Spruce up Your Bathroom Décor With the Best Bathroom Vanity

An ideal bathroom should be comfortable, stylish, and user-friendly; if your room seems lacking, it probably needs a makeover. Before you start stripping up the existing fixtures and tilework or initiate a shopping spree, it is time you consider the experts’ way of renovating a bathroom. 

Even though remodeling costs a lot, simply replacing your previous worn-out vanity with a newer one will give your bathroom its much-needed makeover. With the plethora of vanity units available on the market, finding the most appropriate out of the lot can be challenging without proper knowledge.

What To Consider When Buying a Bathroom Vanity

Even though there are no set criteria for an ideal bathroom vanity, considering the following factors will help you pick one that’s ideal for you:

Bathroom size and dimensions

It goes without saying, larger vanities fit spacious bathrooms, while small-sized versions are more suited to congested bathroom spaces. Since the vanity is not the only thing you need to install, leave sufficient room for other fixtures like mirrors, shower cubicles, and toilets. 

If you are planning to build a powder room or lavatory under the stairs, find a vanity small enough to fit in the room without taking up too much of the floor space. Vanities with a countertop length of 24-30 inches will seamlessly fit in small bathrooms.

For larger en-suite and family bathrooms, you can go with larger units that offer a combination of cabinets and drawers. If the space allows, there may be a benefit to consider a dual-sink option, so you have more space. 

Vanity type

Bathroom vanity units are categorized into wall-mounted and floor-standing units based on their mounting style. Let’s have a brief overview of both types:

1. Wall-mounted vanity unit – Also known as wall-hanging units, these vanities are designed to mount against the wall, and they have no contact with the floor. They use a specialized mounting structure previously drilled onto the wall, making it capable of bearing the entire load of the vanity unit. With their contemporary outlook and floating effect, wall-mounted vanities have become a hot favorite of many architects and interior designers.
2. Floorstanding vanity unit – As their name describes, floor-standing units are just like your standard corner tables with four legs and a countertop. While they may not look as attractive, these are more durable and sturdier than wall-mounted versions, since their entire weight falls on the ground. With the versatile design range for each bathroom theme, floor-standing units are still the most widely adopted vanities worldwide.   

Construction materials

Considering how your bathroom furniture is constantly exposed to humidity and moisture, it should be capable of withstanding moisture as well as outright water splashes. Wider range bathroom vanities are primarily constructed from the following materials:

1. Solid wood – This is the most expensive option, but it is very long-lasting and durable. Since solid wood is prone to damage from moisture, it is either painted or stained with specialized oils for longevity.
2. Plywood – Made from laminated sheets of wood veneers, plywood is just as durable as solid wood and is painted for waterproofing. Plywood’s competitive and affordable price tag makes it the most widely used material for constructing bathroom furniture.
3. MDF (medium density fiberboard) – As the most affordable modern-day material used in cabinetry, medium density fiberboards contain wood fibers glued together using resin. This engineered wood is sealed for waterproofing, producing a seamlessly smooth surface.

Storage capacity

From holding your bathroom essentials like shampoos and body soaps, to storing towels and other necessary toiletries, bathrooms need tons of storage space, and vanities are ideal for ensuring that. Like the unique mounting structure and sturdy material construction, the number of drawers and the size of cabinets in a vanity unit matters as well.

The amount of storage space you need not only depends on the size of the bathroom, but also its traffic inflow and usability. For instance, family bathrooms need more storage space compared to en-suites and powder rooms. So, opt for a vanity unit that offers a combination of drawers and cabinets that allow you to organize your items accordingly. You can also select a double-sink vanity that provides twice the capacity of a standard vanity unit.  

How To Install a Bathroom Vanity

Bathroom remodeling projects can be super-expensive, and if you truly want to save money on your bathroom renovation, you need to take matters into your own hands, especially if you are going for simple retouches or replacing the previous amenities. Here’s the step-by-step procedure for installing a bathroom vanity:

• Start by removing the previous fixture. Turn off the water mains before severing the taps and drain pipes. You might need a steel cutter or blade to cut through the fastening sealant around the unit.
• Place the assembled vanity on the proposed area and drill screws at the feet for better reinforcement. Measure out the unit’s height and width to ensure it’s fastened in the correct place.
• Mount the washbasin unit on top of your cabinet unit and fasten it in place using a sealant. Attach the water supply lines with the mixer tap by accessing the bottom area of the vanity. Similarly, connect the plumbing lines and water drain.
• Restore the water flow to check the water pressure and any possible leakages. Now install the drawers and cabinet doors, and appreciate the final product.