Bathroom Vanity: How to Choose Your Sink Countertop

A bathroom vanity is a piece of furniture that allows for convenient storage within a vital part of the home. This piece of bathroom furniture must be well adapted to your needs, the amount of space available, and your style. 

Are you in the process of picking out a new vanity for your bathroom or wet room? In this article, we will walk you through the different kinds of sink countertops, the most common materials used, installation methods, and average costs. 

Different Bathroom Vanity Models

Source : les Réalisations P.O.P. Design Inc.

To choose just the right vanity to put in your bathroom, you need to consider a few things first:

• Amount of space available;

• The aesthetic aspect of your bathroom;

• Storage needs;

• Budget;

• Daily maintenance routine you are willing to implement.

Here are the different models and their features:

1) Pedestal sink

Starting with the simplest model, a non-existent vanity! If you are short on space, have a low budget, and do not need a lot of storage space, a pedestal sink will suit your needs just fine. Even though this is not a vanity per se, it still merits a mention, as you may want to consider this option. To offset the lack of storage, you can put shelves on the wall, under the sink, and above the toilet.

2) Sink countertop and its variants

Whether your bathroom is spacious or rather small, you will always find a vanity that suits your needs. There is a wide variety of colours, materials, and sizes of sink countertops on the market. You can also choose between models with one or two sinks, as per your needs. Below, you will find different types of vanities.

Narrow Bathroom Vanity 

Are you lacking a bit of space and worrying about your vanity fitting in? Luckily, vanities are available in very narrow and compact sizes, such as 16 inches wide by 10 inches deep. 

The vanity and sink are usually sold together, making it ideal as these sizes are less conventional. These small sinks are often seen in powder rooms and tiny apartments. 

Wall-Mounted Vanity

Are you loving the idea of a built-in vanity, but still looking for something with a more free-standing look? Why not opt for a wall-mounted vanity? This type of vanity provides storage space while still allowing for a clear space off the floor. 

This can be a worthwhile option if your bathroom is already very cluttered, or if you want to use this extra space for a step stool (if you have small children who need an extra boost to use the sink).

Vessel Sink Countertop

Source : les Réalisations P.O.P. Design Inc.

Chances are, if you have ever browsed Pinterest for bathroom decor ideas, you have seen vessel sinks. Rather than being built into the cabinet, these sit on the countertop. Thus, installing the faucets is different than for a built-in vanity. 

The real beauty of a sink countertop is its aesthetic appeal. It allows for flexibility when it comes to choosing your sink model since various shapes and colours are available. 

In terms of drawbacks, note that vessel sinks can be more difficult to clean because water and dirt tend to accumulate around the base. If the sink has an angular shape, certain areas will be harder to reach.

Integrated Bathroom Countertop

​​The vanity with an integrated sink is the most traditional model among those featured in this article. It is found in a large number of bathrooms, given its simple and accessible design. 

In most cases, these vanities are more or less easy to install, aside from the actual plumbing connections, which should be done by an expert. 

Corner Bathroom Vanity

When the shape of your powder room or bathroom is unconventional, finding a vanity that will fit into your space can be tricky.

This is where custom-designed vanities can be particularly appealing. However, if you do not feel like spending a large amount of money on this part of your bathroom renovation project, corner vanities are an option. These cabinets can be easily integrated into certain layouts. 

3) Custom-Built Sink Countertop

In the above-mentioned examples, we referred to models that can be easily purchased, as is, in stores. Alternatively, you can hire a carpenter to custom-design a cabinet that will be tailored to your space. Budget accordingly, however, the cost may be worth it if it better meets your needs! 

Should you choose to hire an interior designer to work on your bathroom design, you may also want to ask them to draw up a plan for your vanity. This blueprint will then be used by the carpenter or contractor you hire. 

Scroll down to see examples of custom-built vanities.

Which Materials Should You Consider for a Bathroom Vanity?

Source : les Réalisations P.O.P. Design Inc.

Bathrooms and wet rooms are often prone to water and moisture exposure. Therefore, you will need to consider this aspect when selecting the material for your bathroom vanity. The following are some materials that are most often used to manufacture bathroom furniture:

• Solid wood;

• Particle board;

• MDF;

• Plywood.

Noticeably, all of these materials are within the wood and wood fibre family, which might seem surprising considering that wood can be vulnerable to humidity. However, when used for kitchen and bathroom furniture, these are either treated or coated with a water-resistant finish.

Vanities Built with One-of-a-Kind Materials

Another option is to go all out and choose something made of unconventional materials, such as a piece of recycled wood or a second-hand piece of furniture found at a thrift store.

How much does a bathroom vanity cost?

• Standard prices: $100 - $800

• Mid-range prices: $800 - $3,000

• High-end prices: $3,000 and more

Since there are plenty of different bathroom sink countertop models to choose from, the price range is broad! For standard vanities, prices start at around $100, while fancier units can cost several thousand dollars. 

FAQ about Bathroom vanity

Store-Bought or Custom-Built Bathroom Vanity?

Although we gave an initial overview earlier in the article, the question is worth addressing from other angles. First, consider the fact that you will have access to a lot of choices in-store. Once you shop around, you will realize that there is a wide variety of models to choose from, catering to most tastes and needs. 

That being said, if you are looking for a true one-of-a-kind unit and have bold ideas for your bathroom, working with a carpenter will facilitate the creative process of an original piece of furniture. Plus, you'll be able to choose the colour, shape, storage compartments, knobs and pulls, and all the nitty gritty details that can turn a piece of furniture into a legit work of art. 

Should I hire a contractor to install my vanity?

To ensure that your bathroom vanity is properly installed and durable, hiring a contractor is your best bet, especially when it comes to plumbing. 

Sure, some vanities are designed to be user-friendly when it comes to installation, especially cabinets with built-in sinks. So, try your luck (except when it comes to plumbing, which might be risky for potential insurance claims).