E73 – Vanities - Bathroom Design Essentials

Mar 16, 2021

In this episode of the podcast, Frances walks through the different types 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 bulkier 
• 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 under mounted sink, laminate will not be a great choice 

• Timber 

• Need to be sealed to prevent watermarking and damage 

Cabinetry 

• Laminate 
• 2pac 
• Thermo wrap 
• Timber- veneer and solid timber needs sealing as moisture can affect it. 

 

 

Links mentioned in the podcast:  

 

Episode 36: Kitchen Design Essentials – Benchtops part 1 

Episode 38: Kitchen Design Essentials-Benchtop Criteria and Materials – Part 2 

Episode 41: Kitchen Design Essentials – Cabinetry Materials 

 

 

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