I love living in an old home for so many reasons. They have so much charm and character and decorating them is a dream. Of course, vintage homes come in all shapes and sizes. Ours? On the smaller side. Which means cozy rooms… and creative styling challenges.
Our 1920’s cottage bungalow, has only one and a half baths. We were once a family of six living here and although we made that work over the years, having bathroom time was at a premium around here. I started dreaming of a little space that was just mine—a peaceful corner to get ready without someone knocking on the door. And that’s when the idea struck: why not carve out a small bedroom vanity in our main bedroom?
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Finding the Perfect piece
Practically speaking, I was looking for a fairly specific piece of furniture. I always start with trying to find something vintage. I needed the vanity to have a few drawers for make-up, enough room for a chair to fit underneath as well as something that wasn’t too deep. The space I had in mind is somewhat narrow and I needed to be able to have a chair pulled out with enough room to sit there comfortably.
I found this cute little antique desk that works perfectly as a small bedroom vanity. It even came with a mirror (though no brackets to attach it), which made it feel vanity-ish enough for me! I’ve actually used it in many places in our home and it can go either way.
I gave it a fresh coat of paint, added a cute little slipper chair and I finally had a place to sit and get ready in the morning. It doesn’t have a ton of storage, but has just enough for the essentials. I always have access to my make-up and didn’t have to make an appointment for the bathroom. Although our bedroom technically didn’t have room for another piece of furniture, I was able to carve out just enough space.
Tips for Finding a Vanity That Works in a Small Bedroom:
- Style & Function: Look for vintage desks, dressing tables, or consoles. Many older pieces weren’t labeled as “vanities” but work beautifully for that purpose. The character they bring to a space is unmatched.
- Condition: For me, I wanted something clean. I didn’t want to completely restore it and fix drawers or anything. I was open to a small paint make-over and changing hardware if needed. If I hadn’t found this vanity desk, I would have bought a new one which is always a great option as well.
- Size: Be mindful of dimensions, especially depth. A narrow piece is key in a tight bedroom, and don’t forget to account for space to pull out a chair comfortably.
Styling a Small Bedroom Vanity with Cottage Charm
Once the piece is in place, it’s time for the fun part—styling! Here are some of my favorite ways to give your small bedroom vanity that cozy, collected feel:
- Lighting: A little lamp or two is a definite must have. You’re going to need lighting, might as well make it cute!
- Mirror: I love having a simple makeup mirror nearby, even if your vanity comes with a larger one.
- Vintage Details: Think perfume bottles, glass jars, a jewelry box or tray for your favorite string of pearls perhaps.
- Florals: Fresh cut or faux flowers is a nice touch, adds a little beauty while you’re making yourself beautiful.
Final Thoughts on Creating a Small Bedroom Vanity
You don’t need a huge room—or a fancy setup—to carve out a lovely, functional space just for you. With a little creativity (and maybe a charming vintage find or two), a small bedroom vanity can fit beautifully into even the coziest cottage. Whether you’re repurposing an antique desk or styling something new, it’s all about creating a space that feels like you.
