The vanity is one of the most important parts of remodelling your bathroom. A bathroom vanity is both a useful and aesthetically pleasing focal point, making a big difference in how the space looks and can be used. But a lot of people make mistakes when they are choosing and installing, which can cost a lot to fix or give them bad results.
We have put together a list of 10 common bathroom vanity mistakes and how to avoid them so that your remodelling goes smoothly.
Choosing the Wrong Size Vanity
Most of the time, people remodeling their bathrooms make the mistake of choosing the wrong-sized vanity. People often pick out a vanity based only on style, without thinking about how much room they have.
Measure Space: Before picking a vanity, you should always get exact measurements of the bathroom space. Not only the floor space, but also the door swing, drawer pullouts, and any features like the toilet or shower that are close by.
Moving Space: Think about how people will move through the bathroom. Ensure there is enough room for everyone to walk around without running into the sink.
Neglecting Storage Needs
A vanity’s utility, especially regarding storage, is often overlooked by homeowners who care too much about its appearance. If your vanity doesn’t have enough room for your toiletries, towels, and other bathroom necessities, it might not be useful.
Evaluate Your Storage Needs: Figure out how much storage space you need before you buy a desk. Do you need more space for makeup? Shelves for your towels? Think about cabinets with built-in storage that fit how you live.
Balance Between Style and Function: Look for good vanities with a lot of room for storage. A useful cabinet can help you keep your bathroom clean and organized.
Improper Sink and Faucet Placement
The vanity sink and faucet are very important to how the bathroom works as a whole, and putting them in the wrong place can cause big problems. If the sink is too deep or shallow, or the faucet aren’t lined up right, water can splash or be hard to use.
Consider Sink Type: You should choose an under-mount, vessel, or drop-in sink and make sure the countertop can accommodate that type of sink.
Faucet’s Height and Reach: To keep water from splashing, ensure your tap is the right size for your sink. It’s also important to ensure the tap can reach the bowl.
Ignoring the Bathroom Style
If your desk doesn’t go with the rest of your decor, it can make the room feel unfinished. The vanity should match the style of the room, whether you want a modern, classic, or simple look.
Match Vanity to your Decor: Think about the colors, materials, and general style of your bathroom. For instance, a sleek and simple vanity might not look good in a traditional or rural bathroom.
Coordinate with other Elements: Look at the room and ensure the vanity fits in with the floors, tiles, and wall colors.
Overlooking Material Durability
Since bathrooms have a lot of water and humidity, it’s important to pick the right materials for your cabinet. Some homeowners put price or style over longevity, only to find that their vanity starts to warp, peel, or break down over time.
Choose Moisture-Resistant Materials: Choose cabinets made of materials that can handle the damp conditions in the bathroom. You can choose solid wood, MDF with a nice finish, or PVC.
Invest in Quality Hardware: Watch out for the handles, hinges, and drawer slides, among other things. These should last a long time and be able to handle being used a lot.
Improper Lighting Around the Vanity
Lighting is an important part of bathroom remodeling. Not enough lighting can make grooming tasks like shaving or putting on makeup harder and make your vanity look less aesthetic.
Install Task Lighting: Ensure the area around the sink has bright lighting. Wall lamps or LED mirrors can give off just the right amount of light.
Avoid Shadows: Put the lights on either side of the makeup mirror instead of directly above it so that they don’t cast shadows on your face.
Neglecting Vanity Height
Choosing the wrong vanity height can lead to discomfort during everyday use. If the vanity is too low, you may have to bend over too much, leading to strain, while a vanity that’s too high can make tasks like washing hands or brushing teeth awkward.
Standard Heights: Most vanities are around 32-36 inches in height. Pick one that suits your needs and the height of your bathroom users.
Consider Customization: If you have specific height preferences or taller/shorter users in the household, consider customizing the vanity height for better ergonomics.
Ignoring Plumbing Configurations
Failing to consider the existing plumbing layout can lead to costly adjustments or installation delays. If the vanity doesn’t align with the current plumbing setup, you’ll need to move pipes, which adds time and expense to your renovation.
Check Plumbing Location: Before purchasing a vanity, confirm where your water supply and drain lines are located to ensure compatibility.
Plan Ahead: If your dream vanity requires moving plumbing, factor this into the budget and timeline to avoid surprises during installation.
Forgetting About Mirror Size
Installing a mirror that’s too small or too large can disrupt the balance of the vanity area and impact both functionality and aesthetics. A small mirror can make daily tasks like grooming difficult, while an oversized mirror can overwhelm the vanity space.
Proportionate Sizing: Ideally, the mirror should be slightly narrower than the vanity, allowing for a balanced look. A common guideline is for the mirror to be 2-4 inches smaller than the vanity width.
Consider Functionality: Ensure the mirror is large enough to serve practical purposes, like providing a clear view for shaving, applying makeup, or styling hair.
Failing to Seal Countertop
Not sealing your vanity countertop, especially if it’s made of porous materials like marble or granite, can lead to serious issues like water damage, staining, or mold growth. Unsealed countertops are vulnerable to absorbing moisture, which can cause long-term deterioration.
Seal Porous Materials: Countertops made from natural stone or wood must be properly sealed to prevent water absorption and staining. Reapply sealant periodically to maintain protection.
Prevent Damage: Sealing helps protect the countertop from daily wear and tear, ensuring it stays looking new and lasts longer in a humid bathroom environment.
Conclusion
If you want to avoid these common mistakes during your bathroom vanity, you can make the difference between a successful and a frustrating one.
We’re here at Golden Elite Deco Centre to help you with every part of your renovation. Our huge selection of bathroom vanities and professional help will ensure your job goes smoothly from beginning to end.
