In this instructable, I made a makeup vanity. I had a blast making this one!

I tried covering all bases with this while keeping it in a small foot print. This could also double down as an office desk as well. There is a lot of details in this build so I have a set of plans that go into greater details, cut list, and electrical hookup diagram for US outlets.

Plans

Makeup vanity plans https://gum.co/SNaM

View all my plans https://gumroad.com/diycreators

Material used

(1) Plywood
(1) 2 ft. by 4ft Laminated pine board
(1) 3 Rod Hairpin legs (4-pack) https://goo.gl/V6BNcE

(1) Square Pull Bar Handle Stainless http://amzn.to/2sDFH19

(3) European Hinge (pair) http://amzn.to/2sGVxcr

(1) 12inh mirror - Local hardware store

(2) Vanity lights bulbs (2-pack) http://amzn.to/2sHd97Q

(Didn't use but better option) Led bulbs http://amzn.to/2rKObj2

(1) Electric workbox (3-pack) http://amzn.to/2sGTFAw

(1) 15-amp receptacle http://amzn.to/2sGFsn1

(2) Decora wall plate http://amzn.to/2sLY30G

(1) Lutron dimmer (I used an older version) http://amzn.to/2sLuJr4

(1) Adhesive Bumper Pads clear http://amzn.to/2sGr7qF

(1) Lamp cord http://amzn.to/2sDzVwJ

(1) AC Power cord http://amzn.to/2sGJNGP

(4) Keyless lampholder http://amzn.to/2sLUUhv

(1) Mirror mastic http://amzn.to/2sM631x

(1) Corner bracket http://amzn.to/2sH5dDw

(1) Lid Support lock hinge http://amzn.to/2sGLlk7

(1) Polycrylic Water Based Protective http://amzn.to/2sGQFE8

(1) White latex semi-gloss paint- Local hardware store

Step 1: Sanding and Assembling

Usually sanding is one of the last things I do when making a project. The more and more I make I realize that it would make life easier to sand everything prior to assembling. Of course, I will still do some sanding near the end of the project, but not as much.

I have plans that I will be working from to create this makeup vanity.

The base

Let's start with the bottom down on a flat surface. Then attach the two sides. I used wood glue and a nail gun to assemble. With the sides and back on, I can then add the front and the inner sides for the compartments.

I used wood filler to cover the nail heads and the joints. The wood filler I'm using is made by DAP it's pink when applied and changes color to let you know it's dried.

Step 2: Mirror Frame

Joining
I use the pocket hole jig for the majority of the frame. For the areas near the ends, I used the nail gun to prevent the wood from splitting.

Pass through hole
Once the framing was done, I drilled a 1/4-inch hole for the electrical wire to pass through. The holes would be behind the mirror.

The hole for the vanity light
Set the mirror in the opening. At this point, everything visually looks good. I placed the two lamp holders in the desired location. Then I traced the perimeter. The speed square made it easy to find the center. Next, I drill out the holes for the lamp holder socket to pass through. Then round over the edge to give more spacing between the wood and the bulb.

The backing for the Vanity frame
The vanity frame will be attached to the cover. This is what I consider the vanity door. I mitered the joint to give it a clean look. After checking the squaring of the two parts I secured it in place using wood glue and the nail gun.

Applying glue to the frame
Apply glue to the back side of the mirror frame. The holes (previously drilled) for the electrical to pass through is the back. Flip the frame over then attach it to the lid with pocket hole screw or nail gun.

Step 3: Adding Electric Fixture

Notching the lamp holder
I notched one area on the lamp holder to pass the wire through. This way the fixture can sit flat on the surface.

Wiring
The electrical is looped from one fixture to the next. Once one side is wired, the end is passed to the other side behind the mirror to the next fixture. When all fixtures are wired, make sure the wire is long enough to pass down to the junction box.

Adding the light cover
Now add the cover for the light fixture. I secured it in place with a few nails on each side.

Step 4: Electric Box Cover

With all the electrical wiring, outlet and light switch, I needed a way to hide it all. So I made this simple cover as a way to keep everything clean.

Step 5: Applying Finish

Sanding
Once everything has been assembled, I filled all the nail heads with wood filler. Then sand with 220-grit sand paper.

Painting
You can use a high-density foam roller. These seem to give a great finish on the surface. Of course, if you want the best results then spraying is the way to go.

Since I like the raw look of the vanity cover, I only added a clear coat. I used three coats of polycrylic for protection.

Step 6: Adding the Mirror

Apply mirror mastic to the backing. Then set the mirror in place.

Step 7: Adding Hardware

Install the legs, hinges and pull handle. I placed the handle on the front center of the vanity door.

Step 8: Wiring the Outlet and Switch

Drill out a hole for the electrical cord to pass through. Then, mount the enclosure cover to hide all the connections. I go into greater details with the plans; there is a hookup diagram that shows the wiring (the diagram is only for US outlets).

This area is equipped with an electrical outlet and a dimmer light switch. After everything is hooked up prior to closing it all up, I checked to make sure it all worked.