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.