Selecting a Master Suite Bathroom Vanity With Your Home Designer
Deciding On The Best Master Suite Vanity For Your Remodel
When designing a new master bathroom, whether it's just an update, or a complete down to the studs remodeling, you'll be facing some choices. One that can add not only a decorative touch but can also increase the value of your home is choosing the right cabinets for your project.
Today bathrooms are larger and more beautifully designed and decorated. Homeowners are opting for luxurious finishes and amenities that you'd typically find in a spa. From large stand alone tubs to high-tech showers with multiple adjustable shower jets, and beautiful natural stone finishes, today's bathrooms are a place for relaxation and reflection. Choosing the right bathroom vanity can increase the aesthetic beauty and functionality of your space.
Adding a custom built bathroom vanity can help you to establish the style of your bathroom, serve as a focal point in your design and increase the value if you decide to sell. There are many new styles and designs in vanities. Ultimately the size and design of your bathroom will dictate your choice. You have a broad range of options when it comes to the style, height, size, and materials for your new bathroom vanity.
Here are some tips to help you wade through your options and choose the perfect bathroom vanity for your new bathroom.
Pick Your Bathroom Vanity Material
Choosing the right material for your vanity is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Humidity and moisture in the bathroom can pose challenging when it comes to wood furniture. While properly finished solid wood is the most durable choice, there are other viable choices depending on your needs and budget.
Along with solid wood, manufactured "rubber" wood offers 90% of the durability of solid oak. You can also purchase vanities in some other durable materials like MDF and plywood. Each offers benefits and drawbacks. The best solution is to speak with your designer. They can explain all of your options. The one rule – buy the best material you can afford, and if possible, consider a custom built solid wood cabinetry for the ultimate in strength, beauty, and durability. Unlike standard cabinetry, custom cabinets allow you to get exactly what you want and are more affordable than you may think.
Sizing Your Bathroom Vanity
If you are updating your existing bathroom measure your current vanity and start from there. Bathroom cabinets are available in 3-inch increments (24”, 27” 30” etc.). If you're considering an odd size, custom cabinetry is a perfect choice. While custom may cost more than stock vanities, semi-custom cabinets are available in 1/8-inch increments and can save you money while meeting your needs.
Sink Configuration
Along with the size of your space, another consideration is sink configuration. Single sink vanities are typically used if space is limited, for example in a smaller guest bathroom, or in a condo or apartment where space is limited. Many couples include a double sink vanity in the master suite. This gives you plenty of room if you're both in the bathroom getting ready for work or a night out. Your designer can work with you to determine f your space is large enough for a double sink vanity.
Vanity Height
Another factor to consider is vanity height. The standard bathroom vanity height is 32-inches. Comfort height vanities are available that raise the height to 36-inches, the same as a standard kitchen counter. This allows you to wash without bending over and causing strain to your lower back. As the trend towards aging-in-place continues to grow and more homeowners opt to stay in their home, a taller bathroom vanity can make older homeowners safer and more comfortable.
Four Types of Vanities
When it comes to choosing a type of vanity, you have four options with some variations within each style. Depending on the construction and materials, these four types of vanities can be customized to meet your décor needs using finishes and hardware choices to fit your style.
Free Standing
The normal “free-standing” vanity sits on the floor and is attached to the wall studs using mounting screws. Free standing vanities are the most common and popular choice among homeowners.
Floating
Floating vanities are wall mounted and are more common in modern or contemporary designs. Floating vanities save floor space, making your bathroom floor easier to clean and give you bathroom a sleek, chic, stylish look.
Open Space
The trend towards open shelving in the kitchen comes to the bathroom with open space vanities. They're ideal for conveying an open, airy feel and feature open storage space without doors, panels or drawers.
Vessel Sink
Vessel sinks are a popular design choice. They offer a wide variety of styles including recessed vessel sinks and unusual materials like hand-hammered copper, glass, porcelain or stone. If you choose a vessel sink, make sure your vanity is the proper size as they sit on top of the vanity top.
Glass Bathroom Vanities
If you're looking for an ultra-modern unique look, consider a glass vanity. Made with translucent or frosted tempered glass, they're not fragile and offer an almost “invisible” feel. Best of all, if you're looking to cut down on cleaning time, just a little glass cleaner and a quick wipe and you're done!
Today, you have a wide variety of choices in bathroom vanities to meet every style and budget. Whether you're seeking the stylish ultra-modern look of a glass vanity or a custom-built solid wood double sink vanity for the master bath, work with your designer to understand all of your options. They can help you to create the perfect look for your new bathroom.
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Forward Design Build is a residential design-build firm in Ann Arbor, Michigan that is known for its commitment to craftsmanship and communication. We are committed to improving our neighbors quality of life with inspired design and creative remodeling. Our homes are highly functional, exquisitely beautiful, and remarkably comfortable. Contact us to speak with an expert about your new home or remodeling project.