Modern bathrooms combine functionality and style rather than merely being functional rooms. As soon as you enter a bathroom, the first thing that catches your sight is the vanity. Vanities come in a variety to suit every aesthetic preference and functional need. But how can you choose which is ideal for your bathroom requirements?
You start your mornings at the vanity in your bathroom. Here, you brush your teeth and style your hair as you mentally go over your to-do lists and daily plan. Every evening, you end up in your vanity to wash away the day’s highs and lows before going to bed. You, therefore, need to give your choice serious thought.
Here are a few essential aspects to consider when choosing a vanity.
1. The Layout of The Bathroom Space
It is easier to opt for bathroom renovation or change bathroom designs but not walls and doors, limiting where you can put your vanity. Consider the following details to help you choose the right bathroom vanity for you;
- The location of the electrical outlets, plumbing, and other built-in components like cabinets
- The flow of the room
- The door’s swinging direction
It is wiser to get your bathroom vanity before the plumbing work. Once the plumbing is complete, moving things around is impossible.
If doing a bathroom remodeling, take into account the plumbing requirements. Choose a vanity that will fit the same plumbing.
2. The Purpose of the Bathroom
Your vanity requirements will vary depending on the various users’ needs.
· Powder Room Vanities
The powder room is the smallest room in the house and can only hold a modest vanity. As the powder room is not for bathing, you don’t need to store bath towels, shampoos, and hair dryers. Adequate space to access the toilet and a vanity with one sink with a small countertop would do.
· Guest Bathroom Vanities
A guest bathroom vanity should be a size just enough for essentials.
· Children Bathroom Vanities
Children’s vanity should have adequate space to store clutter and bathing essentials. To avoid clutter, have drawers and specified areas for hair dryers and cosmetics. Consider lower counters with more durable materials if for use by young children.
· Master Bathroom Vanities
If you and your partner require a sink at the same time in the morning, consider a vanity with a double sink. You may manage with something smaller if you’re alone. If you like to do your hair and makeup, you’ll need more counter space and storage for your supplies.
3. The Bathroom Space Available
Bathroom vanities come in many sizes, styles, and configurations. You should select a vanity size based on the space available in your bathroom. If you pick too big a vanity, you may not have adequate space left around it. A vanity that is too small will make your area look out of balance. You may also not get adequate storage.
Therefore, the size of your vanity should always be appropriate for your bathroom. No matter how much storage you need, cramming a large vanity into a small bathroom is not wise. A single vanity is the most appropriate option in a small bathroom. However, if your bathroom is larger, you can choose between a single big vanity and a double vanity.
Also, consider the vanity mounting style. Choose a mounting solution that complements your space the best.
a) Freestanding
The most common type of vanity style is freestanding, which has great appeal. These vanities are usually fixed to the wall for support. However, the legs support the majority of their weight. Thus, allowing for more storage space underneath the sink.
Freestanding bathroom vanities are perfect for medium- and large-sized bathrooms.
b) Floating/Wall-Mounted
The wall-mounted vanity style gives the impression that your bathroom is larger. Floating/Wall-Mounted vanity style is, thus, quite common in small bathrooms. You can also adjust them to a comfortable height.
c) Corner Style
A corner vanity is a space-saving style. Best for bathrooms with odd layouts say 90° corners, powder rooms, or small bathrooms. Corner vanities come in both modern and traditional styles. Remember that they don’t give much countertop space, given their small size.
d) The Sink Style
Consider how the sink bowl will affect the design and functionality of your vanity. The counter space you need and the required space for the sink should guide your choice.
Common sink designs include;
· Undermount
Undermount sink is the most popular sink design. The sink is usually put underneath the countertop, thus, maximizing counter space.
· Drop-In Drop
Drop-In Drop sinks are often mounted from above on top of the countertop, and these sinks have a raised lip that keeps them in place.
· Vessel
This style of countertop sink has a bowl-like shape. Vessel sinks are simple to install and give your bathroom a clean, modern look.
· Integrated
The sink gets embedded into the countertop for a single, seamless vanity component. The vanity, thus, brings a smooth finish as the sink matches the countertop material.
· Wall mounted
Wall-mounted sinks give the impression that a small bathroom is larger.
· Double-Sink
Sharing is not a problem using a double-sink vanity; double sinks benefit couples, roommates, siblings, and others. If changing from a single-sink vanity to a double-sink vanity, consider the size of your space.
e) The Material to Use
Throughout its life, your vanity will come into contact with various substances. Water, spilled cosmetics, and cleaning supplies, to mention a few. Furthermore, bathrooms are usually more humid due to the hot showers.
For this reason, you need a vanity made of durable material. The vanity should also require minimal maintenance.
Vanities come in various materials, and here are the most widely used materials for countertops and bases.
Countertops
Ceramic
Ceramic is durable, moisture-resistant, easy to clean, and requires little maintenance. Ceramics is adaptable to any space as it’s available in various designs and colors. To preserve the quality, you should seal them regularly.
Stone
Natural stone adds a posh and sophisticated touch to bathroom vanities. There are several options available, each with a distinctive appearance. These options range from granite to marble. Stone countertops can be expensive, but they are very long-lasting and stain-resistant. However, they need frequent polishing to maintain the best appearance.
Glass
Glass countertops are ideal for a sleek and modern look. Glass is stain-resistant and relatively simple to install. To retain that polished luster, be careful to clean with non-scratch materials.
Plastic
Plastic is the most affordable material for vanity counters, and it comes in a large selection of styles, is durable, requires little upkeep, and is simple to install. In case of scratches on the surface, you can buff them out with fine-grade sandpaper.
Wood
Wood gives your bathroom a pleasant, rustic look. You can combine a wooden countertop with a metal base or go completely natural with a wooden top and base. Regular sealing of wood is necessary to guard against water damage and warping.
Base Materials
Wood
The most popular vanity bases are often made of wood. Wood vanity bases come in various styles, from traditional to modern. They usually receive a sealant treatment to make these bases resistant to moisture.
Metal
Metal base vanities are often made of stainless steel, and metal bases give a classy look to any bathroom and are naturally waterproof. Metal is highly durable and suitable for damp conditions; however, it is prone to revealing smudges and fingerprints.
Your bathroom vanity should primarily reflect your style. NYKB is the one-stop shop for all your bathroom vanity needs. Our design experts will provide you with step-by-step guidance from conception to completion. Visit our bathroom showroom, and we’ll work with you to get the vanity and bathroom of your dreams.
