So Your Kid Wants a Vanity in Their Room? Here are Your Options

According to James Pearse Connelly, celebrity designer and CEO of JPConnelly—an Emmy Award-winning design firm—kids' vanity sets are child-sized versions of vanities adults use. Typically, these sets include a child-sized table, an adjustable mirror and a matching stool. They are often crafted from sturdy materials that are safe for kids, such as plastic or wood.

Kids vanities can be used by children of different ages. For younger children, these sets mainly serve as platforms for imaginative play. As kids grow older, however, they can use them for practical tasks like organizing their belongings, creating grooming routines, and building self-care habits.

Types of kids vanities

Even though many children's vanities share similar design elements, some are tailored to suit different age groups and preferences. Here's an overview of some of the most popular types of children's vanities available today:

Toddler vanities

Toddler vanities are designed for children aged two to five, with carefully considered proportions and features suited to their developmental stage. Safety and ease of use are prioritized, and the vanities often feature smooth edges, durable materials capable of withstanding rough play, and non-toxic paints and finishes.

While their primary purpose is to add a fun and imaginative element to a child's bedroom, some toddler vanities also come with bonus features like built-in lights, appropriately sized mirrors and larger accessories that are easy for little hands to use.

Girls vanity sets

These vanities are suitable for girls aged five and up, offering a fun upgrade from toddler-sized options. Unlike their smaller counterparts, these larger vanity sets often include features resembling adult vanities, such as functional lights and practical storage drawers. They're also versatile, potentially doubling as a homework station or creative space.

Kids makeup vanities

These vanities are similar in size to girls' vanity sets but are specifically designed with makeup in mind. They often feature specialized compartments and elements to facilitate easy storage and application of makeup and cosmetic products.

Benefits of a kids vanity

Kids' vanities do more than look cute. They help children play creatively and learn good hygiene habits. Here's how:

Imaginative play

Tara Donatiello, LAC, licensed associate counsellor and a National Certified Counselor specializing in child and adolescent psychotherapy, highlights that children's vanities offer a significant advantage by encouraging creative and imaginative play.

"Children's vanity sets can provide a fun way for children to be creative and use their imaginations," she explains. "Along with playing dress up and pretend, vanity sets can give children the opportunity to explore and test out different looks and roles."

Independence and self-care

Kids' vanities also teach children the importance of taking care of their personal grooming and hygiene habits. By using these products, children learn essential skills in a child-friendly environment.

However, Donatiello says it's important for parents to be aware of the messages they give to children surrounding the ideals of physical appearance, whether they be intentional or not. She explains, "Children are already exposed to many influential messages and images in the media, and it is important that, as role models and gatekeepers, we limit their exposure to messages that may be harmful to their self-esteem, body image  and overall mental health."

Storage solutions and organization

Children's vanities offer practical storage solutions with drawers and shelves, promoting bedroom tidiness. Additionally, these features help children develop important organizational skills as they learn to sort and store their belongings.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Kids Vanity

The internet offers a plethora of kids' vanities in different shades and budget options. To ensure you pick the perfect one, consider these crucial elements during your search.

Size and growth

When shopping for kids' vanities, Connelly says it's essential to consider your child's current size and anticipated growth over the next few years.

"A vanity that's too small will quickly become impractical, while one that's too large may be uncomfortable or unsafe for younger children," he says. "Generally, it's advisable to refresh items in a child's space every three years, especially for children over five. Therefore, aim to select a vanity that will accommodate your child's growth and changing needs for at least that duration."

Safety features

Parents should prioritize safety when choosing kids' vanities. Rounded edges and robust construction are essential features for families with young kids. The entire unit, including the table and stool, should be built to withstand active use.

Durability is key when selecting materials, with wood, plastic, and metal being excellent options that can endure rough handling. Additionally, parents must verify that the vanity's finishes are non-toxic and that the surface is easy to maintain and clean.

Added features

Parents should also consider options with extra features to enhance functionality. Look for designs that offer convenient storage solutions like drawers and shelves, which allow your little one to keep their space tidy. A vanity with an adjustable mirror can also grow with your child, while LED lighting with customizable brightness adds a touch of fun.

Style and design

Finally, style and design hold equal significance, as Connelly suggests that they can transform the item into a room's centrepiece.

"When you are shopping for vanities, let the vanity style dictate other styles in the room," suggests Connelly. "A vanity is a feature piece, so if you're looking to upgrade your little princess's room — start with the vanity and then shop for the dresser."

Kids Vanity Brands and Models

Costzon Kids Vanity with Lights

This top-rated vanity set seamlessly blends safety and style, making it a perfect choice for kids who want a vanity. The child-friendly design features rounded edges and secure wall mounting, and its shatterproof mirror provides peace of mind, eliminating concerns about potential injuries during use.

This vanity also comes with exciting bonus features. Its LED mirror enhances functionality with two lighting modes, while the design maximizes storage with open shelves, a spacious tabletop, a drawer, and a cabinet. It is also crafted from durable MDF and has eight stylish colour choices.

JOYMOR Kids Vanity Set

This affordable vanity set, priced under $100, is perfect for kids who love dress-up and pretend makeup play. It has a child-friendly design featuring rounded corners and edges, a tri-fold mirror with multiple viewing angles and a matching stool. This vanity is also made from sturdy engineered wood, ensuring it's built to last.

Parents rave about its durability, even with rough play. matt roe, a verified Amazon customer, writes, "My daughter is rough on her toys and things. I didn’t think this would last long but it is built and constructed very well. 4 months later it still looks and functions just as it did on the day she got it."

