Talking about a bathroom vanity being a cabinet is like talking about square being rectangles but forgetting that not all rectangles are squares. Instead of 4 equilateral sides, bathroom vanities compared to cabinets need to have sinks on top of them. The definition for vanity could be, “a combination of a sink and the storage structure around it. In addition to storage, it also hides exposed plumbing to keep things looking neat and tidy.” When picking what could be considered the centerpiece for your bathroom, you need to consider many different variables, just as it is with choosing almost everything within your house. In this post, you will learn the ins and outs of vanities, from their construction and design, and how to pick the one that is right for you.
Size & Styling:
Before you pick material you want, you need to consider how big of one you want. The prices of a bathroom vanity will vary greatly depending on the size, due to material costs. Vanities normally have either a single or a double design. If you have a smaller bathroom, a single should be enough. If you’re sharing a bathroom with a partner or roommate, a double could serve you better. There are a few ways you can consider vanity styles to choose from: freestanding, or wall mounted? Centered or in the corner? Floating or sitting? All these need to be considered, once you decide how it should look, you then need to figure out the materials and whether it’s in budget range.
Construction:
The construction materials of vanities vary just like many other pieces of furniture in your household. Not only can the construction materials differ, but different parts require different material. Popular choices for the countertop include: ceramic, stone, glass, plastic, and wood.
Countertops:
Ceramic
If you’re looking for durability from damage as well as from stains and spills, ceramic is a great option for your bathroom vanity. This low-maintenance choice is available in multiple styles and colors with varying space. While they are moisture resistant, it is still a good idea to seal them periodically to prevent potential damage. Just don’t drop anything hard and heavy on them. They are more brittle and are prone to crack under impact. Ceramic tiles are considered relatively affordable compared to more “premium” options, such as stone. Cost = $$
Stone
Within stone are different choices to choose from: slate, soapstone, limestone, travertine, onyx, granite, and marble. These materials give your countertop a luxurious look and a fantastic feel. While these choices can be a bit on the pricier side, they are extremely durable and stain resistant. Similar to ceramic, you should periodically seal your stone countertops to prevent damage. Other than that, the occasional polish to maintain its shine and gleam will be the only other worry. In terms of cost, this is the premium option, with no two countertops being the same. Cost = $$$
Glass
If you want a slick, modernized feel, a glass countertop could be for you. This material is easier to install and is excellent when it comes to stains. The installation process is similar to that of ceramic topping. While easy to maintain, make sure to use the proper equipment, such as non-scratch cleaners and towels when polishing. If you don’t like the flawless look of glass, you can opt for crushed glass. These are somewhat of a new design but are steadily becoming more and more popular. These are strong countertops when formulated using acrylic and are extremely easy to clean. However, if anyone forgot, glass is brittle. Repairs are impossible, so the whole top must be replaced were anything to happen. Cost = $$
Plastic
Normally referred to as laminate or acrylic, these are the most budget-friendly options when it comes to vanity countertops. Durable, low maintenance, easy to install, and has endless designs to choose from. These can normally even be installed in a DIY fashion. Plastic countertops may not have the weight to them as stone, but modern technology makes them visually almost indistinguishable. While it might not look cheap, the plastic gives off a low-cost or budget feel when compared to stone. Cost = $
Wood
No matter what era you are in, wood will never go out of style. In modern design, it gives off a homey and rustic feel to your bathroom. While untreated may not be the best material choice moisture riddled areas, treated wood makes for a great countertop. Just make sure that you seal it regularly to prevent water damage and warped wood. No one likes an uneven surface top, even if it gives it character. Cost = $$
Cabinets:
Solid Wood
If you have a higher budget and want the best material, solid wood is the top choice. While being the strongest and the most durable, solid oak also gives off a beautiful aesthetic. Other solid woods include birch, poplar, oak, and maple. Cost = $$$
Rubber Wood
Not quite as durable as solid wood but very close, cabinets made of Hevea Brasilienesis, or the rubber tree, make great cabinets. While not only durable, this material is also extremely eco-friendly, with almost no wasteful materials. Cost = $$
Plywood
Solid plywood is the budget-friendly option that mixes in style with durability. Plywood is a strong material, so strong that contractors trust it for the roof above your heads. As long as you keep moisture out, which sounds like a daunting task to do in a bathroom, it will hold out almost as well as the aforementioned materials. Cost = $
MDF
MDF, or medium density fiberboard, is an economic composite product for those balling on a budget. Since the construction of fiberboard is essentially sawdust compressed and glued together. it’s not too strong.While only a fraction as durable as most oak vanities, these can be strengthened in various ways. Make the main construction of the vanity be made of stronger materials while the doors and drawers can be made of MDF. Cost = $
Where to Buy:
Now that you have somewhat of an idea on what you want, you have to actually find the centerpiece! There are several ways that you can purchase a bathroom vanity. Most people prefer to walk into a brick and mortar store so they may see the bathroom vanity with their own eyes before purchasing. Budget and generic designs can be found at common stores, such as Home Depot and Lowes, even Walmart. However, you can purchase one online from Amazon and have it in 2 days with their shipping options. There are tons of other websites you can browse to find a design you like, from the cheap price and simplistic Ikea design, to the more grandiose and fancy VanitiesDepot. For everything in between, you can look at the following:
- Pottery Barn
- AllModern
- Overstock
- Etsy
- Hayneedle
- Joss & Main
- Wayfair
- Signature Hardware
- Restoration Hardware
We hope that by reading this article you learned something that you didn’t know before! Designing your home can be a stressful process, as you want to get everything looking as perfect as possible, and your bathroom is by no means an exception. Hopefully as you embark on this journey you will be able to make decisive decisions based on these different factors as you narrow down the look of your dream home.
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