The bathroom vanity is often the only storage in the bathroom so it’s vital to consider all your storage needs – both now and into the future. The size and design of the vanity should not only suit the style of the bathroom but should provide you with plenty of clever and well-thought-out storage options. As the largest piece of furniture in the bathroom, the vanity can often become the centrepiece of the bathroom so getting it right is vital to the success of the finished project.
Bathroom Vanity Tip #1 – Who is using the bathroom?
In order to decide on the best size and style of vanity for your Sydney bathroom you will need to identify who is using the bathroom. If it’s a main bathroom, used by the whole family, then a larger furniture item might be required but a powder room, used only by guests, can get away with a much smaller unit. The available space within the bathroom will also determine how large the vanity can be but clever designers also know how to make every centimetre work in your favour so even if you only have a compact space, there will be a solution that suits your needs.
Consider not only who is using the bathroom, but at what times and how often. If your family all gets up together and gets ready at the same time every morning this will put extra pressure on any shared bathroom space. But, if the bathroom is used in shifts, this provides more scope to spread the load.
Bathroom Vanity Tip #2 – Internal organisation
Whether your vanity is large or small, it will most probably feature a combination of doors and drawers with which to access the internal storage. There is much that can be done within the interior of the vanity to maximise the storage and create usable space that’s easy to access. Dividers within drawers can help to organise cosmetics and toiletries, pull-out units can help with storage of cleaning items and larger bottles, swing out units can help with access to corner areas, baskets and tubs can store hair dryers or straighteners… there is practically a solution for every item you need in your bathroom.
Drawers with full-extension runners are the best option to provide the best access and maximise the available storage. Look for hinge options that allow the doors to open past 90-degrees to allow for adequate access into the cupboard.
Bathroom Vanity Tip #3 – Colours, textures & styles
Today there is an almost overwhelming choice of colours, textures and finishes for your vanity. You may opt for a custom-made vanity to suit the specific space available in your bathroom or choose from one of a number of standard-size vanities. Whatever your choice, you’ll need to think about what part the vanity plays in the design of the bathroom and how to choose a finish that is a good fit with the overall colour palette.
If you have chosen a natural/neutral colour scheme, consider a timber-look vanity with a natural stone or natural-stone-look top. For a monochrome colour scheme, you may like a dark coloured vanity with a light coloured top to match. Crisp whites and creams work really well in a traditional bathroom, while silvers and greys are a great match for a classic bathroom. Your bathroom designer will help you navigate these choices and will have suggestions for what will suit the design of the bathroom best.
Bathroom Vanity Tip #4 – Free-standing or floating?
Vanities generally fall into two categories – free-standing or floating/wall-hung. A free-standing vanity will sit on legs or a plinth directly on the bathroom floor while a floating or wall-hung vanity will be affixed to the wall without any direct support underneath.
Taking the vanity to the floor allows for more storage space but, particularly in a small bathroom, can make the space appear quite visually crowded. A floating or wall-hung vanity creates the visual impression of more space but does remove some of the possible storage space.
Bathroom Vanity Tip #5 – What if I don’t have much room?
Sometimes building or budget restrictions won’t allow you to create the bathroom that is the size of your dreams and you have to work within the existing walls. This often means you need to be clever with storage solutions.
If you are forced to live with a smaller vanity then our advice is to invest in interior organisational solutions that really make every centimetre work for you. You can always supplement vanity storage with other storage such as wall niches or nooks or in-set cabinets to provide additional space.
Another option is to look for areas adjacent to the bathroom where larger, more bulky items can be stored so there is still easy access to them when needed but they don’t need to be stored within the bathroom. Items such as spare towels could be stored in a linen cupboard and replaced as the used towels are washed. Bulk lots of shampoos, deodorants and other bathroom staples could also be stored in an adjacent cupboard with small amounts taken into the bathroom as needed.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the number of choices available and to fall back on the easiest option – white – but don’t be afraid to bring your vanity ideas to your bathroom design appointment as your designer will relish the chance to create something that’s just perfect for you. At Brindabella, we have a Certified Bathroom Designer on staff who will apply their expertise and years of experience to your project so contact us to make your design appointment today.
