Vanities: Don’t Leave It To The Last Minute!

They say vanity flatters the soul…

We don’t know much about that, but we do know having the right vanity in your bathroom can be very flattering - and that certainly feels good for the soul.

If you want a flattering (and functional) bathroom, here are our top 10 tips for getting the best vanity for your space.

1. Don’t Leave It To The Last Minute

Deciding what you need, like and can afford will take time. Finding it and waiting for it will take more time. Then you have to install it… See what we’re getting at? The vanity is such a crucial piece in your bathroom. You will use it a lot and you want it to look good. Plan ahead, including all your plumbing and structural needs, so you don’t hold up your project or have to settle for a vanity you don’t love.

2. Put Functionality Over Form, At Least To Start With

If you read our bathroom buying guide on vanities (and you should, it’s good) you’ll see we list three primary functions for the not-so-humble bathroom vanity: wash, clean and store.

There are many different styles, heights, widths and lengths that will impact how comfortable your vanity is to use.

Before deciding on a benchtop material, find out about any special cleaning requirements.

Think about how much storage you need for your toiletries and cleaning products, as well as other bathroom essentials like towels and a laundry hamper. If space is limited, you may want to install a mirror cabinet as well.

3. Get The Right Size For Your Bathroom, Even If It Takes Compromise

Bigger may not be better. Measure out your entire space and make sure your vanity will leave enough room to use the rest of the bathroom practically. You need room to open your shower screen, doors, draws and cupboards. Leave room for your towel rails and laundry hamper or any décor you want to incorporate. Make sure there’s room to towel off and get changed.

There are narrower and space-saving corner vanities if needed.

You also have to consider the height and make sure that works with existing plumbing, mirrors, shelves, and windowsills etc.

If you want a double vanity, they range between 1.2 and 1.8 metres, so you’ll need at least 1.5 metres of space available.

4. Decide On Custom vs Ready Made

A custom vanity is great because it will be designed for your exact space. Custom cabinetry can fill out a big bathroom or save space in a smaller one. However, it comes at a higher cost than a prefabricated vanity.

Most bathrooms can still be beautifully finished with a standard vanity. They come in an enormous range of styles and sizes. Explore our product range of bathroom vanities and you’ll be impressed.

If you choose to customise or semi-customise a vanity – Tradelink has an even more impressive range of basins and bathroom tapware to pair with it.

5. Get Your Plumbing Right

Check all your measurements with your plumber before deciding on a vanity. You may need your new vanity to fit around existing plumbing (and even power points).

Of course you can change your plumbing at a cost. Just factor that into your decision and make sure you run your intentions by your plumber. Changing your taps and waste pipe to the wall for a floating vanity requires a bit of work.

6. Use A Floating Vanity If Your Bathroom Is Small

A wall-hung vanity creates an illusion of space by showing more floor space. That extra floor space also makes it easier to walk around without losing too much vanity storage.

7. Only Change Part Of It If Your Budget Is Small

Even just replacing the vanity top, basin, tapware or door handles can improve the look and functionality of your vanity at a lower cost. You can even spruce up your cabinet doors with laminate paint.

8. Avoid Tight Gaps, Which Are Tough To Clean

In most cases the vanity fits snuggly into a corner. However, some people choose to centre the vanity, or put the hand towel rail between the wall and the vanity. It can also be a challenge if your corner is not exactly 90 degrees. If you are leaving a gap, make sure it’s large enough to clean because splashes, spills and mould are inevitable in bathrooms!

9. Use Colours, Timbers And Curves If You Want To Soften The Space

Bathrooms can be cold, hard spaces with all those tiles. A vanity featuring colours or timbers can help take the edge off. Speaking of edges, curved edges and tapware can have the same effect, as can a rounded basin. However, make sure your style choices match the rest of your bathroom.

10. Get The Whole Aesthetic Right

Choose a benchtop, handles and cabinetry to match your existing or planned colour scheme and style. No matter how stunning it is, a coloured vanity that’s the wrong match for your tiles will look very disappointing.

If you’re unsure, a neutral white vanity with finger-pull doors or draws is a classic look you can almost never go wrong with. The Raymor Eco Vanity range and Fienza Hampton range are great examples.

Want To Talk To An Expert And Look At Your Options?

Tradelink showrooms are full of experts and product displays. Our showroom consultants would love to help you explore our range of vanities. We have quality brands with some even offering a lifetime warranty, so you know you’re making a good choice.

Find a store and drop by today.