Since 2005How to Choose Bath Vanity Cabinets, Faucets, and Mirrors
When you are starting to put together a bathroom remodel, you have a lot to think about before you get started. You need to be sure that you are staying within your budget, and that you are choosing solutions that will fit well into the space you have available and the design you have in mind. Below, you will find some tips that will help you ensure your remodel goes as smoothly as possible.
Measure Right and Worry Less
Proper measurement will make all the difference in the world when it comes to getting things done right in your bathroom. Before you start the project, you need to be sure that you have taken all of the proper measurements.
Measure the entire room, as well as the distance between elements in the bathroom that can’t change. This includes the height from the floor to windows, how much space the door takes up when it is opened, etc. Take the measurements two or three times and write them down. They will be important when it comes to choosing new items to bring into the space.
Related: Bathroom Vanity and Sink Buying Guide
Should You Move the Plumbing?
Sometimes, if you were to redo the plumbing in the bathroom and change the layout, you could end up with more space. However, this is costly and time-consuming. Before you choose this option, you need to be sure it’s the better choice for the bathroom and that you can afford it. Often, it’s easier just to leave the plumbing where it is.
89 Inch Double Sink Bathroom Vanity with Offset Sinks
Consider the Style and Go From There
Now that you have your room measurements out of the way, you can start to think a bit more about the overall design style you might like for the bathroom. Do you like contemporary bathrooms? Do you feel that you would be happier with a modern bathroom, or are you hoping for something more rustic?
Think about the overall design of your home and your preferences. Once you know the design style you want, it becomes easier to start figuring out what type of bathroom vanity, mirrors, etc. you might want to bring into the bathroom. It’s best to have a design in mind, as it can make the rest of the choices you have to make easier from choosing the mirrors to the colors, and more.
Related: 6 Most Common Bathroom Vanity Styles
Chicago Rectangular Brushed Silver with Bright Silver Mirror
What to Consider When Replacing the Bathroom Vanity?
The first big piece you should decide on and bring into the bathroom is the vanity. This is often the centerpiece of the bathroom, and you will decorate the rest of the space around this piece of furniture. Since you know the design style you want in the bathroom, you can narrow your searches to those specific types of vanities.
However, you also have to think about the size of the vanity to be sure it will work in the space you have. If you have a small bathroom, you are likely going to want to go for a smaller vanity. A single would work better than a double. However, if you have a larger bathroom, the vanity should be larger, so that takes up the proper amount of space.
Before you settle on a vanity, take the measurements of the furniture and use some masking tape in the bathroom to tape out the basic height and depth dimensions. This will give you a better idea of just how much space it will take up. This simple visual representation with the tape will let you know if you are going too large or too small.
Keep in mind that you won’t be able to change the size of the vanity that you get. Make sure that you err on the side of caution and have more than enough space around the vanity, so things don’t feel too cramped.
Related: Why Consider A Floating Bathroom Vanity?
60 Inch Single Sink Bathroom Vanity in Driftwood Finish
Other Things to Consider When Choosing the Bathroom Vanity
You have to think about more than just the size and the style when you are choosing your vanity. You also have to consider the amount of storage space that it offers. For smaller bathrooms, in particular, you might find it advantageous to have a vanity that has some extra storage space. It will ensure you have less clutter in other parts of the bathroom.
Consider the number of sinks, as well. When you have a bathroom that’s large enough, getting a vanity with two sinks could be a better option. It’s helpful if you have another person who uses the bathroom because more people can use the vanity at once. However, even if you are single, you might want to get a larger vanity with two sinks. It could help to increase the value of your home.
Today, you will find a wide range of vanities from which you can choose in a host of styles and sizes. You can opt for prefabricated vanities, or custom vanities if you have the time and money to have one built. Take the time to look at the options available, consider the size, style, and colors, and then bring it home. Next, you can start decorating the rest of the bathroom based on that choice.
Related: Maintenance Tips for Your Bathroom Vanity
80 Inch Double Sink Bathroom Vanity in Dark Gray with Choice of No Top
How to Choose the Right Bathroom Faucets?
Once you have your vanity, you can then consider the faucets for the vanity sink. The type you get will often vary depending on the type of sink you have in the vanity. Is it a recessed sink or a vessel sink, for example? You need faucets that will fit the style and size of the sink, and that will work well with the other décor that you plan to have in the room.
Centerset faucets are commonly used for washbasins. They have three holes and handles that are four inches apart. Some of these faucets will have two handles and will be mounted onto a six-inch plate. You could also opt for a single-hole bathroom faucet, which will have either one or two handles. Vessel faucets, as the name suggests, are used for vessel sinks. There are also wall-mounted and widespread faucet options.
Not only will you have to think about the style of the faucet, but also the materials and colors. For example, if you are looking to create more of a rustic bathroom, you might want to consider faucets made from antique brass rather than stainless steel or chrome. Some of the other material options include bronze, copper, gold, and nickel.
When it comes to the control methods used for the faucets, you could choose from cross handles, joystick handles, knobs, levers, push-buttons, touch-activated, and touchless controls.
As with the vanities, you will find countless options for faucets on the market today. Make sure the one you choose looks great with the vanity you have in mind, and that it will complement the rest of the decor you have in your bathroom.
Related: All Things Bathroom Plumbing
How to Choose the Right Bath Mirror?
Despite being used so often, mirrors do not always get as much attention as they should when it comes to decorating the bathroom. the mirror you choose can help to make your vanity look even better. It can tie the room together or make it look "off" if you choose the wrong mirror.
One of the first things to consider when buying a mirror is the size. You have to think about the size of the vanity, your height, and the amount of space you have available on the wall. It should hang low enough that shorter people in the household can still use it.
You could opt for a frameless mirror, which will look good in a contemporary bathroom. Others may like the idea of having a simple wood or metal frame around their mirror. You could also go for something a bit more ornate, such as a sunburst mirror if you would like. Round or oval mirrors might work better in other circumstances.
Depending on the size of your vanity, you might find that having two smaller mirrors will work better than one large mirror. Ultimately, it will be up to the type of design you are trying to create.
Related: How to Pick the Right Bathroom Mirror
Tazlina Brushed Nickel Round Mirror
Other Things to Keep in Mind When Redoing Your Bathroom
To create your dream bathroom, there are some other areas you will want to pay attention to, as well. Lighting is important and can make or break a bathroom. you should have several lighting options in the bathroom. Vanity lights around the mirror, for example, can ensure you have enough good light to see yourself and get ready in the morning or evening. Decorative lighting and night lights are important, too. Recessed lighting can look great in the bathroom.
The important thing is that you take the time to think about what you want for your dream bathroom. Having a plan in place will put you on the right track to knowing how much your upgrade will be. Then, you can figure out how you can make that happen with the space available and your budget.