Written by
27 June 2022
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5 min read
A bathroom vanity is a highly visible piece of bathroom furniture that sees a lot of daily activity from all members of the household. The chosen material for the bathroom vanity is therefore hugely important as it touches on both aspects of function and style. Understanding the different options available as well as their pros and cons will help you make the most appropriate choice for your bathroom when the time comes.
Natural wood, sometimes referred to as solid wood or real wood, is a premium material for many projects that offers a timeless look. It creates warmth and strong associations with nature and is a popular bathroom vanity trend for 2022.
Related article: 10 versatile bathroom vanity ideas
Once used exclusively in industrial design, concrete is now considered a versatile and even elegant bathroom material. It is still a unique and bold choice, though is increasingly becoming popular in residential bathroom designs.
Like wood, natural stone is a material that actually refers to a wide variety of materials. This includes quartz on the more expensive end and slate on the more affordable end. Also like wood, it brings in strong sentiments to the natural world, albeit in a slightly more bold form.
Yes, marble does fall under the category of natural stone. However, as a very popular material for luxury and designer bathrooms, it deserves its own closer examination.
Related article: Tips for your luxury bathroom renovation
Given that 90% of Australians are now looking for more sustainable ways to shop, it would be remiss to leave rattan off the list. Not only does rattan add the much loved post-modern flair to any design, but it is also made of quickly growing vines, rather than tree trunks, making it a more sustainable option.
You may remember the laminate bathroom vanity tops of the 1960s and 1970s that often came in unsightly pastels. Fortunately, laminate, a combination of plastic and particle board or plywood, has come a long way and is regarded as one of the best bathroom vanity materials on a budget.
Porcelain is a bathroom vanity material you'll find in both modern and historic Australian homes. It provides a delicate beauty to any bathroom and is often regarded as a more affordable and stylish alternative to marble or quartz.
Engineered stone is a solid surface alternative to natural stone. Engineered stone is made out of a combination of crushed natural stone and acrylic resin and can be found in a wide variety of colours and natural-looking patterns.
Related article: Bathroom vanity trends: a style guide
Bathroom renovations can boost the value and sustainability of your home while creating a more luxurious or aesthetically pleasing aesthetic. Choosing the right bathroom vanity materials can set the tone and meet your day-to-day needs in the short and long term. It can sometimes be a difficult choice but the more you understand and know about each choice, the better your final decision will be.