Design Notes
The bathroom plays a key role in everyone’s morning routine, but more specifically, the bathroom vanity. It’s the place where the kids go to brush their teeth, fix their hair, and where all the necessities are stored. They can also maximize limited space and give you the storage you need, but how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s explore some of the common questions about bathroom vanities to help you find the perfect one.
Bathroom Vanity Dimensions
Size is important and can be influenced by the layout and needs of the bathroom. 36 inches wide is a standard size for single sink vanities, while 60 and 72 inches are standard for double sinks. Height is another crucial element to factor in when selecting a bathroom vanity. Consider who will be using it most. Children need one that is easy for them to reach, while taller adults might need something slightly taller than standard. Floating vanities are an excellent option for those who are above average height since they can be adjusted to suit your needs. When designing a guest bath or a small hall bathroom, consider choosing a narrower vanity, such as a 24-inch or even smaller one, to allow plenty of room to walk in and out. We are a dealer for James Martin Vanities, a company that offers incredible options on premade vanities that suit a wide variety of needs in a shorter lead time. Check out the amazing gallery and options available to you.
Bathroom Vanity Countertops
Countertops tend to be one of the most used elements of the bathroom vanity, right after the faucet. It is the workspace where all your items land at one point or another. From toothpaste to hairbrushes, this is the spot where you lay everything out so you can reach it easily. This means that the material needs to be durable to withstand wear and tear. Options have expanded in the last two decades to include granite, marble, and even more unique choices such as concrete and stainless steel. With so many options, it can be challenging to know which one is right for you. We will share the top three options that many of our clients often choose.
- Quartz: This is a popular choice because it is resistant to stains and durable, making it a favorite in family bathrooms. Coming in a variety of colors means it can complement multiple designs and integrate into several styles.
- Ceramic: Porcelain, ceramic, and even glass fall into this category, and for many years, it was a traditional choice for the bathroom vanity counter. Ceramic is similar to stone because it is non-porous, meaning it is easy to maintain. Porcelain is the countertop choice in Europe because it is also easy to keep clean and resistant to stains.
- Natural stone: If you are looking for a more eco-friendly choice, then this is the category for you, which includes granite, marble, and slate. These counters require a seal, sometimes yearly, which means a little more maintenance. Because of its natural and often unique beauty, this option gives a luxurious feel to the bathroom.
Countertops are an essential decision and need to match your lifestyle needs. Talk to a designer to go over the best option for you. To read more in-depth about selecting countertops for your bathroom vanity, read an article from The Spruce.
Bathroom Vanity Mirrors
While countertops are the most used element in the bathroom, a mirror could be considered the most needed, after all, how else would you know about that toothpaste stain? It is also a beautiful addition to the space and enhances it. There are plenty of styles and sizes to suit whatever your design choice, which typically fall into these categories:
- Shape: From square to round and everything in between, this is a great way to add some elegance and even a little of yourself to the design.
- Storage: If you want to have items readily available, such as medicine, eye drops, or even hair accessories, having a mirror that doubles as storage is a plus.
- Shine: Getting ready in the morning is not always easy, and added light can provide the missing ingredient to a good routine. LED light strips are a great option.
Another thing to consider is the number; does your bathroom require more than one mirror? If you have a double sink, you can opt for one long mirror or have two individual mirrors. Both are good choices; it ultimately depends on your personal preference and the look you are trying to achieve. Check out these other helpful tips on mirror selection here.
Bathroom Vanity Design
The vanity is usually the focal point of the bathroom, making the design and selection important. Proper thought should be given to your specific routines and storage needs so you can design around these particular needs. There are, of course, some things that are considered essential no matter the space or style, so what are they?
- Drawers: From small hygienic items to hairdryers, drawers are a must with a bathroom vanity. They allow you to have easy access to your things but keep the counter looking clean and clutter-free. Consider multiple depths and widths to accommodate different items and objects.
- Sufficient counter space: If you tend to use several things at once when getting ready in the morning or evening, it is a good idea to include a counter that lets you lay everything out for you to see and use.
- Light: The bathroom is where all the little details happen when preparing for the day, which means there should be sufficient light from multiple angles. Natural light from the window, sconces, and LED strips in the mirror are great ways to incorporate enough light, regardless of the time of day.
The bathroom vanity plays a key role in your routine so be sure to talk with your designer so you can select the one that is perfect for you and your needs.
Bathroom Vanity Sinks
No vanity would be complete without a sink, but which one is right for you? How do you pick the right sink for your bathroom? Here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Size: There are many beautiful sinks with varying widths and depths, but the size of your vanity will determine your limit. Don’t forget to include the height of your facet as well. Combine both to know how tall everything will be in the end.
- Material: Metal and ceramic make good choices for material, and don’t stain, plus they are easy to maintain.
- Shape: There are so many more options than the under-mount sink, including drop-in and vessel. It is a beautiful way to add elegance, a unique twist, and even a splash of color to your bathroom.
The sink serves a functional role, but that does not mean it has to be ordinary. Talk to your designer about some of the options available to you and consider browsing Pinterest for inspiration.
Greenbrook DesignMany of our clients come to us from an hour or more away, often from the greater Charlotte metro area. A common question we hear is, “Why make the drive to Shelby when there are design centers closer to home?” It’s a fair question—and one we completely understand. That’s why we’d like to share a few key reasons why we believe the experience, service, and value you’ll find at Greenbrook Design make the trip well worth it.
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