A bathroom is typically a smaller space in a home, and we know that you want to make the most of every change you're making, including your bathroom vanity. But how do you choose the right bathroom vanity that not only looks good but checks everything off your important list of needs?
As much as we'd like the process to be as easy as 1,2,3, it does require very careful thought. You will need to consider everything from the utility it provides to the overall aesthetic look, and these tips will help you during the whole experience of choosing the right bathroom vanity.
Top Considerations When Choosing Your Bathroom Vanity
1.) Placement or Location
Choose a spot for your vanity that won't make a mess of your bathroom's traffic flow or block the bathroom or shower door swings. Experiment by walking around the space. If you can't completely visualize, try using a vanity substitute—a box will do. This will help you picture where the vanity would go, and how it would affect the rest of the room. Once you've decided the placement, you'll be able to narrow down the size the same way. This is where a tape measure comes in handy! You, or your contractor, will have to take some measurements to determine how long and how wide the vanity will be able to be. The end result should be a set of measurements that will give you the area your vanity will occupy, leaving you to move to the next step!
2.) Plumbing
Plumbing will most likely be the part of your bathroom that dictates where your vanity is going to go. Because it costs time and money to change your plumbing, it is recommended that you check the plumbing you have currently in place to better determine which style will suit your space best. For example, a floor-mounted vanity can make use of the typical plumbing layout. A wall-mounted vanity will require moving the plumbing hookups for your sink.
Moving plumbing isn't impossible; it depends on what you want, and the budget you have set aside for the project. If you decide to work with the existing plumbing set up, this will help narrow down your vanity style choices.
3.) Storage Needs
One of the perks of a bathroom vanity is having more storage. You'll finally have a place to put everything! When considering bathroom vanity options, take an inventory of what you store in your current vanity to get an idea of how much storage space you'll need. Organize everything by what you'll need to have in reach and what you'll just need to have nearby.
4.) Who Will Be Using the Vanity?
When choosing a bathroom vanity, you should keep in mind the people who are going to be using it and the type of things they will be using it for. For example, if you're renovating for you and your partner, who both happen to use the sink at the same time, you may be leaning towards a vanity with a double sink. But if you're by yourself, you could make do with something smaller.
Another thing to consider is how you will be using the vanity. If you're someone who likes to do their makeup and hair, you'll want more counter space and storage to accommodate supplies.
5.) Overall Size
Your vanity size should always make sense for your bathroom's size. Cramming a huge vanity into a tiny bathroom doesn't make sense, no matter what your storage needs are. The amount of storage required impacts the size of the vanity, but more important is the size of the room it's in. Once you figure out who's going to use the vanity, as discussed before, that will help you figure out the proper height. Traditionally, 32 inches is the go-to height measurement for most bathroom vanities.
6.) Aesthetics (Color, Textures, Style)
There is no point picking a vanity that looks great at the store but horribly out of place in your own bathroom. Keep in mind the overall design aesthetic and make sure it fits into either your existing space or the newly renovated space. Whether traditional, modern or somewhere in between, your bathroom vanity offers several opportunities to express your style, including:
- Bathroom vanity cabinets design and finish
- Bathroom vanity tops and sink materials and configurations
- Faucet colors and designs
- Handles and other hardware
7.) Vanity Construction
Vanities are places in spaces that are humid, wet and busy. The materials that make up your bathroom vanity choice should be able to stand up to such an environment. Certain materials are better suited to warm, moist climates than others. While you may like the look of one material or finish, it may not be waterproof, or could be susceptible to scratches. Wood veneers, laminate and thermofoil are materials that will hold up well in the bathroom environment, and they look good, too!
8.) Enjoy Your New Vanity
Now that you've taken all these tips into consideration and chosen your new bathroom vanity, it's now time to enjoy it. It's always nice picking out a new item for your newly renovated space. And there are no wrong choices when it comes to home designs—it's all about what you love!
At Avalon Flooring, we want to make sure you're happy from your first step in our showroom to your first step on your new flooring—and as your partner in home design, we'll be there every step along the way. Consider us your "One-Stop Shopping" destination for all things flooring…(and window treatments)!
Our design consultants are equipped with the knowledge to guide you through the wide selection of products we offer, and our expert installation team is professionally trained to make sure everything gets installed the way you envision. We know your home is an expression of your sense of style, and we're here to make sure you'll be proud of it for years to come.
If you have any questions, please email us.
