When selecting a bathroom vanity, you are going to want to consider both style and functionality. While there are no hard and fast rules for this, there are some important questions to ask yourself.
Who is going to be using it?
The vanity you end up choosing needs to be fully compatible with your bathroom needs. In a busy house or an ensuite shared with a partner, you may want to consider a double sink if space allows. If it’s just you, then a single will be sufficient.
Beyond this, keep in mind what the people using the vanity are doing with it. So, for example, if it is used by someone for doing hair and makeup, then more space will be required for placing the items needed for this.
Where is the plumbing located?
The location of the plumbing is likely to be a critical factor in deciding where your vanity will be placed. After all, it takes both time and money to make alterations with this.
This will also likely limit the types of vanity you can select from. For example, a floating vanity may not be possible if the sink’s plumbing hookups have been designed for a more traditional floor-mounted one.
Are there any issues to consider when sizing it?
The size of your vanity should be in keeping with the bathroom, not just in terms of appearance, but also to stop it becoming a hindrance.
In a busy bathroom, you don’t want something that is going to block access to doors, drawers, and cupboards. There is nothing worse than installing your new vanity only to find that it doesn’t allow the bathroom door to be fully opened.
Use a tape measure to assess dimensions to ensure that there are not likely to be any issues with the vanity’s placement.
How much and what kind of storage is needed?
Different types of vanity incorporate different kinds of storage into their design, everything from shelves to cupboards and drawers are available.
Taking account of what you need to store in the bathroom will help you to clearly assess what kind of vanity storage you require.
Consider also that you need to ensure there is ample room for the cupboards and drawers of the vanity to be fully open without blocking anything else. This is a point often overlooked when people measure up their bathroom space.
What is the best sink style to choose?
While you may have taken time to consider faucet and other styling options, you may not have thought too much about the sink itself. However, the style and size of the bowl will have a considerable impact on the appearance of the vanity, not to mention its functionality.
If you want to make the most of your counter space, you may want to opt for a smaller sink. This is especially beneficial when you have a modest-sized vanity. An under-mounted bowl will additionally provide you with a bit more room to work with.
What materials are available?
When thinking about what kind of materials you want in your vanity, you will want to consider the specific ‘climate’ of the room. Bathrooms are often a hot and humid, and so any materials selected are going to need to be able to handle this.
Wood veneers, laminates, and thermofoil tend to work well in bathrooms, and if you do opt to use any wood, you want to make sure that it is properly sealed and lacquered. Just keep in mind that this makes the material more water-resistant than waterproof.
For the vanity top, you will need something durable such as ceramic, stone, glass, or plastic that is also quick and easy to clean.