Bathroom vanities are centrepieces that can make or break the look and functionality of your bathroom. This week, we came across some incredibly inspiring vanity areas that knocked it out of the park in terms of style, storage solutions and overall aesthetic appeal.
From modern to traditional, these vanities made us swoon and will hopefully provide some stellar inspiration for your next bathroom revamp or redecoration. Here are 5 spot-on bathroom vanity areas from our favourite stories this week:
1. Scandinavian Simplicity
There’s something so soothing about a minimalist, Scandinavian-style vanity. This light and bright bathroom features a vanity area with clean lines, ample closed storage and an organic, wood-topped vanity.
Key Features:
- Floating style vanity in crisp white keeps the space feeling light and airy
- Warm, natural wood countertop provides an organic contrast to the vanity cabinetry
- Closed storage conceals clutter while open shelving displays pretty accent pieces
- Round frameless mirror and sconce lighting provide soft illumination
- Minimalist hardware in black finish blends into the design
- Fresh floral arrangement and green potted plant bring in natural elements
This vanity area is all about pared-back simplicity and functionality. The lack of ornate details places emphasis on the high-end materials and textures like the polished stone flooring and tactile wood countertop. This creates a relaxing oasis that feels both elegant and down-to-earth.
2. Glamorous Gold & Marble
For a bold, glamorous look, you can’t go past a striking marble and gold vanity area. This space makes quite the statement with its luxe details.
Key Features:
- Stunning marble countertop and backsplash in a bold veining pattern
- Gorgeous modern double vanity with solid wood cabinetry in espresso finish
- Brass hardware and fittings lend a subtle touch of glamour
- Large twin mirrors nicely frame the vanity area
- Statement light fixtures in an antique gold finish match the hardware
- Lower open shelving provides handy display and storage space
- Fresh flowers and accent pieces in pinks, gold and white tie the space together
The mix of marble, wood, brass and gold comes together beautifully in this elegant and eye-catching vanity area. It has a glamorous, old-world charm that feels plush yet still relatively understated.
3. Rustic Farmhouse Style
For a cozy, rustic aesthetic, a farmhouse vanity area hits all the right notes. Characterful wood, vintage detailing and plenty of charm create a space with loads of personality.
Key Features:
- Distressed wood vanity cabinet with vintage-inspired hardware
- Carrara marble countertop and backsplash with grey veining
- Round frameless mirror mounted using black supports
- Pendant lighting with Edison bulbs and black accents
- Woven baskets under sink provide charming concealed storage
- Dried botanicals and a mini olive tree bring nature indoors
- White ceramic sink adds crisp contrast to the wood vanity
The blend of wood, marble, woven textures and vintage elements creates a welcoming vanity space that feels straight from a country cottage. Touches like the oddball mirror and dried florals reinforce the relaxed, rural appeal.
4. Modern Industrial Edge
For contemporary styling with an urban edge, an industrial modern vanity area really fits the brief. The minimalist vanity gets a gritty upgrade courtesy of the exposed brick wall and pendant lighting.
Key Features:
- Floating-style vanity cabinet with integrated sink in matte black finish
- Hairpin legs add visual lightness and industrial edge
- Marble herringbone backsplash makes a modern statement
- Mirror mounted directly to exposed brick wall
- Black iron pendant lights make an industrial impact
- Open shelf instead of cabinets keeps the area visually clean
- Green foliage and geometric planters soften the sleek materials
The modern, minimalist vanity is given attitude through the brick wall, black accents and urban architectural elements like the pendant lights. Touches like the marble and plants provide organic contrast to the industrial vibe.
5. Traditional Meets Modern
Sometimes a hybrid approach delivers the best of both worlds. This vanity area artfully blends traditional and contemporary elements for a customised aesthetic.
Key Features:
- Floating double vanity with shaker cabinets in an aged white finish
- Carrara marble countertop and sleek rectangular undermount sinks
- Modern matte black faucets and minimalist hardware
- Square frameless mirrors flank the vanity cabinet
- Woven basket storage and a ceramic vase under the sink
- Chandelier style lighting for traditional character
- Geometric floor tiles and emerald green accent wall for modern edge
The timeless shaker vanity cabinets pair beautifully with the clean-lined marble countertop and modern matte black fixtures. Meanwhile, the chandelier, woven baskets and accent tiles temper the contemporary elements with some tradition. The final effect walks the line between classic and current.
