The Lowdown on Bathroom Vanities: Add Style and Functionality to Your Bathroom
By: John Garcia | Date Posted: March 9, 2022
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Looking to remodel your bathroom? Sure, it might be the smallest room in your home but that doesnât mean itâs the easiest to complete. This little corner of your house is a vital part of your daily routine â from quick morning showers to late-night bubble baths and self-care pamper sessions, itâs all done in one place.
When it comes to personalizing your bathroom, some components are more obvious than others, with showers and toilet seats being the frontrunners of the race.
But thereâs one particular piece thatâs equally as important and functional in the grand scheme of things and it comes in the form of a bathroom vanity. And not itâs time to delve into all the factors that can help you choose a suitable one.
Which Material Is Best for Vanities?
Due to your vanityâs constant exposure to moisture, the choice of materials is extremely important. At the end of the day, it should be able to withstand everyday wear and tear and resist the high humidity in the bathroom.
Timber
Nothing brings warmth and comfort into your bathroom like a stylish solid timber vanity. This option has always been a fan favorite, thanks to its ability to put up with wet environments. Apart from its resilience, this type of vanity is also marked by its classy and elegant design and never goes out of style either, regardless of how often you redecorate. And who can resist that rustic vintage charm?
If youâre having some doubts about the longevity of a solid timber vanity, youâll be pleased to hear that its surface is fully water-resistant. In other words, it doesnât matter how often it gets exposed to water, toothpaste, and makeup, it will retain its original form.
Itâs worth noting that scratches might be troublesome because they hinder the functionality of the protective surface barrier. Once moisture reaches those cracks, regardless of their size, it gets trapped inside and causes a fair bit of damage. However, the good news is that timber is inherently a tough material so it takes a lot for it to get scratched in the first place.
On the flip side, getting a timber bathroom vanity gives you the freedom of choosing the style and finish of its surface. Thereâs no shortage of options when it comes to the specific shade, tone, or texture of your vanityâs surface layer, all of which may be tailored to your preferences. Whether itâs oak, birch, or maple, you can rest assured that your vanity will serve you for many years to come.
Plywood
This is essentially a more affordable version of solid wood vanities. Plywood is made up of several wooden sheets that are layered on top of each other. This results in a range of thicknesses and qualities, depending on your needs.
Despite the budget-friendly price tag, plywood is actually quite resilient to water damage. This is mainly because it doesnât expand or contract when it comes into contact with moisture or humidity, effectively minimizing the risk of damage in the long run.
Concrete
Those of you that are looking for a rock-solid structure will find much to love in concrete vanities. Itâs a material thatâs naturally resistant to chipping or scratching, which means thereâs little to no chance of damaging its surface.
Another thing that makes concrete a worthy contender is how easy it is to clean and maintain. All you have to do is occasionally wipe it down with mild water and soap and youâre all set. This is especially convenient when youâve got a lot of errands to run and little time to clean around the house.
Stainless Steel
Itâs no secret that stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion and rust, both of which are common occurrences as a result of constant exposure to moisture. Another benefit is that itâs hard-wearing and tough to scratch or puncture, so you donât have to worry about chipping away the paint or piercing the surface coating.
And letâs not forget about that sleek metallic finish that is sure to upgrade your bathroom interior almost instantly. If youâre a fan of industrial dĂ©cor, then youâre in for a real treat with stainless steel vanities.
What Types of Bathroom Vanities Are There?
Generally speaking, there are three major styles of bathroom vanities out there. When mounted properly, each one can boost the overall appearance and functionality of the space, giving you lots of leeways to organize your space to your heartâs content.
Floor Mount Vanities
Also known as free-standing vanities, these self-supporting structures are a common sight in most Aussie households. The cabinets are mounted on top of a four-legged base that stretches all the way down to the floor, hence the name.
This particular design is quite versatile because it allows you to move your vanity around whenever you want to reorganize your space. If youâre feeling a little uneasy about the stability of the vanity, then youâll be pleased to hear that some models may be attached to the wall at the back for extra safety.
Wall Hung Vanities
Speaking of attaching things to the wall, these kinds of vanities offer exactly that. Think of them as floaters â theyâre just hanging off the wall with no additional support coming from the bottom. But even so, these structures are quite sturdy and safe to use.
One thing that makes these vanities stand out is their clean and contemporary look. Plus, they save up on space which is a definite bonus if you have a smaller bathroom. And on top of all that, cleaning underneath is a breeze because you donât have to wiggle through its legs to reach the corners.
Corner Vanities
If you want to cut corners (pun intended) and really save up on space, then this is the type of vanity for you. They can be either free-standing or wall-mounted, giving you the freedom to choose which one you like most. Corner vanities might seem oddly shaped at first but they work well with all décor styles, resulting in easier access to all parts of your bathroom.
Thank you for reading!