Bathroom vanity units not only serve an important function in your bathroom, but they can also make or break the aesthetic of your bathroom. If you’re looking for a quick way to give your bathroom a mini-makeover that won’t break the bank, then installing a vanity bathroom unit is the way to go. 

However, not all bathroom vanity units are created equal, and you cannot just place any type in any bathroom. There are a couple of things you need to consider before buying a vanity for your bathroom. 

We break down everything you need to know, as well as the best bathroom vanity ideas you need to know about.

What is a Bathroom Vanity?

No, bathroom vanities are not the same as bathroom cabinets! The key differentiating factor is that the vanity cabinet is topped with a bathroom sink, often a double sink. It generally gives you counter space, a sink, and storage space, all built into one unit. 

As you can imagine, a sink bathroom vanity saves you space as you don’t need a separate counter, bathroom sink, and cabinet. Another benefit is that it hides away any unsightly plumbing for a tidy and decluttered bathroom. 

Style Vanities: Your Different Types of Bathroom Vanities 

There are different types of bathroom vanities you can consider to complement the interior design of your bathroom. 

Like the TV cabinet in your living room, your bathroom vanity is also the focal point of your bathroom, and you should consider it carefully. Whether you want a vintage bathroom vanity or you’re looking for a more modern bathroom, we have the vanity for you. 

The Pedestal Vanity

The pedestal bathroom vanity sink is your more traditional style. It does not provide lower or countertop storage and works best in a small bathroom.

Free Standing Vanity

Also known as floor standing units, freestanding vanities are similar to a pedestal sink but have the bonus of some storage space under the sink. It also hides plumbing and gives you additional storage space to declutter your bathroom. 

Floating Vanity 

Also known as a wall hung or wall mounted vanity, you install a floating bathroom vanity against your bathroom wall. It provides some under-sink storage, leaving additional space underneath the unit.

This is your more modern, Hamptons style bathroom vanity in Australia and works particularly well in smaller bathrooms. Although it does not provide ample storage, at VBathroom we can still customise it to include some drawers or cabinets. 

The only downside to a wall hung bathroom vanity is that you must be careful not to bump against the sharp corners or apply too much pressure to the sink and cabinet. 

Vessel Sink Vanity 

This is a very sophisticated solution often used in hotels or restaurants due to its clean, simplistic aesthetics. 

It is effectively a vanity cabinet with rising bowls not built into the vanity. It looks like free-standing sinks on top of a cabinet. You need more space to implement this, but it is a very aesthetically pleasing solution. 

Under-Mounted Sink Vanity 

With your under-mounted units, your sink is built directly into the vanity. It gives you the same modern, simplistic look and feel that the vessel vanity gives you, but the sink is built-in, making it look flatter and more like one unit. The con to this solution is that the sink takes up some of the storage in the vanity. 

Cabinet Style 

Your vanity cabinet is, like the name suggests, effectively a cabinet. It generally features pull-out drawers as well as doors, giving you space for plenty of storage. This is an excellent solution for larger and vintage design bathrooms. Shelf vanities like this one are also great for family bathrooms that require a lot of storage space. 

Different Bathroom Vanity Materials

Marvelous Marble

Marble is the epitome of luxury. The smooth, cool surface looks modern and, at the same time, it’s very strong and sturdy, ready to handle any conditions. It does require some maintenance and can sometimes stain, so always ensure you give it the necessary TLC to keep it looking grand. 

Trusty Laminate

This is another popular material as it allows for a wide range of colour customisation options. It offers a smooth surface made of multiple paper sheets. The downside to opting for laminate is that it tends to scratch more easily than other materials. 

Practical Particle Board

This is used frequently in bathroom vanities as it is sturdy, but it does need an additional layer of veneer or melamine to protect it from water damage. 

Sturdy Plywood   

Plywood is a winning wood bathroom vanity solution because of its strength and its ability to handle moisture. 

Shapes and Sizes of Bathroom Vanities 

Square, Round or Rectangular 

Your more traditional shape for a bathroom vanity is square, as this fits neatly into smaller spaces. The same goes for round vanities, often used in powder rooms with limited space. 

Rectangular vanities are designed with large bathrooms in mind. It generally sports two ceramic sinks with ample storage space underneath. Square and rectangular shapes are also ideal for a corner bathroom vanity. 

Size It Up  

Remember that your bathroom vanity’s narrow depth will affect your space. You need something slim enough so that you don’t keep bumping into it or struggling to open the shower door.  

Large vanities in Australia are usually 1800mm and 1500mm bathroom vanity sizes. These allow for ‘his-and-hers’ double basins. Small bathroom vanities like your 750mm, 800mm or 900mm bathroom vanity can still provide some countertop space for your toiletries. 

Remember to also keep bathroom vanity height in mind, basing this on who has to use it and any other accompanying accessories such as a mirror that has to go above it. 

Costs to Consider 

Naturally, the cost will depend on what style, bathroom vanity tops, material and finishes you choose. If you are on a tight budget, consider the classic pedestal sink, but remember that it does not serve much storage purpose. 

Remember to budget for installation costs as well. Your more expensive installation costs will be for your wall mounted units due to the additional sealants and materials required to secure them to the wall. 

When it comes to material, marble will set you back a few more bucks than your standard plywood, laminate or particleboard. If you want to customise your vanity further, it will come at an additional cost. 

We suggest that you leave it up to the professionals! 

How to Choose the Best Vanity for My Home

Design Aesthetic 

What is the ‘look’ you want to go for? Modern or classic? This will influence the bathroom vanity unit you decide on. Keep in mind that this should ideally match the rest of your bathroom.

Size Matters

If you have a small space, do not opt for a large vanity, as this will make your area feel cramped! Also, don’t go for a small vanity if your bathroom is very spacious, as it can look out of place.

Your Storage Needs

If you install a bathroom vanity in a large, family-shared bathroom and require more storage space, you need to go for a solution with ample space and additional drawers. If you only need to stash some toiletries, you can go for a smaller, more compact solution. 

Bathroom Vanity Perth: Give Your Bathroom a Facelift with Our Bathroom Vanities and Cabinets 

Now that we’ve given you good options, have you decided on the best bathroom vanity unit for your space? 
Contact us for a quick, stress-free installation of the bathroom vanity designs of your choice in your powder room.

Our European Designed vanity collection not only looks good but is made of superior quality and will ensure that your vanity bathroom design lasts for years to come.