Homeowners can buy bathroom vanities from specialty stores, big-box retailers, bathroom suppliers, and custom cabinet builders, and the range of styles is wide.
Fashions in home decor come and go, and the bathroom is a room where even modest changes can make a noticeable difference.
Before you begin planning a bathroom upgrade, it is wise to get familiar with what a vanity is and with the most common vanity styles.
What Is a Vanity?
A vanity is, simply put, a cabinet built around your bathroom sink. It hides the pipes and fittings beneath the sink and adds storage. Just as there are many different kitchen cabinet ideas, bathroom vanities come in different types.
The vanity is usually the second-largest fixture in a bathroom after the shower or tub, so it has a lot of influence over the room’s overall design.
While it always serves a practical purpose, it also reflects the style of the house. You have a lot of options when it comes to the cabinet material and the countertop you put on your vanity, and sinks range from square and round to rectangular and corner shapes.
The Most Popular Bathroom Vanities
Whether you are looking for bathroom vanities with tops, modern bathroom vanities, or custom bathroom vanities, these are the styles you will come across most often.
Undermount Vanity
One of the most popular options for home bathrooms is the vanity with an undermount sink. The sink is mounted beneath the countertop, giving the top a clean, flush profile that is easy to wipe down.
Storage is a factor to think about with this type: because the bowl sits inside the cabinet, it takes up some of the space below the counter.
Its low profile and tidy appearance make it an attractive option.
Floating Vanity
A floating vanity, also called a wall-mounted vanity, is attached to the wall rather than standing on the floor. The floor stays visible beneath it, and that open space can hold a basket or a step stool.
Those with restricted floor space will appreciate the sleek, space-saving look of a floating vanity. It is a natural fit for a contemporary or modern bathroom.
If you use a marble countertop on your floating vanity, clean it with products that are safe for marble so you don’t damage the stone.
Vessel Vanity
Compared with an undermount vanity, the most noticeable difference in a vessel vanity is where the sink sits. Unlike undermount sinks, which are installed beneath the vanity top, vessel sinks sit on top of it.
They look like bowls resting on the counter, and they come in shapes and materials to suit a wide range of styles.
Separate Sink Basins
Having two separate sink basins on the vanity is convenient, but it does mean the counter needs to be wider to accommodate everything. If your space and bathroom remodeling budget allow, this one is for you.
Two basins also leave less open counter space, which is something to think about when making design decisions.
Other Vanity Types
Those are the most popular bathroom vanities, but there are other modern and custom options.
Freestanding Bathroom Vanities
A freestanding vanity stands on the floor like a dresser or cupboard. Unlike a pedestal sink, it conceals the plumbing and provides additional storage.
The sink is set into the top of the cabinet, and the cabinet should be made of durable materials that hold up to years of daily use in a damp room.
It could be a repurposed antique piece or a ready-made model at a more affordable price point.
Pedestal Sinks
This “anti-vanity” option, which consists of just a sink on a pedestal, is generally chosen by those who have limited space in the bathroom or a particular style in mind.
It is a stylish and practical choice, but it doesn’t offer any counter space or storage. It isn’t the best option for every bathroom, but it works well in settings that are classic and elegant or simple and functional.
Corner Vanities
The last two designs are made for awkward or tight spaces. Corner vanities are most often found in powder rooms and guest bathrooms.
In a small bathroom, tucking the sink into a corner frees up floor area. In most cases this means a round or compact sink, which may also be wall-mounted to save even more room.
Even the smallest bathroom can be made more usable and better looking with the help of these specialized vanities and sinks.
Narrow-Depth Vanities
Most vanities are between 21 and 24 inches deep, but sometimes there isn’t enough room in the bathroom for that.
When space is at a premium because of a tight entryway or walkway, a narrow-depth vanity is the answer. It needs a sink or basin sized to match.
It sits closer to the wall than a standard vanity and may call for a compact or wall-mounted faucet.
How to Choose Your Own Style
When shopping for a bathroom vanity, take into account not just how you will use it and how many people share it, but also the space available.
Leave enough clearance in front of and beside the vanity for people to move comfortably and for doors and drawers to open fully.
The good news is that there are many more bathroom vanity designs than the ones listed above, so you have plenty of choice once you know which type suits your room.