Which Bathroom Vanity is Right for You?

Chances are, you spend more time using your bathroom vanity than you realize. There are many uses for your vanity, from freshening up in the morning to removing your makeup at night. But how often do you think about its function and how to make better use of it? 

Most likely, you’ve just accepted the vanity you already have without much thought. But what if the vanity you have isn’t the best option for you? There are many vanity styles out there, and they can be designed to have different functions. The possibilities are endless, from a floating vanity to a freestanding vanity or corner vanity. You could also have one custom-made for your bathroom and desired features. But how do you know which one is right for you?

Floating Vanities

Floating vanities aren’t common, as most people don’t realize it’s an option. It also takes professional help to install, which some people may be unwilling to seek. There are also many benefits to having a floating vanity. The main appeal of having a floating vanity is that it takes up less space. This aspect can be especially appealing to people with small bathrooms because it gives the illusion of a bigger space. Unfortunately, it does also mean less cabinet space. 

Floating vanities also appeal to those who like to keep their bathroom looking in top shape. It involves fewer corners, small spaces, or awkward angles to clean. That means fewer places for dust and stains to hide. You can also install little bits of shelving under it, meaning you can put neatly organized items on display. For more bathroom design ideas using floating vanities, view our project gallery. 

Freestanding Bathroom Vanity

Freestanding vanities are probably the most common in bathrooms. As with the floating vanities, freestanding bathroom vanities offer an increased sense of space (though not as much). For bathrooms with little storage space, you can install a freestanding vanity with cabinets or drawers under it, which isn’t possible with floating vanities. 

Freestanding vanities can better represent your style and personality since they’re easier to customize than floating vanities. They also tend to cost less to install and could even be built DIY-style for those with the proper skills. 

Corner Bathroom Vanities

As you plan your bathroom remodel, consider adding a corner vanity. Corner vanities offer many of the same benefits of a freestanding vanity, but from the corner of the bathroom. Having your vanity in the corner of your bathroom may seem like no big deal or even a bit strange at first. However, it makes more of a difference than you’d think. While freestanding vanities do a decent job of saving space while offering room for storage, corner vanities can do so without being in the way or taking up space for other bathroom items. 

They can have a big, grandiose design for large, luxury bathrooms. They could also be small and minimalistic, letting people with limited space tuck one away in a corner somewhere. Corner vanities can also be used as a statement piece for your interior bathroom design. They can break up boring walls without being the center of attention or taking away from the limited space you have to work with. 

Custom Vanities

Custom vanities are the most versatile option. They allow you to pick and choose which aspects you like from different pre-existing vanities, take them to a designer, and have them build exactly what you want. You can custom-size them to fit your spacing needs while accommodating any storage space necessities. They can be made to a unique shape and fit in an area of your bathroom that a pre-built one just couldn’t. They could even have your own unique design style. The possibilities are endless. For more ideas about bathroom vanities, contact your bathroom design consultant to schedule a consultation. 

Fun Facts about Bathroom Vanities

The term vanity is commonly used to refer to the sink/countertop/mirror combo found in many bathrooms worldwide. Some have additional aspects, like built-in lights, drawers, or cabinets, but they all serve the same basic functions. One could even argue that vanities are the most essential part of any bathroom… aside from the other obvious focal points such as bathtubs and showers. 

Did you know vanities weren’t always designed with the same concept they have today? In fact, “vanity” isn’t their original name. They used to go by the flattering moniker “toilet tables.” The design began to evolve somewhere between their invention and the popularization of the modern plumbing system. People started adding things like faucets, electric lighting, and more. 

Because of the addition of things like drawers and cabinets, people began to call them “dressing tables.” Somewhere near the time mirrors became cheap enough to be a common addition, they became “vanity tables.” From there, they became vanities as we know them today.