How to Build a Makeup Vanity
A makeup vanity is an essential piece of furniture for the woman on the go. It serves as a central location for all her makeup paraphernalia, as well as manicure and pedicure essentials. After doing a little research to see what the retail market offers, you can create your own design to build a makeup vanity. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Four pieces of 4-by-20-by-¾-inch plywood
- Two pieces 4-by-47-by-¾-inch plywood
- Wood glue
- Four 30-inch spindle legs
- 4d finish nails
- 1d box nails
- One piece 23½-by-47-by-¼-inch plywood
- One piece 25½-by-49-by-¾-inch plywood
- Framing square
- Jigsaw
- Two ¾-by-96-inch pieces of decorative flat mold
- Electric miter saw
- Small box ¾-inch brads
Instructions
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1
Place the four 20-inch and the two 47-inch pieces of plywood on a worktable. Lay the 47-inch pieces adjacent to one another on their long edge. Measure from one end and make a mark at 12¾ inches and 13½ inches. Repeat this from the other end. Place the speed square on the marks and draw a line across the width of both pieces. These are the box parts for the makeup vanity.
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2
Apply glue to the tops of the legs where they will meet the inside corners of the assembly from Step 1. Secure them to the assembly with the finish nails. Clean excess glue immediately with a damp cloth.
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3
Place the 23½-by-47-by-¼-inch plywood on the worktable. Measure from one corner and make a mark at 2½ inches. Do the same thing from the perpendicular edge to form a 2½-inch square in the corner of the plywood. Repeat this for each of the three remaining corners. Cut the squares with the jigsaw. This is the bottom of the makeup vanity.
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4
Apply wood glue to the ends of the 20-inch pieces and secure them to the 47-inch pieces at the ends and the lines drawn in Step 1 with the finish nails. Next, apply glue to the top edges of the plywood and secure ¼-inch plywood to it with the box nails.
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5
Place the 25½-by-49-by-¾-inch plywood on the worktable. Measure from one end and mark the center (24 ½ inches). Measure from the center mark to the left and the right and make marks at 10 inches. Place the framing square on these marks and draw a line across the width of the plywood. Next, measure from one of the long edges and make several marks at 1¾ inches.
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6
Place the framing square on the marks and draw a line parallel to the 49-inch side of the plywood. Cut the center section (20-by-23¾ inches) out with the jigsaw. Keep the lines as straight as possible because this piece will become the top that opens with a piano hinge. Install the piano hinge on the 20-inch edge of the piece that was cut out.
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7
Turn the assembly from Step 4 over and apply glue to the edges of the plywood. Set the top on the assembly. Be certain it hangs over the makeup vanity 1-inch on all sides. Secure it with the finish nails. Install the 20-by-23¾-inch piece with the piano hinge on it to the back edge of the top. Cut and fit the flat mold around the edge of the top.
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Tips & Warnings
Drill pilot holes for the finish nails if necessary with a 1/16-inch drill bit. Attach a mirror to the bottom side of the middle section.
Do not leave power tools unattended in the presence of children. Do not paint or stain the makeup vanity without proper ventilation.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Michael Straessle
