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At first thought, there’s nothing too exciting about bathrooms because most of us are stuck with a small awkward space that’s almost impossible to manage. Then, we see those magnificent bathrooms online and in magazines and can’t help but wonder who these people are? Are they all millionaires? Are these luxurious bathrooms even real or are they photoshopped?
Thing is, all of these bathrooms, no matter the style or how big or small they are, have one thing in common. They’re flawlessly organized. Everything belongs in its own place. There’s a clean, open space that looks so relaxing and inviting that you want to spend the whole day there. But even when you daydream of owning such an oasis yourself, the army of brushes, cosmetics and towels in your own bathroom is quick to burst your bubble.
Bringing Order to Chaos the Smart Way
So how can you bring order in your bathroom chaos? Do you need to hire a professional home organizer? Of course not, you just need the right bathroom furniture to keep your bathroom away from the brink of clutter. Speaking of furnishings to keep organized, the bath vanity is your best friend. When chosen wisely, bath vanity cabinets can completely transform bathrooms with minimum effort.
However, finding the right unit for your space can be a tough challenge. With so many bath vanity cabinets to choose from, you need to know a thing or two about these keepers of order to ensure you hunt down the one that fits your bathroom like a glove. Without further ado, let’s dive into everything there’s to know about bathroom vanities.
Quality & Materials
Instead of quickly falling in love with the first bathroom consoles and vanities you see on your Insta feed, get your smarties on regarding the quality and durability of materials. After all, you don’t buy bath vanity every day, and truth be told, it’s not a small investment. When choosing a bathroom vanity you’ll be faced with several options including but not limited to:
- Quartz
- Ceramic
- Artificial Stone
- Concrete
- Marble
- Wood
- Plywood
- PVC
This short list sums up the most common countertop materials used in cabinetry construction nowadays. If you’re seeking a time-proof vanity, keep the first five options on top of your mind, but expect to pay a bit more for these high-end cabinets. Wood, especially reclaimed wood bathroom furniture, is also on the pricier side, but it doesn’t get along with the high-moisture environment very well. Plywood and PVC are the most affordable options but don’t expect these cabinets to stay functional and worthy of admiration for too long.
When it comes to the construction of the cabinet, you should also closely inspect your unit to ensure it doesn’t only look the part, but fails to serve its purpose. Check whether the drawers glide smoothly and close all the way, if the doors make squeaky noises when opened and closed and if all the elements stay neatly and firmly where they should.
Designs & Styles
Not all vanities are created equal, and what looks great online or in the store, may not look so great in your space. To ensure a perfect balance between aesthetics and function you need to know what the different types of vanities are.
Pedestal Vanities
Classy and elegant, the pedestal vanity is basically a pedestal with a sink resting on top. They look absolutely chic in traditional bathrooms and are well suited to small bathrooms as well. One downside of pedestal vanities is that they offer no storage option.
Free-Standing Vanities
This is probably the most common type of vanity found in Australian bathrooms. It comes in a square or rectangular shape and it may feature 4 legs, a kickplate or both. Free-standing cabinets offer plenty of storage space, but they also take away that much-needed floor space in small bathrooms. Nowadays, you can find free standing cabinets in contemporary and traditional styles and everything in between.
Wall-Mount Vanities
Probably the most contemporary of them all, wall-mount vanities are your best bet if you want to futureproof your bathroom. Since they’re a more novel trend, these units feature clean and minimalistic designs that offer maximum storage space without taking away too much of your floor space. As the name suggests, wall-mount vanities are fixed onto the wall and give out a floating appearance that’s somewhat futuristic.
Colours & Finishes
The last but not least choice you’ll need to make is the colour and finish of your bathroom cabinetry. Although this part has nothing to do with the functionality of your bathroom, it has everything to do with the looks of it.
If you want to play it safe and stick to a monochromatic bathroom, all-white vanities are a great choice. Not only that they’ll give out a serene and tranquil vibe, but they’ll also make your space feel larger and more open. For instance, you can opt for a classic vanity designed in Hamptons style adorned with a high-end marble countertop as a cherry on top. To add to the clean aesthetic, opt for a vanity enclosed with a kickplate to keep those dust bunnies at bay.
For those who want to use the vanity as a chance to create a captivating focal point, a black wall-hung vanity may be a better choice. A contemporary wall-hung vanity in black is bound to capture your attention any time you’re entering the bathroom. Moreover, since this type of cabinet leaves the space beneath open, it makes it very easy to keep the floors squeaky clean.
Let’s not forget to mention those who want to luxe it up a notch. If that’s your case, keep your warm hues close and your golden details closer. This combo will help you achieve that luxurious aesthetic without looking tacky. Just remember, moderation is key. If the handles are golden, opt for wooden doors and a white countertop. Or better yet, combine the gold with black to capture that understated elegance in its essence.
Bonus Drops of Knowledge
If you’re thinking leave me alone already I just want to buy my vanity, bear with me for just a little longer. You see, before making a final decision, need to consider several other not so interesting things.
The first thing you should do is to whip out your measuring tape and measure everything out. Keep in mind that even if the vanity can physically fit in your space, that doesn’t mean it’ll be functional. You need to ensure that there will be enough free space around it so it can be easily accessible. You don’t want to end up with the toilet suite blocking the cabinet doors now, do you?
Then consider who’s going to use this vanity. Do you need a single or dual cabinet? Figure out how much storage space you need to keep all the bathroom essentials neatly tucked away without blocking the entire bathroom with an unwieldy piece of furniture.
And finally, check whether your piping agrees with your desired cabinet unit. If not, you may need to hire a professional to redo the piping or make adjustments. Keep in mind that this may be a lengthy and costly process, so if you want to keep things as hassle-free as possible it’s best to choose a cabinet in accordance with your existing piping.