Remodeling a bathroom is not only a great way to put your personal stamp on one of the most used rooms in your home, but it’s also a distinct renovation that can increase the value of your home. Whether you’re looking to do a full or partial bathroom renovation for your own use or to make your home more attractive to potential buyers, one of the key decisions you’ll have to make is selecting a vanity that suits your style, meets functional needs, and serves as a central focal point for your bathroom design. But how do you choose the right bathroom vanity?
Lancaster Kitchens and Baths is a premier expert in bathroom remodeling in Lancaster, PA. We can help you choose a bathroom vanity style that is perfect for you and your bathroom.
Here are some things to consider when selecting a new vanity for your bathroom:
Type of Vanity
Generally, two types of vanity designs are available for bathrooms: wall-mounted vanities and freestanding vanities.
- Wall-Mounted Vanities — Also known as floating vanities, wall-mounted vanities are attached to bathroom walls. These vanities typically don’t have legs or bases that touch the floor. They offer a modern feel and make it very easy to not only clean floors but also show off upgraded flooring.
- Freestanding Vanities — Freestanding vanities are not mounted to the wall. Their base usually sits on the bathroom floor. This is the most common type of vanity and typically offers more storage area than wall-mounted vanities. Options are also available for freestanding corner vanities that maximize the space in smaller bathrooms.
Prefabricated freestanding and wall-mounted vanities come in an array of styles to match any bathroom style and functional need. Contact us today to see some of the options available that might help inspire your design ideas.
Sink Types
When choosing a bathroom vanity, it’s essential to consider the type of sink you want because that plays a crucial role in selecting the correct kind of countertop to go along with it. Here are the three most common sink types:
- Under-Mounted Sink — With an under-mounted sink, the sink is usually separate from the countertop and is mounted from beneath the countertop. With under-mounted sinks, either the sink or the countertop can be replaced individually.
- Integrated Sink — With an integrated sink, your sink is usually constructed as part of the countertop. When the sink is replaced, the entire countertop typically needs to be replaced with it.
- Basin/Vessel Sink — Basin or vessel sinks are another popular option. These sinks sit atop the counter and drain into a small opening. A wide variety of bowl styles are available to suit different design aesthetics, from traditional white bowls to highly-artistic decorative bowls.
Construction Material
There are plenty of materials available to choose from for vanity bases and vanity tops, as well as fixtures and hardware, but it’s essential to select durable materials that can withstand daily use. You don’t want to remodel a bathroom and choose vanity materials that will deteriorate quickly and require you to replace them a few years later. For example, while MDF vanities might be an excellent option for saving money, the material can be subject to more wear and tear when exposed to water or a humid bathroom environment. Instead, it’s best to select durable, water-resistant vanity bases that resist stains and scratches.
Additionally, hardware and fixture finishes should complement your vanity but also need to be made of durable, quality materials that will help them last.
As a supplier of granite countertops in Lancaster, PA, we can also help you weigh the pros and cons of different vanity countertop materials available, including granite, marble, and quartz.
Existing Plumbing
Select a vanity that works well with the existing plumbing to save money on a bathroom vanity install. However, suppose you’re doing a complete bathroom renovation and have your heart set on moving the vanity to another location. In that case, it is possible for the plumbing to be moved to different locations as well. Of course, doing so will be an extra expense, but it might be worthwhile for some homeowners who are designing the bathroom of their dreams.
Floor Space
Your bathroom size will play a determining role in what vanity options will work in your bathroom. The amount of space you have to work with can suggest the right vanity size for your bathroom, so it’s essential to take accurate measurements of the length, width, and depth of your space and any vanity you’re considering.
Larger bathrooms and master bathroom vanities allow you to select wider models with double sinks, more counter space, and more drawers or doors. In smaller bathrooms or powder rooms, you don’t want a vanity restricting movement or making it difficult to open vanity drawers or doors. However, just because you have a small bathroom doesn’t mean you can’t have a stylish single vanity. Models are available in many sizes to suit whatever space you have to work with while capturing the design aesthetic that you’re going for.
Let Us Guide You Through Choosing a Bathroom Vanity
Tackling a bathroom refresh or remodel can be a challenge for any homeowner because of all the options available and factors that need to be considered to get it right. Knowing how to choose a bathroom vanity with complementing fixtures and hardware is only the beginning.
If you’re overwhelmed with decisions and unsure where to start, your first step should be to contact Lancaster Kitchens and Baths. We can walk you through the entire process from design to installation. In addition to baths, showers, toilets, and vanities, as flooring contractors in Lancaster, PA, we can reinvent your bath from the floors to the ceiling and bring your new bathroom vision to life. Get in touch with our design experts today to get started!
