I prefer a average table height, 30" so I can use any regular chair. a padded seat is nice.

When I was much younger I had a low counter shelf in my closet with a stool tucked under, out of the way... find a slim comfortable chair at a thrift shop and "decorate" it to suit.

I agree! i said 30-32 but 32 maybe too hugh. thx!

Years ago I purchased at HomeGoods a square ottoman/pouf with a stretchy terricloth slipcover. It works great because if I tranfer makeup to the fabric I can simply wash the slipcover.

29-30" is the correct height for a vanity (same as height for a dining table) I wouldn't want a seat with a full back for this area. Too much clutter visually IMO.

I have this LED mirror for makeup. I have required this since my 60s. I have to have a mirror within 6 inches of my face to do any detail work like eye liner.

They also have round LED mirrors. The nice feature is that the LED bulbs do not add any heat like old incandescent bulbs.

Actually it depends on your vision— eyesight, that is— and whether you are using the wall mirror mostly , or need an very magnified makeup mirror, because the latter can also work at higher- counter height ( like more modern counters) , allowing you to have a one- level counter. That is especially true if you then use the “ extra height” to fit in a nice drawer so can easily grab/ put away makeup items.

There is a drawer. There are sonks and cabinets acroos from the vanity. i have horrible vision lol so i thouhy i woukd mirrir the whole wall above the counter and attach a close up mirror as well

I’ve had both low and high and find I prefer counter height because of the magnifying mirror. I’m not trying to eat or write at it, and I use a regular chair. Try sitting at both as a test. You could get an adjustable height bar stool if needed (table to counter height).

My vanity tops have been 29-30”. I use a sturdy, large 17” stool and have great luck. I also have poor vision and use a 10 or 12x makeup mirror with a wall mirror in back to see the overall view.

Any of the pictured examples look lovely.

A chair with back piece lets you lean back to study the effect of the paint job.

It was so liberating to stop wearing make up when I retired 12 years ago.

An application of face cream still enhances my appearance...I smear it on the mirror.

Do enjoy a nice warm holiday all you lovely Houzzers!

29-32" can all be correct heights. It depends on what you are comfortable with. Do you currently have a space you are comfortable seated at? How high is it? Do you like to sit in a chair of average height, or maybe a bit shorter stool to sit and tuck your feet under? Might you be a percher, and could prefer sitting on a taller stool that has foot rungs? Then maybe you would want a much higher counter. Or really tend to stand most of the time anyway, and want your counter height to be there.

It's just a shelf. It does not have plumbing or electric in it to consider. It can be any height you want. Your contractor isn't going to be using it, you are. Do be sure there is electrical in those wall though for outlets and lighting.

Does anyone have any 36” in photos?

Most kitchen and bathroom counters are set at 35" to 36" these days, so you can use a kitchen overhang with counter height stools to get a visual. I don't think I would want to sit at a counter height stool to do my makeup. I prefer having my feet on the ground, specially as we age.

I had a similar setup and found I much preferred three drawers over the pullout. It’s difficult to access the lower levels standing or sitting. (This pic is not mine.)