11 versatile bathroom vanity ideas
1. Go sleek with handle-less bathroom vanities
If you're going for a paired back, contemporary bathroom design, one of the best bathroom vanity ideas to consider is handleless cabinet doors. The no-handle trend is popular among interior design experts and will help you achieve a modern look. If you don't want to go entirely handle-free, you can also opt for finger-edge pulls that are both stylish and discreet.
2. Opting for wood
Do you want to make a statement with your vanity unit? Going the all-wood route is a great way to achieve this. Many bathroom vanities have wooden door fronts and cabinet panels, but not all that many have wooden countertops. All-wood vanities can also be versatile from a design perspective. Depending on the wood tone, cabinet lines, and finish, an all-wood vanity can look rustic, organic, contemporary, or traditional.
3. Concrete is still cool
Concrete is still cool and the concrete vanity top is an unusual interior design choice that's bound to add moodiness and masculinity to your bathroom. Besides having an organic, edgy look, concrete counters are also a versatile option. For instance, if you need a powder room custom vanity, you could get a counter slab poured to specific dimensions.
Related article: 8 popular bathroom vanity materials: pros and cons
4. Vintage vanities are a thing
Looking for unusual bathroom vanity ideas? Don't forget about vintage vanities. Vintage vanities are rare, but they are definitely "a thing". Bringing an old-world feel into interior design isn't too hard until you come to the bathroom. Creating a vintage bathroom design can be tricky. One of the most impactful ways to give your bathroom a vintage collector's flair is to use an antique-style dresser as a vanity. You can add a stone vanity counter and inlay a sink on top, or you can choose a traditional-style vessel sink to mimic the 18th-century washstands. Vintage vanities can complement a classic design style or complement a rustic farmhouse look.
Related article: 11 different styles and types of bathroom vanities
5. Go glam with marble and bronze fittings
If you are seeking a glamorous feel, then a bronze and marble combo is one of the bathroom vanity ideas you should definitely give some thought to. Bronze and marble are a classic glam look, and you can easily combine them in a vanity area. For instance, you can opt for a marble vanity top, white cabinetry and bronze hardware and taps. You can also extend the bronze accents to your mirror frame and add in some glamorous bathroom lighting with bronze sconces next to your mirror. If you really want to nail the glam station look, you could also entertain the idea of double vanities.
Related article: Bathroom vanity dimensions: a sizing guide for 2024
6. Live edge counters are both rustic and modern
Are you trying to get as far away from builder grade as possible in your designed vanity? If yes, then live edge counters are a bathroom vanity idea you might want to consider. Live edge wood is both unusual and one-of-a-kind. They are a highly unexpected element in the bathroom and can create a pleasing organic contrast against more cold elements like bathroom wall tiles and fittings.
7. Floating vanities can be a great design hack
Is your bathroom on the small side? If you're working with a restricted amount of floor space, a floating vanity can be a handy design hack. Not only are floating and wall-mounted vanities very much in vogue, but they're also practical. They increase the visual floor area, creating the illusion of space. They also allow more room for one's feet. Depending on the dimensions of your floating vanity, you might also be able to house things like baskets and bins underneath. If you’re working on a master bathroom, a double sink vanity is also a great solution.
8. Mirror front cabinets create an illusion of space
Another effective way to create the illusion of extra space in a bathroom is by incorporating mirror-fronted cabinets in your vanity. While they do require more regular cleaning, mirror-fronted cabinets are a highly unique interior design option that will visually double the size of your bathroom. They reflect the floor area in front of them, giving the feeling that your floor goes on and on. Just remember that mirror-fronted vanity doors will reflect whatever is in front of them. This could result in a discreetly placed toilet being on display every time you glance through the doorway of your bathroom.
Related article: 15 stunning bathroom mirror ideas for Australian homes
9. Floating shelf vanities make for an eye-catching choice
Another variation of the floating vanity design is floating shelf vanities. These usually comprise of one or two thick shelves. Single-shelf varieties look sleek and simple. Double-shelf options are a little more unusual and add extra storage. If you opt for a double vanity shelf design, you can use the bottom shelf as visual storage for stacked towels, baskets and decorative toiletries.
10. Consider adding a power drawer
Most of the bathroom vanity ideas we've listed centre around different vanity aesthetics. But we couldn't leave you without mentioning the power drawer. Essentially, power drawers are drawers equipped with an outlet at the back and are designed to house things like hair styling tools and shavers. Incorporating a power drawer can help you free up counter space, get those hair styling tools out of the way and put some distance between your outlet and potential splashes. Adding a power drawer can bump the joy score on a bathroom-related home improvement even further.
11. Recessed vanities for minimalist appeal
Consider a recessed vanity for a clean, streamlined appearance. These designs integrate seamlessly into your bathroom wall, creating a flush look that enhances a minimalist aesthetic while maximising floor space. Pair with soft-close drawers for added practicality and durability, and opt for matte finishes to maintain a sleek, understated appeal. Consider adding under-cabinet LED lighting to elevate the design further for a subtle and modern glow.
Do any of these bathroom vanity ideas catch your eye?
An attractive, updated bathroom can completely refresh your bathroom adding both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Fortunately, there are a plethora of bathroom vanity ideas to help inspire your decision. Whether it's a concrete basin, a marble countertop or a floating vanity for a small bathroom - you’ll find that these ideas will help bring your bathroom to another level for the benefit of all.
This article was updated on 25th November 2024