How to Build a Simple Bedroom Vanity & Bench

Build a Bedroom Vanity and Bench

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Two file Cabinets (2 drawer)style
• Piece of plywood or hardboard cut to size desired for top
• Sand paper
• Skill or jig saw
• Paint for top
• Paint brushes
• Fabric, for skirt and stool if desired
• Large bucket with lid such as sold for tool caddys.
• Thick foam rubber pillow base for seat of vanity
• Mismatched chair if not making stool

1. Measure the space that you would like to have the vanity fit. Place two file cabinets far enough apart to creat knee room and a place to slide the stool or chair into.
   Measure the height of the cabinets to determine how high the chair or stool needs to be. An extra layer of pillow can be used to raise the seat.

2. After the overall measurements are taken lay the top piece of wood or hardboard on top of the cabinets and mark underneath the placement of the edges of the base cabinets. Be sure the space between the cabinets doesn't expand too far and make the center of the vanity swag.
   Remove the top and saw the pieces on the marked lines making sure that the edges at least meet the edge of the cabinets but not hang over more then about a quarter of an inch.

3. Sand the edges of the top and paint it with a color to match the room you plan to use, or make a cloth cover for the top and staple it on the edges.

4. Now that you have created the entire vanity, it is time to make the seat. Choose a nice chair that is not to a set you might be using or cut a piece of wood to fit the top of the large bucket, then make a cover for the wood and the bucket by gathering the fabric into a skirt sewing it to a round piece of fabric that fits the lid and place over the bucket. Then cover the seat cushion with contrast fabric or matching to the skirt. Make sure to secure the seat top to the bucket with a big screw before adding the pillow top.

5. Take an inexpensive mirror and paint the frame to match the set, or just hang any mirrow you like on the wall over the center of the vanity.

Tips & Warnings

• A small flower print is nice for a country style room. If you want the painted top to show also paint the file cabinets to match.
• Place some plastic bags into the file sections to hold miscellaneous items you might need.
• Lay out the entire set and measurements before cutting any boards.
• Let paint dry well for a few days so it won't be tacky to touch after drying. A plastic table runner would make a cleanable doily top.

[DianeD]

on 1/18/2009 very detailed and good idea thanks