What to look for in a new bathroom vanity

The vanity unit can be a central feature in a bathroom, and your new one should be chosen with care. There are many features that are important to consider when making your decision, including budget, style, and fitting the vanity into the decorating scheme that you have chosen.

Bathroom vanities

While the bathroom vanity undoubtedly has an important aesthetic role to play in your bathroom renovation, it also plays an important practical role in the functioning of this very functional room, and this should be central to your decision. Choose according to the needs of your household, ensuring that there is sufficient storage space, the vanity fits into the bathroom comfortably, and that all users, including children, can reach the sink, taps and shelves that they will need.

If the vanity is purely for a children's bathroom, consider whether they will enjoy using it, as having a colourful, interesting vanity with some fun stenciled designs and their own choice of accessories may help encourage them to complete otherwise boring tasks like tooth brushing.

Consider the size and design of the vanity if you have a small bathroom. A taller, slimmer design will make a small bathroom look bigger, or corner vanities are great space savers.

Bathroom vanity options

There are a range of materials that bathroom vanities can be constructed from, and what you choose will depend on a range of factors.

• Your budget will be a consideration when choosing a new bathroom vanity. Some of the less expensive ones can still be attractive, and taking the time to shop around is will ensure that you get what you want
• Wooden vanities can be an attractive option. Cheaper pine vanities can be stained, and come in a variety of hues, including cherry, walnut and mahogany, or they may be painted in any colour
• Solid woods like mahogany are beautiful but more expensive than basic pine
• Glass vanities add a touch of drama to a stylish modern bathroom. They offer a very stylish effect, and can be untrimmed or come in a metal - glass combination
• Steel, wood and glass may be combined to create a unique look vanity

Choose your new vanity to fit with the decorating theme and aesthetics of your house. An antique style vanity may be appropriate in a period home, for instance, but look less appropriate than a glass one in a more contemporary style home.

What to look for in your new bathroom vanity

While the choice of a new vanity may not have the same practical imperatives as choosing a new shower or bath, the vanity should not be overlooked in your bathroom renovation. It is a central feature, and plays an important role both practically and aesthetically in your bathroom.