Bathroom vanities are generally defined as the combination of a bathroom basin and the storage that surrounds it, and they are essentially a piece of bathroom cabinetry that is designed to hold the basin, conceal the associated plumbing, and provide much-needed storage.
In terms of design and functionality, they are one of the most important features you need to consider if you’re undertaking a renovation or designing a completely new bathroom. Freestanding, semi-recessed and above and below-counter … there is a myriad of options to choose from in a wide range of materials, including composite stone, laminate, wood and more!
Choosing the right vanity unit is an important decision-making process, and it can be somewhat daunting. So how do you go about choosing the right bathroom vanity for your home?
Carefully consider what space you have to work with
When choosing the right bathroom vanity, the first thing you need to think about is the size of your bathroom itself. Ideally, you’ll want a vanity that is in proportion to the rest of your bathroom and one that suits your individual needs. It should have plenty of space in front of it, give you enough room to open drawers and doors, and it should also have plenty of storage for cosmetics, toiletries, medications and cleaning products. The height, width and shape of your mirror may also be affected by the amount of space you have available.
Vanity units can be on the small-ish side and just wide enough to hold the bathroom sink, or they can span the entire length of your bathroom wall. It all comes down to the space you have to work with. If you have a small bathroom, wall hung vanities can increase the visual space, or if you need to increase your bathroom’s storage capabilities, you might want to consider a floor-mounted style that will give you ample opportunity for extra doors and drawers.
And then there’s the choice of a single or double vanity. If you’re tired of experiencing the ‘AM rush hour’, then a double vanity may help to alleviate some of that morning mayhem!
Plan for practical things like plumbing and electrics
When deciding on the location of your bathroom vanity, you’ll need to keep the plumbing and electrics in mind as well. A beautifully designed vanity is not much use if you have to stand somewhere else in the bathroom in order to use the hairdryer! In Australia, there are also various rules governing where electrical outlets can be placed in bathrooms, so it’s worth checking with your bathroom specialist before you settle on a design.
Tap locations are also important to consider, because having your vanity installed on the same wall as your shower and bath taps may help reduce unnecessary plumbing costs.
And what about storage? Drawers look great and are easy to use, while doors enable more space; however, remember that some of the plumbing ‘waste’ from your bathroom basin will take up some of your storage space. That’s why doors are often used under the basin while drawers are set in the surrounding cabinet areas.
Research the look you’re after and consider its long-term appeal
As one of the centrepieces of any bathroom, it’s important that have a pretty clear idea of the look you want to achieve before you choose a bathroom vanity. Vanities come in a staggering range of shapes, sizes and designs, and they can be art deco, modern, country, minimalist and period in style. Which is great, providing it matches the rest of your bathroom!
Consider the long-term appeal of the look you’re going for – what’s trending now may look outdated a few years down the track, and also think about the practical aspects as well. While looks are definitely important, they definitely shouldn’t come at the expense of your bathroom’s functionality.
And don’t make the mistake of choosing your vanity unit based on how it looked in a catalogue or showroom. Think carefully about the style of your entire bathroom and whether your chosen vanity also suits the style of your tiles, bath and shower.
Think about the shape, size and construction of your vanity unit
Once you’ve decided on how much room you’ve got to work with, what kind of look you’re after and where you’re going to install your bathroom vanity, then it’s time to actually choose the type of vanity that will suit all your needs.
Think carefully about where your vanity basin will sit in relation to the surface, what material will suit the unit and the countertop, and whether you’d like a wall mounted vanity or a full vanity that allows for plenty of storage space. Vanity basins come in all shapes and sizes, including in above-counter, semi-recessed and freestanding designs, and although vanity units traditionally come with matching basins, modern bathroom designs now often favour mixed and even contrasting materials. And of course, there’s always the option of ordering a custom-made vanity!
You’ll also need to choose the material your vanity is made from. Laminate and vinyl are two cost-effective options, however composite stones and natural timbers can also be used to create a bathroom vanity that definitely offers the wow factor!
Still not sure what type of bathroom vanity will suit you best?
Your best solution if you’re still not sure what type of vanity unit will best suit your bathroom is to do your research. Home improvement websites are filled with great ideas on how to renovate an existing bathroom or design a new one, and they can help you visualise how to use the space you have available.
Then it’s time to talk to us! Over the past 19 years, All Bathroom Gear has won multiple building and design awards, and our experienced bathroom designers and tradesmen can help bring your ideas to life by offering you advice on the highest quality bathroom components. We’ll work closely with you from conception to completion, and our expert installers will guarantee you get the bathroom you’ve always dreamed of … hassle-free!
Ready to turn your bathroom dreams into reality? Contact the experts at All Bathroom Gear today on (07) 3391 8628.
