
Update 5/25/18: After moving from my apartment, into a house in the city, I’ve still kept this same setup! A lot has changed in my life, but this is still the best way to organize all of my beauty products. When it came to moving, it was simple since it easily broke down into 3 separate pieces. It was one of the best investments I’ve made as far as home storage goes.
If you don’t have access to an IKEA store, here are some other vanity options:
- Here’s a super cute white vanity set. I would’ve gotten this one if it had more drawer space!
- Here’s the same one in black
- This one is a different style with a folding mirror. Nice clean design.
Join the discussion
How do you organize your makeup collection?
Comment below to discuss with us!
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Esme says
Wich one is the glossy table top fir the vanity
Alana says
Love this! I’m hoping to do pretty much the exact same thing. To echo a couple other questions already asked, is the tabletop attached to the drawers in some way? Thanks.
Anonymous says
no, you stupid?
Anonymous says
Clearly you are if you can’t fathom the idea of anchoring a tabletop
Catherine says
Did you anchor the table top to the drawers? I’m interested in doing this setup myself for a desk but I’m nervous about the table top sliding around and god forbid falling off.
Marie @ girlknowstech says
Hi! I am wondering how you made the drawers and the table top stick together? Thanks
Michelle says
I cant find the glossy finish tabletop on ikea
Anonymous says
Chill
stephie says
Such a cool idea! Super creative ; ) Good Job!
Ashley says
Thank you!
Cathe Brown says
Your makeup table is awesome. I’d like to order the exact same thing. Can you give me the Idea model name and number for the glossy table top that you used? (length?, model name and number)? Thanks
Ashley says
Here’s my set up:
2 Alex drawer units: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10192824/
Linnmon table top in high gloss/white 59″ x 29 1/2″: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20251139/