u/Dry-Ad-1445

Hi all!
I am at the beginning stages of DIYing a dupe of the Urban Outfitters “Jane” vanity and would love some advice before committing to materials/cutting.

The original dimensions are:

• Vanity: 635mm L × 600mm W × 787mm H
• Chair: 502mm diameter × 787mm H including backrest

I’m simplifying the chair into a backless upholstered ottoman version:

• approx. 500mm diameter × 508mm H

The overall idea is:

• upholstered cylindrical vanity
• hollow interior with front opening
• internal tray/shelf for rigidity + storage
• hinged mirror lid
• hidden structural frame with upholstery over top

I’m intentionally approaching this more like scenic fabrication/prop building rather than fine cabinetry, since the upholstery will hide minor imperfections.

Current planned materials:

• 2 × 600mm round pine panels (top + bottom)
• 4mm long-grain bendy ply for the curved outer shell
• pine internal supports/frame
• 12mm MDF or pine for the internal tray
• upholstery foam + batting + leopard upholstery fabric
• soft-close hinges + acrylic mirror

Why I chose the materials:

• 4mm long-grain bendy ply seems flexible enough for the 600mm curve while still being rigid once attached to the top/bottom and tray
• upholstery should hide joins and slight inconsistencies
• internal tray should help stop racking/flex due to the large front opening
• using pine rounds avoids needing to cut perfect circles myself

Planned build sequence:

1. Cut/open the front section from the top and bottom rounds
2. Build internal frame with vertical pine supports
3. Install internal tray/shelf across the opening for rigidity
4. Wrap 4mm bendy ply around the frame to form the cylinder
5. Screw/glue ply into top and bottom
6. Cut/sand opening smooth
7. Install hinged mirror lid
8. Foam, batting and upholster exterior
9. Reupholster or build matching ottoman

Estimated budget:

• hoping to keep total build under AUD $400–500

Main questions:

1. Does the structure seem sound for a beginner build?
2. Is 4mm long-grain bendy ply enough for this application or would you go thicker?
3. Any issues you foresee with the large front cutout structurally?
4. Any tips for getting the curved upholstery looking clean/smooth?

Would especially appreciate advice from anyone with experience in:

• curved furniture
• upholstery
• prop/set fabrication
• exhibition/display construction

Attached:

• original vanity reference
• updated construction plan/mockup
• materials references

Jane Vanity Dupe Plan