vanities

A vanity is a piece of furniture used for grooming and personal preparation. It typically combines a work surface, a mirror, and storage. In bedrooms, it is usually a free-standing dressing table, while in bathrooms a vanity often refers to a cabinets-and-sink unit integrated into the plumbing.

Vanities originated as ornate dressing tables in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries and evolved with changes in interior design. In the 19th and 20th centuries, bathroom vanities emerged as indoor plumbing became common, leading to built-in or modular units.

Common forms include traditional dressing tables with drawers and a central mirror, console vanities with a narrow tabletop, and bathroom vanities that combine a countertop, sink, and storage. Units may be freestanding, wall-mounted, or corner installations to suit space constraints.

Vanities use countertops of wood, stone, or laminate. Bathroom variants may include ceramic or porcelain sinks. Storage is provided by drawers, cabinets, or open shelves; mirrors may be plain or framed, and some designs incorporate built-in lighting or electrical outlets.

Designs range from ornate antique recreations to minimal modern forms. Maintenance emphasizes moisture resistance in bathrooms and regular cleaning of surfaces and hardware, with attention to proper sealing of countertops and plumbing connections.

The term vanity also denotes excessive pride, but in furniture usage it refers to a practical grooming surface rather than moral attributes.