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Spruce up Your Bathroom Décor With the Best Bathroom Vanity

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By Old House Journal Review Team
Last updated: 28 Feb 2023

Bathrooms have come a long way from being a necessary evil to a place of luxurious ambiance. Moving away from drawing rooms and lounges, people are using their budgets to give their bathrooms a makeover.

Whether you want a simple retouch, or are planning for a complete interior renovation of the room, vanity units are the center of every bathroom renovation project. Vanity units are a stylish combo of countertop basins and storage cabinets in a single piece of furniture. And if you’ve been surviving with a typical ceramic sink all this time, they are the solution for that much-needed storage.

Vanities come in an endless array of sizes, shapes, and finishes to harmonize with your bathroom’s existing or planned theme. In case you are looking for one that enhances the functionality and storage of the room, we have rounded up the most elegant-looking bathroom vanities of 2023.

Best Overall
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Flairwood Decor Bathroom Vanity
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Ideal for Small Spaces
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Eclife Bathroom Vanity
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Seamless and Aesthetic
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Fine Fixtures Bathroom Vanity
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Maximum Storage Capacity
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Urban Furnishing Bathroom Vanity
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Best Double Sink
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Vanity Art Bathroom Vanity
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Buyer’s Guide To Finding the Ideal 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.

Finest Bathroom Vanities of 2023 Reviewed in Detail

1

Flairwood Decor Bathroom Vanity

– Best Overall
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A perfect option for contemporary-styled en-suites, the Flairwood Cosmo Ace Vanity is a wall-mounted vanity unit embellished in oak wood. This vanity comes with a 30-inch cultured marble countertop, along with a rectangular embedded sink, making it suitable for small and congested bathroom spaces. Despite featuring a wall-hung design, the pre-drilled faucet hole and pop-up drain allow for easier installation.

This vanity uses high-grade oak wood for the base, offering two soft closing drawers supported with matte black handles. The front of the drawers uses textured laminated oak that provides sturdiness and durability while protecting it from moisture and scratches. The top drawer features an 8-inch u-shaped opening supporting hassle-free installation and maintenance for plumbing, making it the overall best vanity on the list.

Pros
  • Built from high-grade textured oakwood
  • Features 2-inch-thick cultured marble countertop
  • The soft-closing drawers allow moisture protection
Cons
  • Hassle-free installation
2

Eclife Bathroom Vanity

– Ideal for Small Spaces
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The Eclife Vanity Sink Combo, with its compact design and a 24-inch-wide countertop structure, would make a perfect fit for the newly established bathroom. This floor-standing unit is constructed from sturdy hardwood and plywood material with an overall glossy finish, bringing you durability and style at an economical rate.

In addition to the wide cabinets that allow sufficient space for plumbing and storage, the two drawers at the bottom make it easier to organize your toiletries. The scratch-resistant sink is made from solid ceramic that is wear-resistant and easier to clean, which fits the EPA criteria for safety. This vanity unit comes with a 12-inch glossy chrome faucet and a glass mirror that maximizes the attraction of the vanity unit as a whole.

Pros
  • It supports simple and easy installation
  • The compact design suits small rooms
  • Comes with a glossy faucet
  • Constructed from durable hardwood and plywood
Cons
  • May have insufficient storage space
3

Fine Fixtures Bathroom Vanity

– Seamless and Aesthetic
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If you are a fan of minimal, aesthetic, and raw interiors, the Fine Fixture Urbania Vanity Unit is the ideal option for your bathroom. The plywood-modeled cabinet units stand on a sturdy metal structure, bringing rawness and elegance to the room. While the spacious two-door cabinets offer adequate space to store bathroom essentials, the plywood platform at the bottom allows fuss-free organization of your robes and towels.

As for the sink, Fine Fixtures use vitreous china material (commonly known as ceramic) that is marked both durable and water-resistant. Although it does not provide an outlet in case of water overflow, the vanity does come with a dedicated pre-drilled hole for faucet installation. Since the vanity comes pre-assembled alongside an installation manual, you can set it up in minutes.

Pros
  • Features a combination of plywood and metal
  • Sink is durable
  • Bottom shelf rack provides secondary storage
  • Spacious cabinets support storage and plumbing
Cons
  • Does not include any drawers
4

Urban Furnishing Bathroom Vanity

– Maximum Storage Capacity
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For a bathroom vanity that provides ample countertop space, multiple drawers, and wide spacey cabinets, the Urban Furnishing Vanity Set takes the top spot. This vanity structure is meticulously handcrafted with solid wood, exhibiting a modern design appeal and a luxurious finish. It has a curved under-mount sink attached to a Carrara white quartz marble countertop that perfectly aligns with the most sophisticated bathroom themes.

With a cabinet at the center, your plumber won’t have trouble fastening the water inlets and drainage pipes. The cabinets and drawers have an embedded soft-closing mechanism, and they are furnished with gold brushed handles. As for the towels and bathrobes, there’s a large-sized shelf rack underneath designed for just the purpose.

Pros
  • Handcrafted from solid wood
  • Provides an extensive vanity unit countertop
  • Drawers maximizes storage
  • Drawers feature quick release
Cons
  • It is very expensive
5

Vanity Art Bathroom Vanity

– Best Double Sink
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This dual-sink option by Vanity Art is perfect for every en-suite bathroom for couples. With its 72-inch large countertop, this vanity set is primarily geared toward spacious bathrooms. This floor-standing unit is constructed with durable oak wood and plywood, supporting sturdiness and reliability.

Offering up to five dove-tailed fully extending drawers with two double-door cabinets, you won’t need another storage fixture in the room. The cabinets have adjustable hinges with a soft-closing functionality that simplifies storage even more. Apart from the two under-mount sinks, the packages also include his and her mirrors. The cabinet set comes in three different colors, allowing you to set the perfect contrast with the bathroom tiling.

Pros
  • Includes dedicated his and her mirrors
  • Offers soft-closing drawers and cabinets
  • Built from solid materials
  • Wide and spacious countertop with undermount sinks
Cons
  • Does not include faucets and drain pipes

People Also Asked

Q: Can I find a custom-built vanity unit?

A: Although most vendors online offer pre-built vanity units, you can find manufacturers that take custom orders, depending on your needs and preferences. These manufacturers usually charge a premium as well.

Q: Can I install the bathroom vanity myself?

A: Unlike other bathroom fixtures, installing a vanity unit isn’t as technical or arduous. With the right tools and installation manual (provided by the vendors), you can install a bathroom vanity yourself.

Q: How much does a bathroom vanity cost?

A: The price of a bathroom vanity depends on its construction material, the combination of drawers and cabinets, the quality of the countertop unit, and the number of sinks. Vanity units range from as low as $250 up to $2500.

Bathroom Vanities & Cabinets
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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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