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The vanity sets the style tone of a bathroom; it’s also one of the room’s most practical and important pieces. It pays to do your research – thinking about size, shape and position – before you have your vanity plumbed in.
The two considerations to keep in mind when choosing a vanity unit are how much space you’ll have and who will be using it. Bathroom vanities are not ‘one size fits all’ – the ideal vanity for one home might not suit another.
Start by creating a floorplan of your bathroom, measuring each of the walls, doorways and windows. Include the shower, bath, toilet and any other cupboards or fixed features you have. Make sure to leave enough room for the vanity doors and drawers to open and leave plenty of clearance so you can easily walk past. Try to avoid narrow gaps between the walls and your vanity unit, as this makes cleaning difficult. You’ll also need to keep the vanity away from the shower or bath to prevent water damage.
Ensuite vanities are time-savers, whether you’re a couple or a busy family. Thinking carefully about your morning routine and usage and how it applies to your vanity use will help you select one that is ideally suited for your household’s needs.
If your bathroom frequently has queues, especially during the morning rush, and if space allows, opt for a double basin. If a double basin isn’t practical, choose a single basin with plenty of space around it.
Choose one with maximum storage and a mix of drawers and doors, suggests Jo Ingleton of Cibo, so it can hold everything from shaving cream to the kids’ bubble bath to larger items, like hair dryers and straighteners.
“Drawer and cupboard organisers will help maximise your space even further,” adds Bunnings bathroom buyer Callum Matheson.
Powder rooms are, by their nature, small. The best solution for these types of spaces is a mini vanity, says Jo Ingleton. Stylish, wall-mounted vanities give the appearance of space while still allowing for storage of items like toilet rolls, spare soap and other bathroom products.
Above-counter basins provide additional visual interest in a bathroom, and they come in a wide variety of colours, giving bathrooms a chic, luxurious “spa feeling”, says Callum. However, above-counter basins can be harder to clean, as you have to get behind and around the basin. As it is set higher than other basins, make sure you choose tapware at the appropriate height.
An inset basin is a better choice for high-use areas. “Because they are streamlined, there are fewer joins and tighter areas than with a basin on a benchtop, or even with an under-counter basin,” says Jo. “A regular-height mixer tap can be used, which means less water run-off, splashing or pooling.”
Basins come in a variety of beautiful finishes, including concrete, glass and natural stone. However, if practicality is top priority in your household, a vitreous china finish is the easiest to clean, as its surface allows toothpaste or make-up smudges to wipe off effortlessly.
Whatever vanity you decide on, make sure you’ve got it positioned correctly – for example, make sure the shower door won’t open into it, ensure there’s plenty of room to clean around it and check that you can easily walk past without bumping into it.
“It’s very dependent on the room layout, but a minimum of 300mm is needed for cleaning access and egress,” says Jo.
Don’t forget the area above the vanity, too – is there space for a mirror, cabinets or lights to hang comfortably? Also, investigate the plumbing requirements: leaving the vanity in the same spot is the most cost-effective option, but if you’re switching from a freestanding vanity to a wall-hung style, you may need to reroute drains and plumbing.
With their floating, contemporary look, wall-hung vanities are perennially popular and add an illusion of spaciousness to compact spaces. Other benefits include the ability to hang them at a customised height and having a space underneath for items or storage baskets. Ensure your wall is structurally sound enough to hold the vanity, and factor in the cost of hiding your plumbing.
Classic freestanding vanities often offer greater storage with more drawers and cupboards. Because they stand directly on the floor, they can appear bulky, but there’s no need to worry about hiding the plumbing in the wall. Plus, with no void underneath, there’s one less area to clean!
Some products are not available at all stores, but may be ordered.
Tap into our inspiring bathroom design guides, like this one on creating a contemporary bathroom.
Photo Credit: Alejandro Sosa 3D and Cibo
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
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