You’re So Vain: A Playful Modern Take on Decorating a Vanity for the Holidays

I’ve been playing around with some bathroom / vanity ideas lately and I thought the holidays would be the perfect time to bring those ideas to life, since it’s the busy season for entertaining and get-togethers.

Generally speaking, I realize that decorating a bathroom or vanity / makeup station isn’t always the most exciting thing to think about, but it’s a big part of any house, in the sense that it’s a room that get used a lot. Right? So, why not make it fun?

With that in mind, I’ve teamed up once again with the awesome folks at Q-tips to bring you a handful of DIY ideas that you can recreate in your bathroom or vanity area. Our bathroom here at the studio isn’t quite ready for it’s close up, so I’m displaying all of these ideas in more of a vanity setting. But don’t let that fool you. All these ideas will fit just as easily with bathroom decor, if you’re up for something a little more quirky and modern.

‘On Fleek’ DIY Mirror Message Idea

I found a vanity mirror on sale for $20, that needed a little revamp. So we added a cute message to the mirror with a paint pen and switched out the metal chain for a colorful pink cord to match. I love writing messages on mirrors with paint pens because you can scrape them off easily if you mess up while writing or get tired of looking at it after a while. Haha.

There aren’t really any steps for this one because it’s really just a matter of writing the word or phrase directly onto the mirror with a paint pen, then touching up any smudges or unwanted paint with a little bit of glass cleaner and Q-tips Precision Tips. I took some pictures of Rachel lettering the mirror from start to finish too, in case her process is helpful…

Pattern Beauty Containers DIY

I found some inexpensive containers at Target (can’t find the link online, but it was on an end cap with holiday items) and added an adhesive decal (this is the exact one I used) to make them a little more playful. This project can really be done with any kind of container (even a soup or veggies can would work if you want to get creative). Here’s how to make your own…

Materials:

– small containers (with to without lids)
– Q-tips Precision Tips
– Q-tips Beauty Rounds
– adhesive decals
– acrylic paint
– scissors
– measuring tape

How To:

1. This first step is optional, but I decided to paint directly onto my decal before applying it to the container, to add a little more color. If you’re not into that, than by all means, skip this step. I used Q-tips Precision Tips instead of a paintbrush (so I wouldn’t have to clean out any brushes) and basic acrylic paint.

2. Next, measure the container and cut the decal down to size. Then, apply the decal onto the container carefully, pushing out any air bubbles with your hand as you go.

3. Lastly, to get a more coppery finish on the lids (I love the gold, but it didn’t match the table lamp), add a thin layer of red paint to each lid with Q-tips Beauty Rounds. Let dry before using.

Fill them bathroom essentials, like Q-tips Cotton Swabs and Q-tips Beauty Rounds, and add them to a guest bathroom or vanity for guests to use.

Photography and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff and Amelia Tatnall
Mirror hand lettering by Rachel Brewer

Think you’d do something like this in your bathroom or vanity area? I’d love to know your thoughts.

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This post is in partnership with Q-tips. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Paper & Stitch running.