I've always had a vanity even when I was little. My Southern mother grew up with them so she made simple skirted tables for my sisters and me.

I hate a steamy bathroom once the shower is over. Adding more heat with a hair dryer in the South during summer is awful. It's so refreshing to go to another room.

I've also found it a must when you have a roommate and share a bathroom. Or when you have a tiny one-butt bathroom and share it with your husband (like I do now).

I have always wanted one, it does sound relaxing to be able to sit and apply and primp. However, I have never been able to afford a place large enough for a vanity area. Sad, but true.

I bought one for my daughter as part of an antique bedroom suite when she was a baby and since it doesnt fit in her room at the moment it's in mine. I may never give it back. I love love having it. I just found a vanity bench for it at goodwill and recovered it!
http://driedfigsandwoodenspools.blogspot.com/2010/01/bench-or-adventures-in-sewing-with.html

I've always had one, it was a desk left behind by the former owners of my childhood home. My father refinished it for me and it works with my grown up furniture so I've used since I was a teenager. Every few years I reupholster the bench. I agree with Sugarbakers about getting out of the steam after the shower is over.

My bedroom vanity is a kidney-shaped desk from the 40's or 50's. It's positioned in front of a large, south-facing window. We only have one bathroom, and it's very small, so I don't want to hog it when I'm just doing makeup. It's really nice to be able to spread everything out and take my time in the morning.

No need for one here. Would just needlessly occupy space that could be much more useful for other things.

My mother had a vanity in her beautiful giant suburban home.

I can't imagine wasting space in my small city condo on a vanity. I just have a good fan in the bathroom to keep it from getting too humid, and the fiance gets kicked out of the bathroom.

Just to respond to those who fear taking up too much space: I've always had small rooms. The vanities don't have to be big or built-in (mine is at least half the size of the ones pictured). I have also used a small table as both vanity and bedside table in one. You can just use a small stool that can be pushed under to be out of the way.

I know they aren't for everyone, but those of us who love them can always find a little corner to make them work.

The last one seems the most useful. It seems to have deep drawers which would be great for tall bottles and blowdryer and such. 2 is gorgeous, but I'd be depressed doing my makeup in that bright sun every day! Just as bad as flourescent lighting.

My Danish Modern Secretary has served many lives I used in once as a desk, then as a bar and once a vanity where I had a little pull out freestanding mirror and used the drawers to hold creams, lotions, and make up and other vanity items as well as jewels. I must say it was pretty efficient for this use and you could close the door when you where done.

Growing up I had a similar yellow and white Campaign desk/vanity. I know have my mother's 1940s vanity made by Russell Wright for Conant Ball. But I lust for the black and chrome 1930s vanity on the 5th floor of the Brooklyn Museum.

I use a family heirloom old wooden desk! I originally planned to refinish it, but I've fallen in love with it's old-vintage charm. It fits PERFECTLY under our bedroom window, and since our old house has a smallish bath upstairs, it's perfect for makeup, hair, primping, etc... :P

http://cozylittlecave.blogspot.com/2009/09/master-bedroom.html

It's interesting that some see a vanity as a waste of space. I see it as a great way to minimize bathroom crowding.

Living with a roommate I wanted to keep my things in my bedroom, rather than the shared bathroom. I created my own "vanity" by fixing a small shelf to the wall with a couple of brackets, put up a couple of hooks below the shelf for my hair dryer and straightening iron, got a small magnifying mirror and a larger wall mounted mirror, and voila, vanity for $55!

I've always used an old desk as a vanity...until...my mom surprised me by giving me a waterfall vanity that she and my stepdad restored themselves. It brought tears to my eyes and I think of them (nearly) every time I see it.

Though, I must confess that it's more a place to lay my jewelry than a true primping place.

I did the same as helgz. Got a small shelf with some brackets and a large mirror on clearance at Ikea. Purchased a small folding chair that also comes in handy when we have guests and need an extra seat. My area is tucked into a corner of my bedroom so its out of the way. Not having a desk like vanity with drawers keeps me from holding onto junk that i never use. Clean and simple.