Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Perfect Bathroom Vanity
Introduction
Whether you're planning a complete bathroom makeover or a simple refresh, choosing the right vanity is crucial. The vanity sets the tone for the entire room, and with the right selection, you can achieve a look that complements your style, whether it's traditional, modern, or somewhere in between. This guide will help you navigate the options and choose the best vanity for your space.
Vanity Styles
Bathroom vanities come in two main styles: freestanding and built-in.
Freestanding Vanities: Ideal for smaller spaces, these vanities come in a variety of styles and can fit almost any bathroom layout.
Built-in Vanities: Better suited for larger bathrooms, built-in vanities typically offer more countertop space and storage.
Additionally, you must decide whether to purchase a vanity with or without a top. While vanities with tops are easier to install, they limit you to the materials provided. Opting for a vanity without a top allows you to select from a wide range of countertop materials, including solid surface, glass, and both cultured and natural stone.
Explore Your Options
Since bathrooms are often separate from the rest of your home, you have the freedom to experiment with different styles. Here are some key considerations:
Color and Finish: Vanities are available in glass, metal, or wood, typically in finishes like white, black, mid-tone brown, or espresso. For a custom look, you can paint a wood cabinet in your preferred color.
Hardware: Some vanities include door and drawer hardware. Check the product description to see if this is the case.
Size: In smaller bathrooms, a single vanity is usually the best choice. Larger bathrooms can accommodate either a single, larger vanity or two smaller vanities side by side.
Storage: Consider the bathroom’s usage. Master bathrooms generally need more storage, while a powder room or guest bathroom might require less.
Wood Type: Vanities can be made from various wood types, ranging from basic engineered wood, birch, or pine to higher-end materials like Asian hardwood, oak, or maple.
Other Vanity Considerations
Coordinating Collections: To create a cohesive look, choose vanities that come with matching mirrors.
Faucets: Most vanity tops come pre-drilled for faucets. The two main types are:
Widespread Faucets: These feature separate hot and cold water handles and are suitable for 6- to 16-inch drillings in 3-hole basins.
Centerset Faucets: Designed for 4-inch, 3-hole basins, these combine the spout and valves on a single base unit. They can have either a single-handle mixing lever or two handles on a 6-inch plate.
By considering these factors, you can find the perfect vanity to enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your bathroom.
Whether you're planning a complete bathroom makeover or a simple refresh, choosing the right vanity is crucial. The vanity sets the tone for the entire room, and with the right selection, you can achieve a look that complements your style, whether it's traditional, modern, or somewhere in between. This guide will help you navigate the options and choose the best vanity for your space.
Vanity Styles
Bathroom vanities come in two main styles: freestanding and built-in.
Freestanding Vanities: Ideal for smaller spaces, these vanities come in a variety of styles and can fit almost any bathroom layout.
Built-in Vanities: Better suited for larger bathrooms, built-in vanities typically offer more countertop space and storage.
Additionally, you must decide whether to purchase a vanity with or without a top. While vanities with tops are easier to install, they limit you to the materials provided. Opting for a vanity without a top allows you to select from a wide range of countertop materials, including solid surface, glass, and both cultured and natural stone.
Explore Your Options
Since bathrooms are often separate from the rest of your home, you have the freedom to experiment with different styles. Here are some key considerations:
Color and Finish: Vanities are available in glass, metal, or wood, typically in finishes like white, black, mid-tone brown, or espresso. For a custom look, you can paint a wood cabinet in your preferred color.
Hardware: Some vanities include door and drawer hardware. Check the product description to see if this is the case.
Size: In smaller bathrooms, a single vanity is usually the best choice. Larger bathrooms can accommodate either a single, larger vanity or two smaller vanities side by side.
Storage: Consider the bathroom’s usage. Master bathrooms generally need more storage, while a powder room or guest bathroom might require less.
Wood Type: Vanities can be made from various wood types, ranging from basic engineered wood, birch, or pine to higher-end materials like Asian hardwood, oak, or maple.
Other Vanity Considerations
Coordinating Collections: To create a cohesive look, choose vanities that come with matching mirrors.
Faucets: Most vanity tops come pre-drilled for faucets. The two main types are:
Widespread Faucets: These feature separate hot and cold water handles and are suitable for 6- to 16-inch drillings in 3-hole basins.
Centerset Faucets: Designed for 4-inch, 3-hole basins, these combine the spout and valves on a single base unit. They can have either a single-handle mixing lever or two handles on a 6-inch plate.
By considering these factors, you can find the perfect vanity to enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your bathroom.
