How to Repurpose an old desk into a Makeup Table/Vanity Table

All my projects are made from recycled materials and on finding this table I was not sure at first what I was going to do with it.  My daughter had just bought a beauty bar and loved the idea of having all her makeup and beauty supplies in one place. So that was what I decided to do, It would be a makeup beauty bar as they are called in Australia.

How to Repurpose an old desk into a Makeup Table/Vanity Table

How to repurpose a desk into a Makeup table/dresser

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Stripping down the desk

As much as I love wood I knew no women would buy a wooden coloured beauty bar (Makeup table).  To make it more appealing to the younger generation I knew I would have to paint the wood. And nowadays there is not much call for an old-fashioned writing desk. So a beauty bar it was.  I started by removing all the hardware, which I loved so I kept them to be put back on when completed.

Dresser

I used a rubber mallet and gently hit the sides of the paper tray and partitions to remove them. 

Make up dresser

To build a new box on the top of the dresser I used scrap wood because it was going to be painted you would not see the wood.

Building partitions

Because I used recycled wood I don’t like to spend hours sanding off all the old stain and varnish.  To clean up the wood I pushed it through the thickness planer which cleaned the wood up in seconds.  I used a wood router with a round-over router bit to round the tops of the wood for a softer look.  And then smoothed off the wood using an orbital sander starting with 120 grit sanding discs and ending with 240 grit discs.

Old desk repurposed into a dresser/ make up table

I marked out where I wanted my partitions to be, using my makeup sets as a guide.  I used a square ruler to make sure the partitions were straight before I attached them permanently. This is where I made a time-consuming mistake.  I did not sand the base before I made my partition box which made it very hard for me to sand them.

Old desk repurposed into a dresser/ make up table

To attach the partitions to the desk I used a nail gun and wood glue. I nailed the partitions in from the back and the front to hold the wood in place while the glue dried.

Old desk repurposed into a dresser/ make up table

Making the lid

To make the lid for the table I used an offcut of an old tabletop.  I measure the size that I wanted and allowed for a 2cm overhang in the front.  I used a scrap piece of wood to make a fence which was clamped to the table as a guide for the jigsaw.

How to Repurpose an old desk into a Makeup Table/Dresser

Next, I sanded down all the wood, which took a long time because it was difficult to get the sander into the partitions. I left the lip on the end of the table because it looked like an added decoration.  I did a test fit to make sure the top fits correctly and continued to sand down the whole desk.  Even though chalk paint is supposed to cover scratches I sanded most of the imperfections away.

Old desk repurposed into a dresser/ make up table

There were areas at the back of the desk that had deep scratches.  I filled these using wood filler and sanded them smooth with an orbital sander using 180 grit sanding discs and ending with 240grit.

How to Repurpose an old desk into a Makeup Table/Dresser

Painting the dresser

When I was browsing Pinterest one day I say a chest of drawers painted in this colour and I just loved it.  It is not very easy to get Annie Sloan chalk paint in Australia and it was very expensive because the colour I wanted was called peacock which was made up of 3 different colours of paint.  But I had my heart set on the colour so I paid the price. 

Old desk repurposed into a dresser/ make up table

This being my first chalk paint project I was not convinced about the claim of no priming or sanding and once I added the first coat my heart sunk because you could still see through to the wood.  But the second coat was great I really did cover the wood well. I added 2 coats of Peacock paint, which was made up of 2 parts  Napoleonic Blue + 1 part Antibes Green+ 1 part Aubusson Blue. And I added 2 coats of clear wax. 

Old desk repurposed into a dresser/ make up table

I found hinges similar in colour to the ones already on the box. The hinges for the lid were put on as well as all the old drawer pulls. 

How to Repurpose an old desk into a Makeup Table/Vanity Table

I was going to leave the lid without a handle which could still be pulled up by the 2 cm overhang at the front.  But because I had a handle leftover I put it on the lid.  I measured the lid to find the centre and found the centre on the hinge.  I drilled my holes and used screws with a washer around the head to secure the handle.

