The bathroom is one of the most commonly used rooms. It's the place where we start and finish our day. That's why it needs to be pretty, practical and functional. Every time you make a change to it you should make sure you don't break the aesthetics or confine the space. The vanity is one of the biggest elements inside the bathroom that can do these things. So, when you choose one, it's important to get the measurements and the design right.
How to Choose a Vanity
Materials
Base Materials
The bathroom is unlike any other room in the house. The moisture and humidity levels are very high and this is what sets it apart. So, choosing a material that can stand up to these conditions is crucial. Plus, it should have the strength to hold the basin’s weight and accessories. To put it simply, you’ll need a high-quality, durable vanity for the bath.
Solid Wood
If you want something very sturdy, you should invest in solid wood. Its strength is one of its best features and the top-selling point for these vanities. When it comes to style, it’s very versatile. It can be timeless, modern, contemporary, classic, vintage and much more. This is the number one choice of many home builders, vanity manufacturers and interior designers.
Double solid wood vanities are the first choice of many homeowners. Just keep in mind that without the proper care, solid wood can shrink and expand. This mainly happens due to temperature changes and humidity levels. If you don’t have a lot of fluctuations, or you have a way to keep them under control (good ventilation) solid wood should be your first choice.
Plywood
If you’re looking for something that comes with a reasonable price but still has good qualities, you should go for plywood. It's made by layering veneers together and gluing them in place so they form a single sheet. When cutting the sheet manufacturers get different lengths and widths.
Plywood also comes in different thicknesses and with many strengths and qualities. If you use the proper protection layer and coat them properly, plywood can withstand a lot of wear and tear, many bumps and scratches and it won’t peel. Another good thing is that it won’t shrink or expand because of humidity.
Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF)
MDF is for people who are working with a limited budget but still want to have a nice, long-lasting vanity. This material is made by combining composite fibres and small pieces of wood and glued together with either resin or wax. MSF is dense and commonly used in furniture. It's also porous, so you can paint it as you want. This means you can get a “new” vanity every once in a while, without spending a lot of money. One important thing to remember about MDF is that you should coat it with a sealant because it can expand if wet.
PVC
If you’re looking for a popular material, PVC is at the top of the list when it comes to a vanity for the bath. Aussies love it because of its water-resistant properties. It has a smooth surface that can hold on to paint well. It's also very simple and easy to clean, which is very important for a bathroom element. Plus, high temperatures and humidity won’t change its shape or quality of performance.
Countertop Materials
The vanity countertop is also important. One of the most popular options for a countertop material is ceramic. It's low-maintenance and easy to clean. It has the power to fit into any interior because it comes in many designs, styles and colours. It's also moisture-resistant. Just keep in mind to apply the right sealant. Otherwise, it may get damaged.
If you want something luxurious, go for stone. Granite and marble look amazing in bathrooms. They add a touch of elegance that no other material provides. It may seem as an expensive investment, but the stone is very durable and stain-resistant. It won’t expand or shrink and it’s low maintenance.
Glass is easy to install and a nice finishing touch to a modern bathroom. A countertop made of glass looks elegant, and sophisticated and it’s stain-resistant. However, if you have small children in the house, stay away from it. A small accident can turn into a catastrophe.
An affordable alternative for a vanity is plastic or acrylic. It's incredibly durable, requires little upkeep, and is simple to install. It comes in a variety of colours and patterns. In case you scratch the surface, you can fix it with fine-grade sandpaper. And last but not least, wood. This is a rustic material that brings a natural, welcoming feel to the space.
Mounting Type
Freestanding
The freestanding style bathroom vanity looks fantastic and offers plenty of storage space, no matter if it's a single or a double sink. The support structure they have is unmatched and you get an infinite design option when it comes to drawers, cupboards and decoration. You simply place them wherever the water supply system is, no need to anchor them to anything.
Wall-Mounted
This vanity has a very subtle, sophisticated, and elegant appearance. Because of its wall attachment and ability to float, it saves a lot of space. This creates a sleek and modern aesthetic for the bathroom. A wall-mounted vanity works with all bathroom sizes and you can choose from a variety of storage and design options.
Corner Vanity
If you have a small bathroom, you can benefit a lot from a corner vanity. It comes as wall-mounted and freestanding depending on the space you have available. It doesn’t have a lot of storage space, but it saves you a lot of movement space in the bathroom.
Single vs Double
The number of persons using the bathroom determines whether to go with a single or double vanity. The single one is a popular option for small, and single-person bathrooms. To give it a pleasant appearance, you can put the sink in the centre, on the left, right, or even on the countertop. The double vanity is also known as “his and hers” and it’s a perfect option when more than one or two persons use the bathroom. It has enough storage space and countertop space for toothbrushes, towels and toiletries.
Plumbing Access
Your bathroom's plumbing system will dictate where your vanity goes. For regular plumbing, a freestanding vanity will be best. However, if you’re keen on getting a wall-mounted one, you might have to make some rearrangements of the pipes. This will cost you some time, effort and money, so keep this in mind when you’re buying the vanity.
