How To Include a Makeup Counter in Your Bathroom

It's a dream element in many bathrooms;a makeup counter can make a woman feel like she gets ready for her day just like Hollywood movie stars do. Many bathrooms don't include a makeup counter and at first glance, it might not seem like there is space for one. So how do you make your vanity dreams come true? Take a look at these bathroom designs that found a way to include the desired element without taking away from the rest of the bathroom.



Side of the Vanity: If you have double vanities, it may be easy to build a makeup counter into the side of it. In this picture, there is room to slide a seat underneath the top, which has been lowered compared to the rest of the vanity top for comfort. There is a large mirror with plenty of overhead lighting so that you can get ready in style anytime of the day.



In Between the Sinks: Instead of having your vanity cabinets continue from one end to the other, leave a space empty. Have the counter lowered a bit and include a drawer for storage. If you really want to be comfortable while getting ready for work or a night out, splurge on a chair that looks more like it belongs in the living room than a bathroom. This option will still leave you with plenty of counterspace and your dream makeup area.



Add Your Own: If you are unable to give up any storage or reconfigure your vanity setup to accommodate a makeup area, consider bringing in other furniture. While the setup in this example may not give you as much space as a built in option would, it's still an area to sit and relax while getting prepared for your day. If remodeling isn't an option, see if there's room to add your own seating area in your bathroom.



Eliminate a Sink: If having a makeup area is more important to you than an extra sink, change one of your two vanities into the makeup area of your dreams. Know that this may or may not transition well to potential buyers should you list your house for sale but if this won't be an issue in the near future, removing a sink can be a great option to getting your dream makeup area in your bathroom.



Custom Built In: Here's another option to be inspired by. This custom vanity was built to include the makeup counter in between the two sink areas. It does include a drawer for storage but also its own mirror with built in storage. Having a makeup area in your bathroom is sure to improve its appearance but you still want it to appear neat at all times so make sure that you have plenty of storage nearby for your items.



Smaller Bathrooms Have Room: Here's an example to show you that even a smaller bathroom can accommodate a makeup area. With a little design work, it's possible to include a makeup area, even if it means you have to give up some counterspace.

When designing your bathroom to include a makeup area, remember the following.

Space: Of course you want to make sure that there is enough room for your items but you also want to be sure that you aren't overcrowding the area. Make sure that there is enough room for your seat to be out in the open and if your vanity area is near a wall, test the area to make sure that your elbows won't be bumping into surfaces nonstop.

Light: You will need plenty of light to get the most out of your makeup area so try to have it by a window for natural light or install plenty of overhead light. You may want to have this lighting on a separate switch so that it is only being turned on when necessary.

Mirror: If your makeup area is built into your vanity, make sure that you can see the mirror. Most times, the surface of the vanity is lowered in this spot and once the person is sitting down, they can no longer see the mirror. Either extend the mirror in this area or only have mirrors above the sinks and have a separate mirror for your makeup area.

Getting ready like the rich and famous doesn't have to cost you a fortune. With a little planning and creativity, you an add your dream makeup area to almost any bathroom layout.