A bathroom vanity is more than just a cabinet under the sink. It’s where you wash up, do your hair, and get ready for the day. Plus, it’s a handy spot to keep daily tools, toiletries, and even some cleaning supplies.
If you’ve ever renovated or built a house, though, you know picking the right vanity isn’t easy. With so many sizes and styles to choose from, the process can be overwhelming.
Over the years, our team at Holland’s Custom Cabinets has helped numerous homeowners navigate the process of selecting the perfect cabinets for their bathrooms. Based on our expertise, we’re excited to share the most popular types of creative bathroom vanities we’ve encountered.
18 of the Most Popular Types of Bathroom Vanities
Here’s a rundown of some popular bathroom vanity styles to help you find the perfect match for your space.
1. Traditional Bathroom Vanities
Traditional bathroom vanities bring a timeless, classic touch. Typically made from wood or marble, these feature ornate details such as intricate carvings, vintage knobs, and standout raised-panel doors.
Traditional vanities might also include double sinks, beautiful woodwork, and antique-inspired details. They come in deep, rich colors such as mahogany or walnut to give the bathroom an elegant vibe.
2. Modern Bathroom Vanities
Most modern bathroom vanities have clean lines, smooth surfaces, and stick to a neutral, minimalist color scheme. They’re often constructed using glass, metal, or engineered wood for a contemporary, streamlined look.
Tempered glass is an especially hot choice for modern vanities because it makes the bathroom feel open and airy. If you’re leaning towards a sleek, industrial aesthetic, try stainless steel.
3. Rustic Bathroom Vanities
Rustic vanities are perfect if you’re going for a cozy, cabin-in-the-woods vibe. They’re usually made from natural materials such as raw or reclaimed wood, which adds a ton of charm to the bathroom. You can use metal accents such as iron handles or hinges to give them a bit more of an old-school feel.
4. Transitional Bathroom Vanities
If you can’t decide between traditional and modern, go transitional! Transitional bathroom vanities blend the best of both worlds to create a look that’s both fresh and timeless. They often feature straightforward designs with a little bit of detailing – nothing too ornate but just enough to give them character.
5. Farmhouse Bathroom Vanities
Farmhouse vanities have a rustic, slightly vintage charm with features such as open shelving, apron sinks, and natural wood finishes. They’re usually crafted from wood, designed to highlight its natural beauty—think visible wood grains and a somewhat distressed look. They’re commonly paired with classic white sinks that make a nice contrast with the warm wood tones.
6. Wall-Mounted Bathroom Vanities
Wall-mounted vanities attach directly to the wall without any cabinetry touching the floor. They’re popular with designers because they reduce visual clutter, offer storage space, and make the bathroom look more spacious.
There’s a wall-mounted bathroom vanity for every interior style, but the chic, minimalist-modern floating vanity is a crowd favorite. You can leave the floor space underneath empty, or use it to hide away your bathroom slippers.
7. Floating Bathroom Vanities
Quite similar to the wall-mounted design, floating vanities are typically made from wood veneer, laminate, or acrylic for a lightweight and modern look. Engineered wood is a popular choice for floating vanities, thanks to its durability and moisture resistance.
8. Freestanding Bathroom Vanities
As their name suggests, freestanding vanities are independent of both the wall and the floor. They’re designed like pieces of standalone furniture, complete with built-in legs and plenty of storage. With functional drawers and cabinet doors, they’re great for stashing toiletries, towels, and more.
9. Single-Sink Bathroom Vanities
Single-sink bathroom vanities are a great choice for smaller bathrooms or powder rooms where space is tight. Not only do they open up the space, but they’re less expensive than double-sink models, which makes them a budget-friendly option for many homeowners. If you’re into DIY, you’ll also appreciate that single-sink vanities are generally simpler and easier to install.
10. Double-Sink Bathroom Vanities
Want to keep the peace in a shared bathroom? Consider a double vanity. These fixtures are beloved for their dual-sink design and generous counter space. Traditional double vanities are about 72 inches wide with a cabinet base, but if you’re short on space, you can find sleek, space-saving floating options too.
11. Custom Bathroom Vanities
Custom bathroom vanities are the way to go if you’re looking for something that matches your exact needs and style. They can be crafted to suit any space, no matter the size or shape of your bathroom. With options to choose from such as solid wood, engineered wood, glass, or metal, the possibilities are nearly endless.
A huge perk of going “custom” is the ability to maximize your storage. Well-designed custom vanities use every inch of floor space wisely. Plus, you can add personal touches such as unique hardware, custom finishes, or even integrated lighting to make your vanity truly one-of-a-kind.
12. Corner Bathroom Vanities
Corner vanitiesare exactly what they sound like – sink vanities neatly tucked into a corner of the bathroom. While they’re generally smaller than other types of vanities and might offer less storage, they’re perfect for guest bathrooms or powder rooms where space is at a premium.
