When designing a bathroom, every decision plays a crucial role in determining functionality and style. One of the most important focal points in any bathroom is the vanity. A well-chosen vanity can enhance the space aesthetics and provide much-needed storage and organization solutions.
Professionals in bathroom design understand the importance of selecting the right features to create a harmonious and efficient space. In this blog, we’ll explore 21 bathroom vanity features that pros always recommend.
Whether renovating a small powder room or designing a luxurious master bath, these features will help you get the best value and functionality from your bathroom vanity.
Let’s discover some of the top bathroom vanity features every professional recommends.
Top Bathroom Vanity Features
Here we have some valuable features every bathroom vanity must have. If you have something else in mind, please feel free to share it with our audience.
1. Size and Proportion Matter
One of the most important factors in choosing the right bathroom vanity is ensuring it fits the size of your bathroom. Professional designers emphasize measuring your space carefully before selecting a vanity. A vanity that’s too large can overwhelm a small bathroom, while one that’s too small will fail to provide adequate storage.
Experts recommend choosing a vanity that complements the bathroom’s layout, leaving enough space for movement while maintaining a balanced visual appeal. Make sure there’s enough room around the vanity for easy access to doors and drawers.
2. Material Durability
Bathrooms are moist environments, so choosing a vanity made from durable, water-resistant materials is key. Pros recommend materials like solid wood or plywood with a veneer finish because they’re durable and stand up well to the humidity in bathrooms.
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is another popular option because it is cost-effective and moisture-resistant when properly sealed. Ensure to avoid particleboard in areas with high humidity, as it tends to swell and warp over time.
3. Quartz or Granite Countertops
A vanity countertop is its crown jewel. Professionals often suggest quartz or granite countertops for bathroom vanities because they offer durability and elegance.
Quartz is non-porous, which means it resists stains and is easier to maintain than natural stone options. Granite, while a bit more porous, offers a beautiful and unique look with every slab.
Both materials provide excellent longevity and can withstand the daily wear and tear that comes with bathroom use.
If you’re revamping your kitchen, you might want to upgrade your kitchen countertops. This new remodeling will add value to the house and also to its beauty.
4. Ample Drawer Space: A Must for Organization
Professional designers understand that a clutter-free bathroom is essential to maintaining a serene and functional space. That’s why they recommend vanities with ample drawer space. Drawers help keep your bathroom essentials organized and within easy reach.
A vanity with multiple drawers, ideally with soft-close mechanisms, prevents items from becoming lost or piled on top of each other. If you’re redesigning your bathroom, consider adding drawer dividers to separate toiletries, cosmetics, and grooming tools for even more organization.
5. Soft-Close Drawers and Doors for Longevity
Soft-close hinges and drawer slides are features that pros always recommend. These not only add a touch of luxury but also extend the life of your vanity by preventing slamming, which can cause wear and tear over time.
A soft-close mechanism ensures smooth and quiet operation, keeping your vanity in top shape for years to come. It’s an investment in durability as well as comfort.
6. Undermount Sinks for Sleek Look and Easy Cleaning
When it comes to selecting sinks for your vanity, experts lean toward under-mount sinks for their seamless appearance and ease of cleaning. Unlike drop-in sinks, under-mount sinks sit below the countertop, creating a smooth, streamlined surface.
This makes wiping down your countertop much easier, as there are no ridges or crevices for dirt and grime to collect. Additionally, under-mount sinks give your vanity a more modern and minimalist look.
7. Double Vanities for Shared Spaces
For couples or families who share a bathroom, double vanities are a lifesaver. They allow for more than one person to use the vanity at the same time without getting in each other’s way. While double vanities do require more space, they significantly increase functionality in shared bathrooms.
If your bathroom can accommodate it, professionals always recommend installing a double vanity to avoid morning traffic jams and create a more harmonious routine.
8. Vessel Sinks for a Statement Piece
If you’re looking to make a design statement with your bathroom vanity, consider vessel sinks. These sinks sit on top of the countertop and are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, making them a focal point in your bathroom design.
While vessel sinks are more about style than functionality, they’re still highly recommended by professionals for homeowners who want to add a touch of luxury and uniqueness to their space.
9. Open Shelving: Stylish Yet Practical
Incorporating open shelving into your vanity design offers a chic and practical solution for storage. While not as concealed as drawers, open shelving gives you easy access to towels, baskets, and decorative items, while also making the space feel more open and airy.
Open shelving can be an excellent choice for guest bathrooms where less clutter tends to accumulate.
10. Built-in Electrical Outlets for Convenience
One of the most modern and practical bathroom vanity features professionals recommend is the integration of built-in electrical outlets. These outlets are perfect for hairdryers, electric razors, and other appliances that are used frequently in the bathroom.
