An Introduction to Bathroom Vanity Cabinets and Sinks

Choosing new bathroom vanity cabinets and sinks is an exciting part of remodeling or designing your dream bathroom. With so many options to select from, it can also feel overwhelming to find the perfect vanity and sink combination that fits your style, space and budget. This article will provide an in-depth introduction to bathroom vanity cabinets and sinks – from styles and materials to key considerations for choosing the right vanity and sink for your needs.

What is a Bathroom Vanity?

A bathroom vanity is the central furniture piece in a bathroom that houses the sink and provides storage space. It typically consists of a cabinet and countertop with a sink installed into the counter. The cabinet contains storage compartments behind doors or drawers to allow concealed storage for toiletries, towels and other bathroom essentials.

Bathroom vanities come in a range of styles with variations in:

Size
Shape
Design
Materials
Storage options

Vanity sizes are determined by the width of the cabinet and counter – common options range from 24 inches up to 72 inches wide.

The counter depth is also an important consideration – standard depth is 25 inches deep but larger sizes up to 28 inches provide more usable surface area.

Several factors come into play when selecting the right vanity size and dimensions for your space:

Size and layout of the bathroom
Existing plumbing locations
Traffic patterns
Storage needs
Aesthetic preferences

In addition to size, bathroom vanities come in different shapes including:

Straight
Corner
Curved
Double/split

The shape of the vanity can be customized to match your bathroom layout and make the most of the available space.

Bathroom Vanity Styles

Bathroom vanities encompass a wide array of decorative styles from modern and contemporary to traditional and rustic. Key vanity styles include:

Contemporary Bathroom Vanities

Contemporary bathroom vanities feature clean, streamlined designs with straight lines and minimal ornamentation. Popular contemporary vanity attributes include:

Sleek hardware
Handle-less cabinet doors
Integrated sinks
Glossy surfaces
Neutral colors like white, black, gray
Materials like glass, metal, high-gloss lacquer

Contemporary vanity designs make a statement and pair well with other modern bathroom elements like frameless glass shower doors, floating wood shelves and chrome fixtures.

Traditional Bathroom Vanities

Traditional bathroom vanities have an elegant and timeless look with details like raised panels, carved legs and ornamental hardware. Common traditional vanity features include:

Ornate cabinet doors with raised centers and crafted edges
Decorative legs or skirting at the base
Marble, granite or quartz countertops
Ceramic tile backsplash
Brass, bronze or brushed nickel hardware

The ornate detailing and classic elegance of traditional bathroom vanities complement vintage inspired plumbing fixtures and clawfoot tubs for a cohesive classic bathroom aesthetic.

Transitional Bathroom Vanities

Transitional vanity designs blend elements of traditional and contemporary styling to create a timeless look perfect for a range of decor styles. Design features include:

Streamlined silhouettes with simple cabinet door fronts
Straight or tapered legs
Mirrored cabinets or drawers
Neutral countertops like quartz or marble
Metallic hardware like brushed nickel or satin brass

The balanced combination of traditional form and contemporary details makes transitional vanities versatile choices to match renovated older homes as well as new construction.

Rustic Bathroom Vanities

Rustic bathroom vanities embody a cozy, farmhouse inspired aesthetic with natural textures and materials. Common attributes include:

Wood cabinet boxes made of pine, oak, cedar or maple
Distressed finishes like stains, paints and glazes
Natural stone countertops
Wrought iron hardware
Reclaimed wood accents

Rustic vanity designs pair perfectly with vintage clawfoot tubs, exposed beams, subway tile and wrought iron lighting and plumbing fixtures.

Minimalist Bathroom Vanities

Minimalist vanities take a pared down approach to form and function. Key minimalist vanity features include:

Simple rectangular silhouettes
Handleless, full overlay drawers
Floating styles detached from the floor
Neutral color palettes of whites, grays and blacks
Quartz, concrete-look or stone surfaces
Discreet hardware and open shelving

The streamlined minimalist aesthetic helps create spa-like bathrooms with clean lines and clutter-free surfaces.

Bathroom Vanity Materials

Bathroom vanities are available in a diverse range of materials and finishes to coordinate with any decor.

Vanity Cabinet Materials

Common vanity cabinet materials include:

Wood – Oak, maple, cherry and birch wood cabinets add warmth and texture.
Thermofoil – Made from wood substrate covered with durable plastic laminate. Provides a stain and scratch resistant painted look.
Laminate – Particle board or MDF with laminate sheeting. Most affordable option.
Metal – Stainless steel, copper or bronze create an industrial chic look.
Glass – Glass front cabinets for an open, lightweight look.

Vanity Countertop Materials

Popular countertop materials to suit any style:

Quartz – Highly durable, stain resistant, low maintenance engineered stone.
Granite – Elegant natural stone with unique patterning. Requires sealing.
Marble – Classic natural stone with ornate veining. Softer and prone to etching.
Limestone – Sedimentary rock with organic texture. Softer surface.
Soapstone – Heat resistant natural stone, develops patina over time.
Ceramic/Porcelain Tile – Waterproof, easy to clean and highly durable.
Laminate – Budget friendly synthetic with imitation stone patterns.
Butcher Block – Stained wood adds warmth, requires sealing.
Concrete – Cool industrial look, often used for floating vanities.
Stainless Steel – Sleek modern look, very durable surface.

