Before indoor plumbing was common, most homes included at least one “toilet table” accompanied by a mirror, wash basin, and chamber pot. Those early tables morphed into modern, fully plumbed vanities.
Every modern vanity has a washbasin, and most also include storage space.
Suppliers offer vanities in dozens of different styles and sizes, so there is something for every taste. Having so many options can seem overwhelming when buying a new vanity, but a step-by-step guide can narrow down the options and ensure you make the best choice.
Think About the Budget
Budget is one of the most important bathroom vanity considerations for most people.
Suppliers offer everything from simple, budget-friendly models to elegant, high-end cabinetry. Fortunately, there are also dozens of possibilities between the two extremes, and it’s not difficult to find an affordable vanity that suits your style.
According to HGTV, you can spend anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars for vanities.
A simple, affordable model may be all you need when updating a bathroom on a budget. But, it pays to use a designer’s help during a more involved renovation project. Design professionals can often get excellent rates on high-end products.
Consider Your Layout
It’s crucial to consider a bathroom’s layout as early as possible in your project. When budget is a consideration, it’s wise to work with existing plumbing, electrical, and water elements. You can reconfigure features to fit a new design if the budget is more generous.
Reflecting on how you will use the space helps determine the best layout. For example, you may want extra storage for a children’s bathroom or a vanity table if you use the vanity to put on makeup.
Measure Available Space
You’ll need to measure your space to determine the best size for a new vanity. A standard bathroom vanity height is about 31 inches, with a depth between 17 and 24 inches. The width is determined by the number of sinks you need and how much storage is required.
Per Houzz experts, a larger double vanity works well for a primary en suite, while a space-saving style is ideal for a guest bathroom.
Decide on a Cabinet Grade
Suppliers offer four grades of cabinets. You can choose ready-to-assemble (RTA), stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinetry. Your budget and layout will determine which works best for you.
- RTA is a budget-friendly option, but not the highest quality.
- Stock is affordable and of higher quality than RTA cabinets, but stock models often lack variety.
- Semi-custom provides a good variety and quality, with dozens of options, but does not always offer a tailored fit.
- Custom, which is the most luxurious and costly option. Custom vanities always fit perfectly and offer unlimited options, but they may also require a longer lead time than other choices.
Choose Your Style
Selecting a cabinet style is more fun than other stages and is a chance to unleash your creativity.
Whether your style is traditional, contemporary, transitional, mid-century, coastal, farmhouse, or antique, there’s something for you. Suppliers offer pedestal, freestanding, vessel, floating, and under-mounted models.
You can also select hardware and cabinet finishes that appeal to your taste.
Choosing the best vanity when updating or renovating your bathroom involves a step-by-step process. It’s essential to consider your budget, the size of the space, and your layout.
You’ll want to decide on the best cabinet grade for your needs and select a vanity style that reflects your tastes.