Believe it or not, the bathroom vanity can make or break your scheme – it is one of the main focal points after all. Oh-so-practical, the vanity is also a piece that interior designers use to hold a space together visually, and to up your bathroom organization game for a clutter-free zone. They can be brightly colored, neutral, wall-hung, bespoke made, a remodeled antique chest or a sleek piece of stone – whatever floats your bathroom boat.
Bathroom vanity ideas for practicality, storage and style
Amy Leferink, owner and principal designer of Interior Impressions explains:
‘A good bathroom vanity is both stylish and functional. You want a vanity that is going to provide ample countertop space, decent storage, and of course, look great while doing it! We find the best vanities are those that really accent the bathroom, instead of blending in. It is a great architectural way to bring some interest to an otherwise very utilitarian space.’
1. Max out with size and color
If you love the idea of his and her basins then you’ll need the width to accommodate them. This bathroom vanity is both eye-catching and practical – look at all that storage! The lime green color takes it from ordinary to statement especially when teamed with the hex tiles and bold metallic framed mirror. The marble countertop and brass taps add a luxe feel to this mixture of styles that work well together.
2. Go luxe with marble
There’s little more special than marble, of course, it comes with a price, literally, but if you can afford it, it will give you an unrivaled bathroom vanity. Wall-hung vanities are a great option in smaller bathrooms as they allow you to see underneath – this creates the illusion of space. The inset basin is a sleek idea and ensures the whole design is minimal and modern.
3. Make way for a seating area
This clever bathroom vanity idea will allow you to use part of it as a dressing table – the nearest drawers could be used for storing makeup. Always make the most of your space, storage can be hard to come by in a bathroom so maximize it by being clever with your interior design choices. We love the chunky stone countertop that balances out the box style drawers, it looks great and provides ample space for bathroom bits and bobs.
4. Include a storage shelf underneath
You can never have too much bathroom storage, and if you love the wall-hung vanity units then why not have a shelf fitted underneath to store towels and baskets on?
The texture and color of the shelf grounds the bathroom and adds a warming element.
5. Love the monochromatic look? Choose a crisp white vanity
There’s nothing more classic than a black and white bathroom scheme and it enables you to have a bit of fun with how you use each shade and in what proportions.
This bold bathroom features a white vanity with a black countertop, you could easily reverse this if your bathroom gets less natural light. Here, the balance comes from the grey marbled floor, upper tiled walls and white walls.
6. Use your vanity for a splash of bold color
Pair a bold blue bathroom vanity with glitzy gold fixtures and fittings and a marble top. Although wallpapers aren’t seen often in a bathroom they can work really well and this grey patterned design has a slight shimmer that adds to the glamorous feel of this space.
Pop in a colorful piece of art and that will allow you to add in extra colors – like the upholstered footstool.
7. Fill an awkward corner with a curved vanity
Make the most of every inch by utilizing those tricky areas that would otherwise be a dead space. This bathroom vanity idea shows how to make it work by linking what could have been two units together using the countertop and adding two drawers where the gap would have been. This can be achieved by having bespoke vanities crafted.
8. Tiny bathroom? Squeeze in a slimline unit
A bathroom vanity is essential whatever sized space you have, the trick is to choose a narrow, shorter design with a small white mounted basin.
Pale wood with a marble top will brighten up a bathroom that’s lacking in natural light, the last thing you want is a heavy looking dark design, so lift it with the materials and colors you chose.
9. Blush, white and gold for a retro feel
This charming vanity has modern retro styling with its linear doors and drawer pulls. The pretty blush shade looks fresh with the white whilst the gold mirror and faucet link the elements together whilst adding warmth.
Keep the countertop free from clutter so it doesn’t look too ‘busy’, minimal styling is key with a contemporary look like this.
10. Go beautifully traditional in marble and brass
If you have a historic home, stick with the classics. A vanity like this will be an investment for sure, but one that you will never regret. Try Facebook Marketplace or even eBay to pick up a vintage piece for less that already has a little history to it, for even more design interest.
11. Walnut veneer lifts blue and white
This wall-mounted walnut veneered bathroom vanity gives this blue and white shower room an extra dimension. Tile heavy, and as glorious as they are, it's good to introduce a different material into a scheme. The brass handles cleverly link with the pendant light chain and bath towel hooks, so that helps to tie the look together successfully.
12. Go white when wallpaper is the focal point
The bathroom vanity has ornate detailing which fits with the feel of the bathroom and the colors of the wallpaper design, yet doesn't feel overpowering within the space.
What makes a good bathroom vanity?
‘Functionality, functionality, functionality,’ says says Kristin Bartone, creative director and principal of Bartone Interiors.
‘The most important thing is to have a space for any supplies you need within arms reach. Next priority is cleanability. Avoid vanities with dust catchers like surface-mounted sinks or vanities that float only slightly above the floor. These areas often collect dust and grime and are difficult to clean.’
What should I display on my bathroom vanity?
‘This is so personal, but I would say perhaps items that are functional yet pretty, too,’ says Amy Leferink, owner and principal designer of Interior Impressions.
‘Some great apothecary jars filled with cotton swabs and Q-tips, a tray for housing some of your prettier perfumes and lotions, and even a small plant are all great options for bringing some color into your bathroom without it feeling too decorative in nature.’