Adding the hardware to the dresser

How to Repurpose an old desk into a Makeup Table/Vanity Table

I always have a stock of these decorative corners which I added to the front to get a nicer look

How to Repurpose an old desk into a Makeup Table/Vanity Table

I added a lift hinge to the inside of the lid, which I had to fit many times because I kept getting the position wrong.  So it might be a good idea to fit this when building.  I did have to fill in the holes with wood filler and repaint the wood.  This is where I learnt another lesson. Always mix a little extra paint for touch-ups.  Lucky for me my touch-ups were inside the lid so no one would see that the colour was slightly different.

How to Repurpose an old desk into a Makeup Table/Vanity Table

Adding a mirror

No beauty bar would be complete without a mirror on the inside of the lid.  We all need to see where we are putting on our makeup so this was a must.  I had a piece of a mirror leftover from a fake live edge mirror which I took it down to our local window shop and asked them to cut a piece the size that I needed.

How to Repurpose an old desk into a Makeup Table/Vanity Table

To attach the mirror I originally used self-adhesive velcro, but it fell down the first day.  I ended up using mirror corners to secure them in place. The image below is the most accurate picture of the final colour.  All the other pictures looked like a light blue but I think it was the sunlight that affected the colour.

How to Repurpose an old desk into a Makeup Table/Vanity Table

Adding accessories to the inside

I lined all the drawers and the compartments using a nonslip mat that I attached to the bottom using double-sided tape. And finally, to make it more appealing to a buyer I added some plastic baskets for loose makeup like mascaras, eyeliners and lipsticks. The bigger partition was to store a hairdryer and straightener.

How to Repurpose an old desk into a Makeup Table/Vanity Table

How to Repurpose an old desk into a Makeup Table/Vanity Table

Side View

How to Repurpose an old desk into a Makeup Table/Vanity Table

How to Repurpose an old desk into a Makeup Table/Vanity Table

Old desk repurposed into a dresser/ make up table

How to Repurpose an old desk into a Makeup Table/Dresser

More repurposed desk ideas

This old desk was repurposed into a standup sandpit.

Standup sandpit

Another desk repurposed into a Lego table for a toddler.

Lego table for a toddler

Pinterest pin

DIY Beauty bar to store all you makeup supplies in one place

If you are looking for any of the items used in this project, please consider using our links. By clicking on the links we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Which helps us come up with new and exciting ideas to share with you.

Ole desk repurposed into a makeup desk
Repurpose old desk
Repurpose old desk
Repurpose old desk

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66 Comments

  • Reply
    Kristie
    February 16, 2020 at 10:36 am

    Very nice, Anita! I can only marvel at your patience and skill in the completion of this beauty bar desk/table!

  • Reply
    Kate Holmes
    February 17, 2020 at 2:27 pm

    How very clever! I really love the paint colour too. #AnythingGoes

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 17, 2020 at 11:19 pm

      Thank you so much, I saw the colour on a Pinterest post and had to have it.

  • Reply
    Jeanna
    February 17, 2020 at 4:03 pm

    I don’t know if I’m more impressed by your project or that you have a jigsaw. Fantastic and creative idea and a beautiful job. I love the color, one that I have in the loft.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 17, 2020 at 11:18 pm

      Thank you so much, if you are impressed by the jigsaw you will be blown away by my workshop. I have every tool and machine a woodworker would need, lol

  • Reply
    Lydia C. Lee
    February 17, 2020 at 8:37 pm

    That’s great. Aren’t you skilled?!

  • Reply
    Sherry
    February 18, 2020 at 12:43 am

    What an amazing transformation!! I LOVE the color!!!!! Very nice!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 18, 2020 at 1:39 am

      Thank you so much for the lovely comment. It was the colour I loved first then found a piece of furniture to go with it.

