Bathroom Vanity Styles and Design Ideas
Bathroom vanities are among the most customizable parts of a bathroom. Consisting of the sink and surrounding storage, the vanity tends to be the bathroom’s focal point. Experimenting with different styles, materials, and colors can help you find the best combination possibilities for your bathroom vanity.
Add Soothing Natural Elements to Your Bathrooms
The standard industry widths for bathroom vanities range from 24″ to 72″. Before buying a vanity, measure your bathroom and leave enough room for door openings and other existing features. This will ensure that your vanity will fit within the space.
Smaller vanities are ideal for tiny spaces, midsize vanities are often used in family bathrooms, and the largest vanities typically have space for two separate sinks with plenty of extra room for master bathrooms.
Check the location of the plumbing to determine the width of your vanity to avoid additional costs. Standard building codes also dictate that at least 18 inches must be from the cabinet edge to the center of the toilet.
What are your storage requirements? If the bathroom vanity is in a main bathroom, it will likely need much more storage space than a powder room or guest room. Consider your particular needs and what items you use in the bathroom daily.
Single vs. Double Vanities: Which is Right for You?
One of the first decisions you will need to make when picking a new vanity for your bathroom is whether to get a single-sink vanity or a double-sink vanity. Some homeowners may only have the option for one due to limited space, but if you have enough space, you can weigh the pros and cons of each type to find what is right for you.
| Single Vanities | Double Vanities |
| Ideal for smaller bathrooms or tighter spaces like powder rooms. | Excellent for master bathrooms or shared family bathrooms. |
| Provides sufficient storage for individual use. | Offers convenience and functionality for multiple users. |
| Easier installation due to fewer plumbing requirements. | Requires more space and complex plumbing installations. |
Choosing the Bathroom Vanity Style and Materials
We offer modern, traditional, and contemporary vanity options from a wide variety of top brands like KOHLER and Bertch. Wood types range from engineered wood, birch, or pine to more expensive materials like Asian hardwood, oak, maple, and more.
To help choose your finish, consider which colors would coordinate better or whether you prefer natural wood grain or painted wood.
Pros and Cons of Popular Bathroom Vanity Materials
Engineered Wood vs. Hardwood
| Engineered Wood | Hardwood |
| Pros: Budget-friendly, offers versatile styles with various finishes, is stable in humid environments due to moisture resistance, and is eco-friendly, using recycled materials. | Pros: Highly durable, naturally beautiful with distinct grain patterns, increases property value significantly, and can be refinished multiple times to maintain a fresh appearance. |
| Cons: Less durable over time compared to hardwood, prone to water damage if exposed continuously without proper sealing, and limited refinishing possibilities. | Cons: More expensive initially, requires routine maintenance like sealing and polishing, and can warp or stain if exposed to moisture for extended periods without proper care. |
Granite vs. Solid Surface Tops
| Granite | Solid Surface |
| Pros: Exceptionally durable and resilient to heat, scratches, and impacts; aesthetically unique with each slab; adds luxury appeal and boosts resale value. | Pros: Seamless integration, available in diverse color options, easy repair of minor damages, non-porous material that prevents bacterial growth, and easier maintenance. |
| Cons: Requires annual resealing to avoid stains and bacterial growth, that it is heavy, which might necessitate additional structural support, and that it could potentially have higher upfront installation costs. | Cons: Susceptible to heat damage from hot items, more prone to scratches than granite, and slightly less prestigious in-home resale value. |
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Vanity Choices
For environmentally conscious homeowners, consider sustainable materials like bamboo or reclaimed wood, recycled glass vanity tops, and eco-friendly finishes that minimize environmental impact while providing lasting durability and aesthetic appeal.
Once you have chosen a vanity, you must find a coordinating vanity top to complete the design. Vanity tops come in several materials, like cast iron, vitreous China, or solid surfaces. To create a cohesive look in your bathroom, look for matching accessories and mirrors that may accompany your vanity. KOHLER’s Tailored® vanities, for example, include accessories designed specifically to coordinate with the rest of the collection so that you can personalize the space with in-drawer storage, built-in electrical options, and other decorations.
