How to Choose the right Vanity for your Bathroom

The right vanity choice will either make or break your bathroom design. With so many different variations and vanity styles out there, it can be really overwhelming to make your final decision. A vanity is generally the first thing people see when walking into your bathroom which is why it’s so important to ensure you choose the right vanity for your bathroom space. In this blog, we have outlined the most important considerations to be aware of to help you choose the perfect vanity!

Size

The first step is understanding what size vanity you require in your bathroom space. Before shopping for a vanity, you should finalise your renovation plans and have a good understanding of what space is available in your bathroom. You don’t want to purchase your dream vanity, then after many changes to your layout and design, realise that the vanity does not fit or work well with your completed design. You also don’t want to pick a vanity that is too big or too small. Your vanity requirements should be identified in your creative design process so that it is well balanced in accordance to your space. If you need help with this, read this blog here.

Plumbing Locations

Understanding your plumbing locations are key to identifying what kind of vanity you will need for your bathroom. Be sure to communicate to your plumber if the original vanity location is being moved, or not. Even if the vanity is staying in the same place, it’s a good idea to chat to your plumber about any plumbing limitations that may limit your vanity selections. For example, if your original vanity is freestanding (floor mounted), then it is most likely that the plumbing drainage runs down through the floor. This means that if you want to upgrade it to a wall-hung vanity, you will need to ask your plumber to re-locate your plumbing to come out of the wall instead.

Also be clear on the location and positioning of the new vanity, for example if it will be cantered or up against a wall. This is important becuase sometimes when positioning a vanity up against a left or right-side wall, you may need to consider purchasing a “packer panel” in the same finish as the vanity from the supplier. You can check this with your supplier by letting them know how you plan to install your vanity. A packer panel provides the right additional length to the vanity to ensure the vanity’s drawers or doors don’t hit the walls when being opened, and so that the vanity bench top can sit in place without a larger overhang on one side.

Storage

Before choosing a vanity, be clear on your storage requirements for your new bathroom. Again, this should be well identified in your finalised design and plans. If you require more storage you may seek a deeper, larger, and longer floor mounted vanity. Identifying your need for space will help guide you when shopping for your vanity. Keep in mind that larger vanities with more drawers will generally be higher in cost. Consider where your money is best spent when trying to tick off your storage requirements. For example, a quality vanity with large drawer space that will provide more than enough storage for you and your family may mean that you don’t necessarily need a mirror cabinet, in which you can save costs by opting for a standard mirror only selection. Thinking this way will help keep your budget on track.

Functionality

When looking at different vanity products it’s always a good idea to inspect the vanity in person so that you can test open and close drawers and doors. Seeing how the vanity works in person will help you understand if it suits the functionality requirements of your space. You will want to consider what obstacles may be in the way when opening drawers and doors and if any congestion will occur if multiple people are using the space. Also consider what basin and tapware will be paired with your vanity as well as surrounding fittings and fixtures. For example vanity depths are always important to check as different product ranges will come in different depths meaning that you may need to pair them with a smaller basin bowl.

Style and Finishes

Once you have found a vanity that fits perfectly into your layout, you will want to consider the style and finish. Styles could include the shape of the vanity, the bowl configuration, bench top finishes, and the handles. The finishes of the vanity are the textures the vanity is lined in, for example, it may be an oak wood finish, or a matte or gloss white. The style and finish will be guided by your initial design concept. For example, the combination of pairing your bench top with the vanity needs to work well not only together but also with the rest of your bathroom finishes. You don’t want your vanity to feel out of place to the rest of your bathrooms overall design.

Now that you understand these important considerations, you are ready to start shopping for your dream vanity! You may have recognised a key pattern through each consideration, being that you need to have finalised your planned bathroom design and layout first. It can be very risky purchasing your vanity before you have finished designing your full bathroom (same rule applies for your tap fittings and fixtures). Many people make these mistakes by not considering these important factors so be sure to share this with someone you know looking for the perfect vanity.