article

How To Choose The Right Vanity To Kick Off Your Bathroom Remodel

By Jaymi Naciri via Realty Times

bluehammer

You can change your bathroom lighting, your floors, and your fixtures. But if your vanity is rickety, chipped, timeworn, or just plain ugly, your bathroom might feel that way too.

The vanity can be the star, and whether your style is traditional, modern, or somewhere in the middle, you can easily transform your space with this one key piece.

"It's not always the most glamorous part of a bathroom remodel, but choosing the right vanity can make or break your bathroom's design," said Houzz. "If it's placed awkwardly in a traffic route, uses poor or mismatched materials, or doesn't have enough storage, the rest of your bathroom will suffer."

The right style

Choosing a vanity can speak volumes about your design aesthetic. Lean toward traditional style? Furniture-style vanities with rich wood and details like ornate carving and legs or feet might be for you.

Maybe you love antiques. Finding an old sideboard or dresser and fashioning it into a vanity can bring interest and distinction to the space. Just remember to treat the wood properly to keep water away.

bluehammer HGTV

Modern lines have been the trend for several years, and there is no shortage of vanities that bring some panache to the bathroom.

bluehammer ALL MODERN

The right size

Having dual sinks is generally preferred in bathrooms, except for powder rooms—in this space, using a decorative vanity that's not dependent on extensive storage space can give this room a lift. But a tight space may make it difficult to accommodate two sinks and any semblance of counter space in a bathroom that needs to function for family.

As HGTV says, "Often it's the size of the room that dictates the size of the vanity." If you're redoing a bathroom, you might want to ask your real estate agent if installing a small dual-sink vanity like this one from IKEA is a better option than a one-sink vanity with more counter space.

One of the newest trends is floating vanities, which can give a bathroom some modern flair while also functioning well in a smaller space. This wall-mounted option creates an airy feel because of the open space below.

bluehammer Modern Bathroom by Palo Alto Architects & Building Designers Maydan Architects, Inc.

Sometimes a custom vanity is what's needed. Choose one with open space like this option to create a stylish look; you can increase the storage space with baskets.

bluehammer Housely

The right material

Traditionally, vanities are made of some kind of wood or wood product, whether they're painted, lacquered, or kept in their natural state. But they don't have to be.

They also don't need to be a traditional shape or style.

This vanity reflects its abode in a unique way. "When New York design firm Carrier and Company converted an old dairy barn into a guest cottage for a client, they saw big possibilities in this soapstone cow trough salvaged from the property," said DIY Network. "Owner Jesse Carrier and his team added custom hinged wood tops to create one of the most unusual and beautiful bathroom vanities you'll ever see."

bluehammer DIY Network

This upcycled bicycle vanity from artist Benjamin Bullins made him "a Pinterest phenomenon," said DIY Network.

bluehammer DIY Network

If you really want to use wood for your vanity, REALLY use wood. This live edge vanity will surely be a conversation piece.

bluehammer HOME DESIGNING

Want to estimate your home improvement costs before talking with a contractor? Claim your home for free with bluehammer to estimate costs, secure your home inventory and learn more about your home.

* THIS REPORT IS AN OPINION THAT MAY BE INACCURATE AND IS PROVIDED SOLELY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. ALL ELEMENTS ARE OFFERED "AS IS" AND BLUEBOOK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND GUARANTEES OF ANY NATURE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLITILY, NONINFRINGEMENT, TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL BLUEBOOK (OR THEIR SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE FOR ANY GENERAL, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM USE OF THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING : (1) RELIANCE ON THE MATERIALS PRESENTED, (2) COSTS OF REPLACEMENT GOODS, (3) LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, (4) DELAYS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, (5) AND ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION) WHETHER OR NOT BLUEBOOK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Know what you should pay for your home improvement projects with bluehammer.Claim your home. It's free!

Popular


You Really Should Inventory Your Personal Property

A home inventory is a smart way to safeguard your valuables, saving money and time.

Home Repairs VS Improvements: No Clear Answer

Question: I am having trouble figuring out what constitutes an improvement and what is ordinary maintenance. Thinking ahead to selling my house in a few years when the market rebounds, I have been keeping accurate records so that I can deduct these costs to lower the capital gains. Recently, I remodeled a bathroom, replaced a deck, replaced and upgraded the spa filter and motor, replaced the front door with a fiberglass model guaranteed to last more than my lifetime, and replaced a roof and rain gutters. Which of these can I safely regard as improvements, and which are just maintenance?

Expert Advice for Styling Beautiful Home Photography

Annette Joseph shares her tips for styling beautiful home photography and finding the soul of a room.

The Homeowner's Summer Maintenance Checklist

New season. New tasks. As summer approaches, make sure your home is set with this home maintenance checklist.

Is Your Home A Burglar Magnet?

The thought of a home break-in is terrifying, but are you doing everything you can to prevent one? You might be making critical mistakes that make your home a burglar magnet, or, at least failing to take advantage of easy fixes to make your home less attractive to thieves.

Replacing Your Water Heater

Hot water is a luxury we all take for granted until it goes cold.

Building an Emergency Fund to Cover Unexpected Home Repairs

With homeownership comes new responsibilities, including repair and maintenance expenses. Sooner or later, you'll encounter a leaky faucet or a blown circuit breaker and quickly learn that keeping your household up and running is no longer as simple as a call to the landlord.

How to Upkeep Your Home So Neighbors Are In Awe

Homeowners are responsible for the quality of their home with the maintenance and care that they provide for the building throughout the year. Every home requires a specific amount of upkeep to ensure that it maintains its value and has a high level of appeal. To keep your neighbors in awe of your home, there are a few important steps to take to allow it to stand out in the local area.

Renovating With Your Kids: Projects You Can Do Together

Renovating your home? Why not make it a family affair, getting the kids involved in projects that can make them feel included and proud of their work.

Easy Architectural Details You Can Add To Your Home

Newer homes, especially those geared toward first-time buyers, are often devoid of the level of architectural detail you would find in older or more expensive homes. If you're not a fan of the big, boring box look, you can easily add in some detail to up the charm factor. And, many of these projects can be done yourself with minimal skill and money.

See More Articles