Consider the look you want along with practical factors like durability, maintenance and cost when selecting vanity and countertop materials.

Bathroom Vanity Tops and Sinks

An integral component of any vanity is the sink and counter area. Several factors effect sink and countertop selection including installation type, material, basin shape and configuration.

Vanity Top Installation Types

Bathroom vanity countertops are commonly installed in one of three ways:

Drop-in – The countertop is mounted on top of the vanity cabinet and the sink is dropped into an opening cut into the counter.

Undermount – The sink basin is mounted below the counter and attached directly to the underside of the countertop. This provides a seamless transitional from counter to sink.

Vessel – With vessel sinks, the basin sits on top of the counter rather than being installed into the countertop surface. Vessel sinks make a dramatic style statement in contemporary bathrooms.

Bathroom Vanity Sink Materials

Today’s sinks come in a diverse range of materials. Popular options include:

Porcelain – Classic ceramic material, available in white or other solid colors.
Enameled Cast Iron – Extremely durable porcelain coated cast iron. Retains heat well.
Stainless Steel – Sleek contemporary look, resistant to scratches and stains.
Glass Vessels – Elegant glassperfect for vessel sink designs.
Stone Vessels – Marble, granite and onyx provide natural texture.
Fireclay – Denser than porcelain with a durable, glossy finish.
Copper – Distinctive natural patina, antimicrobial properties.
Acrylic/Resin – Colorful, lightweight option perfect for vessel sinks.

Consider the sink material that best suits your vanity style and provides the durability, look and functionality you want.

Bathroom Sink Basin Shapes

Vanity sinks come in a variety of stylish shapes to complement your decor:

Oval – Elongated curved oval design. Classic and spacious.
Round – Circular basin design creates a bold focal point.
Square – Boxy design with strong linear lines.
Rectangular – Clean defined lines and expansive basin area.
Asymmetrical – Angular artistic shapes and uneven edges.
Trough – Long narrow channel basin perfect for bathrooms with limited space.

Double Bathroom Vanities

Double vanities with two sinks are a great option for master bathrooms and bathrooms shared by multiple people. They come in several configuration options:

Split style with two separate sink basins in a single long cabinet.
Tandem style with two vanity cabinets set side by side.
Hers and his sinks with different basin shapes for each user.
Center drain with sinks draining into a trough divider.

Double vanities provide personal space and storage for two users along with flexible placement options.

Bathroom Vanity Cabinets: Sizing and Storage Options

An important advantage of bathroom vanities is the storage they provide via cabinets and drawers integrated into the base of the unit. There are numerous options when it comes to vanity cabinets.

Bathroom Vanity Cabinet Dimensions

The cabinet width and depth dimensions affect the look, weight and storage capacity of a vanity.

Widths typically range from 21 inches for narrow spaces to 72 inches for grand double vanities. 24 to 36 inches are common sizes.
Standard cabinet case depths are 21 to 24 inches deep, but larger 30 inch depths offer expansive storage capacity.

The cabinet box height is generally 31 to 34 inches – a comfortable height for accessing the countertop and sink.

Corner vanities, curved vanities and other specialty shapes are available for bathrooms with unique footprints.

Bathroom Vanity Door Styles

Vanity cabinets include doors to conceal contents. Door panel styles include:

Flat panel – Simple slab door design. Most affordable.
Raised panel – Classic center raised panel doors for traditional styling.
Shaker style – Doors with a flat center recessed panel and border.
Arched panel – Doors with arched tops provide architectural detail.
Frosted glass – Obscured glass creates an open airy look.
Framed glass – Mirrored or textured glass framed with wood or metal.

Other door options include open shelving designs and mixed panels combining glass and wood.

Bathroom Vanity Drawers

Drawers provide more accessible storage than cabinet doors. Vanity drawers include:

Full extension – Drawers pull out completely for full access.
Soft close – Drawers close slowly and silently with buffering.
Felt lined – Lined drawers protect jewelry and delicate objects.
Built-in organizers – Custom inserts organize toiletries and supplies.

Multiple stacked drawers maximize storage volume. The most common configuration is a top drawer above a double drawer.

Bathroom Vanity Storage Solutions

Pull-out trays – Custom trays on racks provide easy access to items in back.
Lazy susans – Rotating trays in corner cabinets simplify access.
Tilt-out hampers – Tilting bins built into cabinets contain laundry.
Midway cabinets – Extra storage between the counter and sink.
Towel racks – Convenient racks mounted inside vanity doors.
Wastebasket nooks – Discrete areas to hold small trash cans.

Look for a vanity that maximizes storage with a combination of drawers, cabinets and organizational features well-suited to your bathroom needs.

