Ready to remodel your bathroom? You’ve picked out your colors, your tiles, and you know what style you want. Your lighting is set, and you even know what the best storage solutions are! But now you have to pick out a vanity, and suddenly you’re stuck. The vanity is the focal point of the room, a place you’ll be standing to do your make-up, brush your teeth, and shave, so you know that not only does it need to look beautiful, it needs to be functional and meet your needs. There are many types of vanities out there, and many types of tops that can go on the vanities, so we’re going to break it down to make it easier for you to make your final vanity decision!
WHO IS USING IT AND HOW?
One of the first things to consider is who will be using your vanity and how it will be used! If you’re renovating a master bathroom that you and your partner will be using frequently, double sinks may be the way to go. If you’re renovating a guest bathroom, or live on your own, a single sink could work better for your needs. Similarly, if you have children, you could consider making the height of the vanity slightly shorter, but be prepared to possibly have to replace it as your child grows!
It’s also important to consider how your vanity will be used. If you or someone you live with, are a person who does their hair or makeup in front of the vanity mirror, a vanity with more countertop space to lay things out more easily. Guest bathrooms may benefit from less counter space, given that they are usually secondary spaces and smaller!
PROPORTION AND SIZE
Perhaps more important as considering how your vanity will be used is to consider the size and overall proportion of your vanity in your bathroom. Think about why you are replacing your old vanity, is it too small? Did it take up too much space? Determining the size of your vanity will help you determine the layout of the rest of your space. While vanities typically come in widths of 24”, 30”, 36”, 38” and 60”, you can find them as narrow as 14” or as wide as 72” allowing for a great deal of variability to use the space in your bathroom optimally! If you place a large vanity in a small bathroom, it will feel cramped and crowded, just as if you put a very small vanity in a large bathroom it can feel like it gets lost. Working with the overall space and architecture of your bathroom to find the right size of your vanity will help ensure the overall proportions of your room feel like they belong. Of course, you can always custom design your vanity as well.
DIFFERENT STYLES
Next, it’s time to think about style. This can be the most fun part of choosing a vanity because it allows you to have your personality shine through! Vanities come in a variety of materials from glass to wood or metal and can be customized with hardware. Generally, they come in two styles, freestanding, and built-in, and each style has benefits depending on the space. While freestanding vanities tend to offer more storage space, while built-in vanities are best for small spaces. You can buy vanities in many different design styles too, from traditional shaker, to sleek and modern! In addition, you have to consider if you want to buy a vanity that has a countertop already or one without a countertop. While getting a vanity with a countertop is easier, getting one without allows for more flexibility and creativity with style and material! For more info about choosing the best countertop for your space.
THINK SINK
Now that you’ve determined the size, proportion, and usage of your new vanity, you can consider the type of sink you want! As we mentioned earlier, if you are going to be using the bathroom constantly with a partner, perhaps double sinks will be a good choice, but there is more to consider than just the number of sinks you install. There is a very wide variety of sink options on the market, that can absolutely make you feel overwhelmed in your search. Determining how much counter space you want will help you determine what kind of sink will work best for you. Though your sink will take up space regardless of which style you choose, but, choosing the right one will help maximize the usable space on your countertop. Compare vessel sinks, undermount sinks, all-in-on style sinks, and standard sinks to get a better idea of how you want your vanity set up. Choosing your sink also means evaluating the style of your faucet and handles! With every option from classic chrome, to brushed nickel, to matte black, shining gold, and more, there are endless options for faucet finishes and styles. Picking out the style of your faucet can help you determine the overall tone of your bathroom because you can carry over the hardware to your shower and other metallic objects in your bathroom!
STORAGE
Finally one of the points that most people are concerned about is bathroom storage! Freestanding vanities tend to offer more storage than their wall-mounted counterparts mainly because they are longer, and stand on four feet meaning they can hold more weight. However, the amount of storage will once again be determined by the size of the vanity overall. You will also have to take into account the sink plumbing that resides under the sink, and if you have a smaller space you may have to compromise on the amount of storage you originally wanted. Take stock of what you already house in your bathroom, and what you want to be able to store in there. As you are designing your new space be sure to mention to your designer what your storage wants and needs are, so they can help you choose the optimal vanity storage for your new bathroom.
As you consider storage, also consider the overall space of your bathroom. Cabinet doors will need space to swing open, drawers will need room to open fully. If you have a shower door rather than a shower curtain, you’ll have to take that into consideration, as well as the swing of the bathroom door itself. Thinking about the flow of traffic through the space and determining obstacles will be important during the planning phase! Do you want the vanity right by the toilet or far away? Are you constantly walking into the vanity, the toilet, other obstacles because of how the space is laid out? Though these questions may seem overwhelming, they are important to consider before you begin your renovation!
