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Regardless of the size of your bathroom, the vanity unit is a crucial element of your bathroom design and fittings. It’s a multi-function feature: we check in there when getting ready in the morning, or winding down for the night, it’s typically where we brush our teeth, and often where we store daily medications and beauty treatments. Vanities also provide the work surface and storage we need in and around the average bathroom sink.
If you’re looking to update your bathroom design, here are a few ideas for stunning modern and traditional vanity units.
Conventional bathroom vanity units
Conventional vanity units may be made for one sink or two, but they are always designed to give you plenty of work space around the sink. They may have storage cabinets, shelves, or decorative elements.
A vanity unit may take up more floor space than a sink plus storage units, but you’ll only have to install and maintain a single piece of furniture. Aside from capacity, the biggest benefit to conventional vanity units is the range of options that are available.
Corner Vanities
Corner vanities are ideal for when you have a tiny bathroom. They allow you to tuck a basic storage unit and sink into the corner of the room, while still providing storage under the sink, and some work surface around the sink.
A corner vanity might fit in an existing bathroom where you don’t have room to add another large sink and vanity. It will also be much more stylish than cramming storage units under a wash stand.
Fitted Bathroom Furniture
Fitted bathroom furniture is more expensive than conventional vanities. However, it may be the best way to make the most of limited space. It is also a good choice if you want to hide the toilet without interfering with the plumbing. Fitted bathroom furniture may be the only choice when you’re dealing with awkwardly placed plumbing fixtures.
General design tips to follow when selecting bathroom vanities
No matter how stunning bathroom vanity units look on the showroom floor, it isn’t a good fit for your home if it literally doesn’t fit!
Make sure you take accurate measurements of the room before making a selection – and don’t forget to leave enough room for the bathroom door and shower door to open. If the toilet is in its own closet, you also need to make sure this door isn’t blocked or impeded by the vanity unit.
You also need to ensure there is enough space for the vanity unit itself. Bear in mind that you don’t want to interrupt the flow of traffic, and vanities that stick out into that flow path are always a problem. You’ll regret it every time your toe hits a corner late at night!
When it comes to space between a vanity unit and a toilet, aim to have at least 18 inches from the edge of the cabinet to the centre of the toilet. More is better if you can afford the space. You don’t have to waste this space; you could install a towel rack, or an over-the-toilet storage vanity that complements the main one. Another option is to install back-to-wall toilet vanities around the toilet, this will boost your storage while hiding an unsightly water tank in the process.
When you’re finalising your bathroom design, another important thing to check is that the vanity unit won’t interfere with existing features like electrical outlets, light switches, plumbing and mirrors. Unless you’re prepared to pay for alterations on this scale, these may have to determine the width and location of the vanity unit. Again, measure everything carefully to avoid expensive mistakes!
Would your dream bathroom design include a vanity unit?
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