Introduction to Concrete Vanities
Concrete vanities are quickly becoming a popular fixture in modern and contemporary bathrooms. Made from concrete, these vanities provide a raw, industrial look that works well with many interior design styles. Unlike traditional wood or marble vanities, concrete vanities have a heft and edge that makes a statement. They bring an urban vibe to any bathroom.
Concrete vanities come in many shapes, sizes and colors. You can find single concrete vanity tops to pair with metal or wood legs. Or choose a full concrete vanity with sink basin and base all made from concrete. Concrete vanity tops offer the look of concrete while being less heavy and costly than a full concrete vanity.
There are pros and cons to concrete vanities. They provide a contemporary, stylish look but are prone to staining and require resealing. However, with the right precautions they can be a stunning yet practical bathroom vanity option.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at how to incorporate concrete vanities into your bathroom. We’ll review:
- The benefits of concrete vanities
- Styles and options available
- Design tips for concrete vanities
- Caring for and maintaining concrete vanity tops
Concrete vanities allow you to bring a contemporary, industrial chic vibe to your bathroom. Keep reading to learn how to integrate these trendy yet durable vanities into your space.
Benefits of Concrete Vanities
Concrete vanities offer unique advantages over traditional bathroom vanities:
Strong and Durable Material
Concrete is incredibly strong and durable. It won’t easily dent, bend or scratch under the wear and tear of daily use. Properly sealed, a concrete vanity can last for decades. The solid, sturdy nature provides a sense of permanence.
Contemporary, Industrial Look
The raw, unfinished look of concrete fits with modern, industrial style interiors. Concrete adds urban edge, blending perfectly in warehouses converted to homes or modern spaces. The neutral gray color works as a base for bold pops of color.
Ability to Customize
Concrete can be cast, colored and finished in many ways. This allows for lots of customization options. You can polish concrete to a smooth sheen or leave a rough, grainy texture. Integrate mosaic tiles or colored glass aggregates for interest.
Heat and Stain Resistant
Concrete won’t easily stain, burn or scorch. This makes it very functional for bathroom vanities which hold hot styling tools and cosmetics. The hardy material is easy to clean and maintain.
Moisture Resistant
Concrete doesn’t warp or erode when exposed to moisture over time. This makes it an ideal material for bathrooms which see a lot of humidity. Concrete vanities will hold up well to sinks, splashes and spills.
Affordable Option
Concrete is an affordable material, generally cheaper than natural stone, quartz or granite. When used for vanity tops or bases, it provides high-end look without the high price tag. This makes concrete vanities great for budgets.
Styles of Concrete Vanities
Concrete vanities come in many different styles to work in all kinds of bathrooms:
Concrete Vanity Top
The most popular option is a concrete vanity top paired with wood or metal legs or cabinetry. The concrete top contains the sink basin while the legs provide support. This offers the sleek look of concrete with less weight.
Concrete vanity top adds modern edge [Credit: Samantha Gades on Unsplash]
Concrete Sink Basin
For a lighter option, use a concrete sink basin on top of any cabinetry base. This offers the visual impact of concrete without the weight of a full slab. Pair with metal legs for an industrial look.
Full Concrete Vanity
A full concrete vanity is made completely from concrete, including the legs and base. This is the heaviest option but makes the biggest statement. Built-in legs give a seamless, floating effect.
A full concrete vanity makes a bold style statement [Credit: Pexels]
Concrete Legs or Base
For a lighter concrete look, use concrete for the supporting legs or base cabinet and pair it with another counter material like wood or quartz. The concrete legs add urban edge.
Concrete legs lend industrial vibe [Credit: Pexels]
Design Tips for Concrete Vanities
Certain design strategies can help make the most of concrete vanities:
Complement the Texture
Raw concrete has a grainy, coarse texture. Leaning into that texture creates an industrial feel. Matte fixtures and accessories work best. Add textured wood shelves, woven baskets and wall decor.
Contrast with Warm Materials
The cold gray concrete color looks great contrasted with warm wood tones and natural textures. Wood flooring, shelving and ceiling beams add cozy balance. Copper or brass hardware also complements nicely.
Use Color Strategically
Adding pops of bright color highlights the neutral concrete palette. Paint one wall a bold hue or use colorful bath mats, towels and shower curtains. Vintage items like colored glass bottles bring personality.
Play with Scale
The thick, chunky proportions of concrete vanities call for playful experiments with scale. Oversized wall art, pendant lights and mirrors add modern flair. Install large-format tiles to match the heft.
Incorporate Industrial Materials
Blending concrete with metal, wood and brick amplifies the industrial warehouse look. Use a metal medicine cabinet, exposed brick walls or a reclaimed wood shelf for a coordinated style.
