Discover all of your options and learn what to look for in this Bathroom Vanity Buying Guide. This guide will show you what types of vanities there are, discuss material quality, and address common design issues.
Unlike other pieces of home furniture, vanities are installed and fastened to the studs of your home. This means that they are a much more permanent piece. For this reason, you want to make sure that you choose the right vanity built with the proper materials. Here is an outline to the Bathroom Vanity Buying Guide
- Materials Used to Make Bath Cabinets
- Deciding What Size is the Right Fit
- Bathroom Vanity Height Guide
- Types of Vanities
- Variations of Sinks
- Styling Options
- Being a Frugal Shopper
To jump to a specific section, click on the appropriate link above.
1. Materials Used to Make Bath Cabinet
Choosing the right material for your bathroom is one of the most important decision you will make when purchasing a bathroom vanity. Humidity and moisture is one of the biggest problems with wood furniture so deciding on materials is of the utmost importance. Solid wood vanities offer the greatest durability while rubber wood is also a very feasible option offering 90% the strength of oak wood. Here are a few additional resources that I suggest taking the time to read. They will show you what is considered “solid wood” and tell you the difference between MDF, plywood, solid wood, etc.
The Celle Single Bath Vanity is a delicately patterned piece made from solid birch wood, among the strongest and most reliable woods that can be used in the bathroom.
- What’s the Best Material for a Bathroom Vanity
- MDF vs Solid Wood in the Bathroom
2. Deciding What Size is the Right Fit
Although there are standard dimensions for the bathroom, not all homes are built the same. Measure the dimensions of your current vanity and then start from there. Bathroom cabinets are normally available in increments of 3″ so it’s a good rule of thumb to keep in mind. This page here allows you to filter through the noise and shop for a vanities by size.
If you’re looking for a really odd-size, you may need to consider going the custom or semi-custom route. This will cost more than stock vanities (pricing breakdown). Semi-custom cabinets are available in increments of 1/8″ and fully customized cabinets are available in just about any size your local cabinet maker can fabricate. Not sure which is the right choice for you? I’ve expanded on the custom, semi-custom, and stock cabinet dilemma in this article.
Click here to shop for bathroom vanities by size.
Many vanities are available in smaller and larger sizes. This is good to keep in mind in case you fall in love with a large double sink vanity. Many times, you can find that same vanity in a condensed version that you can use in your guest bathroom. This will allow you to maintain a uniform design throughout your home.
- The Best 48″ Bathroom Vanities for Mid-Sized Layouts
3. Bathroom Vanity Height Guide
Standard Bathroom Vanity Height is 32″. Comfort Height Vanities are the new trend. These vanities are raised a few inches to 36″, the same height as a kitchen counter top. This allows you to use the sink without having to bend over and cause strain to your lower back. After all, the only reason why bathroom counter tops are lower than kitchens is because kids have to use the bathroom while the kitchen is primarily used by adults for food prep.
The other vanity height option is vessel sink height. Vessel sinks are typically 6″ tall so you need to accomodate this extra height by lowering your vanity. Standard height of a vessel sink vanity is about 30″. This will put the top of your basin at approximately 36″ which is comfort height.
4. Types of Vanities
The Vicente Rocco Double Glass Vanity by Virtu USA.
Free Standing – The normal vanity that is “free-standing” meaning it is seated on the floor and attached to the wall via mounting screws. Free standing vanities are the most common type of vanity.
Floating – Floating bathroom vanities are vanities that are wall-mounted. This type of vanity is more common in modern and contemporary designs. Floating vanities save floor space and give your bathroom a chic look. To learn more about floating vanities you can read this post.
Floating Vanities Category Page: /floating-bathroom-vanities.html
Open Space – Open space vanities are a great way to create an a relaxing airy feeling in your bathroom. Open space vanities feature visible storage space without door panels or drawers covering them. They are fun, inviting, and
Vessel Sink – Vessel sinks became popular in the late 2000′s and they’re still considered to be very modern nowadays. Vessel sinks are vanities that feature basins that are seated above the counter top. You can also find “recessed” vessel sinks where the top of the bowl protrudes above the counter but the basin is seated within the vanity like this one. Vessel sinks do not necessarily need to be made from glass either. They can be made from ceramics and porcelain as well. The best part is that there are literally thousands of colors of artisan pieces. Just flip through a few of these pages and you’ll see what I mean.
You can find a section dedicated to Vessel Sink Vanities here: /vessel-sink-vanities.html
Glass Bathroom Vanities – Glass vanities offer an ultra-modern appeal. The translucence of the design is fulfilling, emphasizing the complete depth of the rooms dimensions. Most glass vanities are made from tempered glass so you don’t have to worry about them being too fragile. Best of all, they are easy to clean with a little glass cleaner and a quick wipe down.
