Beautiful bathroom vanity ideas for stylish homes in New Zealand

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02 May 2023

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9 min read

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The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in our homes, often one of the first things people notice when they visit. A key part of any bathroom is the vanity, a multifunctional piece of furniture that can also significantly influence your interior styling. As these bathroom vanity ideas show, there are some creative and ingenious ways you can get the most out of this helpful furnishing.

A great bathroom vanity presents many opportunities for homeowners and renovators alike. They can help you resolve storage issues in your bathroom and provide a comfortable space for personal groom and cleaning. On top of this, they can set the scene aesthetically, in terms of look, mood and style that few other fixtures will match. The sheer volume of ideas for bathroom vanities demonstrates the different and interesting approaches you can take.

An option like a double vanity with excellent storage capacity will help you achieve a minimalist bathroom aesthetic. Their double sinks are ideal for busy morning routines and shared bathrooms and you can neatly store all your bathroom essentials keeping your counters clear and clutter-free.

A bathroom vanity like the Ravani Double Height Wall Cabinet provides ample storage for minimalist styling.

Vessel bathroom basins are the perfect way to add a wow factor to your bathroom. Sitting with prominence on the bathroom countertop, they can feature very distinctive designs and can be used to create an eye-catching focal point in any space.

Related article: 9 black bathroom basins for bold bathrooms

A stylish vessel basin combined with a sophisticated vanity like the Terina II Vanity makes an elegant pairing.

Marble bathroom vanity tops are undeniably luxurious and come in a range of colours, including grains and textures of bright blues, deep greens, soft pinks and greys - you can even opt for two-tone options. They’ll instantly elevate the sophistication and atmosphere of your bathroom and captivate all who enter.

The undeniable luxuriousness of marble, seen here with the Parisi Vanity.

If you’re working with a particularly small bathroom space then you should seriously consider a floating vanity. Floating bathroom vanities are ideal for small bathrooms as they create the illusion of more space while freeing up floor space at the same time. As wall mounted options, these streamlined units are typically modern and sleek, lacking the ornate details and bulky feet that can make a bathroom look cluttered while still providing extra storage.

Related article: How to make a small bathroom feel bigger

Floating vanities like the impeccable Sahara Luxe Wall Hung Vanity from Newtech Bathroomware help enhance the illusion of space.

Colour blocking is the practice of pairing two colours on opposite sides of the colour wheel for an especially bold look. Bathroom vanities present a great opportunity to do exactly that, contrasting it against floor or wall tiles, a backsplash, bathroom accessories or even within the vanity itself.

Bold colour choices, like the brilliant blue of the Tablo Slim Bathroom Vanity can be a lot of eye-popping fun.

Adding natural wood bathroom vanities to your bathroom decor is an easy way to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. They are a great piece of bathroom furniture and with their unique grains, tones and hues create a unique and personal feeling. A wood vanity is also incredibly durable and will withstand significant wear and tear.

The natural colour and grain of the American Oak Vanity brings comfort and warmth to any bathroom space.

Your bathroom vanity isn’t complete without a stylish bathroom mirror. Choose a large mirror with an ornate frame to make your bathroom vanity stand out while ensuring it fits perfectly into the bathroom design as a whole. A vanity mirror can be the perfect complement when chosen well.

Making an impact, with a bathroom mirror like the Veneziana Mirror by Boffi from Elemento.

Undermount bathroom basins are a good choice for bathroom sinks as they provide more usable counter space and amplify the illusion of space. Great for fans of minimalist interior design, they will keep your vanity area looking neat and elegant.

The Hawthorn Hill Basin Stand Vanity from In Residence, featuring an undermount basin, allowing its beautiful finish to shine.

By using an old dresser or one that incorporates that kind of styling into the bathroom vanity design, you can give your bathroom a beautiful yet eclectic look. This vintage-inspired look is perfect for those who want to add that special touch of character. It will also give your bathroom interior designer credentials that will impress one and all.

The Retro by Kerasan with antique charm and designer credentials.

Rustic bathroom vanities are a perfect way to add a country-style charm to your bathroom. These choices tend to incorporate natural elements like wood, stone and metals to create an inviting atmosphere with a homely feel.

A bit of country appeal for farmhouse styling with this bathroom vanity in Kaukapakapa.

Splashbacks are key to integrating bathroom vanities into the bathroom decor. You can choose from a range of materials to create a look that adds texture and colour to your bathroom. Wall tiles are a popular choice for this and can showcase colour, pattern and texture. A bathroom designed with these working in tandem with the vanity looks particularly impressive.