  • Reply
    Esme Slabs
    February 18, 2020 at 1:58 pm

    Hi Anita, Welcome and thank you for sharing your post at #Senisal. So glad you found us and hope that you will now be a regular weekly participant. RT your post

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 18, 2020 at 7:48 pm

      Thank you, yes I will be back next week.

  • Reply
    Su-sieee! Mac
    February 19, 2020 at 3:53 am

    Very cool! And satisfying, no doubt, when you finished. You’ve got me motivated to build small basic planter boxes.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 20, 2020 at 11:21 am

      Thank you so much for the kind comment, It feels great to be able to inspire others to try new projects.

  • Reply
    Monika Ohson | TravelerInMe
    February 19, 2020 at 7:50 pm

    Brilliant work Anita. Its good to recycle things as much as we can.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 20, 2020 at 11:27 am

      Thank you so much, Monika, I have been building from recycled materials for years now it is a great way to keep my hobby cheap.

  • Reply
    Marie
    February 20, 2020 at 3:22 am

    Anita, this is such a clever repurpose! It’s like the desk was waiting to become a fabulous vanity! All those drawers make it a perfect piece of furniture to use as a makeup table. Love the color too! Pinned 🙂

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 20, 2020 at 11:29 am

      Thank you Marie, I saw the colour on Pinterest and had to have it. I just had to wait for the perfect piece of furniture to come along and this old desk was it. I have always been a hater of painted wood but I have now been converted. lol

  • Reply
    Teresa
    February 21, 2020 at 2:43 am

    Great repurpose, I love the new color too. Thank you for sharing at The Really crafty Link Party. Pinned.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 21, 2020 at 1:23 pm

      Thank you so much, I do believe the colour makes the table.

  • Reply
    Michelle
    February 21, 2020 at 7:26 pm

    What a cool idea and an amazing makeover!

    Michelle
    http://mybijoulifeonline.com

  • Reply
    Julie Briones
    February 22, 2020 at 9:52 am

    Such a super smart and pretty idea to convert a desk into a makeup vanity! Thanks for sharing at Tuesday Turn About!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 23, 2020 at 1:09 pm

      Thank you so much, beauty bars are very popular here in Australia.

  • Reply
    #SeniSal Roundup: Feb 17-21 ~ Esme Salon
    February 22, 2020 at 4:31 pm

    […] Old desk repurposed in a make up vanity  […]

  • Reply
    Julie
    February 23, 2020 at 12:03 am

    You really do put so much effort into your furniture renovations and the hard work really pays off. The results are just beautiful. I love your attention to detail.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 23, 2020 at 1:13 pm

      Thank you so much Julie, I love to try and make and old piece of furniture great again. I get such a thrill doing it. lol

  • Reply
    Cecilia
    February 24, 2020 at 8:44 am

    This is lovely, Anita–great color! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!

  • Reply
    Ann
    February 24, 2020 at 11:26 am

    I love how you repurposed this old desk, Anita. You are being featured on my blog Tuesday evening. Thank you for sharing at Party In Your PJ’s!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 25, 2020 at 2:39 pm

      Thank you so much for the lovely comment and for the feature. I really appreciate it.

  • Reply
    Dee | Grammy's Grid
    February 25, 2020 at 1:54 am

    Looks great, nice job!! Thanks so much for linking up with me at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 9, open February 1 to 26, shared. My themed party 11 for Handcrafted Jewelry is open February 15 to 25 if you have any appropriate posts.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 25, 2020 at 2:41 pm

      Thank you Dee, I must confess I always assume the parties are all anything goes. I will have to check that in the future.

  • Reply
    Melissa
    February 25, 2020 at 12:13 pm

    What an amazing job! Truly a beautiful piece! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Farm Fresh Tuesdays! You are one of my features this week at Little Frugal Homestead! Stop by to see your feature and say Hi! Congrats!

    Melissa | Little Frugal Homestead

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 25, 2020 at 2:44 pm

      Thank you so much Melissa for the feature I will be sure to pop by next week with another of my projects.

