How to Make a Child's Vanity Dressing Table

Measure the height of an old wooden side table from surface to floor to determine where to cut the legs. Depending on the child's age and height, the vanity should be between 19 and 24 inches high, so mark the legs at the appropriate spot.

Cut the legs with a handsaw or jigsaw, being careful to keep the cuts level so the table won't wobble. Sand the bottom of the legs lightly to remove any rough edges. Remove the drawer knob.

Paint the table a light color to match the room's décor. A lavender-tinted white goes with pinks or blues easily, and might not look too fussy if your girl isn't into pink. Allow the paint to dry between coats, but give the table at least two coats to protect it from nicks and scratches.

Stencil a design on the front of the drawer, marking the outlines lightly in pencil. Use a thin brush and hobby paint to outline the design in gold or a contrasting color.

Replace the drawer knob with a cut "crystal" knob -- Lucite, plastic or Plexiglas from the hardware store. Position the vanity against the wall.

Paint the frame of an ornate mirror from the flea market or the attic to match the vanity, or paint it to match the trim. Hang the mirror on the wall behind the vanity so the diva can check her hair and makeup.

Place a wooden step stool or a small chair with a ruffled cushion in front of the vanity and place a small vase with a single flower in front of the mirror. If the child is a toddler, an artificial flower and a waterless, unbreakable vase would be a wise choice.