Teamson Kids Princess Gisele Starry Sky Print 2-Piece Kids Wooden Play Vanity Set

It's no wonder this is Amazon's #1 most gifted kids' vanity—it perfectly blends fun with safety. The beautiful, vibrant colours will catch their eye, and parents will appreciate the rigorous safety testing it has passed.

This vanity is made with non-toxic paint and is free from harmful chemicals. It features smooth, rounded corners to prevent injuries. It is also available in four styles and is priced under $100.

Play22 Pretend Play Girls Vanity Set with Mirror and Stool

If you're looking for an under $50 vanity that doesn't disappoint, say hello to this child-friendly option. It's entirely made of durable plastic and comes with a vanity, a stool, and various accessories (20 items in total), including a hairdryer, brush, comb, mirror, lipstick, perfume bottles and jewelry.

This vanity set requires batteries but features working lights and realistic sound effects. It also has a built-in drawer for easy storage, and its dimensions make it the perfect size for young children to use.

Vabches Kids Vanity with Lighted Mirror

This kid's makeup vanity is also a great choice for little ones. The dimensions are perfect for smaller rooms, and the set has a table, stool, and mirror.

This vanity is made from a durable density board and solid wood legs. All paints are non-toxic and odorless. It also has two colour choices and a storage drawer for essentials.

This under $100 vanity set, available in three colours, is great for those who want a piece that grows with their child. Not only does it have areas for storage and adjustable lights, but two USB ports for easy charging. On top of that, it's made with engineered wood that is not only sturdy and durable but easy to clean.

Give your child a special spot to dream and play with this adorable vanity and stool set. It's designed with young ones in mind, featuring a vanity mirror with a touch-light to brighten their smiles. Three roomy drawers provide plenty of space for storing their favourite things, while the matching stool is sturdy and sized perfectly for little legs.

Parents appreciate how easy it is to assemble and how compact its size is, which fits well in most rooms. ashtyn828, a satisfied Amazon customer, shares, "It’s the perfect size for her, and she can still grow into it. Easy to put together. It has a little drawer where she can put her little makeup and little circle slots on top that she can put her brushes in. The light isn’t a real light, it works but it doesn’t like brighten up the place, just a little yellow light. Overall it’s super cute and perfect for little girls who love makeup."

Although children's vanities offer benefits like fostering creativity, instilling organizational skills, and teaching grooming habits, parents should be aware of potential safety issues before incorporating one into their home.

Stability and tip-over prevention

Kids are often prone to knocking things over or accidentally hurting themselves. That's why Bree Steele, an interior designer and trade manager at RJ Living, an Australian-based designer furniture and homewares brand, emphasizes the importance of stability and tip-over prevention when choosing furniture.

Steele explains, "Vanities can easily tip over if a child leans against them or tries to climb them. In your search, make sure to look for vanities that have anti-tip hardware to anchor them securely to the wall."

Non-toxic materials and finishes

Kids spend a lot of time playing and touching, and naturally, they spend a lot of time in their rooms. Because of this, Steel advises ensuring that the vanity's paint is free from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde or lead-based paints. "Particular certifications, like GreenGuard, will make this easier," she explains.

Age-appropriate accessories

"Depending on your children's age, you might want to consider age-appropriate accessories," she says. "If your kids are younger, shatterproof mirrors might be a helpful option. If your kids are older and pretty tame (don't break things often), I don't think it will be too much of a necessity."

Proper supervision during use

No matter what vanity you choose, it's important to supervise your child properly when using it. This means teaching them how to use, clean, and keep safety features.

Maintenance and care

Like all furniture pieces, a kids' vanity can become dirty over time, so keeping it clean is vital. "Things tend to get messy when children are around, so ensuring that their space is sanitary is important," says Steele. "Make it a habit to check the drawers occasionally for any leftover food items."

To enhance the longevity of the vanity, Steele recommends teaching children how to keep their space organized and tidy, which helps reduce wear and tear. "Motivate them to clean the vanity regularly," she suggests. "By wiping down the surface daily with a soft, damp cloth, you can remove dust and avoid buildup, ensuring that the piece remains in excellent condition."

Crafting a DIY vanity

For an enjoyable DIY activity with the kids, Steele proposes making a custom vanity together. "This project is great because it allows kids to express their individual style while also giving them a feeling of success," she notes.

Steele advises repurposing an old desk or table and painting it the colour your child loves most to craft a DIY vanity easily. When it comes to the mirror, choose one that is safe and shatterproof.

Alternatives to kids vanities

When space is limited for a conventional vanity, several alternatives are worth exploring. According to Steele, "One of the easiest options is to get a dresser with a mirror, which serves a dual purpose for both storage and vanity. "Another option is a wall-mounted vanity station, which provides the same utility without taking up much floor space.

Look into portable vanity organizers for convenient storage. Steele notes that these compact options are easily found online and are specifically designed to keep kids' essentials organized and within reach.

These days, kids are getting interested in beauty and makeup at a younger age, which leads to discussions about the necessity of kids' vanities. However, these furniture pieces can provide valuable storage space, making the purchase of a kids' vanity a worthwhile consideration. They can serve as a place for beauty routines and as a functional area for homework and organizing belongings.

When selecting a kids' vanity, it's crucial to consider factors such as size, materials, and safety features. These elements help ensure that the vanity is suitable for your child's age and safe for them to use. Most importantly, teach your child the significance of taking care of their vanity by cleaning it regularly and maintaining its condition.

Experts

• James Pearse Connelly is a celebrity designer and the CEO & Principal Creative at JPConnelly, an Emmy Award-winning design services company.
• Tara Donatiello, LAC, is a licensed associate counselor and a National Certified Counselor, specializing in child and adolescent psychotherapy.
• Bree Steele is an interior designer and trade manager at RJ Living, an Australian-based designer furniture and homewares brand.