In this episode of the podcast Frances walks through the different type of vanity options available, along with custom Vs off-the-shelf designs discussing what may work best for your requirements. She also looks at material types and what to consider when specifying for wet areas.
SHOWNOTES:
Vanities are a strong focal point that can make or break the overall design and functionality of a bathroom.
Custom Design Vanity
Allows you to customise the design, shape, configuration of the material and the material being used for the vanity.
- Flexible in design
- Scaled for the space
- Created based on your needs, storage requirements, and bathroom usage .
- Custom materials – any combinations – i.e colours, styles
- Customise size and configuration
Off the shelf
- Sometimes able to customise certain elements
- Choose between different stone tops
- If you want a coloured cabinetry, choices are limited
- Generally available in standard sizes- 600, 900, 1200, 1500 and 1800 mm.
- Standard size may not be the right scale for the room, so it may not be ideal
- You may not be able to choose the material type that you want
- Limited colour choices – specific colours may not be available with off the shelf products.
Storage Configurations
What you need to store is going to drive the design and functionality of your vanity.
- Drawers- How deep and wide you need your drawers Open Shelving- Combination- For instances, a combination of drawers, cupboards and open shelves.
- Cupboards
Benchtop only with exposed pipework
Freeform concrete or a piece of stone that forms a vanitytop.
- No storage – very minimal look
- Can be used in bathrooms where storage is not critical- i.e guest powder room
Different Types of Vanities
Floating/wall hung vanity
- Creates an illusion of space as you can see the floor underneath.
- Ideally 25-30 cm off the floor.
- Looks a lot more sophisticated as things don’t feel bulky Ideal for smaller bathroom space
- Has a more refined, superior finish If you have a well-designed floating vanity, then you are going to get much more functionality and usability
- More often than not, more expensive than floor mounted vanity
Floor Mounted vanity
- Has a kicker at the bottom
- It can look more bulky
- Doesn’t maximise on creating an illusion of space
Benchtops
- Stone- all types of stone
- Opt for a lighter coloured stone if you don’t like the watermarks
- Laminate
- If you like an undermounted sink, laminate will not be a great choice
- Timber
- Need to be sealedto prevent water marking and damage
Cabinetry
- Laminate
- 2pac
- Thermo wrap
- Timber- veneer and solid timber needs sealing as moisture can affect it.