They can be installed inside drawers or cabinets to keep cords out of sight and reduce countertop clutter. A built-in outlet saves time and hassle while keeping your space looking tidy and organized.
11. Moisture-resistant Finishes for Longevity
In a bathroom, where moisture is constantly present, it’s crucial to protect your vanity with the right finishes. Pros recommend opting for moisture-resistant coatings on both the vanity’s cabinetry and countertops to prevent warping, swelling, and damage over time.
Choose a vanity with high-quality paint or varnish finishes that can withstand the humidity levels in your bathroom, extending the life of your vanity significantly.
12. Smart Lighting Integration
Lighting is often overlooked when selecting a bathroom vanity, but professionals always stress its importance. Many modern vanities now come with integrated lighting options, such as LED lights around mirrors or under-cabinet lighting.
These not only add a touch of sophistication but also improve functionality by providing better lighting for tasks such as makeup application and shaving. Well-lit vanities also enhance the overall ambiance of your bathroom.
13. Mirrors with Storage: Hidden Functionality
Mirrors are an essential part of any bathroom vanity, and professionals recommend mirrors that double as storage solutions. Medicine cabinets with mirrored fronts provide a sleek look while offering additional storage behind the mirror.
These types of mirrors help keep bathroom essentials hidden yet accessible, maximizing the efficiency of the space without compromising style.
14. Eco-Friendly Vanity Options
Sustainability is a growing trend in home design, and bathroom vanities are no exception. Professionals are increasingly recommending eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, or recycled materials for vanities.
These materials are not only better for the environment but are also incredibly durable. In addition, choosing water-saving faucets and fixtures for your vanity can help conserve water and reduce your environmental impact without sacrificing functionality.
15. Frameless Mirrors for a Modern Aesthetic
Frameless mirrors have become a favorite among professionals for creating a sleek, modern aesthetic in bathrooms. Unlike framed mirrors, which can add bulk and visual clutter, frameless mirrors blend seamlessly into the design, making the bathroom feel more open and contemporary.
If you’re going for a minimalist look, a frameless mirror is the way to go.
16. Pulls and Knobs: Small Details, Big Impact
The hardware on your bathroom vanity may seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in the overall look and feel of the space.
Designers recommend selecting high-quality pulls and knobs in finishes like brushed nickel, matte black, or brass to complement your vanity and bathroom decor. The right hardware can add a touch of elegance and make your vanity feel more upscale.
17. Floating Vanities for a Modern Twist
Floating vanities are a design feature that professionals love for contemporary bathrooms. These vanities are mounted on the wall and appear to “float” above the floor, giving the bathroom a sleek, modern feel.
Floating vanities not only look great but also make cleaning the bathroom floor easier. They’re ideal for small bathrooms, as they create the illusion of more space.
18. Custom Vanities for a Perfect Fit
While ready-made vanities are convenient, professionals often recommend custom-built vanities for homeowners who want a vanity that perfectly fits their space and needs.
A custom vanity allows you to choose the exact size, materials, and features that work best for your bathroom. Whether you need extra storage, specific dimensions, or unique design elements, a custom vanity can be tailored to meet all your requirements.
19. Waterproof Seals and Grout for Durability
In addition to selecting moisture-resistant materials, it’s important to ensure that your vanity is properly sealed. Waterproof seals and grout protect your vanity from water damage and ensure it remains in top condition for years.
Professionals advise using high-quality, waterproof materials to seal the areas around sinks and countertops, preventing moisture from seeping into the vanity’s cabinetry.
20. Towel Bars and Hooks for Added Functionality
Incorporating towel bars or hooks directly onto your vanity adds a layer of convenience and functionality. Pros often recommend attaching sleek, matching towel bars or hooks to keep towels within easy reach while maintaining a tidy and organized bathroom space.
These elements not only serve a practical purpose but also enhance the overall design by coordinating with other hardware finishes.
21. Budget-Friendly Options: Maximizing Value
Lastly, professionals always emphasize the importance of staying within your budget without compromising on quality. The good news is that there are plenty of affordable vanity options that still offer great style and functionality.
From MDF vanities with a high-quality veneer finish to pre-fabricated quartz countertops, it’s possible to find a vanity that suits your style and needs without breaking the bank. The key is to invest in features that matter most to you, whether it’s extra storage, durable materials, or modern conveniences.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bathroom vanity is about more than just picking a piece that looks good—it’s about selecting bathroom vanity features that improve the functionality and longevity of your space.
By focusing on the key elements that professionals recommend, you can ensure that your bathroom vanity not only enhances the beauty of your bathroom but also serves your needs for years to come. Whether you prioritize storage, durability, or modern technology, there’s a perfect vanity out there for you.
Now, with these expert-approved features, you’re well on your way to creating a bathroom that’s both stylish and highly functional.