Bathroom vanities aren’t just functional. They can also add quite a bit to the overall look of your finished bathroom remodel. It may not be the biggest choice you make when you redo your bathroom, but you certainly want to be patient shopping for this piece of furniture. Take a deliberate approach so that you are happy with your decision in the end. And before you make a final choice, consider these five things:
1. Plumbing
Are you willing to pay a plumber to make changes to your existing bathroom plumbing, or would you prefer to keep things as close to the way they are now as you can? This is one of the most important questions to ask yourself when shopping for bathroom vanities for your remodeled bathroom.
If you don’t want to pay to have your pipes relocated or rerouted, you should pick a vanity that fits the plumbing you already have. This may limit your choices but will cost less money in most cases.
However, if you are willing to pay for that extra remodeling work, you can select your vanity without worrying about existing plumbing requirements.
2. Formation
Most bathroom vanities that you will find are going to be wall-hung or freestanding. Freestanding bathroom vanities offer more design flexibility. They have to be located directly in front of the plumbing.
On the other hand, wall-mounted bathroom vanities must be installed directly in front of the existing water and drain pipes. Additionally, freestanding bathroom vanities often look elegant and work well in medium to large bathrooms.
Wall-mounted bathroom vanities can also be an excellent choice. These space-saving fixtures add capacity to a smaller bathroom.
3. Size
You can find bathroom vanities in a wide range of sizes, styles, and shapes. Likewise, bathrooms also come in many shapes and sizes. One of the key challenges of choosing a vanity is finding one that fits well into the space you have. At the same time, you also want to select something that you will enjoy using.
The key to making the right choice is balance and function. For example, large bathroom vanities don’t look good in tiny bathrooms. On the other hand, you won’t save space if your vanity is so little that you have to install a shelving unit to store all of your products.
From a visual perspective, oversized bathroom vanities will seem out of balance in most cases, and so will one that is too small. However, there are exceptions. For example, if you choose an attractive and very well-crafted vanity, you could make that the focal point of your bathroom. In that case, it may be okay if it takes up a bit more space.
4. Function
How will you use your bathroom vanity? Are you remodeling a guest bathroom that won’t get much activity, one that your kids will use daily, or your personal ensuite? How many people use this bathroom? Do you fix your hair and put on makeup in the bathroom or another room? It’s important to consider how you use the space before browsing bathroom vanities.
You may wish to look for something durable, easy to clean, and a bit on the shorter side for kids. Couples who each need their own space might want to select bathroom vanities with a double sink and plenty of storage underneath the countertop.
5. Budget
It isn’t just the cost of your vanity that matters. You should also consider how much of your remodeling budget you wish to spend. For example, if you invest thousands in a custom shower, tile floor, new lighting, or expensive millwork, you might have to dial back your spending on a new vanity.
However, you do want to leave enough money for each item you purchase to fit with the overall design. You don’t want a bathroom inspired by the latest design trends with a vanity that looks dated.
Shopping Bathroom Vanities: Final Thoughts
Your bathroom remodel is a big project, and you have many choices to make in order to get the best possible results. It’s worth spending some time weighing your options and investing in a fixture that will be both beautiful and functional.
If you need help selecting the perfect vanity, we can help. Visit the Friel Kitchen and Bath Design Center to work with one of our talented designers.
