Whether it’s a new home being built or an older home in need of a makeover, choosing the right bathroom vanity to install in the home’s bathroom can be really fun. The prospect of having a room designed exactly as desired is very exciting. In fact, it is something that many people look forward to. However, though it is an appealing thought, it is also one that comes with many small decisions along the way and can feel overwhelming at times. The key to not getting confused and bogged down by all of the available choices is to approach choosing the right bathroom vanity methodically.
There are seven things to keep in mind when making the choice. A person should first consider their preferences for style and color. Then they should determine the size range that will fit in the space. Next, they will need to think about the type of sink, number of sinks, amount of storage, and desired faucet. Finally, before installation, they will need to examine their existing plumbing and alter the plumbing as needed.
1. Consider Style Preferences
There are many styles and colors of bathroom vanities on the market. One of the first and most difficult decisions a person has to make is what they want the vanity to look like. Some people, especially those that want a fresh beachy look or who want to make a small bathroom appear bigger and brighter, prefer a unique white bathroom vanity. Others may prefer the look of dark hardwood to give an air of warmth and comfort.
Countertops are typically chosen to either match or complement the color of the vanity, or they are chosen to provide a nice contrast, such as a white countertop on a dark vanity. When deciding on the style, a person should think about the style of the rest of the house for bathrooms not connected to a bedroom or the style of the bedroom for a bathroom that is connected to it. They may like for the style of the bathroom to flow with the style of the adjoining room. In addition, it is necessary to think about the existing flooring and the other bathroom fixtures to make sure that the new vanity will fit in well.
2. Determine the Correct Size
After the general style is decided upon, a person next needs to measure the existing vanity as well as the total available space for the new vanity. This will help them to narrow down their potential choices before they start looking. It could be very disappointing to fall in love with the right bathroom vanity only to find that it does not fit their space. In order to get the correct fit, it is necessary to make several measurements.
First, measure the width of the vanity at the base, and record it as the base width. Second, measure the width of the vanity at the top, and record it as the top width. Third, the top and base depths need to be measured and recorded. Finally, measure the height of the existing vanity and record it. After measuring the existing vanity, a small amount of variation could be added to the measurements if it is determined that something slightly larger could fit in the space as well.
3. Decide on Sink Type and Number
Once a person has decided on the style and size of the right bathroom vanity that they want to purchase, they must move forward to thinking about the type of sink they want. Most sinks fit down into the countertop and vanity, however some bowl styles sit on top of the counter. Other styles are integrated into the countertop. Sinks can be round, square-shaped, rectangle-shaped, or shell-shaped. Different depths are available as well.
A person needs to make sure that whatever they choose, it physically fits the vanity. If space allows, a person also needs to decide on a single or double sink. A single sink allows for more counter space, which is appealing to some. However, a double sink can help ease traffic in the bathroom, especially for those with large families. This can be more important than counter space for some people.
4. Prioritize Storage Needs
In addition to type and number of sinks, a person needs to consider the amount of storage desired for their vanity. If a small amount of storage is needed, an open vanity might be a good choice because it gives a simple and minimalistic look to a bathroom. On the other hand, if a large amount of storage is needed, a larger vanity with cabinet doors and shelves might be a better choice to make your bathroom look luxurious. In general, freestanding vanities have more storage space than wall-mounted vanities, because the cabinets are taller and rest directly on the floor or on short legs.
5. Choose Desired Faucet
One more thing to consider about the vanity itself is the type of faucet that is desired. Sometimes, a sink or vanity comes with a faucet, so the decision is made indirectly. However, it is not uncommon for a faucet to not be included. In this case, the person choosing the vanity and sink also needs to choose the faucet. As with the other choices, a variety of options are available, including luxurious gold faucets. The number of available faucet holes, as well as their distance from each other, should be considered, as well as whether a center set or widespread faucet is required. Once the limitations of the right bathroom vanity and sink are determined, a person can look at compatible faucets and make an educated choice.
6. Examine Existing Plumbing
Once the vanity, sink, and faucet have been decided on, the next step is installation. The plumbing that already exists must be examined to determine how to install the new fixtures. If a freestanding vanity was chosen, it can be a bit easier to install the faucet, even if the plumbing is slightly off center, as freestanding vanities are usually more forgiving. Vanities that are wall-mounted can be more difficult to install if they are very different from what was installed before. If the plumbing is irregular or off-center for the new wall-mounted vanity, changes may need to be made.
7. Alter Plumbing as Needed
If it is determined that minor alterations need to be made to install the new vanity and fixtures, an experienced plumber should be able to do this pretty easily. The alterations may be simple and involve only small changes to the water supply or drain locations. Some alterations may be a little more involved, such as moving some of the plumbing hookups. While this type of alteration will take a bit longer, it is certainly possible and should not prevent a person from choosing the right bathroom vanity.
Remodeling a portion of a home is a really exciting prospect, including the home’s bathrooms. Choosing a new vanity and fixtures can be an enjoyable experience, rather than a stressful one, as long as the homeowner keeps in mind a few tips, including their desired style, size requirements, sink type and number, storage needs, and desired faucet. In addition, they need to closely examine the existing plumbing and be prepared to make any changes that are necessary. Doing these things will ensure that they choose the right bathroom vanity that they will love for years to come.
