Bathroom Vanities: A Complete Buying Guide

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

How to Choose the Best Bathroom Vanities for Your Home

Finding the perfect vanity for your bathroom remodel can be a daunting task. There are endless choices when it comes to sizes, styles, layouts, and colors so I created this guide to simplify the process. Read through each category and take note of things that you like. Making this design decision will be a breeze! This post is sponsored by The Home Depot, but all opinions are my own.

neutral primary bathroom with painted vanity from The Home Depot

Sizes and Materials

The first step is to measure your space. Whether you plan to replace an existing vanity or start from scratch, knowing the dimensions of the bathroom vanity you need where to start.

Most vanities have a width between 24″ and 60″ but standard options of 24″, 30″, 36″, 48″, 60″, and 72″ are available. The Home Depot has a large selection of styles in all these standard sizes.

mixed metal bathroom with aged brass, polished nickel, and matte black finishes, marble tile walls and floors, brass single and double arm sconces vanity painted SW Accessible Beige

If you lack floor space in a bathroom, you’ll also want to consider vanity depth. Standard vanity depth ranges from 14 to 26″ deep so there are space-saving opportunities there.

Before the renovation, the vanity went wall to wall and had a basic design style. We made quite a few changes and ended up with a vanity that looks more like a free-standing piece of furniture. This style gives the space dimension and a more refined feel. Learn more about the renovation and find room sources in my primary bathroom post.

outdated 90s bathroom with dark wood vanity and large mirror and boring vanity lights
BEFORE
marble bathroom design with Accessible beige vanity, brass sconces, black vanity mirrors, brass cabinet hardware
AFTER

As far as materials, the most common options from most expensive to least expensive are solid wood, plywood, MDF, and particle board. The frame is typically made from plywood but for durability purposes, solid wood doors and drawers are best. If your budget allows, avoid particle board in the bathroom.

Make a note of the specific size and materials you prefer!

Types of Bathroom Vanities

This category can make your head spin. Not only do you have to consider whether you want a single or double sink, but you’ll need to focus on the design style as well!

basement bathroom vanity with brass hardware and sconces, black mirror and faucet

Sources found in my basement bathroom post!

Does it have a traditional or transitional style with neutral elements? Maybe you prefer sleek and modern designs or a rustic farmhouse look. Make a statement with your bathroom vanities!

For those of you who have been around a while, you know I love to mix styles – to a certain extent. When choosing the best vanities for your bathrooms, take a hint from the overall style of your home.

primary bathroom with painted vanity and adjacent walk in closet cabinets

Another thing to consider when selecting a vanity is the style at the bottom. Do you prefer the base to sit directly on the floor or would you prefer it to have legs or open storage that make it look more like furniture?

The leading brands at The Home Depot, including Home Decorators Collection, Water Creation, Glacier Bay, and Ariel offer vanities that have high-end style without the high-end cost.

Here are the vanities I have in my home. Tap the images for details!

Make a note of the design styles you are drawn to!

Layout and Storage

We all want a beautiful bathroom, but storage and function are just as important. It would be a terrible scenario to design a stunning space only to end up with a clutter of toiletries on the vanity countertop.

If you are a minimalist then you probably don’t have a huge stash of makeup and beauty products. However, if you are always on the hunt for the next miraculous lotion or potion then you’ll need to look for bathroom vanities with lots of drawers and under-sink storage space.

bathroom vanity with organized drawers, marble countertop, polished nickel faucets, brass cabinet hardware

During our bathroom renovation, I had our contractor install mirrors with hidden medicine cabinets to help keep our bathroom vanity organized and save drawers and counter space from clutter. There is enough room for that stuff to go in drawers but there are items that we prefer to store upright – like toothbrushes, face wash, and moisturizers we use daily.

marble primary bathroom with hidden medicine cabinet mirrors

Most double-sink vanities have drawers in the center with cabinet doors to access the under-sink area. For smaller vanities, some options may have no drawers at all!

Make a note of how many drawers you want or need for storage!

Bathroom Vanities with Tops or Separate

For those with an unlimited budget or a bathroom with a unique space to fill, a fully custom bathroom vanity might be the way to go. Design every detail that meets your style and storage needs.

The most budget-friendly and time-saving way to go is to find a complete set that fits your needs. With all the options, it’s just about impossible not to find something you’ll love.

basement bathroom with marble floors, black frame mirror and faucet, brass sconces and vanity hardware, built-ins with brass knobs, wall art

If you are unable to find the right vanity with the perfect combination of base and countertop/sink, you can design a semi-custom one by purchasing the base and the top separately.

Start looking for a complete vanity first then move on to separate pieces if you must!

Colors and Finishes

Are you a risk taker when it comes to designing rooms in your home? Bold wall colors have been very trendy lately and that look has extended to other areas in the home – like kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities.

Green vanity from The Home Depot
Image ©The Home Depot
Dark Blue Vanity from The Home Depot
Image ©The Home Depot

Wood finishes also go in and out of style (except for that orange tone which will always look outdated). If you prefer the look of wood over a painted surface I recommend going for something in a medium stain that doesn’t have a distinct undertone. This way you can use small decor and bathroom linens to keep up with the trends.

wood vanity from the Home Depot
Image ©The Home Depot

Like my classic white kitchen, I prefer to stick with light colors when it comes to cabinetry. Both of the small vanities in the mudroom and half bathroom are white while the basement bathroom has a light gray color.

The online selection and flexible delivery options at The Home Depot made the process of each bathroom renovation a little easier.

mudroom with small white vanity with brass cabinet hardware, polished nickel faucet, and marble top
Mudroom/Laundry Room Vanity
half bath with small white vanity with brass cabinet hardware, polished nickel faucet, and marble top, checkered marble floors
Half Bath Vanity

Have you tried to coordinate a big home project? The choice between free in-store pick up or 2-day shipping (free over $45) means your renovation will be completed in a timely fashion.

Narrow down your favorite bold or neutral color or use a medium wood finish!

How to Customize a Bathroom Vanity

The simplest way to customize bathroom vanities is to update the hardware. All the ones I purchased came with nickel hardware and they looked nice as is, but I prefer the look of brass cabinet hardware.

Swapping out the existing faucet is another way to give your bathroom a fresh new look. Here are a few beautiful styles from The Home Depot:

Read my post to learn how to mix metal finishes that make your bathroom design more interesting!

Another way to give a vanity a custom look is to paint it! I painted our primary bathroom vanity a light beige color to warm up the space a little. I loved the vanity but with all the marble surfaces and white walls, it would’ve looked a little too cool if I left it the original pretty gray color. Check out my vanity painting tutorial to learn how!

Stefana Silber sanding a vanity during the repainting process
Stefana Silber painting a vanity with a roller
before and after image of a painted bathroom vanity

Customize your vanity with a new faucet and hardware or with paint!

Where to Get High Quality and Affordable Bathroom Vanities

Without a doubt, your first stop should be The Home Depot. They have such a good selection of really pretty vanities that it’s hard to choose just one. It makes me want to do more bathroom renovations!

My preference for The Home Depot isn’t just limited to the selection. They back their products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and free returns at any of their 2,2200 locations!

To be honest, I can’t believe how affordable some of their bathroom vanities are considering the high-end designer style. You may catch a good sale, but the everyday low prices can’t be beat.

While you’re at it, check out their selection of home decor and bathroom accessories, like a new set of plush white or classic striped towels to complete your bathroom project.

Now your job is to take your notes and head over to the vanity selection at The Home Depot to narrow your search down and find the perfect vanity for your bathroom design!

Similar Posts