11 different styles and types of bathroom vanities

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26 June 2022

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6 min read

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With a huge range of bathroom vanities on the market in Australia, picking one out can be challenging. However, if you know the different types and styles of bathroom vanities available and understand their unique qualities, narrowing down your list becomes an easier and more enjoyable task.

A bathroom vanity is a piece of furniture that combines a sink and storage. It should seamlessly contribute to the overall style of your interior design and be convenient. While room dimensions will play a role in your decision, knowing what types of bathroom vanities are available is also important. Some are designed with certain practical considerations and styles in mind which will ultimately make them more or less suitable for the bathroom renovation you have in mind.

Floating vanities are also known as wall-mounted vanities because they are connected to the wall. In doing so, they also leave ample space between the vanity and the floor.

Once mounted on the wall, floating vanities give a contemporary and modern look. They will create an additional sense of space and are ideal for a small bathroom. For an ultra-modern effect, you could install highlight LEDs underneath.

Related article: 11 bathroom vanity lighting ideas

A great example of a floating vanity with the Houston Vanity
A great example of a floating vanity with the Houston Vanity

There are many benefits to a double sink vanity. For example, two people can clean their teeth and wash their faces simultaneously in a bathroom with a double sink vanity installed.

As such, they are fantastic for families with school-age children and busy adults. This vanity style will also have double the storage space. You'll be able to fit cleaning products, toilet rolls, and toiletries inside it.

Double vanity options like the Glacier Full Depth Shelf Vanity offer twice the space and twice the fun
Double vanity options like the Glacier Full Depth Shelf Vanity offer twice the space and twice the fun

Corner vanities are perfect for small or narrow bathrooms. They are designed to fit within a room's unused dead corner space. Many are triangular, but you can source a small corner vanity that is square or rectangular.

They are ideal for one or two-person apartments in Australia as well as ensuites off the master bedroom of a family home.

Freestanding vanities look more traditional. They are a cabinet and sink combination that stands on four legs. They are popular because you can find many different styles to suit your preferences.

Unlike wall hung vanities, freestanding vanities must support their own weight. So, although premium materials cost more, they are often well worth the investment. If the vanity cabinet is too cheap, it could collapse or topple over.

Stonebaths - Freestanding Stone Basin Unit
Stonebaths - Freestanding Stone Basin Unit

You will see vessel vanities in restaurants or trendy cafes. Vessel sinks are often a round bowl that sits on top of the vanity. You'll need tall taps with a vessel vanity which makes them look fantastic in traditional or luxurious bathrooms.

One concern people often have with vessel vanities is that they may splash more than traditional built-in sinks. Generally, this isn't the case, but it is worth considering in high water pressure areas.

A vessel vanity requires more space but works well design-wise with bathrooms that have walk-in showers or freestanding baths.

Kohler Australia - Briolette Faceted Glass Vessel Basin
Kohler Australia - Briolette Faceted Glass Vessel Basin

A sink contained within a vanity is called an undermounted vanity. Consumers love that you can't see a visible sink lip in this style. As such, the sleek design makes them perfect for modern properties and new builds.

Consider buying an undermounted vanity where the countertop is the same colour as the sink for a seamless finish. A ceramic undermounted vanity is a solid investment for your home and can boost your potential re-sale value.

Related article: 8 popular bathroom vanity materials

For a sleek and sophisticated look, an undermount choice like the Capri Vanity makes an excellent choice
For a sleek and sophisticated look, an undermount choice like the Capri Vanity makes an excellent choice

Transitioning to styles, Victorian-style bathrooms look stylish yet vintage with freestanding furniture. Traditional clawed freestanding baths and matching freestanding vanities are the ideal pair.

You could create a neo-victorian effect by teaming them with industrial style metal taps for contrast. Look for a vanity with changeable handles for a unique accent. It will be the final pièce de résistance of your Victorian bathroom.

The shaker style focuses on clean and simple lines in furniture. It won't be a cluttered bathroom, so you should have plenty of storage. Check for types of bathroom vanities that can hold large bottles and cleaning products.

Characteristics of the shaker style include panelled doors and tapered legs. As such, a freestanding vanity in maple and pine wood is suitable. Shaker style will suit a broad spectrum of interior designs, from country to minimalist styling.

Originally Hampton style was characterised by beach-inspired blue and whites. However, we're welcoming in a much warmer palate this year and moving away from the quintessential beach vibes.

Consider a vessel vanity in gentle teal tones, beiges and browns to get in on the trend. Basins could have a hint of marbled texture teamed with aged brass faucets.

A coastal style that would right at place in the Hamptons with the Keys Vanity
A coastal style that would right at place in the Hamptons with the Keys Vanity

Remove your pedestal sink and replace it with more modern vanities. A floating vanity should be at the top of your wish list if you have a modern bathroom. Crisp white interior with luxe or industrial metal tones is on-trend this year with many types of bathroom vanities.

A popular trend is an extra-wide floating vanity with a shaped mirror above for focus. You can soften the white with indoor plants such as bamboo and ferns. However, contemporary modernism has colour bursts. So don't be afraid to go colourful and contemporary.

Related article: Bathroom vanity trends - a style guide

Concrete Collective - Wall Hung Vanity
Concrete Collective - Wall Hung Vanity

Herald back to the 1920s with a vanity unit in an art deco bathroom. Art deco is renowned for its geometric shapes and bold colours. So, to make this style work, your bathroom vanity should use precise lines.

You have two choices with your art deco bathroom design. First, you could inject a sense of colour and shape into the bathroom with a fun and bright vanity. Or, keep the bathroom white and use decorations or tiles as colourful accents.

A double sink vanity is the ideal bathroom vanity for the art deco style because of the sense of symmetry.

These bathroom vanities can transform your bathroom from drab and dreary into a focal point of the design. You can play with the colours, style and decorations with these types of bathroom vanities to find what will be the perfect addition to your home.

Related article: How much does it cost to replace a bathroom vanity?

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