The right vanity can transform the look and feel of your bathroom. Not only is it a place where you can get ready and have a little “me” time, but it can also be a central aesthetic element within the room.
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing the right bathroom vanity for your space and habits. It’s important that you have a general idea of what you want before shopping for a stock vanity or working with a custom vanity company. That’s why we crafted this article.
To help you, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about how to choose a bathroom vanity.
A. Explore Your Options
1. Measure Your Space
Measuring your space will help determine the best shape and size for your vanity. You should consider measuring your vanity area around plumbing and existing features, such as outlets for bathroom vanity lights.
2. Who Is Going to Use It?
It’s a good idea to consider who will be using your bathroom when exploring your vanity options. Taller adults will need a taller vanity countertop, while children could require a shorter one.
3. Decide How Many Sinks You Will Add
If you plan to add double-sinks, you should check your plumbing setup and plan on installing a large bathroom vanity that can accommodate it. A double-sink vanity can be mounted on the floor or into the wall depending on space and style preferences.
4. Plumbing Location
Plumbing sometimes dictates where your vanity can be installed. You can move your vanity plumbing around, but this can be an expensive and time-consuming project.
5. Determine Placement and Size
Bathroom vanity placement and size depends on the layout of the room. You don’t want to disrupt the flow of your bathroom, so be mindful of installing a vanity near a swinging door or too close to a shower.
6. Personal Style
Bathroom vanities should fit your personal style. If you cannot find a standard vanity that meets your aesthetic or design dreams, work with an expert to design a custom vanity that does.
7. Color and Finishes
You should also consider the color and finish you want for your bathroom vanity. For inspiration, you might want to match your vanity to the colors and themes of your home.
8. Hardware
Hardware is often overlooked, but can be a key part of making your bathroom vanity stand out. For instance, you can add stainless steel handles to your vanity drawers and cabinets that can give off a modern look.
9. Storage
Consider how much storage you need before purchasing a vanity. You might need more drawer and cabinet space if you are buying a vanity for the master bathroom, while guest baths and powder rooms could require less.
10. Wood Type
If you are considering a wood vanity, make sure it’s water resistant. Some wood materials wear down faster than others and require frequent repairs.
B. Bathroom Vanity Styles
Bathroom vanities come in a wide variety of styles. Let’s look at a few of your options.
1. Floor Mounted
These vanities stretch down to the floor, which allows for more cabinets and drawers. A floor mounted vanity might be ideal for a master bathroom. It provides extra storage space for makeup, shaving products, and other bathroom necessities.
2. Wall-Mounted
Vanities that mount on the wall make a bathroom feel larger by leaving the floor underneath exposed. These vanities are a great way to make guest bathrooms and powder rooms appear more spacious than they really are.
3. Floating Vanities
Wall-mounted vanities that give off the illusion of floating work well in a small modern bathroom. Floating vanities tend to have less storage space than floor mounted vanities, but they do provide enough drawer space for extra hand soap and toilet paper.
4. Corner Vanities
Corner vanities take up very little room, so they work well in small bathrooms or ones with an awkward layout. It’s important to keep in mind that because these are small bathroom vanities, they offer limited counter and drawer space.
5. Double – Sink Vanities
Double-sink vanities are ideal for a master bathroom. They allow partners to have their own space to brush their teeth, shave, and more. You can add double-sinks to either a wall or floor mounted vanity. Just keep in mind that these vanities leave you with less counter space.
6. Tops Vanity
When purchasing a vanity, you’ll need to decide between buying one with or without a countertop preinstalled. Purchasing a vanity without a preinstalled top allows you to choose your own countertop material, which could be a benefit if you have a specific design in mind.
7. Freestanding Vanities
A freestanding vanity rests on a bathroom floor on its own. Freestanding vanities can offer plenty of storage and are easy to install. However, these vanities should be anchored to a wall for safety.
8. Built ins
Built-in bathroom sink vanities are convenient and easy to install. The standard vanity size for built-ins is often a little small, so these might work better in a guest bathroom.
9. Vanity Cabinet
Vanity cabinets can be custom built to fit your needs. For instance, you can add a towel rack to the bottom or fill the storage space with drawers and cabinets.
10. Console Vanities
A console vanity traditionally leaves the space between the counter and the floor open. Instead of cabinets and drawers, you see the wall, plumbing, and stylish legs of the vanity.
11. Vessel
Vessel sinks are mounted on top of a vanity counter, unlike traditional sinks that dip down into a counter. A vessel sink tends to work well in a modern home and is a great way to add height and texture to your countertop.
C. Vanity Shapes
Once you determine the right vanity style for your bathroom, you must consider which bathroom vanity size and shape works best. Let’s explore a few of your options.
1. Round
A round vanity is ideal for a powder room because it takes up very little space. However, you’ll want to keep in mind that these small vanities have room for cabinet and drawer storage underneath.
2. Rectangular
A rectangular vanity is usually installed in larger bathrooms. It offers more storage and countertop space than many other shapes. Since these are large bathroom vanities, they can usually accommodate a double sink, which is something that many couples want.
3. Square
A square vanity is smaller in width to a rectangular vanity, so they take up less space but allow less storage. As a result, these narrow vanities are ideal for medium or small sized bathrooms.
D. Common Bathroom Vanity Materials
Now that you have an understanding of the various vanity shape options, let’s look at common materials that are used to produce good-quality vanities.
1. Laminate
A laminate countertop makes for a smooth surface and is affordable, durable, and water-resistant. However, laminate is difficult to repair if it suffers any damage – something to keep in mind if your vanity will see a lot of action on a daily basis.
2. Solid Plywood
This is a sturdy material option for bathroom vanities. It’s better at resisting moisture than other forms of wood. Solid plywood can be a bit expensive, but it’s durable and built to last.
3. Particle Board
Particle board is a combination of different wood particles that are glued, heated, and pressed together. This material is great at resisting moisture and is typically covered by a veneer to give it an appealing look.
4. Glass
Glass countertops are stain-resistant and a great choice if you are aiming for a modern, sleek bathroom feel. Remember that a glass countertop requires consistent cleaning to maintain its polished shine.
5. Wood
A wood bathroom countertop can add a rustic, warm feel to your bathroom. If you choose to use wood materials for your vanity, make sure they are water-resistant and sealed well.
6. Stone
Natural stone, like marble or granite, gives your bathroom vanity an elegant feel. Stone countertops can be a hefty financial investment, but stone is one of the most durable and stain-resistant materials you can install in a bathroom.
E. Maintenance
If you want to extend the life of your new vanity, you must maintain it properly over time. Here are some tips to keeping your bathroom vanity clean and long-lasting:
- Clean regularly.
- Avoid harsh chemicals in cleaning products.
- Minimize water on countertops.
- Regularly dust and polish.
- Reseal your vanity countertop once a year.
- Wipe up spills immediately – don’t let them sit.
Are You Interested in Custom Bathroom Vanities?
If you are interested in custom bathroom vanities, Holland’s Custom Cabinets in El Cajon can help you create your ideal setup. We have been designing custom cabinets and vanities for over 40 years, so you can rest assure that you’re in good hands. Our experts are ready to work with you to design a vanity that fits your style and needs.
For more information about custom bathroom vanities, contact us online or call 619-443-6081 today!
