apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I abhor the term "vanity." Why not "dressing table?"

That said, I think #3 is the most attractive.

just curious mirandabee...why do u so hate the term "vanity"...is it the implication that one who uses it is vain?......i agree #3 is attractive but somehow #7 speaks to me more...i love the contrast of the modern and old in the same setting.

Having a space to get ready (outside the bathroom -- which might be in high demand) is so important for guests. If you don't have the space or ability to set up a dressing area, it is helpful to provide a mirror at the very least.

Number 3 pulls you in and says sit.

geez, when did this site become "really big house therapy"?

i'd love to have the space for a guest BED let alone a guest room that has room for a bed and a vanity!

With the exception of #1, these all involve having desks or vanity tables in the guest bedroom (or wherever you'll have your guests sleep). It's just as easy to arrange a mirror and lamp on top of a dresser or bookcase or even a wall shelf.

I don't even use a "dressing table" at home, let alone at someone else's. I use a folding mirror near a lamp. I'm so blind without my glasses that if I'm more than 6" from the mirror I can't see what I'm doing.

I loved the first photo, and I was also pulled in by the third and fifth photos. The last photo reminded me of Thanksgiving at grandmother's, and that's not a bad thing.

I don't think you have to have a huge place for these little tables to work.

Did I mention that I loved the first photo?

Yeah, my guests sleep on the couch, so... I doubt they'll be getting a vanity. That being said, my own sorely needs a makeover (as it's a rickety adopted computer desk and would probably make most readers of this site cry).

jac7800 - I agree. I keep wondering why this is called APARTMENTTHERAPY when people continually post about houses or large condos...it kinda defeats having this website.

I looked at a lot of apartments before I moved here (and I picked one of the largest) and there's still no place where I could place a dressing table/vanity. And I don't honestly see a use for one. I either do my make-up (when I even wear it) in the bathroom or I sit my small mirror on my desk and do it there.

I've been a guest in several homes and never was I offered a dressing table...I would guess because they understand I don't need it...? The closest I've come is a large stand up mirror leaned against a wall at my father-in-law's - and it was nice, but not necessary.

#1 is so full of stuff that I'm feeling a little nervous just looking at it. Then again, I am a "hider."

@mkw: I really cannot say. It's irrational. For me, it has the effect of fingernails on a chalkboard.

I like this idea! I have the office/guest room thing going on. Next time I've got a guest, I'll pack away the laptop and its accessories, closet the bulletin board above the desk, and put a mirror in its place! It will be great!! And for the haters above . . . it doesn't take a very big house/apartment to have a second bedroom.

Reminds me of a friend who moved back out West. She still had business here, and I offered her use of my home. In the morning she was in the (only) bathroom for over an hour, and I was nearly late to work! Next time, I'll be sure we communicate more clearly, and use some of these "work station" ideas.

The third one is sooo gracious! The silver bedroom kicks ass. The first one, however, doesn't seem to me to work as a vanity, actually: the mirror's too high and the vanity surface is too clutter with objets. . . .