Choosing Your Vanity Area Style
When designing your dream bathroom vanity, there are a few key considerations that can help guide your choices:
- Layout – Decide on features like single vs double vanity, floating vs traditional, open shelving vs closed storage etc
- Fixtures – Select statement taps and fittings that align with your style, like matte black or brass
- Materials – Choose surface materials that tick your boxes for looks and functionality like marble, quartz or wood
- Design Details – Have fun with features like vanity legs, carved fronts, geometric tiles and statement mirror shapes
- Styling – accessorize your vanity area with plants, baskets, trays etc to really bring your vision to life
Vanity Area Materials & Finishes
When it comes to vanity design, materials and finishes play a key role in shaping the overall stylistic direction and functionality. Some popular options include:
Wood
- Warm, organic finish that brings natural texture
- Stained, painted or distressed options available
- Can be used for cabinetry or countertops
- Natural wood stains suit rustic, farmhouse, traditional spaces
- Painted woods like shaker cabinets work in classic to contemporary settings
Marble
- Timeless material that makes a luxurious style statement
- Cool stone surface is pleasantly smooth to the touch
- Available in range of colors like white Carrara, grey Calacatta etc
- Bold veining patterns or geometric looks like herringbone
- Suits glamorous, modern, traditional aesthetics
Quartz
- Engineered stone material with acrylic resins
- More stain, scratch and heat resistant than natural stone
- Available in wide range of colors and patterns
- Provides sleek, uniform appearance with less veining
- Ideal for contemporary, eclectic, minimalist spaces
Laminate
- Affordable alternative to pricier materials like stone
- Available in plethora of styles from stone looks to solid colors
- Stain, scratch and water resistant
- Easy DIY installation using adhesive and trimming
- Great for achieving looks of higher-end materials on a budget
Achieving Different Styles
There are a few key ingredients that come together to nail different aesthetic styles in the bathroom vanity area.
Modern
- Floating or wall-mounted vanities
- Minimalist hardware like matte black metal
- Clean lines and rectangular silhouettes
- Neutral color scheme
- Stone or quartz countertops
- Square or geometric mirror shapes
- Pendant or sconce lighting
Rustic Farmhouse
- Distressed wood vanity cabinetry
- Vintage style hardware like wrought iron pulls
- Marble or concrete countertop
- Round frameless mirror
- Woven baskets for storage
- Pendant lights with Edison bulbs
- Dried botanical accents
Scandinavian
- Light wood or white cabinetry
- Natural wood or marble countertop
- Built-in storage solutions
- Round mirror
- Flushmount lighting
- Woven, ceramic or glass accessories
- Fresh greenery and foliage
Glamorous
- Ornate vanity cabinetry details like carved fronts
- Marble countertop and backsplash
- Metallic accents like brass or gold
- Large statement mirror
- Crystal chandelier or sconce lighting
- Luxurious accessories like glass canisters
Maximizing Vanity Storage Solutions
One of the most important jobs of a vanity area is keeping all your daily bathroom essentials organized yet out of sight. Here are some ways to maximize your vanity storage:
- Opt for enclosed cabinetry – rather than open shelves which expose clutter. Include organizational elements like drawers, racks and trays inside cabinets.
- Add a mirror cabinet – Install a cabinet with mirrors on the outside behind or around your vanity. This conceals more storage without taking up floor space.
- Try a sliding cabinet – Sliding cabinets behind or beside your vanity provide access to storage with a smaller footprint.
- Include open shelving – A couple of open shelves mixed with your main cabinetry gives you space for pretty accents and easy access items.
- Install extra tall cabinets – Floor to ceiling cabinets let you utilize all available vertical storage space.
- Get creative with compartments – Use trays, drawer organizers and racks to divide up storage compartments for different items.
Modern Double Vanity Ideas
Double vanities are a popular choice for shared bathrooms as they allow two people to use the space simultaneously. Here are some modern double vanity ideas:
Mix up textures and materials
Using different textures and finishes for each vanity instantly adds visual interest. For example, pair a marble countertop on one side with a concrete-look quartz top on the other. Or mix wood cabinetry with painted vanity.
Create his & her zones
Designate each side for him or her with personalized organization and accessory styling. For example, add a display shelf on her side and concealed cabinetry on his. Define zones with wall color too.
Get creative with mirrors
Using two mismatched mirrors instead of identical pairs feels fresh and modern. Experiment with round and square, simple and decorative frames. Mount at different heights for interest.
Include individual lighting
Installing his and hers pendant or sconce lights can help distinguish each vanity space. Choose complementary rather than identical fixtures for mix and match appeal.
Float the vanities
A floating double vanity has strong modern appeal. For maximum effect combine wall-mounted vanities with different shapes like one straight and one curved.
Zone with flooring
Use floor tiling to define his and her vanity areas. For example, frame each vanity with contrasting tiles or patterns. Just be sure the flooring flows cohesively.
