So Many Bathroom Vanities, So Little Time

As we add a new Instock Vanity Program, the question arises: Why would I buy a more expensive vanity when I can run into one of the big box stores, grab a vanity and pay less?

Have you ever bought a cheap, particle board vanity and accidentally gotten it wet? If you have small boys in your home, I’m guessing the answer is an absolute “yes”.

Most of the bathroom vanities sold at big box stores, will actually warp and swell when you get them wet. This not only ruins the appearance of a vanity, but can disrupt functionality as well: drawers don’t open as smoothly and possibly don’t close completely, swinging doors no longer line up to the openings…you get the idea.

Did you think you were getting six drawers for storage and you actually got two? Look at these photos to see what I mean.

AHHH! That’s frustrating!

Your bath vanity serves many purposes—it’s where you brush your teeth, store your personal items, and add a personal touch of décor. The right vanity fits your bathroom like a glove; the wrong vanity can be disappointing and more than likely, replaced in a few years.

Keep reading for some great tips to help you plan out your bathroom and decide which vanity is right for you.

Step 1: Consider Your Bathroom Space

Your bathroom vanity should be scaled properly to your bathroom. A double-sink vanity may overwhelm a small powder room, whereas a miniscule vanity may look awkward in a large master bathroom. Another consideration is how your bathroom is used: do you need to accommodate a family member in a wheelchair? If so, you’ll want to select a vanity with cabinets that are easily reachable from a wheelchair.  Do you brush your teeth alongside your partner in the morning? If so, you’ll need a double-sink vanity.

Step 2: Think about Storage

Whereas it’s true that a larger vanity can hold more items than a smaller vanity, you can still maximize your space with storage accessories. A pullout vanity drawer organizer, for example, allows you to store toiletries neatly rather than taking up space in a lower cabinet. Door storage is also available for toiletries and cleaning supplies, enabling you to store more in vanity drawers.

Step 3: Select Your Vanity Mount Type

Standard: A popular choice, this type of bathroom vanity looks like a set of drawers. Standard vanities with legs are called furniture pieces, whereas standard vanities with drawers are referred to as chests of drawers.

Wall Mount: This type of bathroom vanity is hung from the wall. It’s recommended that a trade professional installs a wall-mount vanity to make sure there’s adequate wall support.

Corner: Small bathroom? This compact vanity is placed in the corner, saving valuable bathroom space.

Step 4: Choose Your Vanity Style

Traditional: Typically a pale ivory or rich brown color, traditional bathroom vanities have an air of elegance. The pulls are frequently knob-shaped, and may be wooden or finished with white, bronze, brushed gold, or brushed nickel. Curved details, such as ornate legs, are popular with this style.

Contemporary: Natural-looking woods, dark finishes, and glass surfaces are common with this vanity style. Chrome and stainless steel European bar pulls adorn cabinet drawers. This organic, no frills-style features sleek edges and clean lines.

Modern: Wall-mounted vanities characterize this airy-yet-bold style. Black and bright colors are used as accents. Minimalist design features are used for this vanity style. Pulls may be chrome, black, or white.

Step 5: Pick out a Countertop

Countertop Types

Standard Countertops: These countertops are kept separate from sink bowls, allowing you to customize your countertop-sink options.

Countertops with Integral Bowls: These are countertops with a built-in sink bowl, allowing for seamless integration with your bathroom cabinet.

Countertop Materials

Granite – Natural beauty, durability, and stain resistance characterize this hard countertop surface. If you’re going for an organic look, granite’s natural patterns will look stunning in your bathroom.

Quartz – Quartz countertops are unique, elegant, and scratch resistant. As a non-porous material, quartz is easy to clean and maintain.

Solid-Surface – Solid-surface countertops are made of acrylic. This type of countertop can include an integral bowl. It also resists stains, heat, and bacteria growth.

Marble – Marble is a sophisticated, classic choice for any vanity countertop. If you’re planning a traditional-style bathroom, consider the timeless beauty of marble.

Bathroom Sinks and Faucets

Looking to install a new bathroom vanity? You may also be interested in selecting a bathroom faucet and/or bathroom sink. Check out our blog posts about how to select the right bathroom faucet and bathroom sink.

Discover the perfect bath vanity at a bath & kitchen showroom. Visit a Crawford Supply Group showroom, located in Illinois, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, to look through our vanities, which are available in many styles and sizes. You can also set up a free Showroom Consultation with one of our knowledgeable team members and be sure to ask about our NEW Instock Vanity Program.