How To Choose a Bathroom Vanity

Choosing a new vanity doesn’t need to be daunting task. Here is everything you need to know before you shop for a ready-made vanity to make your new vanity purchase a breeze.

• Who is the vanity for and how will they use it? Will this be used by a single person to simply wash their hands or by multiple people to get ready? For the latter, opt for double sinks if you have room to spare, which can be as wide as 72 inches.
• Shopping for a child’s bathroom? Look for vanities with built-in perks like pull-out step stools.
• How much storage do you need? Be realistic. Even low-maintenance types require space for extra towels, toilet paper, soap and shampoo.
• Found the perfect faucet? Hold off on buying it until you’ve chosen the vanity. You’ll want to pick a faucet with a height and reach appropriate for the sink.
• What are the needs and size of your household? Multiple people sharing a bathroom? If the space permits it, think about getting a double vanity. Will the vanity be used primarily to wash like in a powder room? Maybe a floating vanity could be a solution in terms of the size of the space. 
• What are the different styles of vanities? Since vanities are a long- term fixture, make sure to choose one that will match your personal style preference. If your house is modern, a rustic vanity may not be a good choice. Not sure what your style is? Traditional vanities are always a timeless choice as in- vogue styles evolve.

• The width and depth of the space available for the vanity.
• Anything (toilets, walls, molding edges) within 2 feet of an existing vanity, or within 4 feet of the wall where you’ll place a new one. You don’t want to install the vanity only to find that drawers bang into the bathroom door.
• The dimensions and diameters of your existing pipes. Some vanities have solid backs that are cut after purchase to accommodate your pipes. You want to be sure there isn’t, say, a drawer where your drain pipe should be or that the holes are too small (or large) for your pipes. If so, you’ll need to buy an adapter
• A small powder room and a master bath for two adults require different vanities. As you are considering your options, keep in mind that a single-sink vanity can range from 12 to 60 inches in width. Narrow depth vanities are also a possibility that often measure less than 18 inches deep.

• Your sketch with measurements
• A measuring tape
• Any materials you’ll match the vanity with (paint swatches, tile samples). You could also snap a few quick pics of your bathroom space and finishes, and load them onto your phone or tablet. 

• Look for resilient materials: sinks made from ceramic, cast iron, natural and manmade stone, and tempered glass; and cabinetry in woods such as cherry, birch and walnut.
• Find out if the vanity is covered by a warranty.
• Make sure the vanity can store everything you need it to.
• Ask yourself: Does it feel right? Can you see yourself brushing your teeth, putting on makeup and washing sticky kids’ hands at this vanity for the foreseeable future? If not, keep looking.

If you are drawn to funky finishes, go for it! But keep in mind if you tend to stick to classic colors and textures such as warm wood and speckled stone, that red countertop with an art-glass sink you picked out, may lead to another remodel in a few years. Choose timeless over trending if you are on the fence.

By coming to the store prepared with ideas of what you want in a vanity, your shopping experience will be a breeze.