How to Choose the Right Bathroom Vanity Design
Let's talk vanities.
Bathroom vanities are more than a place to wash up. They serve as your morning prep station, a place for extra storage, a countertop for decor, and a space where you can take a few moments for yourself. Choose the right vanity bathroom design with our guide, or jump to a specific section with our table of contents below.
Vanity Sink Types
Vanity Materials
Vanity Styles
Vanity Hardware Styles
Choosing a Vanity Size by Room
Consider Single vs. Double Vanity
Other Vanity Features
Vanity Sink Types
The two types of sinks you will commonly see are undermount sinks and integrated sinks. Keep reading below to differentiate between the two and choose which one best suits your needs.
Undermount
Undermount sinks are mounted under the counter and hidden out of sight. The countertop serves as the rim of this sink style, while the actual sink sits inside the cabinet.
Integrated
An integrated sink style means your countertop and sink are crafted from the same material and come together as one unit, fully assembled. Keep in mind that if you want to replace the sink, you'll also have to replace the countertop.
Style your vanity and bathroom with materials that pair with your aesthetic. Get inspired by some of our favorite styles below.
Stone
Choosing a vanity made from stone adds an organic and natural element to your space. Choose between a variety of colors and veining to customize your look. We also appreciate its durability and heat- and moisture-resistance. Stone countertops work best in bathrooms that lean rustic, modern, traditional, or industrial.
Ceramic
Ceramic countertops are made from clay that adds a smooth and bright finish to your vanity. This material has become popular for integrated vanity styles because the sink and counter are made of one piece of ceramic. Because ceramic is usually one solid color, typically white, this material looks best in a minimalist modern bathroom or can serve as a foil to busier elements in a traditional, farmhouse, or coastal style bathroom. We love this material not only for its durability but also for its resistance to bacteria.
Marble
Most frequently spotted in glam or modern style bathrooms, marble is known for its luxe sheen and unique veining. Marble is a great option for bathroom vanities not only for its looks but also its heat-, moisture-, and chip-resistance – this stone can last for years without needing to be replaced or repaired.
Granite
For a touch of sophistication, try a granite countertop. Granite comes in a variety of shades and is known for its unique veining, patterns, and the shimmer dispersed from the quartz, mica, and feldspar. Make a statement with a black granite countertop and a lighter colored base. We love seeing this contrast in farmhouse, traditional, and industrial styled bathrooms.
Quartz
Quartz is a low-maintenance material making it high in demand for bathroom vanity designs. This hybrid stone comes in a range of shades – from neutral black and white hues to more colorful shades like blue, red, and pink. Quartz has a non-porous surface, meaning it's scratch-, stain-, and heat-resistant – ideal for any style of bathroom.
Choose your vanity style based on your preferred aesthetic – we'll take you through some of our personal favorites.
Modern & Contemporary Vanities
A modern vanity style is all about sleek finishes, bold colors and veining, and a minimalist look. Marble is a popular finish for this style because it adds a layer of sophistication and just enough pattern for the space. Shades like white and black make a strong statement perfect for the aesthetic. Complete the look with simple chrome hardware for a final pop of sleek and shiny metal.
Traditional Vanities
Traditional vanities are classic in design. Choose a clean-lined, wood base with a solid or distressed finish to keep the style timeless. Cooler tones for the base like white, black, pewter, or navy fit this style best, along with silver hardware as a finishing touch. Consider adding patterned wallpaper and bath mats for a twist.
Coastal Vanities
Stay true to the coastal aesthetic with a distressed wood vanity base paired with a ceramic or quartz countertop for that nautical feel. Commit to the oceanside feel with a navy blue base. Keep your hardware on the subtle side with a simple design and silver or brass finish.
Hardware is the final touch that brings the vanity together. Choose the right finish to fit your aesthetic. We love how this modern bathroom is given a splash of luxe with gold hardware – it brings out the warmth in the dark wood vanity base and the off-white marble countertop. Gold, chrome, and silver are perfect for a modern or glam style bathroom. Choose a bronze or brass finish for a farmhouse or rustic space. For coastal or traditional bathrooms try a matte gold or silver finish.
Along with choosing a vanity design that fits your style, it's important to find one that fits your space and needs.
Vanities for Powder Rooms
Also known as a half bath, powder rooms are generally the smallest bathrooms and only consist of a vanity and a toilet. Use a bathroom vanity style that has a base width of 18" – 36" to make sure your vanity doesn't overwhelm the smaller space.
Vanities for Standard Bathrooms
A standard bathroom is more spacious and can include a shower or bathtub. Choose a vanity base width that ranges from 30" – 60" for a unit that fits the room comfortably and has extra storage space for toiletries.
Vanities for Master Bathrooms
Master bathroom vanities are the largest size to accommodate all of your personal bathroom needs and often feature two sinks. These countertops are 60" or wider to give you extra space for bath and body products.
Once you've determined which bathroom to place your new vanity in, consider whether you'll need a single or double sink.
Single Vanities
Single vanities contain just one sink and work for any bathroom. You can find a single vanity countertop in just about every size – all you need to do is determine how much space you need. Single vanities tend to range from 24" – 48" wide, but can go up to 72" for a master bathroom.
Double Vanities
A double vanity is naturally larger in width because it has to accommodate two sink spaces. Most double vanities range from 60" – 70", although some are as small as 48" and some are larger than 70". Double vanities allow two people to use the sinks at the same time, making it ideal for partners in a master bedroom or in a Jack-and-Jill bathroom between two bedrooms.
Picking out the right bathroom vanity style is more than the design and material. Check out these additional feature options to find a vanity that meets all your criteria.
Soft-Close
The soft-close feature on a vanity ensures that your drawers or doors won't shut too quickly or firmly with a mechanism that eases the door closed. This feature prevents unwanted loud noises and keeps your vanity in great shape.
Fully Assembled
Avoid the extra labor of assembling your vanity with one that comes fully assembled. Need we say more?
Distressed Finish
A distressed finish adds a vintage and worn look to your vanity. This style is perfect for rustic, farmhouse, industrial, or contemporary bathroom aesthetics.
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