In a sense, the vanity is the centerpiece of any bathroom – the focal point that ties the overall design scheme together. The reason for this is part functional, part aesthetic. From a strictly functional point of view, this unassuming piece of furniture is the place where all manner of activities, from teeth brushing to makeup application, take place. In terms of aesthetics, many bathrooms are designed with the vanity centrally located. As a result, it often captures attention before any other piece, even Jacuzzi bathtubs and steam showers.
Given these realities, it would seem fair to say that the bathroom vanity is deserving of a creative revamp. Rather than settling for the traditional square cabinet with a mirror and sink fixed atop it, designers are using custom cabinetry and unexpected pieces to create bathroom vanities that rival the glitter of chandeliers when it comes to impact.
Nature’s Best
Modern Bathroom Vanity
One of the strongest bathroom design trends for 2016 is the rising popularity of natural materials for standout bathroom cabinets. Fashioning a vanity out of reclaimed wood is one way to incorporate this trend. The beauty of salvaged wood shines through regardless of whether or not it is stained, in part because it has such a unique look. And because reclaimed wood’s strength lies in its rustic appearance, pieces made from it benefit from a few imperfections; rather than detract from the vanity, irregularities enhance its appeal.
Giving Space
Why skimp on the vanity design when you could utilize it for additional storage space? When this piece is designed using handcrafted cabinetry, the drawers and cabinets instantly provide a place to tuck away the very items most often used at the vanity. And with virtually limitless options for cabinetry material and finishes, this type of vanity is well suited to bathrooms of just about any style and size. It can also give the bathroom the cozy feel of a bedroom, when designed with a dresser look.
Privacy, Please
A vanity with two mirrors, counter tops and cabinets facing back-to-back allows members of the household privacy when getting ready, whether getting presentable for work during a hectic morning or grooming with great care for a highly anticipated night out. This design also leaves space for roomy wall cabinets and a separate make-up vanity, if desired. The caveat? This style of vanity should be placed toward the center of the room, rather than against or near a wall.
All Sewn Up
A lovely antique sewing table repurposed into a vanity instantly gives the bathroom a sumptuous ladies-of-leisure feeling that helps ease tension in achy muscles and over taxed minds. While this type of vanity does not offer much in the way of storage space, a complementary corner wall cabinet can remedy the situation nicely.
Hidden Alcove
Bathroom Vanity with Doors
A wardrobe-style closet is the ideal size for a makeup vanity, with the ability to conceal loose items behind the doors when not in use. Better yet, it can be outfitted with two to three shelves at the top to hold towels or items that may otherwise clutter bathroom cabinetry or the linen closet. Simply install a countertop, drawers and mirror on the wall or tuck a sleek, narrow table into the space.
Float Away
You may have heard of floating shelves – designed to affix to the wall with concealed brackets, giving them the appearance they are floating. Why not apply the same principle to a glass vanity? Glass creates the illusion of more visual space and its simplicity allows the material to work in just about any design scheme. A designer can cut the glass to fit the allotted space, then add a sink bowl. A cabinet or shelving in the center helps balance out the look when working with a dual vanity.
Feast for the Senses
A mirrored console table transitions beautifully from dining room to bathroom, adding a touch of elegance with its formal design and a whisper of sparkle with its mirrors. When repurposing any piece of furniture for a vanity, it is critical to seal it with polyurethane to accommodate plumbing and seal sinks with caulk around the edge. The finishing touch is complementary hardware that elevates the vanity.
You spend a significant amount of time in front of your bathroom vanity, and a generic hunk of wood is hardly inspiring. Fortunately, as demonstrated by the aforementioned ideas, options to spice up this essential bathroom piece are plentiful. It just takes a little imagination and the skill of a talented designer.
Visit our showroom today to select cabinetry for your new vanity.