Types of Bathroom Vanities
Before you get caught up thinking of colours and hardware, it is critical you familiarise yourself with the types of vanities available. Your selection will rely on your size of bathroom, any storage needs, and what your bathroom aesthetic will be.
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Freestanding Vanities:
The traditional and most used vanity type. Freestanding vanities are typical furniture pieces you place in the bathroom. Freestanding vanities can range from traditional to modern, and can also provide lots of storage with cabinets and drawers built in.
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Pro: Versatile, easy to install, and provides maximum storage.
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Con: Can feel bulky in small spaces.
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Floating (Wall-Mounted) Vanities:
These modern and sleek vanities are perfect for a relaxed open concept, as they are mounted on the wall and sit off the ground. A floating vanity allows for the floor to remain open, giving the illusion of more space.
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Pro: Creates a clean, minimalist look and makes cleaning the floor a breeze.
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Con: Requires a professional to install, and tends to have less storage than freestanding vanities.
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Pedestal Sinks:
These are the true space savers. Pedestal sinks are a classic single-unit sink design. Timeless, elegant, yet with no storage- great powder room or in bathrooms where storage isn't a priority.
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Corner Vanities:
These provide the unique opportunity to maximise tight spaces. Perfectly designed to fit into the corner of a room; bathrooms, and in particular powder rooms, are designed to make the most of space.
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Single vs. Double Vanities:
A main consideration for any shared bathroom. A single bathroom vanity is perfect for small space and use as a guest bathroom. A double vanity, on the other hand, is a luxurious necessity when sharing a primary bathroom by two people. Think about the added space and storage; if you have it, the investment is worthwhile.
Style Matters - Finding Your Style
Your vanity is a representation of your personal style and tying it together with the rest of your home. Below is a range of popular styles you will want to consider and how you can achieve your desired look.
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Modern & Minimalist:
Defined by flat-front cabinetry, clean lines, and no decoration. Materials tend to be minimalist wood, concrete, or high-gloss finishes. A floating vanity is highly preferred for this style.
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Traditional:
Imagine traditional furniture with trimmings. Traditional vanities tend to feature raised panel doors, fancy hardware, and rich, dark woods. They provide a feeling of warmth and classic elegance.
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Farmhouse & Rustic:
Cultivate the beauty of natural finishes and a well-lived-in look. Rustic vanities tend to include reclaimed wood, barn-door front style, and simple, frequently black, hardware.
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Transitional:
The best of both worlds. Transitional vanities possess clean lines but with less angular finishes and a combination of old and new elements. Transitional is an extremely flexible style and is suitable for a broad diversity of tastes.
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Industrial:
Inspired by urban lofts and factories. Industrial vanities tend to include raw materials such as metal and unprocessed wood. Concrete countertops and exposed plumbing can also be included in this gritty look.
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Mid-Century Modern:
A style that is making a big comeback. Mid-century vanities include clean, geometric lines, sometimes tapered legs, and a combination of natural wood and color accents.
The Details - Materials and Finishes
The materials you select for your vanity—from the cabinetry to the countertop—will greatly determine its appearance, texture, and longevity.
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Vanity Materials:
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Solid Wood: Durable and timeless, but can be susceptible to moisture damage if not properly sealed.
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Plywood: A more affordable and moisture-resistant option. It's a great base for veneer or laminate.
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MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): A popular choice for painted vanities. It is stable and smooth, but can be damaged by water.
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Reclaimed Wood: Adds character and a unique story to your vanity. Perfect for a rustic or farmhouse look.
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Countertops & Sinks:
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Quartz: A popular choice for its durability and low maintenance. It comes in a huge variety of colors and patterns, mimicking natural stone.
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Marble: The epitome of luxury. Marble is elegant and beautiful, but it is porous and requires regular sealing to prevent staining.
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Vessel Sinks: A statement piece. These sinks sit on top of the countertop, adding a sculptural element to the vanity.
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Undermount Sinks: Mounted underneath the countertop, they provide a seamless look and are easy to clean.
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Integrated Sinks: Made from the same material as the countertop, creating a sleek, all-in-one look.
Clever Vanity Ideas
With the basics sorted, now's the time to get creative. These clever ideas will help you customize your vanity and bring out the best it can provide.
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Color and Finish:
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Bold Colors: Dare to use a dark green, navy, or even a dark turquoise to create a statement.
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Two-Toned: Combine a light cabinet with a dark countertop, or vice versa, for dramatic appeal.
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Textured Finishes: Consider adding a polished and sleek layer of flair to your space with reeded or fluted wood paneling.
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Matte Black: A popular, modern finish for either a vanity or a hardware is being featured today.
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Storage Solutions:
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Open Shelving: You have an option to keep a few of your favorite trim essentials on display using open shelving. Or use some woven baskets or decorative boxes to keep everything organized.
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Built-in Makeup Station: If you have the room, nothing beats a dedicated make-up area complete with a stool.
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Pull-out Drawers with Organizers: Use smart organizers for toiletries, hair tools, and more, to make the most out of every inch.
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Tower Cabinets: Utilize a tall narrow cabinet on top of the counter that provides you a ton of vertical storage and keeps your items hidden.
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Creative and Unexpected:
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Vintage Furniture: Use a spectacular antique dresser, an outstanding vintage buffet, or a rustic mid-centry credenza to create a truly unique vanity, full of character.
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Metallic Legs: Create a contemporary modern feel by adding tapered, matte black or brass metallic legs to a modern vanity.
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Custom Lighting: If purchasing an LED mirror is not in the budget yet, adding LED strip lighting to the underside of a floating vanity creates a dramatic "floating" effect with a soft ambient glow.
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Wall-to-Wall Vanity: Maximize counterspace, and the seamless look of your space by installing a custom wall-to-wall vanity in a long narrow space like a bathroom.
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Mix and Match Materials: Consider combining a wood cabinet with steel frames, or a stone counter with a woven door front to develop an entirely unique and personalized feel.
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Accessorizing Your Vanity:
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Statement Hardware: Changing out hardware is one of the easiest things you can do with maximum impact for your vanity. Choose a unique shape or a different finish like brushed brass or matte black.
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Unique Mirrors: Check out a round, arched or vintage-style mirror that can entirely change the look of your vanity area.
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Elegant Faucets: Faucets are the jewelry of the bathroom. Choose your faucet style and finish that suits your vanity, reminiscent of a sleek modern spout or a vintage-blend glamour feel.
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Decorative Trays: Use a decorative tray to contain your soaps, lotions and a few other essentials. A decorative tray looks elegant, and the clean organized appearance keeps everything in a tidy area.
Conclusion: Your Dream Vanity Awaits
Your bathroom vanity respresents more than a functional piece, it is a chance for your individuality and an by way to enhance how you use the space, and make the room both beautiful and inviting. From a timeless freestanding vanity, to a space-saving floating vanity, your choices are only limited by your imagination! Consider what you want to achieve with the type, style and material you are looking for, then let your inspiration flourish with your clever accessories and design hacks.
Eviva is a place with a huge selection of modern bathroom vanities as well as bathtubs, mirrors, faucets and cabinets; pointing you in the direction of finding everything you need to fulfill your renovations. Check out our collections to find your perfect vanity design, and transform your bathroom into the sanctuary you have dreamed about and wanted.
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Crafting the Future of Wellness and Style - Eviva at KBIS 2025