Bathroom Planning: Vanity
How to Select a Bathroom Vanity
This marks the first post I’m sharing about the new master bathroom my husband and I are planning to add to our house in 2019! I first shared the news in my newsletter, so if you don’t already subscribe, click here to sign up now for more behind the scenes fun!
We’ll add a door on this wall in our bedroom (eliminating the window) and the addition will be in what is now a dead spot in our yard. Win-win!
As we’re in the very beginning stages of planning this addition, a lot of questions have come up. And I thought they might not necessarily be things others think about when planning a bathroom renovation, update or remodel. So I’ll be sharing a series of posts that breakdown different elements of a bathroom, particularly the master bathroom.
First up on the list-the vanity!
Width
Where do you even start choosing a vanity? There are so many finishes, sizes, and configurations! But before you even get to the fun part of color and countertops, my advise is to start with the width and how it fits into your overall bathroom layout.
Currently, our bathroom plans are 14 feet long by 6 feet wide. Not large but SO much bigger than our existing bathroom. It’s all about perspective. 🙂
Sinks
Part of the decision about the width of your vanity includes considering how many sinks are important to you and your family.
That means, at the same time, you also have to consider how much counter space is important to you. If you want 2 sinks AND counter space, you’re looking at a vanity that is at least 60 inches wide.
Because going down to 48 inches means you lose 12 inches of counter…
Hardly more counter space than what we have now in our current bathroom.
But a 48-inch vanity with a single bowl gives you that 12 inches of counter (and then some) back.
If you’re planning a new bathroom and space is REALLY an issue, you could even bring it down to 36 inches, though it isn’t quite as ‘grand’ as you might picture for a master bathroom. But sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do!?
Decisions, Decisions
This is where Brandon and I are in the process right now. Where we really have to narrow down and focus in on what WE want and need. We want 2 sinks AND counter space. But since we’re limited on how big this bathroom can be, what are we willing to give up to devote 60 inches to a vanity in this modest bathroom? It’s a pretty standard width for 2 sinks. But are 2 sinks really important? Or is counter space and possibly a larger shower the big winner in this scenario?
Selecting Style
OK, once you’ve decided on the function of your vanity (and the layout of your bathroom as a whole), then you can move on to the style/color of the vanity as well as the wall color, tile, and other elements that make up a finished bathroom!
I’ll keep you posted as we work through the nitty gritty details in our own bathroom! In the meantime, I thought it’d be fun to get YOUR opinion on what’s important when you’re looking at buying a house, remodeling a bathroom, or building new! So please try out my poll below to let me know!
Thanks for Checking In! ~Chelsea
All vanities and images featured in this post are from homedepot.com.
9 Comments
Lipford family fan
Another thought for you to consider….how about an elongated rectangular single sink? That way 2 adults can still use the same sink @ the same time to brush their teeth, without sacrificing on a larger vanity & still have some side counter space for either person.
Chelsea Lipford Wolf
Good idea! I’ll definitely look into it! ~Chelsea
Debbie Taylor
Chelsea,
I can’t afford a new vanity and countertop’s, so covered my countertop’s with RoomMates 28.18 sq. ft. Carrara Marble Peel and Stick Wallpaper from Home Depot. Would like to send you pic’s but can’t. If you go the the HD web site and type in their Internet # 304394602 under reviews you can see my pictures. I’m also going to paint my cabints white this spring white. Got this idea from your episode “Ryan and Chloe’s Bathroom Makeover” I think I’m also going to buy your paint sprayer. Did you thin out the paint before spraying?
Chelsea Lipford Wolf
Hi Debbie! Yes we thinned the paint a little! The sprayer comes with instructions on if you need to thin your paint or not! ~Chelsea
Debbie Taylor
Great, thank you. Did you check out my counter tops on Home Depot?
Sandi
I don’t know about you. But when I’m in the bathroom I want to be the only one in my bathroom. Two sinks just wouldn’t serve a purpose for my home
I think one sink works best. Good luck deciding but I know it will be perfect for you. You always have great ideas Chelsea
Chelsea Lipford Wolf
Thanks Sandi! We’ve had only one bathroom for so long, being in the bathroom by myself sounds like a luxury!? ~Chelsea
Arlis J Cihak
Chelsea
Plann to update my four bathrooms,( 2 full and 2 half baths). Would you recommend hiring a contractor? Don’t planning on any structural changes except replacing master bath tub with walk in shower.
Chelsea Lipford Wolf
Hi Arlis! You would know your abilities better than I, though it seems it would take quite a while to update 4 bathrooms! Given the info you’ve shared, I’d tend to recommend hiring a contractor for the master tub/walk-in shower conversion and DIY-ing the other bathrooms! Either way, take your time so you don’t get overwhelmed! So many decisions go into the tiniest room in your house! Best, Chelsea