13. Wood Bathroom Vanities
Wood vanities are available in a range of different finishes and styles, from classic to contemporary. Popular wood choices include oak, cherry, maple, and walnut. Durability aside, wood vanities are known to warm up cold, utilitarian spaces, and can bring a piece of nature inside the bathroom. Keep in mind, though, that they need regular upkeep to stay looking their best.
14. Metal Bathroom Vanities
Metal is another great option. Metal bathroom vanities are available in finishes like chrome, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze. They’re durable, easy to clean, and can update your space.
15. Glass Bathroom Vanities
For smaller bathrooms, choose glass vanities. Contemporary, minimalist, and attractive, glass can reflect light to give the illusion of a bigger space. However, they do require some upkeep and might not hold out as long, especially if you have toddlers or pets in the home.
16. Vessel Bathroom Vanities
You might have seen vessel sink vanities in trendy cafes or restaurants. Vessel sinks are often a round bowl that sits on top of the counter. They require taller faucets, which can make them look fantastic in traditional or luxurious bathrooms.
One thing people often worry about with vessel vanities is splashing, especially in areas with high water pressure. Usually, this isn’t a problem, but it’s something to keep in mind.
17. Pedestal Bathroom Vanities
Pedestal sinks are a bit different because they’re not technically vanities. They’ve earned a spot on our list, though, thanks to their sleek look, affordable pricing, and slim design that fits perfectly in small powder rooms and hall baths.
Typically made from materials such as vitreous china, clay, or marble, pedestal vanities feature a slender base that supports a large basin. Many also have a basin flanked by ledges, providing handy countertop space for soap dispensers, toothbrushes, hand towels, and more.
18. Under-mounted Bathroom Vanities
An under-mounted bathroom vanity has a sink mounted below the countertop. Since there’s no visible sink lip, you get a smooth, seamless look perfect for modern builds.
For a truly integrated appearance, consider choosing an under-mounted vanity where the sink and the countertop are the same color. A luxury wood under-mounted vanity is a solid investment for your home and can boost its potential resale value.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Bathroom Vanity for Your Space
As much as we’d like the process of choosing a bathroom vanity to be easy, the decision takes careful thought and consideration. Here’s what you’ll need to consider to make the best pick.
1. Size and Layout
We’ve said it time and again – size matters in interior design. Choosing the right-sized vanity for your space can dramatically affect both the look of your bathroom and how you feel using it every day. If a vanity is too big, it can make the bathroom feel cramped and crowded. If it’s too small, the room might feel empty and unwelcoming.
The first step in picking the perfect bathroom vanity is to grab your measuring tape. Measure the width, depth, and height of the area where you’ll place the vanity. Keep these measurements in mind as you shop to make sure you find a vanity that fits just right.
Typically, the standard height for a bathroom vanity is about 32 to 36 inches, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. Consider who will be using it. For instance, taller individuals might benefit from a higher vanity, while families with young children might opt for a lower one.
2. Consideration of Storage Needs
Think about what you need to store in your vanity. Are you looking to stow away large items such as towels and cleaning supplies, or just basic toiletries? This will determine whether you need a vanity with large cabinets or one with more segmented drawers and organizers.
3. Matching the Design Style of the Bathroom
Your vanity style should complement the overall design aesthetic of your bathroom. Whether it’s modern, traditional, rustic, or something else, the vanity can either serve as a focal point or blend in with the rest of your decor. Think about the finishes and materials that will coordinate best with your existing features and color scheme.
4. Material Selection
Your choice of bathroom vanity material can vary widely based on the style and your budget. Classic pedestal sinks usually come in ceramic and porcelain. On the other hand, freestanding and wall-mounted cabinet vanities are often made from solid wood, engineered wood, or the more budget-friendly MDF. Metal, glass, and stone are also popular, but may come with higher price tags.
5. Plumbing and Installation Considerations
When picking out a vanity, take a good look at the space you already have. Make sure the vanity you pick meshes well with any existing plumbing and electrical hook ups so you don’t have to make big changes. Choosing a unit that needs you to move pipes or wires can bump up what you’re planning to spend on installation.
6. Budget and Cost Considerations
Decide how much you want to spend before you start vanity shopping. Prices can vary a lot depending on the size, materials, and brand. It might be tempting to go for a cheaper option, but an expensive high-quality vanity could save you money down the road by lasting longer and needing fewer fixes.
7. Importance of Proper Lighting in Bathroom Vanity Areas
Good lighting is critical in a bathroom, especially for things like putting on makeup and shaving. Consider the lighting around your vanity. Overhead lights can create shadows, so it’s smart to add lights on the sides of the mirror to brighten things up and make it easier to see what you’re doing.
The Bottom Line
While there are many popular bathroom vanity styles, the best vanity for your bathroom is one that fits your space, meets your needs, and makes you smile every morning. So take your time, think about what you need, and find that perfect vanity to make your bathroom your favorite room in the house.
Are you ready to upgrade your bathroom with a custom vanity that reflects your style? Visit us at Holland’s Custom Cabinets and explore our range of tailor-made solutions. Let’s create a bathroom as unique as you are. Contact us today to get started.
