Great vanity design requires careful planning and attention to detail. Whether you’re customizing or opting for an off-the-shelf vanity, there are many decisions to make, from layout and style to the type of sink and countertop. This six-step process gives you a game plan to follow as you work with a designer or other home expert to create your new vanity space.
1. Determine the Layout
Before deciding on colors, finishes, and fixtures, you must know where your vanity is going and how big it will be.
The kitchen layout consists of two vanity spaces separated by an aisle. Each of these spaces can include a sink, or you can use one space for washing and the other for seating.
2. Determine the Number of Sinks
You’ll need to find a vanity style that can hold the number of sinks you want.
Given the choice, many homeowners would prefer a double sink. Unfortunately, there are often space constraints.
Vanities less than 60 inches wide usually have only one sink. The sink can be located in the center, right or left. Your sink cabinet can have drawers or standard doors.
3. Choose Style
Once you find the layout that works best for your bathroom and determine how many sinks you want, the next step is to decide on the design of the vanity. Do you like traditional cabinets ? A piece of antique furniture? Basin?If you want a traditional dresser, there are several factors to consider:
- Do you want to paint or stain?
- What color do you like?
- What type of door style do you want?
- Do you want drawers, doors, or drawers?
4. Find the Right Countertop
If you’re shopping for a pedestal sink or restoring old furniture, you can skip this step. Most other designs, including cabinets and converted furniture without a countertop, will require some type of countertop.
Available in a variety of materials including quartz, granite, marble, laminate, concrete, wood and solid surface.
Quartz and granite are popular choices for bathroom countertops. Both are durable high-quality materials with designer graphics. Granite needs to be sealed every year or two because it is a porous stone.Softer stones, such as marble, scratch more easily than granite and quartz, and are less tolerant of moisture. Wood and laminate don’t always mix well with moisture either, but they can be more affordable than stone.
5. Select the Sink Type
The next step is to determine the type of sink, such as undermount, built-in, vessel, or wall-mounted. After that, choose the color and material for your sink, whether it’s porcelain, natural stone, or something else.
6. Fixtures, Fixtures, and More Fixtures
It’s time to finish off your design with fixtures. Even if you focus primarily on layout and cabinet finishes, you still need to choose cabinet hardware, faucets, lighting, and mirrors. Most importantly, these should coordinate with the rest of your design and color scheme.
The following decisions need to be made:
- Do you want wall sconces, wall-mounted lighting or recessed lighting?
- Would you prefer a built-in mirror or a decorative mirror that can be easily changed?
- What kind of cabinet handles and pulls do you want?
- Do you want a detailed faucet design or something simpler and modern?