Related article: Stunning bathroom tile ideas from beautiful homes in New Zealand

A tiled splashback with a sophisticated vanity is an excellent way to enhance an aesthetic.

A bathroom vanity with clean lines, simple shapes and hardware-free cabinetry is ideal for creating a modern bathroom style. Sleekness is a crucial element of contemporary design and by selecting a vanity with these traits you’ll also keep the look fresh, light and airy.

No visible cabinet hardware? No problems, especially when you have sleek solutions like the Avila Wall Hung Vanity.

Black and white bathroom vanities provide a bold yet elegant touch. You can further brighten up the bathroom by adding accents of colour, such as blue or green tiles. Or you can fully embrace the approach by selecting a black vanity against a white wall or vice versa.

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If you’re looking to add a touch of nature to your vanity, carefully placed pot plants are the perfect solution. It will negate some of the sterility that can often creep into these spaces by literally bringing life into the bathroom. This is one of the easiest bathroom vanity ideas that you can implement and you’d be surprised by the difference it can make.

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If you’re looking for something a little bit different, then you’ll be intrigued to learn that bathroom vanities are available in various shapes. Curved and circular vanities are particularly on-trend but you’ll also find others to create the look you want.

The curves of the Le Giare bathroom vanity by Ceramica offers a pleasing point of difference.

The bathroom vanity is the focal point of any bathroom, so choosing the right colour can really make all the difference. You can be quite selective and strategic with colour, taking the whole bathroom space into account, and coordinating your choice with other elements, furnishings and accessories. This can result in an extremely cohesive look that is harmonious and peaceful.

The strategic use of colour with options like the Urban Wall Hung Vanity by Artesi can create harmony within a space.

Whether you’re looking for more bathroom counter space or need to store bathroom essentials, bathroom vanities with open shelving and closed storage provide the best of both worlds. This way, you can display stylish bathroom accessories in your open storage while keeping your bathroom neat and tidy by concealing items that are less visually appealing.

Related article: What are the best bathroom accessories to have in a modern and stylish space?

The Milazzo Modular Bathroom System vanities give you great customisation like open shelving and closed storage.

If you have a larger bathroom area, the double vanity is a great bathroom vanity idea. It allows you to incorporate two bathroom vanities into one and provides ample storage space for all your bathroom essentials. You can alternatively include two single bathroom vanities into your design which can add interesting symmetry to your bathroom design.

Double vanities are great but two single vanities paired, as seen here with the Arcadia Tiberino by Ceramica Cielo provides an altogether different aesthetic.

On-trend bathroom vanities with industrial elements are perfect for those looking to add a modern twist to their bathroom. Think exposed plumbing fixtures, pipes, bold hardware and sleek metal finishes – all of which can help to create a bathroom that is contemporary yet timeless. Matching these with similarly styled light fixtures for your vanity lighting will elevate the interior designer feeling even further.

The Industrial Vanity by Ardeco captures this contemporary interior style perfectly.

Sometimes a bathroom doesn’t need much to achieve the desired look. A small single vanity unit could be all you need for that simple yet stylish result. These are often the best and only choices for a powder room and smaller spaces.

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If you want to add a fun element to your bathroom, opt for vanities with playful patterns. From intricate floral designs to bold geometric motifs, bathroom vanities featuring patterned finishes can instantly elevate your bathroom aesthetic.

Plenty of playful patterns and textures to enjoy in this bathroom in Miramar, Wellington.

Although it’s often overlooked, vanity lighting is an essential part of any bathroom. Lighting can create a unique atmosphere while also providing functionality and convenience to your design. For example, you can install adjustable pendant lights with dimmers so that you will have full control over the mood in your bathroom.

Related article: How to pick bathroom vanity lights: 10 top tips

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If none of these bathroom vanity ideas is quite what you’re looking for, why not create your own unique bathroom vanity by ordering a custom-made one? A bespoke vanity is a great way of creating the perfect solution that fits both your bathroom's style and space perfectly delivering all the practical aspects you require.

Some great bathroom vanity ideas for 2025

As you can see, there is a diverse range of ideas for bathroom vanities that you can take inspiration from, or apply directly to your own bathroom. Many of these can be DIY'ed while others will benefit from the assistance of an experienced bathroom designer. Either way, it’s clear to see you can improve both the styling and functionality of your bathroom using your vanity with a bit of thought, creativity and determination.

Discover an extensive range of designer bathroom vanities on ArchiPro

(This article was updated on 28th November, 2024)

A custom made option like this immaculate vanity by Optimum Furniture is a sure-fire way to get something that is truly unique
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