Decorating a Holiday Vanity: Playful Modern Styling Tips

I’ve been experimenting with bathroom and vanity ideas lately, and the holidays felt like the perfect time to bring them to life. With the season full of entertaining and gatherings, a refreshed vanity can make a small but memorable impact.

Decorating a bathroom or vanity might not seem like the most exciting project, but it’s a space that gets daily use. Making it attractive and a little playful makes everyday routines more enjoyable—and it’s a great place to add personality to your home.

For these ideas I teamed up again with the team at Q-tips to share a few simple DIY projects that translate well to both vanity stations and bathrooms. My studio bathroom wasn’t quite ready for a full reveal, so I staged these ideas at a vanity, but they work just as well in a bathroom if you want something modern and a bit quirky.

“On Fleek” Hand-Lettered Mirror

I picked up a vanity mirror on sale for $20 that needed a refresh. We added a playful message with a paint pen and swapped the metal hanging chain for a colorful pink cord. Writing on mirrors with paint pens is fun because you can correct mistakes or remove the message later with glass cleaner and a Q-tips Precision Tip.

This project doesn’t require formal steps—simply write your word or phrase directly on the mirror with a paint pen. For any smudges or unwanted paint, use a little glass cleaner and a Q-tips Precision Tip to clean the area. I photographed the lettering process from start to finish in case you want a visual guide.

Patterned Storage Containers

For a second project, I found inexpensive containers at Target and dressed them up with adhesive decals to add pattern and color. You can use any small container—store-bought jars, recycled cans, or tins all work if you want to get creative. I used a removable wall decal to cover the containers, but you can choose any adhesive pattern you like.

Materials

Small containers (with or without lids)
Q-tips Precision Tips
Q-tips Beauty Rounds
Adhesive decals or removable wallpaper
Acrylic paint
Scissors
Measuring tape

How to make patterned containers

Optional: Paint directly onto the decal before applying it to the container for extra color or contrast. I used Q-tips Precision Tips as a disposable tool instead of a paintbrush to avoid cleanup.
Measure the container and trim the decal to fit. Carefully apply the decal to the container, smoothing out air bubbles as you go.
For metallic-looking lids, apply a thin layer of paint (I aimed for a coppery finish) with Q-tips Beauty Rounds. Let the paint dry completely before using.

Fill the finished containers with bathroom essentials like cotton swabs and beauty rounds, then place them on a vanity or in a guest bathroom for a polished, practical update.

Photography and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff and Amelia Tatnall
Mirror hand lettering by Rachel Brewer

Would you try these ideas?

I’d love to hear whether you’d try a hand-lettered mirror or patterned containers in your bathroom or vanity area—feel free to share your thoughts or variations.

This post was created in partnership with Q-tips. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Paper & Stitch running.