Small Spaces Decor Inspiration: How to Create a Vanity in Your Closet

Small bedroom closet with white Ikea vanity and organized accessories.

I can’t believe we’ve been in our new home for exactly one month today! While we’re starting to feel settled, from a decor perspective, I have lots of plans and feel as though I have plenty to accomplish in order to “complete” any of the rooms. I guess we have the next 30 years to get it done. 🙂

You would imagine I would focus my initial efforts on the most visible rooms, like the family and living rooms, but funny enough I chose to start on a tiny corner located in our master closet.

Our closet doesn’t rival one from Real Housewives, but with its window with beams of natural light, I dreamed up this little cozy vanity nook to organize and store my jewelry and beauty products (none which had a home in our master bath with its little storage space). And on some days, it may serve as a momentary sanctuary/hideout when this mama just needs a minute. 🙂

Interestingly enough, the actual vanity was the last item I purchased for this space. One week ago I read a makeover article in a recent issue of one of my magazines which featured this Ikea dressing table and I knew it would be the perfect fit, both literally and figuratively. The measurements were just right for the wall space and the clean, modern lines seamlessly fit with the boho-chic and antique accessories I assembled.

Here is a peek at the pieces I purchased to create this boho-chic vanity and where to get them:

I can’t own enough faux fur stools (I may have a small collection already) and this one is just the right size for a vanity seat. To help keep the shelves organized, I chose these navy storage boxes with a lid to hold small articles like tops, small handbags and scarfs. All my goodies are contained, but the tags on the front of each will remind me of what’s inside.

Threshold Faux Fur Stool (Target)

Oskar Storage Box, Navy (Container Store, Avail in Other Colors)

Gold and Glass Vanity Tray (Target)

Peony Vase/Stainless Steal Gold Wine Cup (Target)

Vintage Initial Embroidered Handkerchief (Tilly’s, Chicago)

Acrylic Earring Holder (Container Store). This earring holder is only $5 and I love that I can easily display all my gems, both precious and not, in one spot.

Vanity Mirror (HomeGoods)

The top of the vanity opens up to feature a mirror and storage sections to help stowe away small items like makeup or hair accessories. The left side offers a drawer for more storage space.

Center Medallion Area Rug (Rugs USA). I’m not sure if Andrew will allow a mainly hot pink area rug in our bedroom, but I could get away with this 2×4 size. An antique design feels modern with these bright colors.

Rose Quartz Pom Pom Slippers (Gift in Time). A vanity area is not complete without pom pom-detailed house slippers, right?!

2020 Update

Three years ago, I had no idea that this “Small Spaces Inspiration: How to Create a Vanity in Your Closet” post would become my most pinned post on Pinterest! Since then, I’ve made small updates to match my daily life and morning routine now as a mama of three little ones. While I adored the vanity set-up, I found that I rarely actually sat at the vanity to get ready in the morning. These days, my five-minute beauty routine takes place in the bathroom.

I now use this space to organize jewelry and accessories. The wall space serves as a clean canvas for new and old art: a shadow portrait of me as a toddler, a sketch of a woman that used to belong to my great aunt, and a new print of a Henri Matisse poster (c/o The Stylepreneur).

women's vanity in small closet