Transform Your Bathroom
Whether your taste is contemporary, traditional or somewhere in-between, a vanity can provide a central focal point for your entire bathroom, offering both style and function. With a wealth of styles and a wide range of materials to choose from, you’ll have no problem finding a vanity that reflects your unique taste, style and personality.
In a larger bath, an ornate, intricately detailed vanity can make the room feel like an entirely different space, while smaller bathrooms will benefit from more practical vanities that feature plenty of storage for various necessities.
Selecting Your Vanity
Vanities come in a variety of styles including, single sink, double sink, corner, curved front, bow front and wall-hung. When selecting a vanity, you will want to choose one that is durable, stylish and maximizes available space.
With a wealth of designs and a wide range of materials to choose from, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect vanity for your bathroom project. Keep the following questions in mind as you shop:
• What material is the best fit for your bathroom?
• How high would you like the countertop to be?
• How large is your bathroom?
• How much space is available for the vanity?
• Who primarily uses the bathroom?
• Do you prefer a framed or frameless design?
Installation and Design Tips
Depending on how big the vanity is and how many pieces are involved, installing one can make for a great do-it-yourself project. Whether you decide to hire a professional or take the job on yourself, here are a few points to keep in mind.
With so many different types of vanities to choose from, it’s important to consider the primary function it will serve. Think about how many people will be using the bathroom, and whether or not multiple people will be using it at the same time.
In such cases, you may want to install a vanity that features two sinks instead of one to speed preparation time in the morning. If it’s being installed in a guest bathroom that’s used less frequently, you can worry less about storage space and focus more on aesthetic appeal.
Unless you’re putting it in a bathroom used primarily by younger children, consider a vanity height of around 34” inches high. Also for younger children, you’ll want plenty of space to store their favorite tub toys and a color scheme that fits in well with any decorative elements that adorn the wall or mirror.
Tools and Materials
Installing a vanity is almost the same as installing a kitchen cabinet. Some vanities have a back that will require you to cut access holes for pipes. Others have only a mounting rail, making installation much easier. The basic tools and materials you will need are: an electric drill, screwdriver bit, stud finder, a 2-foot level, utility knife, a hammer, nail set, wood screws, shims, finishing nails and a vanity. Additional accents such as trim moulding will give your vanity a more finished look.
Best Design Practices
Bathrooms are a mixture of both practical and aesthetic elements. To create a room that meets your needs, the design should include a well-planned layout styled to reflect your personality and taste.
Safety
A good design checklist is invaluable, make sure you consider every detail during the planning process. Arrange the room so the placement of fixtures is related to how much you use them and how much space is available. Also take into consideration the best location for installing plumbing and electricity.
Follow generally accepted guidelines for clearance within the bathroom, particularly around fixtures. These guidelines should be available from your local building department. Ensure the room is well lit and safe for occupants of all ages. Include plenty of storage and plan for privacy.
Courtesy of homedepot.com
