When it comes to how to choose a bathroom vanity, aesthetics are important; however, they’re not the only thing you should be looking for. A well-sized and positioned vanity can make or break a bath’s look, feel, and functionality, so it’s important that you take your time and go beyond first impressions when making your final decision.
In this article, we will explore the essential factors to consider when choosing a bathroom vanity, from size and style to material and cost, to help you make an informed decision that will suit your needs and taste. Here’s what to consider, with quick tips on how to choose the right size bathroom vanity for your space.
Choosing a Bathroom Vanity: Factors to Consider
The key factors to consider when choosing a bathroom vanity include the following:
- Style/aesthetic preferences
- Cabinet material, including finishes
- Countertop material
- Number of sinks wanted or needed
- Amount of required storage space
- Existing infrastructure
- Vanity height and size
Vanity Style
The best bathroom vanities are those that complement your existing decor while also bringing some visual interest to the space. They’re also specially designed for use in a bathroom. While it might be tempting to use an old piece of furniture as a bath vanity, vanities made specifically for bathrooms account for fixtures and plumbing and are crafted with moist environments in mind.
Cabinets
Another critical factor in selecting a vanity is the finish used to seal and decorate the cabinet. Finish refers to both the process used to seal the wood and the materials used to change the appearance of the wood. Finishes used to seal bath vanities are able to withstand moist and humid environments and are a must in bathrooms, especially full baths.
Sinks
Most of our clients select a vanity that features two sink bowls, enabling those using the bath to have their own personal space and providing separate grooming stations for spouses, partners, or family members to prepare for the day at the same time. However, in smaller baths, there may not be enough space to make a double bowl vanity possible, and that’s fine too. The size of the vanity should work in the available space, and it’s not worth blocking doors or limiting movement just to fit in two sinks.
Countertops
The countertop selected for the vanity needs to account for functional and practical considerations as well. Vanity countertops come into contact with nail polish remover, cosmetics, toothpaste, shaving cream, hair dryers, and curling irons, among other everyday bath staples. They need to be able to hold up to these elements over time. Many bath products can damage a countertop that is not sealed properly or not made to withstand abuses that occur in the daily use of the bathroom, making this one of the most essential features of a standout selection.
Bathroom Infrastructure
The existing infrastructure of your bathroom will naturally influence the type of vanity you select and where it will be located. If you want to simply replace what exists in the same location, keep the size and shape of the space in mind when shopping around. Likewise, you could reconfigure plumbing, electrical, and ventilation to accommodate a different type of vanity, but keep in mind that will add to construction costs.
Storage
A well-designed bathroom is an organized bathroom. To help maximize the efficiency of a bath, identify the products and accessories you use daily, e.g., curling iron, hair dryer, cosmetics, etc. This helps you figure out what needs to be stored and possible storage locations inside and outside of the vanity cabinet.
Vanity Size
The perfect size vanity for your needs largely depends on the space you’re working with. Assuming you don't want to make the infrastructural changes made above, use your current layout to measure the height, width, and depth of the existing space where your vanity will live. Make sure to account for things like door openings and the flow of the room too, plus the additional space required to open your vanity’s cabinets and drawers.
With so many options available in terms of size, style, material, and features, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences when making a decision. Remember to prioritize functionality over aesthetics and invest in high-quality materials that will stand the test of time. By taking the time to carefully research and select the right bathroom vanity, you can create a beautiful and functional space that will enhance your daily routine and add value to your home.
Your ideal vanity is out there. Shop bathroom vanities today to start looking at your options, and get in touch for guided support on choosing the best vanity for your master bath, powder room, or hall bath