Browse Glass Vanities by visiting this page: /glass-bathroom-vanities.html
5. Variations of Sinks
The Esperanza Vessel Sink Vanity.
Single Sink – Single sink vanities are typical for small bathrooms where space is limited. They are great for apartment, condos, powder rooms, and guest bathrooms. You can also opt for a longer vanity with a single sink to create more counter space.
- 20 Small Bathroom Vanities that are Big on Style
Double Sink – Double sink vanities are great for his and hers master bathrooms. They allow both spouses ample space to prepare themselves in the morning. Double sink vanities also offer more counter space for all of your cosmetics and personal hygiene accessories.
More Double Sink Vanities: /double-bathroom-vanities.html
Vessel Sink – Vessel sinks give your bathroom a unique appearance. Standard porcelain basins are fine but they are much too common. This is the great thing about vessel sinks. There are so many options out there that you can find a vessel sink that no one else has seen to give your master bathroom that extra wow factor. It look custom and one of a kind, tailored to your personal preferences.
100′s of Artisan Vessel Sinks on this page.
Corner Sink Vanities – Corner sink vanities are great when you want to conserve space. Some are attached to the wall while others are free-standing. In any case, the only space that you use is that which is needed for the basin.
See Corner Sinks: http://www.tradewindsimports.com/corner-bathroom-vanities.html
Topless Bathroom Vanities – Topless, no this is nothing X-Rated. Topless vanities are vanities that do not have the counter top attached. This is good because it allows you to shop for your own custom counter top. Many people prefer this because it allows them to have flexibility. Many stores only sell the vanity and counter together. This means that you can’t purchase the vanity individually. You’ll have to purchase the extra countertop even if you plan to have your own custom top made locally. Learn more reasons why you should invest in bathroom vanities without tops.
Browse Topless Vanities here: http://www.tradewindsimports.com/bathroom-cabinets.html
6. Styling Options
The Balmoral Furniture Style Vanity from James Martin Furniture.
Modern -Modern bathroom vanities are built according to trends that were popularized during the Mid-Century Modern period. These vanities amplify minimalist sensibilities with a love for sharp, bold, and simplistic lines. Black and white with chrome/brushed nickel hardware are common for modern vanities. The idea is to keep the design simple and place the emphasis on the functionality of the bathroom. Easy access, comfortable storage, and simple clean up.
Click here to see Modern Bathroom Vanities.
Antique - Antique vanities are much more elaborate and decorative. Many times inspired by vintage expressions of the Art-Deco Period, antique vanities capture the rustic look of the past. You’ll find aged vanities with ornate accents that line the cabinets frame and wind down the legs, annunciating fashion, elegance, and opulence. Bowed and pilaster legs are another common feature. Antique vanities can be found in variations of rustic and country styles. This style is ideal for homes that feature designs that include Old World Fashion, rustic, country, cottage style, and ranch homes.
Browse Vintage Bath Vanities here: /antique-bathroom-vanities.html
Transitional – Transitional is a style that blends the old with the new, a hybrid if you may. With transitional vanities, you’ll often see a frame construction similar to a modern vanity. The vanity itself will have a little more decoration with beveled panels and slight accents to give the cabinets some type of depth. Transitional is a great choice if you think modern vanities are too plain but antique vanities are too old-fashioned for your taste.
See what Transitional Vanities look like on this page: /transitional-bathroom-vanities.html
Furniture Style – Furniture Style Bathroom Vanities are among the most recent trends to hit the bath design industry. Furniture Style Vanities are those that mimic normal bathroom vanities the only difference is that they must facilitate plumbing for the sink and faucet. To learn more about furniture style vanities, you can read this page.
European Vanities - European bathrooms vanities are becoming increasingly popular in the states. These vanities are typically slim, using a lighter color palette to influence the surrounding space in a way that promotes depth. You can find our more about this foreign style by reading this page.
7. Being a Frugal Shopper
The Twist Column Antique Vanity.
The best time to buy a vanity is when companies have sales going on. They know that consumers are more likely to buy on holidays so they lower the price. You can check out this page for Closeout Vanities that are offered way below retail. These cabinets are made of much higher quality materials than those seen in big box stores for just a few dollars more. A worthy trade-off if you ask me.
Anything else? Visit Tradewinds Imports.com, an online specialty store known for carrying the most unique bathroom vanities.
More Tips on Buying a Bath Vanity:
- The 5 Best Bathroom Vanity Brands and Manufacturers
- 18 Bathroom Vanities Made with Dovetail Drawers
- The Joy of Walnut Bathroom Furniture
About the Author
Cheryl Khan is a designer and writer at Tradewinds Imports.com, an online specialty site dedicated to retailing fine bathroom furnishings. She has extensive knowledge about all the finer details that go into planning the perfect bath renovation project and is an expert on all things bathroom! Send her your bathroom Q’s on twitter @SuperInteriors!