How can I raise the height of this vanity?

Question

I bought this lovely antique piece, but it's too short for an average adult. Can I safely add castors to the bottom of the feet or might they split? Any other ideas to raise the height and still have it attractive to look at? Thanks!

Mary Chaisson · Answer

Put it on castors? It looks like it had them to begin with.

Tammie Housley · Answer

Have you thought about removing the current legs and replacing them with taller ones?

Sooz · Answer

Sorry,I'll restart. I would add the decorative turned wood finials you find at Lowes or Home depot. They can be screwed right into the bottoms of the existing legs. They can be anywhere from 4-10 inches high

Danielle · Answer

I think Sooz hit the nail on the head with the turned finials idea. It will raise the height and look authentic to the piece.

Adrianne C · Answer

Just remember to predrill the holes. It also looks like the top part may be lifted uo as well.

Susan Bradbury · Answer

The simple thing to do is add some rolling wheels- it will add about 2 inches. I bought white ones for mine and painted my vanity white and added black embellishments- it turned out great!

Vicki · Answer

There are bathroom vanities that 'float' a glass top over the wooden top, usually sitting on 4 chrome supports at about an 1'-2' high.  You could do something similiar and the supports could be made from any number of items - old wooden spools?? - whatever appeals to you.  It's a different approach to elevating.

Janal · Answer

To piggy back... after extending the legs, which is what I would do as well,  make sure they are strong and sturdy enough to support the weight and function for this piece, then add wooden casters as per the original design :)

Bluemyrtle45 · Answer

Looks like they have been cut. Here is an ad with something almost the same. Try and copy this as close as possible to create the original look. Your local wood shop should offer the right assistance. http://www.kijiji.ca/v-bed-mattress/city-of-toronto/antique-bedroom-set/1043044819?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Tonia · Answer

I don't believe that it has been cut. I have a similar vanity mine has the original seat that came with the bedroom set. These were short on purpose. Women sat and did their hair and make up. You may find holes in the bottom where the original wooden casters were inserted. If there aren't any just pre drill holes and add casters. I would try and find some second hand wooden casters so it still looks authentic.

Barbara · Answer

I agree with Tonia. Adding vintage casters would be maintaining the integrity of the piece and still give the added height needed. It's so lovely!

Dee · Answer

My first impulse was to place the vanity on 'glass' balls. Do you remember those hard plexi 'clacker' balls? One on each end of a string? If you could get something like that in a deep color to match your decor they could be threaded into the bottom of the legs (using the holes in the bottom) and have a protective pad on the bottom. They would definitely be strong enough and you might even find some with flecks of color to add to the 'old' look.
I wish I could explain this better!! I can see the vision, but can anyone else?

Grammie · Answer

Bun Feet would look nice

Sharron Abrams · Answer

Some antiques have nice vintage rollers - that would add a great statement to your piece

Elizabeth · Answer

I can't tell how much taller you want it to be... a few inches? a foot or more? Here's a thought... place a bracket or two on the back and hang it, you will then have a floating vanity

Bev Deardurff · Answer

I've watch the Antiques Roadshow Many times they mention that a peice of furniture' was stored in a damp place and the bottom's of the legs were ruined, so the feet were cut off making it short/low. Your vanity could have had claw feet. Is there a tag somewhere telling who was the maker? Or Google it, maybe you can find an example of a vanity similar to your''s. Compare and if anything is missing at the end of the legs of your vanity you can restore it to it's proper form.I hope this helps you out.

Jaxon · Answer

You could just make a small platform to elevate it. We did that in a bathroom we remodeled and really ended up loving it. It was hardly even noticeable. Good luck!

Cynthia · Answer

I would add a 'shelf' ( with routed edges to match your top) beneath each set of existing legs, then a new set of legs beneath those- storage and added height!!

Ilona Elliott · Answer

What Cynthia said.

Sandra wilson · Answer

Decorative Spindle...most are about 4feet long. cut in half screw to leg by drill both and a 2 ended screw( my bed is four post and it has them.)

Mcgypsy9 · Answer

My first question is: Have you done anything with it yet? If not...I would make or buy 2 boxes that are open on one side. Add one to each side and add baskets or a smaller drawer type box with a nice handle to match the vanity. This is an awesome piece!

Patty Winchell- Yettaw · Answer

So I’m kind of curious what you ended up doing with your vanity. I have a beautiful on I just redid and am wanting to sell. These types of vanit are called a dressing vanity. They are about 3-4” shorter than a makeup vanity. Personally I love it the way it is but so far every buyer that has come to look at it says the same thing “ Is this a child’s vanity?” And decide it is to short to sit at and they don’t want it. With antiques like this I hate to permanently alter it because you are destroying its value. These dressing vanities are hard to come by and can be worth some money. But since everyone wants them higher they are actually hard to sell. So I’m trying to find a way to add height without ruining the original legs.

How can I raise the height of this vanity?

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How can I raise the height of this vanity?

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