Bathroom vanities are an important part of any bathroom. The functions they serve are both practical and aesthetic.
They do far more than just hold a sink. A good vanity can influence how the space feels, how people move through it, and how daily hygiene and grooming routines are organized.
That’s why it is necessary for you to choose a bathroom vanity smartly. A well-chosen vanity reduces both visual weight and physical clutter, doesn’t get in the way of circulation, remains practical, and looks good.
To help you make smart buying choices, we have curated a list of different vanity styles and types that can fit in various types of bathrooms and provide the listed benefits. Let us take a look at them. At the end of this article, you should have a pretty good idea of what kind of vanity you need to get for your own bathroom.
Considerations When Selecting A Vanity
Here are some considerations to make when selecting a vanity for your bathroom.
Select a Vanity That Works With the Floor Plan
Your bathroom floor plan plays a huge role in how you place the various amenities. Bad placement can reduce walk space and make the whole room feel cluttered and narrow.
That’s why even the most visually appealing vanity can still feel awkward and weird because it gets in the way of movement. So, you will need to select a vanity that works with your floor plan, i.e., its shape and size should conform to the remaining floor space.
Determine How Much Storage You Need
Vanities primarily provide storage, but many styles sacrifice that in favor of looks. So you will need to first check if you need a vanity for storage or just to uplift the design.
Go for design choices if you already have cabinets and shelving for storage; otherwise, you should prioritize storage and counter top space.
How Many People Use the Bathroom
If the vanity is for a bathroom that is primarily used by just one person, then you can get away with a smaller one. However, in shared spaces, you will need bigger vanities that can hold two or more sinks. So keep that in mind when you buy one.
Vanity Ideas for Function and Flow
Now that we have the basics out of the way, let’s start on the actual ideas for various bathroom vanities.
Floating Vanities for a Modern, Open Feel
Pair floating vanities with soft under-cabinet lighting or neutral wall finishes to enhance the airy effect while keeping the space practical and easy to clean.
A floating bathroom vanity is a popular design choice in many bathrooms. Floating vanities are mounted on the wall, and they have a significant amount of empty space beneath them.
This design creates a sense of openness and airiness. The good thing about floating vanities is that they are easier to clean. They reduce the visual weight of the room, and they look good.
However, they are kind of short on storage since there is a sizeable empty space underneath. So, keep that in mind.
You should pair floating vanities with soft under-cabinet lighting or neutral wall finishes to enhance the airy effect.
Incorporate Storage Without Adding Visual Bulk
If you need storage, then you are in luck. Modern vanity designs focus on smart storage. They use a variety of techniques and design choices to prevent excessive cabinetry but still have practical storage.
Some of the common ways in which they achieve this are as follows:
- Deep drawers (partially recessed into walls)
- Pull-out trays. They don’t remain visible all the time, so visual clutter is minimized.
- Hidden compartments. They function similarly to pull-out trays and provide the same benefits.
These features ensure you don’t need to clutter your vanity counter-top. They are also further enhanced by design choices such as:
- Matte finishes,
- handle-less drawers,
- integrated pulls.
These help maintain a clean look and prevent obstruction in visual flow.
Match Vanity Materials With the Bathroom Style
The materials used for a bathroom vanity affect whether it will clash with the rest of the bathroom or smoothly integrate with it. Typically, vanities are made of different materials than the rest of the bathroom. The idea is to bring attention to them as they are often the centerpiece of a bathroom design.
So, here’s what you need to know about different materials and what kind of designs they work with.
- Stone or quartz countertops pair well with both contemporary and classic designs, offering durability and a refined appearance.
- Wood tones add warmth to minimalist or Scandinavian-style bathrooms
- High-gloss or matte lacquer finishes suit modern interiors.
Use this small rule of thumb to coordinate materials thoughtfully. When done correctly, the vanity will feel like a natural extension of the bathroom rather than a standalone feature.
Double Vanities for Shared Spaces
In shared bathrooms, you need enough space for two or more people to use the sink together. That’s why a big bathroom vanity that can hold two sinks or two identical vanities is a must.
Double-sink vanities are usually better because they don’t disrupt the flow. Two people can stand side-by-side and do their routines, all the while staying out of the way of anyone else who walks in or out.
If your bathroom is too small for a standard double-sink vanity, then you can browse for asymmetrical designs where one of the sinks is smaller and typically more recessed with a smaller counter. This kind of design doesn’t take as much space as standard double-sink vanities, so they are more suitable for smaller bathrooms.
Pair such vanities with vertical storage to reduce their footprint and conserve space.
Choose a Countertop Design Fit for Your Daily Use
One part of the vanity that is often underestimated or outright ignored is the countertop. Countertops come in many forms. They can have:
- Integrated sink
- Built-in organizers
- Built-in soap dispensers
Features like these are often recessed or hidden so that they don’t take up much space and free up the area without actually increasing the vanity size. So, check these out because they can seriously improve the flow of your daily routines.
Final Thoughts
A well-designed bathroom balances flow, function, and design together. Bathroom vanities are a big aspect of this balance. In this article, we have discussed the considerations needed before selecting a vanity and various ideas for vanities that promote flow and function.
What you should take away from this article is that thoughtful vanity choices enhance the usability and flow of a bathroom without sacrificing its looks. And now you have the knowledge to make those thoughtful choices yourself.
With a Master in Architectural Studies from University of Pennysylvania, Marwa Haydar has pioneered living spaces since 2005. Her expertise, initially honed in a prestigious architectural firm, is evident in her approach to creating environments. Marwa became part of our team in 2019 and has since been a driving force in our home improvement section, known for her practical yet stylish solutions. She’s been spearheading our design workshops since then, infusing her passion for teaching into her work. In her leisure time, Marwa enjoys exploring historic architecture and is an enthusiastic pottery hobbyist, further enriching her understanding of form and texture.
