Bathroom remodelling can be a surprisingly stressful undertaking. Between pipes and electrical wiring there’s a lot to take into account and potential obstacles to overcome. But if you’re just looking to update the look of your bathroom, the easiest way to go about it is by replacing your existing vanity.



In regards to decor, the vanity is most likely the focal point and largest piece of furniture in the bathroom. After you’ve picked out the right one, just work with it in mind and everything else seemingly falls into place. That being said, finding the right vanity that both makes sense for the space and reflects your taste, can be a tricky pursuit. So we’ve put together an easy guide of things to consider when you’re on the hunt for the perfect vanity for your washroom.

First Things First

You need to keep in mind who this vanity is for and how it will ultimately be used. A vanity going into a master suite for two people will have very different requirements than a two-piece powder room. If you have enough room you will want to consider how you are going to utilize that space. Are you in need of extra storage, or would a double-sink vanity be the right choice for you?

If instead you are looking for one with children in mind, look for ones with built in features like child-friendly edges, pull-out step stools, and even low drawers. While this might seem unnecessary when shopping, having them on a day to day basis will make your life easier. It means you will not be constantly kicking around a little plastic step stool or tripping over items that could be placed in their drawer.

What You Need to Know

It seems like common sense, but you’d be surprised about how many people begin shopping for their bathroom vanity without having all of the necessary measurements. You need at least 2 numbers: the width and the depth of the space available. Height tends to be standardized, but if it is a concern, you also will want to have that measurement. You need to be aware of the area around where the new vanity will go. Things like toilets, shelving, or even molding will affect how it will be placed in. There should be at least 4 feet from the edge of the new vanity to the opposite wall. After all, the last thing anyones wants is for the drawers to hit it when they open, or have to stand to the side in order for them to open fully.  

You will also want the dimensions of your existing pipes. Most piping is standard sized, but it might be necessary to purchase an adapter if the vanity isn't a match. There is also a chance that the bathroom vanity you decide on will have a solid back that will be cut after purchasing to accommodate the pipes.

What to Look For

Remember that what you’re looking for will go in your home and is a reflection of your household, so the most important thing when shopping for a vanity is that everyone likes it because you will be living with it. That being said, there are also some practical facts to keep in mind.

Minimalism is a popular style at the moment because of its neat and clean look, but maybe think twice before applying this to your bathroom vanity cabinets. You want to make sure that it will be able to store everything that you need it to. Having a clean looking washroom is ideal, but where are the extra rolls of toilet paper going to be kept? Along with the back up towels and cleaning products? Suddenly it's all visible and the look you were striving for is gone anyways. Due to this minimalism and other trends, it should not be  the main reason for selecting a specific vanity. Pick one you like but stay away from ones that will look dated in a couple years. Resilient materials like sinks made from ceramic, cast iron, stone, or cabinets of woods like cherry, walnut, or birch will last for a long time and are worth investing in.

Built for You

If you are able to do so, the best option is custom vanity cabinets. This is way to ensure that you are getting everything you need out of your bathroom vanity. You can be sure of the quality if you select the materials, and will be happy to have it because you had a hand in the design.