How to Buy a Bathroom Vanity

Bathroom vanities offer the opportunity to add some design pizzazz to an otherwise humdrum room. And they're practical, too: Of course, they provide the stable base for your sink, but they also provide closets, drawers and shelves - adding much-needed space to a sometimes cramped room. Pay Attention to Space When choosing your vanity, first consider your space: Do you have a large bathroom with plenty of room for a double-sink bathroom vanity - perfect for husbands and wives who need to get ready at the same time each morning? Or do you have a smaller space that's ideal for a traditional single-sink bathroom vanity? Once you've determined the space you have for your bathroom vanity, consider the shape you prefer. Most vanities come in the traditional, rectangular shapes, but some are square, oval or come configured as corner units. Don't make the mistake of buying a vanity that doesn't match your space - or one that makes you squeeze into the shower or onto the toilet!

One key thing to remember when choosing a vanity is height: Most bathroom vanities come in a standard, 30-inch height. But if you're particularly tall, or short, you might want to choose a bathroom vanity to suit your particular needs. Also consider the bathroom vanity's height in relation to the bathroom mirror: You'll want to have plenty of room for both your bathroom vanity and your bathroom mirror.

Double Sinks for When You're on the Go
A bathroom vanity's most important role is to house the sink - and you'll have plenty of options when it comes to selecting your sink. Double-sink bathroom vanities are great for that morning rush, when space - and time - is at a premium. Single-sink vanities can accentuate a particularly ornate sink - or a more traditional one - and, of course, offer lots of space in the cabinets below.

Self Storage
Bathroom vanities not only add a wonderful visual element to your room, but they also offer bathroom storage space, something all households need. Make sure to consider your storage needs when selecting a bathroom vanity. Some bathroom vanities have only cupboards, while others offer drawers and even towel racks. Keep in mind what your bathroom storage needs when selecting a vanity.

Bathroom Vanity Sets Keep It All Together
Finally, consider a bathroom vanity set: Instead of buying your bathroom in bits and pieces, a bathroom vanity set offers a cohesive, elegant design throughout all of your bathroom elements: sink, vanity and mirror. If your bathroom vanity is in a light oak, but your mirror is a dark-stained veneer, then your bathroom is not as visually appealing as it could be. A bathroom vanity set solves this problem because each piece is made to match the other. And a bathroom vanity set is a great value!