Modern bathrooms are designed with functionality and style in mind. That’s why a vanity is one of the most important upgrades when renovating or starting from the ground up. Whether relaxed and simple or elegant and sophisticated, there is something for everyone. From size and colour to premium features, our ultimate buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know before you go “add to cart.”
Contents
Range of Styles
Increase the functionality and aesthetics with a quality and elegant vanity for the bathroom. When looking for a style that works best for your bathroom setting, the key is to find a design that offers the functionality your household needs and the look that complements your space.
Freestanding
Whether a single- or double-bathroom vanity, freestanding cabinets provide durable storage alternatives in addition to sink space. Because of their self-supporting structure, these cabinets are terrific for greater design flexibility as well as storage and utility wherever they are put, from decorative countertops to drawers and cupboard cubes for organisation. They stand on their own and frequently there is no need to be fastened to a wall, providing for greater flexibility in accommodating water supply lines.
Wall Mounted
The reason why many homeowners pick the wall-mounted option is because of their simplicity. These floating vanities anchor to the wall to save space, giving the bathroom a clean, contemporary look that expands the visual area. Many wall-mounted bathroom vanities include storage options ranging from cupboards to drawers. These are an excellent choice for bathrooms of all sizes when there is adequate stud support on the wall.
Corner Installation
For smaller bathrooms, consider a space-saving corner vanity for a bathroom. Corner vanities are often freestanding, wall-mounted, or a combination of the two. These weirdly shaped cabinets are compatible with various sink designs, from recessed to vessel, and provide minimal storage options. They can help to open up a cramped layout while preserving floor space for easy access to the rest of the bathroom.
Additional Selection
Some brands offer their vanities in two pieces: the vanity cabinet and the vanity top, to allow for greater personalisation for each home. The top includes the sink (or sinks) and the countertop, with some having a little backsplash attached as well.
The vanity top is typically composed of a more durable, water-resistant material such as ceramic, granite, acrylic, or stone, among others. Vanity tops are commonly constructed with an inch or more of an overhanging edge that is somewhat larger than the cabinet bases. Keep this in mind when choosing your perfect match, since ordering the exact size top is crucial to fitting the cabinet.
The Right Size
The best way to pick the right size is to measure. When calculating how much space you have to work with, don’t forget about the door clearance, including your shower, so vanity cabinets and drawers can open freely without hitting any doors, mirrors, or other cabinets. You get it.
Small but mighty vanities for a bathroom are ideal for powder rooms and narrow areas, as they can fit a surprising amount of storage into a small space. The most popular widths for these small workhorses are 24 inches, 30 inches, and 36 inches.
Consider the medium size to be the “Goldilocks” of vanities, ideal for a children’s bathroom, guest bathroom, or mid-sized principal suite. There are numerous alternatives in this range (the most common sizes are 42 inches, 48 inches, and 60 inches), with both single and double sinks.
On the other hand, for primary suites or guest bathrooms with a lot of square footage to deal with, go large. We’re talking 60 inches, 72 inches, 80 inches, or even larger. These will provide plenty of storage space for all of your bathroom needs, both above and below.
Sink Types
Regardless of installation style, there are numerous sink types for bathroom vanities. Recessed or integrated sinks incorporate the sink directly into the vanity top. These sinks are one-piece and contoured to fit the vanity design, allowing for shallow, quick rinse sinks or a deep bowl made of the same material as the vanity top.
Console sinks take up a large portion of the vanity surface, leaving ledges for faucet installation and little storage for soap or other frequently used goods. They are normally wall-mounted and balanced on two front supports. Unlike common types, these sink options provide little to no room for storage.
Other sink options include the drop-in sink, which fits into a hole made in the vanity top and sits above the counter to assist decrease water splash. Undermount sinks are positioned beneath the vanity countertop, resulting in a smooth, vertical edge. Both drop-in and under-mount sink types are frequently made of different materials than the vanity top and cabinet, allowing for unique combinations such as a porcelain sink beneath a marble vanity top.
Features to Look Out for
The modern vanity is more than just sink storage. Look for vanity cabinets that include extra storage options and functions to make life’s everyday activities easier. Since everyone has something to charge, some vanity cabinets now include hidden outlets placed safely away from bathroom dampness and moisture in drawers and cabinet corners, allowing you to plug in those requirements where they are easily accessible.
Additionally, adding drawers of varying depths or slanted dividers between drawers keeps hair ties, brushes, and other tiny objects more easily accessible and less likely to become misplaced.
From built-in metal cup holders to cross pieces, go for vanities that create designated spaces for the various odds and ends that are used in every bathroom. This could include towel storage shelves or hanging racks, as well as compartments for curling irons and hair dryers.