Traditional Bathroom Vanity Ideas
For a classic vanity area that stands the test of time, traditional styling is a failsafe bet. Here are some ideas for achieving a traditional look with your vanity:
Shaker cabinetry
The simple, clean lines of shaker cabinets have enduring appeal. Paint them white for a light and breezy look or gray/blue for more moody traditional charm.
Marble countertop
Carrara or Calacatta marble paired with shaker cabinets creates a timelessly elegant look. A marble backsplash and flooring can tie the whole space together.
Carved vanity
Look for vanity cabinets with carved detailing like fluted columns, scalloped fronts or cabriole legs. This adds ornamentation befitting a traditional space.
Pretty hardware
Upgrade standard hardware to crystal, porcelain or glass knobs and pulls for a touch of luxe tradition. Brass finishes also pair nicely with marble.
Wall sconces
Wall mounted lighting flanking the vanity provides both illumination and old-world character. Choose an antique design with crystals or gold accents.
Frameless oval mirror
An oval mirror has a softness that pairs nicely with ornate traditional vanities. Float it above the vanity or opt for leaner for more drama.
Vintage organization
Baskets, canisters and ceramic pieces create charming vintage storage. A rug underfoot also enhances the cozy appeal.
Small Bathroom Vanity Ideas
Just because space is tight doesn’t mean your bathroom vanity has to feel poky. Use these tips to make a small vanity feel luxe:
- Float the vanity off the floor to create a sense of airiness and lift. This also makes cleaning easier.
- Choose a wall-mounted faucet. The streamlined profile takes up less space than a deck-mounted tap.
- Install a slim countertop vessel or oval undermount sink to maximize the usable countertop area.
- Opt for a narrow depth vanity around 18-22 inches deep. This prevents the vanity protruding too far.
- Focus on vertical storage space with floor-to-ceiling height cabinetry and mirrored cabinets above.
- Include open shelving rather than bulky cabinets below for a lightweight, visually clean look.
- Use materials like glass, stone and metal to lend a sense of luxury even in a small footprint.
- Extend the countertop to create a ledge. This accommodates toiletries and accents despite limited vanity space.
- Install sconce lighting on each side of the mirror instead of bulky overhead fixtures.
Large Bathroom Vanity Ideas
A spacious bathroom deserves an equally sizable vanity to anchor the space in style. Ideas for larger vanities include:
Double up
Take advantage of the roomy footprint and opt for his and hers vanities. Include decor elements like sconces and mirrors in pairs.
Extend the length
Choose an extended length vanity to really maximize the wide area. This provides expansive countertop space and storage.
Add an island
Incorporate a vanity island into your space. This can house sinks as well as providing an area for applying makeup or drying hair.
Float it out
A floating vanity aligned to one wall helps differentiate specific functional zones in a large open space.
Make a statement
Sizeable bathrooms present an opportunity to include a statement piece like a carved antique vanity or vibrant ombre design.
Include seating
An upholstered stool, chair or built-in banquette provides seating at the vanity for leisurely makeup application or spa-like pampering.
Zone with lighting
Use several lighting sources like pendant lights over the vanity and sconces flanking the mirror to define the area.
FAQs
What are some popular bathroom vanity styles?
Some top bathroom vanity styles include modern, contemporary, transitional, traditional, farmhouse, industrial and Scandinavian.
What vanity height is most comfortable?
The standard and most comfortable vanity height is 31-33 inches. However, vanities can be customized or adapted with legs to suit the users – for example, lower heights suit children.
What depth is typical for bathroom vanities?
A depth of 20-22 inches is the most common for vanity cabinets and allows comfortable use of the countertop space. Deeper depths beyond 24 inches can make the vanity feel bulky.
How much countertop space do you need for a double vanity?
Allow a minimum of 24 inches of countertop space per person for a double vanity. Ideally expand this to 30-36 inches or even 48 inches per vanity sink if space allows for comfort.
Should you match bathroom vanity and kitchen countertops?
It’s not compulsory to match vanity and kitchen countertops. Contrasting bathroom materials like marble can actually be beneficial for reducing staining and water damage in high moisture areas.
What is the most popular vanity countertop material?
Quartz is currently the most popular vanity countertop material due to its durability, low maintenance, elegance and wide range of colors and patterns on offer.
Conclusion
With so many options for materials, colors, storage and styling, your dream bathroom vanity awaits! Whether you crave a minimalist Scandinavian look, rustic farmhouse charm or modern glam, the vanity forms the foundation for creating your ultimate bathroom vision.
Focus in on the details – from the perfect countertop material to the ideal faucet – and let your personal style shine through. The vanity area sets the tone for the entire space, so take your time planning it as the crown jewel of your new bathroom.
With some bathroom vanity inspiration, practical tips and helpful planning, you’re sure to end up with a beautiful, functional vanity area that you’ll love enjoying as part of your self-care routine for years to come.
