How to build a compact dusty pink vanity with halo mirror — 36" × 18"

Cut list

Step by step

1. Prepare smooth wooden edges

   Have the shaped recesses machined, then ease and sand the wooden components before assembly.

   • Order the two 1/8"-deep face recesses from a joinery shop.
   • Support every wooden piece on a padded bench.
   • Ease exposed wooden edges to a smooth 1/16" radius with a sanding block.
   • Sand the faces along the grain with 180-grit paper.
   • Mark the hidden mirror bonding lands before finishing.

2. Assemble the compact base

   Join the sides, rear brace, divider and concealed tabletop cleats.

   • Clamp the rear brace between the two side panels.
   • Drill pilot holes with the cordless drill and a depth stop.
   • Drive the rear panel screws into the sides and divider.
   • Set the cleat tops 3/4" below the side-panel tops.
   • Fasten the cleats through their inside edges.

3. Attach top and mirror supports

   Attach the unpierced top from below and secure the mirror backing and reinforced arm mast.

   • Clamp the tabletop flush with the side panels.
   • Drive the tabletop screws upward through the cleats.
   • Glue the divider top to its bare bonding land.
   • Screw both mirror uprights and the arm mast to the rear brace.
   • Fasten the mirror backing through its front into both uprights.
   • Fill the backing screw recesses flush before glazing.

4. Build both drawer boxes

   Assemble square drawer boxes, attach their bottoms and secure the inset faces from inside.

   • Clamp each box front and back between its sides.
   • Drive the side screws into the box ends.
   • Fasten each bottom to all four box edges.
   • Glue each face spacer into its shallow recess.
   • Clamp each inset face with a 1/8" reveal around the opening.
   • Drive the face screws from inside the drawer box.

5. Apply the matte pink finish

   Fill, prime and paint the visible wood dusty pink, preserving bare adhesive lands and fully curing before hardware installation.

   • Fill the exposed plywood edges and visible assembly screw recesses.
   • Mask the mirror adhesive lands and glued contact surfaces.
   • Prime the wooden show surfaces.
   • Apply two thin matte dusty pink coats.
   • Touch up the purchased arm's brushed-gold finish only where needed.
   • Allow the coating to cure completely before fitting the slides.

6. Fit the soft-close runners

   Install two pairs of full-extension soft-close runners and adjust both inset drawer reveals.

   • Mark level slide centerlines 26" above the floor on the cabinet sides.
   • Set cabinet members back 7/8" from the cabinet front.
   • Screw each cabinet member through its slotted holes.
   • Fasten drawer members flush with the box fronts at matching center heights.
   • Slide both drawers into their runners.
   • Drive the remaining screws after adjusting the face reveals.

7. Fit mirrors and halo lighting

   Install the large mirror, concealed low-voltage halo kit and purchased articulated magnifier assembly.

   • Bond the main mirror to the prepared backing lands.
   • Support the mirror until the adhesive has fully cured.
   • Mount diffused LED sections behind the backing, 3/4" inside its perimeter.
   • Route flexible jumper leads around the uprights without pinching them.
   • Fasten the purchased arm base to the reinforced right-hand mast.
   • Adjust the pivot friction and magnifier tilt using the supplied fittings.

8. Restrain and check the vanity

   Restrain the vanity to a suitable wall and verify drawer movement, halo clearance and magnifier adjustment before use.

   • Identify the actual wall construction before selecting restraint fixings.
   • Attach the restraint straps to the rear uprights and suitable wall anchors.
   • Set the mirror backing at least 2" clear of the wall for the halo.
   • Test the magnifier throughout its swivel and tilt travel.
   • Check the drawers individually through their full travel.
   • Set the warm-white halo brightness to a comfortable level.