Ah, yes. The bathroom! A place where you can be yourself. You could even say that the bathroom is a safe space for most people. On the flip side, however, a dull bathroom can be a bummer and ruin your mood. To avoid this, Brightening up the bathroom is the best way to go! However, this is often easier said than done.
When redecorating bathrooms, there are a lot of factors that you need to consider. Like, what kind of style you want, or even where to start. Yes, it can be quite daunting to design the perfect bathroom. Whether it’s choosing your bathroom vanity size or layout, there’s always room for confusion. Not to worry though, cause we’ve got you covered.
We’ll show you some of the most important things to pay attention to and get a better idea of how to transform your bathroom into the magical place you’ve always dreamed of.
Step 1: Set Your Budget
When you begin looking for the right vanity, the first thing to do is figure out how much money you can spend. Bathroom vanities can cost a lot or a little.
Some ready-to-assemble ones can be a few hundred dollars, while custom-made ones can be several thousand.
If you’re starting at the lower end, you’ll find choices that are around $200 to $500. If you want something with more features and quality, the middle range has options from $500 to $1,500. And if you want high-end designs and materials, the expensive ones start at $1,500 and can be even more than $5,000. The cost of the vanity varies according to the bathroom vanity sizes.
For this, It’s important to think about all the costs involved in your bathroom makeover. This includes things like paying for labor, taking down old things, setting up new plumbing, and getting the right permissions. Planning how much you’ll spend from the beginning helps you pick what you want while staying within your budget.
Besides this, don’t forget to leave some extra money in case there are unexpected costs when everything is being put in. Being prepared like this makes the renovation process go smoothly and keeps you happy with the final result.
Step 2: Measure Your Existing Space
Before you start shopping, it’s really important to know exactly how big your bathroom is. Measure how long and deep your current vanity is, or the space you have for a new one. There are some standard sizes for vanities, like 24 inches, 30 inches, 36 inches, 48 inches, and 60 inches.
However, keep in mind that if your bathroom is small, you might need a narrower 18-inch vanity. That aside, if you have a big master bathroom, you could go for a wide 72-inch or even wider double vanity.
Remember to also think about how much space you need around the vanity. It’s a good idea to have at least 21 inches of room from the middle of the toilet to the edge of the vanity or cabinet.
And don’t forget to consider how doors swing open and other things that might affect how everything fits together. Taking all of this into account will help you plan a bathroom that looks good and works well.
Step 3: Choose Your Sink Type
Vanity tops come with built-in spaces for different sink types, and each type has its own special features. Here are the main options:
Undermount – These sinks fit under the countertop, making the whole setup look sleek and modern. They’re also easy to clean because the counter doesn’t have any bumps.
Vessel – These sinks are like bowls that sit on top of the countertop. They’re unique and really catch your eye, giving your bathroom an elegant touch.
Drop-in – These sinks fit into holes that are cut in the countertop. They’re classic and practical.
Integral – With this type, the sink and countertop are made as one piece. It’s cheaper, but you might not have as many choices for how it looks.
Think about what you like and need from a sink, and then choose the one that fits your style and how you’ll use it. Picking the right sink will make your bathroom look great and work well.
On top of that, make sure what type of mounting you are going to use for your sink. Either you are going for the freestanding type mount or even drop-in mount. You may ask what is the better one?
Well, there are no better options since both have their perks. Drop-in is better for easy installation and freestanding can take a little time, but it can look phenomenal. The choice is yours.
Step 4: Determine Cabinet Construction
The quality and how long vanities and cabinets last can be really different. It’s really important to look closely at what they’re made of and how they’re put together to make sure you’re spending your money well:
Type of Wood – Go for good woods like oak, maple, or alder. In general, you should try to avoid cheaper stuff like particle board as it’s not as sturdy or durable.
How It’s Put Together – Look for vanities and cabinets that have strong joints, like dovetail joints, instead of ones held together with staples or glue. This makes them last longer.
Drawers – Find ones that have special glides that make the drawers close softly and go all the way out. This is easier to use.
Hinges – The hinges that hold doors should be made from brass that doesn’t get messed up by rust. This keeps them working right and looking good.
Even though it might cost more when you first buy it, getting good stuff that’s made well will mean your vanity lasts a really long time, maybe even decades. This is a smart move for making sure your vanity keeps its value and looks great.
Step 5: Make a Storage Plan
To use your bathroom space well, think smart about storage:
Full-Height Cabinets – Pick cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling. This stops dust and mess from gathering in the gaps.
Functional Drawers – Have drawers to keep things neat. This way, everything has its own spot and is easy to find.
Custom Features – Think about special things like trays that slant inside cabinets. These let you reach stuff at the back without any trouble.
Compartments and Organizers – Use compartments and organizers to keep things tidy. This stops things from getting all cluttered up.