  • Reply
    Farm Fresh Tuesdays Blog Hop #41 - Little Frugal Homestead
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    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 25, 2020 at 2:45 pm

      Thank you so much for the great feature.

  • Reply
    Mayor Sonni (@Readeropolis)
    February 27, 2020 at 5:51 am

    Wow – awesome makeover! It gave me some ideas for fixing up an old side table. It’s good to recycle things when you can. Dropping by from Traffic Jam Weekend #222.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 27, 2020 at 11:52 am

      Thank you so much, Happy I could give you some inspiration.

  • Reply
    Marilyn Lesniak
    February 27, 2020 at 11:30 am

    Sorry I am late! I have been running behind this making memories! Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too! Come party with us at Over The Moon! Catapult your content Over The Moon! @marilyn_lesniak @EclecticRedBarn

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 27, 2020 at 11:51 am

      Thank you so much Marilyn, I will be back next week.

  • Reply
    Podcasting Your Purpose Workshop - DelBlogger
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    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 3, 2020 at 11:16 am

      Thank you so much for the great feature on my makeup table.

  • Reply
    Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party #223 | Epic Mommy Adventures
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    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 3, 2020 at 11:20 am

      Thank you so much for the great comment and the feature on my mirror.

  • Reply
    Teresa Hocevar
    March 4, 2020 at 2:34 am

    Do you know you can make chalk paint very easily? Just look it up online. You make the base and add the paint color of your choice. Here’s a link to a YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTNcF9b3m-g

    Your beauty bar is really awesome, but I’ve never heard of one. Beauty bars here is USA are more like a salon with beauty services.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 5, 2020 at 4:19 pm

      Thank you so much, I saw that colour on Pinterest and just had to have that colour. Beauty bars are very popular here now that women have become make-up crazy. Mine still fits in my one wash bag.lol

  • Reply
    Christina Woodcock
    March 18, 2020 at 8:30 am

    Anita this is gorgeous your hard work
    payed off! 💙

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 21, 2020 at 11:36 am

      Thank you so much Christina, it does feel great when you get a good end result.

  • Reply
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    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      April 20, 2020 at 1:41 pm

      Thank you so much for the lovely comments and for the great feature.

  • Reply
    15 Bedroom and Bathroom Makeup Storage Tips You'll Love • Organizenvy
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    […] you’re a handy DIY type, check out this upcycled makeup vanity project from Unique Creations By […]

  • Reply
    Pam
    July 12, 2021 at 9:32 pm

    That’s a great idea! And love that color!!!

  • Reply
    maria
    July 12, 2021 at 9:50 pm

    What a pretty upcycle. You really did a beautiful job. I love that kids desk too I see.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 14, 2021 at 2:48 pm

      Thank you so much, Maria, the kid’s desk was a huge hit with my great-niece.

  • Reply
    Rosemary Palmer
    July 12, 2021 at 10:18 pm

    What a great find, and makeover. Everything – hardware, color and how it will be used – just perfect.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 14, 2021 at 2:49 pm

      Thank you, the colour was something I saw and had to try, I just had to wait for a piece of furniture.

  • Reply
    Sara
    July 12, 2021 at 10:25 pm

    Beautiful transformation! You are a woman of many talents!!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 14, 2021 at 2:50 pm

      Thank you Sara, for your comments always make my day.

  • Reply
    Cat Michaels
    July 13, 2021 at 1:12 am

    Anita, they just don’t make furniture they way they used to. Love repurposing old stuff instead of tossing it, and you have the knack! Your little sand play station is too cute!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 14, 2021 at 2:51 pm

      Thanks Cat, I love the challenge of creating something new.

  • Reply
    Meegan
    July 13, 2021 at 1:52 pm

    I just love how you added so many details to make this a one-of-a-kind piece. It’s so lovely in blue! You are very talented for having a vision for making something out of nothing.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 14, 2021 at 2:51 pm

      Thank you Meegan, I get these ideas in my head and sometimes they pay off like this project.

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