Buying Guide

Choosing a Bathroom Vanity for you!
The homeowner checklist

Whether you’re choosing to plunge into a DIY, or looking for inspiration, here is a comprehensive guide to making sure you choose the bathroom vanity right for your needs.

  1. Size
  2. Single or Double
  3. Color & style
  4. Features
  5. Price

SIZE:

Every contractor will always start with size. You can’t fit a square peg into a round hole. Simply measure the width, wall to wall of your current vanity. Most retailers will provide standard sizes in inches making filtering options a breeze.

 

Standard Sizes: 18 inches, 24 inches, 30 inches, 32 inches, 36 inches, 48 inches, 60 inches, 72 inches, +

 

SINGLE OR DOUBLE

Single or double sink? Sometimes this decision can come down to what your space allows for. Sometimes it comes down to whether or not a style you like offers one or both options. And sometimes this decision comes down to whether or not one can share a sink with others in home without causing marital strife, or sibling feuds getting ready for school in the morning! Whichever the case there are pros and cons to both.

Vanity Sinks:

PROS

CONS

Single Sink Vanity
  • Larger the vanity, larger the countertop space
  • Powder rooms & small spaces usually call for single vanities
  • Find a unique piece for a smaller space to make a big impact!
  • Plumbing not on center? Some single vanities offer off-set sinks to the left or right.
  • Shared sinks – (or consider two single sinks to keep separate prep spaces)
  • Storage can be minimal
  • Standard single vanities typically do not exceed 48 inches wide

 

Double Sink Vanity
  • Typically larger vanities with ample storage
  • Two sinks, no sharing!
  • Ideal for larger shared spaces
  • Beautiful big statement piece for your bathroom elevating any design and maximizing function. A good double vanity is worth the price!
  • If you’re going from an existing single sink plumbing, to two, you may need to add additional drain and water lines
  • Double vanities are typically at minimum 60 inches wide

 

COLOR & STYLE

From dark, rustic contrasting colors, to light, bright and elegant designs – the options are limitless to bring your vision to life and create the oasis of your dreams. Think about the room size and mood you want to create. Look for inspiration and find the style that’s right for you! You can have both beauty and function for your every day needs.

 

FEATURES

Think about your morning routine. What do you need to get ready in the morning? Is it a clean and orderly countertop? Is it storage to hide and organize the clutter? Is it ample space for multiple kids trying to brush their teeth at the same time? Here are some features we think are worth considering before purchasing a bathroom vanity:

  • Freestanding – easy to remove/replace should your functional needs ever change, or if the vanity itself gets damaged… because kids. (yeah, we said it. We have em’. You know it’s a real thing).
  • Floating – great for small spaces! Gives the appearance of more space. And take a step further by adding ambient lighting underneath for a cozy bath, or nightlight.

Photo courtesy of Harvest Homes Design

  • USB/Outlets – so convenient to have! See if your vanity comes with any outlet features inside the drawers for conspicuous heating, and or phone charge stations. Many vanities do not provide this feature as a stock item, but they can be installed after! Contact your local contractor or electrician to see if/how it can be done.
  • Wood vs. MDF – wood tends to stand the test of time especially in a wet/humid space. However, MDF can also offer benefits such as being a more medium-density, more affordable option. MDF is engineered from composite wood and fiber to help increase its durability.
  • Dovetail drawers – provides strength to the max load capacity, increasing storage and durability over time.
  • Soft-close – effortless closing system that also keeps little fingers from getting pinched! Soft-close hinges and drawer guides also help the vanity from getting ruined from the constant closing and opening of doors and drawers.
  • Countertops – natural stones (like marble and granite) are absolutely stunning; however, they are also the most porous and require the most maintenance. Quartz is an engineered stone resistant to moisture, stains, and bacteria, making the upkeep more manageable.
  • Backsplash – most pre-fab vanities will be supplied with a 4”-6” matching backsplash making any install a breeze. But if your vanity doesn’t come with one, you’ll want to consider some solutions to add your own: tile backsplash, or going to your local stone yard to have a similar piece cut to size.

PRICE

According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost Vs. Value Report for 2023, a bathroom remodel will yield a 67% return from your investment, making it one of the highest among remodel categories. Pricing for bathroom vanities has its variables. However, you can guess that the larger the vanity, the more expensive it will be – but sounds like it’ll be worth it!

Like a lot of things in life, “you get what you pay for”. But here at Harvest Homes Living, we truly have found you can have both beauty and function, AND it be affordable! We’ve searched for the best suppliers to help bring you the bathroom of your dreams!

 

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