Also, pay attention to how much room there is between shelves and drawers. If space is tight, drawers that are deep can be better than shelves.
By thinking about these storage ideas, you can make your bathroom neat and organized, and you’ll use up every bit of space well.
Step 6: Select Your Finish
The color, style, and finish you pick for your vanity are really important because they set the whole feel of your space. When you’re choosing, think about what you like, but also think about things like how much it could sell for later and what’s popular in design right now.
Painted – You can pick from lots of colors with this option, even bold ones that stand out. Painted vanities are usually cheaper than ones with wood finishes. But you have to be careful when you put them in, and you need to use a special paint primer for the best result. How long the paint lasts can differ.
Wood Stains – Stained vanities look warm and natural because you can see the wood grain. They’re usually tougher than painted ones, even though they can still get damaged by water sometimes. You don’t have as many choices for colors with stained vanities.
Laminates – These are budget-friendly and easy to take care of. They don’t mind water, bumps, or scratches. However, there aren’t as many choices for how they look as there are for painted ones.
When you decide, think about how it looks but also about how well it will work. Mix your own style with things like how tough it is and how much work it needs to stay nice. That way, you’ll pick a vanity that makes your bathroom look and feel great.
Step 7: Choose Your Countertop
Along with the sink type, what material you choose for the countertop also really matters for how your vanity looks and works.
Natural Stone (Granite, Marble, Quartzite): These make your vanity look elegant and never go out of style. However, you need to put a special seal on them regularly so they don’t get stained. On the good side, they’re tough against heat and scratches.
Engineered Quartz: This is really strong against stains and doesn’t let water in. It looks smooth because it doesn’t have any seams. It’s long-lasting and doesn’t need a lot of work, but it can be more expensive than laminate.
Solid Surface: These look smooth and can be made just for you. That said, they can get scratched if you don’t take care of them. They cost more than laminate.
Laminate: These don’t cost much and they come in lots of different patterns and colors. They don’t mind scratches, heat, or stains much. But sometimes you can see the lines where they’re put together.
Tiles: You can get creative with these by making cool patterns. But they need special stuff to stop them from getting stained, and they can break or chip. They can match the floor, though.
When you choose what the countertop is made of, think about how it looks and what you need. If you think about both, you’ll get a vanity that’s not only nice to look at, but also works well for a long time.
Step 8: Factor in Fixtures
When you’re shopping for vanities and faucets, it’s a good idea to think about them together. This way, they match well in how they look and how they work:
Faucet Holes – If you have a vessel sink, it might need a special kind of faucet, like one that goes on the wall or on the countertop. Make sure the vanity you pick can work with the kind of faucet your sink needs.
Faucet Reach – Check that the faucet reaches into the sink properly so water doesn’t splash around. This is important for using it easily.
Drain Placement – Make sure the drain on the vanity lines up with where the sink goes. This makes sure water goes down right and looks good.
Also, think ahead about what you might add later. If you’re thinking about putting in things like side cabinets, make sure there’s enough space for them.
By picking a vanity and faucet that go well together and thinking about the future, you’ll have a bathroom that looks nice and works well for you.
Step 9: Confirm Electrical Needs
When you’re thinking about your vanity, it’s really important to think about where the electricity is and what devices would need outlets nearby. This includes:
Wall-Mount Faucets – If you’re getting a faucet that goes on the wall, make sure there are plugs close by to power it.
Touch-Control Faucets – These faucets might need electricity too, so plan for plugs near them.
Under-Cabinet Lighting – If you want lights under the cabinet, make sure there are plugs nearby to turn them on.
Electric Toothbrush Chargers – If you use electric toothbrushes, make sure there are plugs near the vanity so you can charge them.
Diffusers or Nightlights – If you’re putting in things like diffusers or nightlights, plan for plugs to power them.
Make sure you think about all these things when the vanity is still getting set up. Planning ahead means everything can work right without any last-minute problems.
By keeping these electrical things in mind, you’re making sure your bathroom is set up well and has everything you need.
Enjoy your functional new focal point! With meticulous planning and smart decisions, your bathroom vanity can provide daily elegance and convenience for decades to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the standard height for bathroom vanities?
The typical bathroom vanity height is 31 to 35 inches. Standard ADA height is 34 inches. But comfort and functions may call for adjusting above or below the norm.
2. How much space should be between a toilet and a vanity?
Ideally, allow at least 21 inches from the toilet center to the nearest vanity edge. The minimum clearance is around 18 inches.
3. What type of caulk is best for vanities?
Silicone caulk offers the most water resistance. Look for “mold-resistant” formulas. Avoid latex caulks, which absorb water and foster mold growth.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect vanity takes careful forethought. But the payoff is a stunning, highly functional bathroom you’ll enjoy for decades. Invest time in planning and don’t cut corners on quality.
With the right choices, your bathroom vanity will act as a beautiful anchor piece enhancing how luxurious your home looks.