Buying Considerations for Bathroom Vanities

There are several important factors to consider when selecting bathroom vanities:

Size

Measure your existing space and plumbing locations.
Optimize traffic flow and usage of the vanity.
Accommodate multiple users with double vanities.

Style

Choose a style in line with your decor – traditional, transitional, modern, etc.
Select a sink basin shape that you find visually appealing.
Decide on a suitable counter and cabinet finish combination.

Materials and Durability

Assess the pros and cons of vanity materials like wood vs. thermofoil.
Confirm sink materials like porcelain stand up to your expected level of use.
Opt for solid surface countertops if you prefer indestructible surfaces.

Storage

Consider who will use the vanity and how much storage you need.
Incorporate drawers, cabinet space and organizers to hold bathroom necessities.
Maximize hard-to-access corner areas with lazy susans or specialty cabinets.

Fixtures

Look for options to pair your vanity with coordinating mirrors and lighting.
Choose plumbing fixtures that work with the sink basin shape and size.
Select faucets and handles that match the style of the vanity.

Budget

Solid wood vanities are premium investments, while laminates offer significant savings.
Specialized storage inserts, cabinets and hardware impact costs.
Set a comfortable budget and look for sales and discounts on quality materials.

Taking the time to evaluate all the factors above will help guide you to your ideal bathroom vanity and sink combination.

Installing a New Bathroom Vanity

When tackling a bathroom remodel or vanity upgrade, here is an overview of the key steps for installing a new vanity:

Prepare the Space

Clear out existing vanity and plumbing.
Protect surfaces and remove old sink/countertop.
Revise electrical and plumbing as needed.

Assemble the Vanity

Construct adjustable cabinet boxes.
Attach hinges, drawers and hardware.
Seal and install the countertop.

Install the Vanity

Place vanity in position, shim and level.
Secure the vanity cabinet to wall studs.
Complete plumbing and electrical hookups.

Install the Sink

Insert drop-in sink or mount undermount sink.
Seal around sink edges with caulk.
Connect supply and drain lines. Test for leaks.

Finish Up

Confirm drawers and doors are level and operate smoothly.
Seal all edges with caulk and let dry.
Reinstall flooring, add mirrors and fixtures.

Hiring a contractor experienced in bathroom remodeling is advisable for tackling extensive vanity installations and renovations. They can ensure the project stays on schedule and meets building codes.

Minor upgrades like replacing just the sink and countertop without altering the existing vanity cabinet can potentially be DIY projects for skilled homeowners.

Bathroom Vanity Trends and Innovations

Bathroom vanities continue advancing with new innovations and on-trend features. Hot vanity and sink trends include:

Transitional styling blending contemporary and traditional
Floating vanities detached from the floor for lightness
Creative geometric and asymmetrical sink basin shapes
Unique wood grain patterns and finishes
Warm metal accents and hardware
Smart storage and custom organization systems
Touchless, wave-on faucets and lighting
Backlit mirrors for ambiance
Stone vessel sinks and textured terrazzo surfaces

Vanities are available with eco-friendly attributes like formaldehyde-free cabinetry and countertops partially made of recycled materials.

Space saving narrow-depth and wall-mounted vanities allow even small bathrooms to benefit from a hint of luxury.

Bathroom Vanity Inspiration

When searching for bathroom vanity inspiration, look to these stunning vanity styles:

Sophisticated marble-top double vanities with antique brass fixtures
Rustic farmhouse vanities with worn, gray washed wood finishes
Mid-century modern vanities with tapered legs and clean lines
Bright lacquer vanities in glossy hues like emerald green and sapphire blue
Industrial vanities with iron frameworks married with marble counters
Minimalist sand or bronze colored vanities with understated concrete sinks

The key is finding a vanity that reflects your personal taste and complements the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. Evaluate the suggestions above along with the style of your cabinets, flooring, tiles, lighting and other details to select the perfect vanity for a cohesive look.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bathroom Vanities

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about bathroom vanities:

What is the standard bathroom vanity size?

The most common vanity widths are 24, 30 and 36 inches. Standard vanity cabinet depths are between 21 and 24 inches deep while counter depths range from standard 24 inches up to a spacious 28 to 32 inches deep.

How much does it cost to replace a bathroom vanity?

The cost to replace an existing bathroom vanity averages $600-$1000 which includes the cost of the new vanity unit and labor for installation. More extensive replacements involving new counter tops, sinks, plumbing, electrical, wall finishes and flooring can run $2000 to $4000. High-end custom vanities with specialty materials and details can exceed $5000.

What height should a bathroom vanity be?

The standard bathroom vanity height is 31 to 34 inches tall. This provides a comfortable height for using the sink basin and countertop. ADA compliant vanities must be mounted with the counter surface no higher than 34 inches above the floor.

Should you caulk around a bathroom vanity?

Yes, caulking around the edges of the vanity top, sink, and wall is highly recommended. Water-resistant bathroom caulk seals any gaps and crevices to prevent moisture penetration and mold