Choosing the Right Bathroom Vanity Cabinets

Unfortunately most of us shop with our eyes and forget that we must also touch, feel, and explore before making a final decision. Choosing the right bathroom vanity takes a little more than just seeing a picture in a magazine or on a website. The best way to shop for any bathroom fixture is to actually go out to the stores and experiment with each piece. If a unit catches your eye, make sure the height and size will work well for your specific needs. Pretend to turn on the faucets, open all of the drawers and cabinets. Make sure that you can actually picture yourself going about your daily bathroom tasks.

There are many bathroom vanity cabinets on the market today with each having a different function. The different functions are usually determined by the size of the unit but most importantly, which type of sink, faucets, and even cabinetry the unit contains. It is very important to determine which function is of importance in your bathroom design. If storage is a major issue in a small bathroom then the right vanity is going to come with ample storage space underneath to remedy that problem. You may be tired of sharing one sink with your partner every morning so if the space is available, upgrading to a double sink bathroom vanity is an excellent option.

Bathroom vanities come in a wide variety of styles and designs. Contemporary, Modern, Victorian, Old World, and Traditional are some of the most popular styles on the market today. Contemporary and modern vanities are in high demand as people design new homes or remodel their existing homes to fit in better with the current trends. Modern vanities can encompass many things including the shape, material, finish, color, and function of a unit. Vanities that are sleek in design, unique in shape, made of eco friendly materials, stained or painted in darker colors, and meet the important function requirements of consumers today are all considered to be modern in style.

Antique vanities with Victorian or Old World style are much harder to find and are definitely pricey because of their quality and craftsmanship. Some companies today try to duplicate the older styles but they usually lack in quality materials. It may be difficult to find reasonably priced pieces to match a restoration project. Try to refurbish the existing vanities or recreate a similar look using modern materials. Either of these methods is going to result in a vanity that is unique and truer to the home’s historical qualities. If there is room in your budget to purchase an antique piece to match the historical time of the home then begin by searching the internet for pieces or plans that were popular in the era.

When remodeling or upgrading a bathroom, quality and durability of products can sometimes be overlooked because of budget or design demands. There are many bathroom specific materials on the market today that do not have to make a big dent on your budget or cause you to have to change your original design plans. Wood, glass, metal, and stone are all durable enough to be used in the making of a bathroom vanity. Wooden bathroom cabinets don’t necessarily have to look old or cheap. There are many modern vanities that use wood to create the cabinetry but incorporate stone or glass on the countertops thus making the unit look more modern. Glass can be used to bring elegance and beauty to a vanity area but it may now work in a home with small children. Granite or marble are also very attractive but may not fit in your budget.

If high quality and durability are a priority in your vanity upgrade project, finding a unit that also incorporates beauty and elegance in the design does not have to be difficult. For instance, purchase any vanity cabinet that meets your criteria then add a vessel sink and some modern sleek faucets. The result will be a durable, beautiful, and unique bathroom vanity that is going to remain contemporary for many years to come.

Lighting, countertops, mirrors, faucets, sinks, and cabinet hardware are all things that must be considered when upgrading a bathroom vanity area.  The simple switch of a vanity is wise in bathroom renovation but may not be enough without upgrading the accessories as well.  Some vanities come with countertops, mirrors, faucets, hardware, and sinks included.  Others come plain and leave the designing entirely up to you.  Matching accessories to a vanity cabinet can actually be a very fun project.  Begin by bringing a sample of the vanity material and finish with you on your shopping trip.  Look for other materials and finishes that best match the cabinetry you have selected and other accessories in the bathroom like towel holders, shower or tub faucets, and even the light fixtures.

Lighting is something many people forget to upgrade in bathroom remodel or redesign.  There are many different types of bathroom vanity light fixtures to choose from.  Some are style specific while others can be used to fit just about any style vanity you have chosen.  Vanity strip lights are the most popular because they provide the entire vanity area with ample lighting and reduce the amount of shadows in the vanity area.  Sconces and pendants are also commonly used and can be found in many shapes, sizes, styles, and finishes that are easy to incorporate or match throughout the rest of the vanity space.