The bathroom vanity is one of the first places we visit in the morning and one of the last at night. It is also arguably the most prominent piece, setting the tone and style for the rest of the room.
Fortunately, we’re spoiled for choice in this arena. Vanities at every price point can be customized and paired with the right fixtures and details to get the precise look you want. But first, you have to know the basics. Here’s how to choose the perfect vanity for your bathroom style and daily needs.
Let’s quickly review the practical aspects of selecting a vanity before focusing on bathroom décor and style options.
Do you hope to store hygiene products, linens, first aid supplies, and more in the bathroom? If so, decide if you want the vanity to contain cabinets and drawers.
Half-baths, guest baths, and master baths with closets and other storage areas may not require it. That opens up your vanity style options.
Available space will be the biggest determining factor in what type of bathroom vanity you can choose. Small spaces require a single vanity (one sink) instead of a double (two sinks).
Have enough space for two sinks, but aren’t sure if it’s necessary? Keep reading. We’ll help you decide in a moment.
This is an important consideration for those thinking of DIYing vanity installation. Many bathroom vanity styles need plumbing access cut into the rear of the unit.
Some vanities will already include this, but you need to check.
Do you want to purchase a vanity with all hardware and fixtures included? Not every vanity style comes with necessary components like a sink bowl and faucet. This is good to know if you’re hoping to make one purchase and be done with it.
Those hoping for a cohesive look should also consider the brand they’re shopping from and how easy it will be to coordinate with other design elements.
You’ve measured your bathroom and see the potential for a two-sink vanity. Here are the simple pros and cons of each.
Pros of a single vanity | Cons of a single vanity |
Better for one person or low-traffic areas | Less storage area |
Easier installation | Reduced counter space |
More budget-friendly |
Pros of a double vanity | Cons of a double vanity |
Good for couples and busy bathrooms | Takes up more space |
Can offer more storage | Installation is more complex |
More counterspace | Higher cost |
Cut-out and integrated vanities also differ quite a lot in terms of appearance, cost, and installation.
A cut-out vanity means the countertop and sink come in two separate pieces. This is where the question of included fixtures becomes important. The sink drops into the hole cut into the counter of the vanity.
As a result, there will be visible seams. Cut-out vanities do offer easier installation and lower prices in exchange for this drawback.
Integrated vanities are a streamlined design considered more modern than traditional cut-outs. The sink and counter are one seamless piece.
You can expect to pay more, particularly if choosing a high-quality material. This is an acceptable tradeoff for many since integrated vanities are easier to clean and offer sleeker aesthetics.
With all of this in mind, let’s explore some styles you can expect to come across as you plan and design a new bathroom.
Vessel vanities feature free-standing sink bowls atop a counter. These vanities are very versatile despite being trendy and modern. The style of the bowl, the design of the faucet, and the counter/cabinet you choose can make it match even the most traditional powder rooms.
Vessel vanities can be space savers if you wish to use cabinet space below the sink. There’s more room since the bowl isn’t dipping down into the area. It looks cleaner and more elegant on stands and table-style vanities for the same reason.
It’s not a cut-out or an integrated – it’s an undermount. Consider this style if the latest high-end countertop materials are a highlight of your new bathroom. The sink bowl is mounted underneath the counter, so the lip of the bowl isn’t visible.
It’s a cut above cut-out with less hassle and expense than integrated designs. Plus, it maximizes your counter space and lends itself to less splashing.
Fans of floor space need floating vanities. It’s a stellar selection for making small bathrooms look more spacious. There’s a wall-mount unit for every type of sink, with storage or without. It’s a popular choice for contemporary, minimalist, and industrial-style bathrooms.
Professional installation is especially important here. Proper mounting to accommodate weight is crucial if the floating vanity includes storage.
Freestanding vanities are the floating vanity’s counterpart. These can range from large consoles with custom storage space to a reclaimed wooden table. There are endless options available if you’re looking to save money or recycle materials here.
This is also one of the bathroom features to customize. Designing your own vanity with the exact storage configuration and premium countertop you need can help the rest of the bathroom fall right into place.
Space and function are the most important factors in choosing the perfect vanity. From there, the sky’s the limit. Explore contemporary vessel sinks, traditional freestanding vanities, cutting-edge quartz countertops with under-mounted bowls, and much more.
Need extra guidance? A professional designer is easier to access than you might think. The Designery has an expert on hand to help with your next steps. Reach out to schedule a complimentary design consultation.