Choosing the Ideal Vanity for Your Bathroom

While these increased choices can make looking for a vanity feel overwhelming, you can turn to the following considerations to ensure you choose an ideal model.

The vanity might be the most high-use area of a master bathroom, especially if you share it. Indeed, if you do share the bathroom, you might consider two sinks. That said, you'll certainly choose different utility features for a children's bathroom, guest bathroom, or powder room.

Besides being the area where you engage in most of your grooming, the vanity is also usually a main storage area. You usually store not only those grooming necessities but often also cleaning and even bathroom supplies.

So when you're looking at potential vanities, envision how people using that bathroom are going to interact with it. Make sure the vanity you're considering will meet all of the expected utilities.

A consideration that goes hand-in-hand with utility is the vanity's layout. How you position the vanity will affect its utility. Generally, you can choose between galley, horizontal, and L-shaped vanities.

A galley vanity actually features two components. You have two vanities facing each other with a passage between them. You can have two sinks, or you might use the second vanity for specific grooming tasks. This style is ideal if you need more vanity space and have a long bathroom.

Horizontal vanities are the traditional style. They typically feature a lot of storage space. You can choose the single-sink or double-sink variety depending on your needs and available space. Just keep in mind you might need specialized plumbing if you choose a two-sink vanity.

An L-shaped vanity starts with a horizontal shape and adds a peninsula. These installations often resemble kitchen countertops and cabinetry. An L-shaped vanity offers more countertop and storage space. You usually incorporate an area with legroom so you can sit down. L-shaped vanities are ideal if you have a large corner and you want to maximize that space.

Whether you're engaging in a remodel or new build, your bathroom should have a unique look. As one of the few furniture-like items in the bathroom, the vanity will stand out as a part of that look. So you want to ensure it features important aspects of your target décor style.

For example, many homeowners like contemporary style, which favors a sense of minimalism. If that's your vision for your bathroom, look for a vanity with clean lines and few embellishments. Such a vanity would look out of place in a rustic bathroom though, where the emphasis should be on distressed finishes and unique hardware.

One option is to shop a showroom and allow yourself to become enamored of a specific vanity. You can then use it as the foundation for the rest of your bathroom style. Otherwise, talk to the staff at the showroom about your preferred décor elements. They can help you select a vanity that fits that description.

A big component of your vanity's appearance is the materials used in construction. What's more, the materials also dictate how well the vanity will withstand the rigors of daily use in a humid environment.

Wood is a prized building material, and many homeowners favor it for the bathroom cabinetry. You'll want to ensure the wood's been sealed and possibly lacquered so it doesn't warp in response to the humidity. A wood veneer might be a better choice.

For the countertop, budget might be a big consideration. Granite is a beautiful option that's also durable enough for a high-use area. However, it's a pricey material. You could opt for a material that resembles granite, such as laminate.

Keep the above considerations in mind when you visit a showroom or talk to a designer. When you're ready for advice, visit the showroom at Aurora Plumbing and Electric.