An industrial style bathroom with concrete vanity [Credit: @thewilliamshome]
Caring for Concrete Vanities
While durable, concrete needs proper maintenance to look its best and prevent staining. Here are concrete vanity care tips:
Seal Regularly
Sealing is crucial for protecting concrete from stains and moisture damage. Reapply a penetrating concrete sealer every 1-2 years. More frequent sealing is needed for heavily used surfaces.
Clean with PH Neutral Cleaners
Avoid acidic cleaners which react with concrete and cause etching or discoloration. Use gentle PH neutral options safe for sealed concrete.
Don’t Abrasively Scrub
Rough scrubbing can wear away the sealer and damage the concrete. Use soft sponges and cloths when cleaning for a gentle touch.
Absorb Spills Quickly
Letting moisture sit on concrete allows it to soak in and potentially stain. Quickly wipe away toothpaste, makeup and other spills before they have a chance to penetrate.
Check for Damage
Inspect regularly for erosion, cracking or chipping which compromises concrete. Reseal damaged areas immediately to prevent worsening.
Reseal Annually
Reapply concrete sealers yearly to maintain maximum protection, especially in bathrooms with frequent use. Mark your calendar to reseal so it becomes habit.
With proper care, a concrete vanity will serve as a stylish, ultra-durable fixture in your bathroom for years to come. Pay attention to sealing and cleaning and you’ll keep concrete looking its best.
FAQs about Concrete Vanities
What are the disadvantages to concrete vanities?
Concrete is porous and prone to staining if not sealed properly. It can chip or crack if subjected to blunt force. Concrete is also very heavy, so a full concrete vanity is difficult to install and not recommended for upper levels.
How durable are concrete vanities compared to other materials?
Concrete is more durable than natural stone, woods, laminates and other vanity materials. It resists scratches, dents and water damage. With proper sealing, concrete vanities can last for decades.
Can you refinish concrete if it gets damaged?
Yes, damaged concrete vanities can be resurfaced by sanding and refinishing the concrete. Stains can be removed with chemical cleaners. Resealing repaired areas helps prevent future damage.
Should you seal a pre-sealed concrete vanity before installing?
Yes, apply at least 2-3 coats of sealer to pre-sealed concrete vanities before installing and using. This gives added protection especially for sink areas prone to moisture.
What color sink should you pair with a concrete vanity?
White, black or gray sinks pair best with the neutral gray concrete color. Materials like porcelain complement the roughness of concrete. Avoid busy granite or marble sinks competing with the concrete.
How thick are concrete vanity tops?
Concrete vanity tops are generally 1.5-3 inches thick. Thicker options 4+ inches feel more substantial and hold up to heavy use. Thinner 1-2 inch tops still offer durability at a lighter weight.
Concrete Vanity Ideas for Contemporary Bathrooms
Concrete vanities feel right at home in modern, contemporary bathrooms. Here are some inspiring ways to incorporate concrete vanities:
Polished Concrete Paired with Warm Wood
The smooth sheen of polished concrete offset by organic wood accents makes a welcoming contrast. Wood shelving and wall panels add cozy softness.
Polished concrete glows against wood shelving [Credit: Pexels]
Bold Color Combo
Make neutral concrete pop with bright turquoise walls, towels and accessories. Concrete provides the perfect muted backdrop for daring hues.
Colorful walls make concrete vanity shine [Credit: Pexels]
Concrete Integrated with Brick Wall
Matching the industrial vibe of an exposed brick wall, a concrete vanity feels right at home. Add a reclaimed wood shelf for texture.
Brick wall mirrors the rawness of concrete [Credit: @thewilliamshome]
Concrete Basin Atop Wood Base
For a lighter option, use a concrete sink basin on wood cabinetry. This combines materials in a fresh way for contemporary appeal.
Concrete basin at home on wood base [Credit: Pexels]
Cast Concrete Integrated with Glass Aggregate
Casting concrete with chunks of recycled glass aggregate adds colorful sparkle. This elevates a concrete vanity into a functional art piece.
Glass aggregate makes concrete shine [Credit: Francesco Ungaro on Pexels]
Monolithic Concrete Vanity and Shelves
A full concrete vanity with matching wall ledge provides modern appeal. The monolithic concrete has bold impact.
A seamless concrete look [Credit: Pexels]
Make a Statement with Concrete Vanities
Concrete vanities provide an eye-catching focal point in contemporary bathrooms. The sleek, industrial material makes a unique statement every time. With many options available, you can customize a concrete vanity to match your personal tastes.
Concrete brings urban edge, giving bathrooms a modern warehouse vibe. The neutral gray color works with any color scheme. When properly sealed and maintained, concrete vanities offer incredible durability that lasts for years.
So if you’re renovating your bathroom and want to break free from traditional materials, consider the bold possibilities of concrete vanities. With endless customization options, you can create your dream look. A concrete vanity lets you embrace industrial chic with a contemporary twist.