H2: Freestanding vs. Wall-Mounted Vanities: A Comprehensive Comparison
| Freestanding Vanities | Wall-Mounted Vanities |
| Ideal for bathrooms featuring traditional or transitional design themes. | Perfect for contemporary and modern bathroom designs. |
| Extensive storage capacity, usually including drawer boxes and cabinets. | Enhances visual space, giving the illusion of a larger, airier bathroom. |
| Versatile and easier to install since they adapt well to existing plumbing configurations. | Simplifies floor cleaning due to its floating design. |
| May occupy significant floor space, which can limit options in smaller bathrooms. | Installation is complex, requiring reinforced wall structures and precise plumbing positioning. |
| Limited storage compared to freestanding options, usually with fewer compartments or drawers. |
Comprehensive Bathroom Vanity Buying Guide
When planning a bathroom vanity purchase, carefully evaluate these key considerations to ensure optimal functionality and design:
- Size and Space: Precisely measure your available bathroom space, accounting for the clearance required by doors, cabinets, toilets, and showers. Industry standards recommend at least 18 inches from the vanity to fixtures like toilets and shower enclosures.
- Plumbing Considerations: Assess existing plumbing locations. Modifying plumbing significantly increases labor and material costs. Selecting a vanity that aligns with current plumbing can streamline installation and reduce expenses.
- Storage Solutions: Determine storage needs based on how frequently the bathroom is used and by whom. Master bathrooms typically benefit from extensive cabinetry and drawer space, while guest bathrooms or powder rooms can function well with simpler designs.
Budgeting for Your Bathroom Vanity Project
- Budget-Friendly Options ($200 – $800): Engineered wood vanities with basic finishes, smaller solid surface tops, and minimal customization.
- Mid-Range Options ($800 – $2000): Hardwood or engineered wood with high-quality finishes, granite or premium solid surface tops, and moderate customization.
- Premium Options ($2000+): Solid hardwood vanities, custom cabinetry, high-end granite or marble tops, and extensive customization options.
Enhancing Your Home’s Resale Value with the Perfect Vanity
A carefully selected vanity can lead to a notable bathroom upgrade in aesthetics, functionality, and overall home value. High-quality materials like granite countertops or hardwood cabinetry signal durability and luxury to potential homebuyers. Thoughtfully designed bath vanities with ample storage and timeless style can boost your home’s marketability and appeal.
HVanity Material Maintenance and Longevity
To make a lasting investment, understand how each vanity material ages and the maintenance it demands:
- Hardwoods and Engineered Woods: Both types require regular sealing or finishes to protect from moisture. Engineered wood may need replacement sooner if continuously exposed to humidity, while hardwoods can be rejuvenated through refinishing.
- Granite Tops: Granite is highly durable but needs annual resealing to resist stains and bacteria. Avoid harsh chemicals; opt for pH-neutral cleaning products.
- Solid Surface Tops: Simple to maintain using mild detergent; minor damage like scratches can often be repaired through sanding and buffing. Protect surfaces from excessive heat to prolong their appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a vanity installation typically take? Depending on the vanity’s complexity and plumbing adjustments, it can take a few hours to a full day.
Can I customize my vanity design? Absolutely! Many vanities offer customization in size, finish, hardware, and countertops.
What warranty comes with my vanity? Warranty typically varies by manufacturer, but most vanities have at least a one-year limited warranty covering materials and craftsmanship.
Visit Our Bathroom Vanities Showroom in Broomall PA
Our showroom consultants can help you to find the perfect bathroom vanity for your home and family. Choose from different bathroom vanity styles like freestanding or wall-mounted vanities, depending on what works best with your space. And with our full-delivery service, you can have your new bathroom vanity delivered straight to your door. Stop by our showroom today to see our selection of bathroom vanities or give us a call to schedule an appointment with one of our consultants!