Many people may be unaware of what exactly a vanity unit is, but that doesn’t mean the answer is complicated. To give you some insight, we'll explain what a vanity unit is, its uses, and how to find the right one for your bathroom.
What is a Vanity Unit?
There is a good chance that you know what a vanity unit is, but just haven’t heard that specific term before. Quite simply, a vanity unit combines the functions of a sink basin and storage space into one piece of furniture. Vanity units are a versatile piece of bathroom furniture, fitting seamlessly into any style of bathroom. If you have a larger bathroom, you could opt for a much bigger vanity unit to act as the decorative cornerstone of the room. If you have limited space, a smaller vanity unit will offer useful and effective storage solution.
Choosing the Right Vanity Unit for Your Bathroom
In many UK bathrooms, space is at a premium. This makes storage tricky, especially in a family bathroom. One solution, is to utilise the underused sink space and replace it with a vanity unit. Here’s what you need to consider when choosing the right vanity unit for your bathroom:
Size
Some vanity units can be quite large. In smaller bathrooms or en suites, these designs can dominate the room and take up too much space. Based on the size of your bathroom, pick a vanity unit with the right width and depth to accommodate what you want to store without taking up all the available space. Remember that fittings in your bathroom shouldn’t become obstacles. A poorly chosen vanity unit can hinder the usability of your bathroom and diminish its relaxing atmosphere.
Style
A vanity unit should complement the look and feel of the bathroom it’s in. There are numerous finishes available, from natural wood to matte black, so it’s possible to find a vanity unit that matches your bathroom’s décor. For smaller rooms, lighter finishes like gloss white can make the space feel airy and create the illusion of extra room. Especially when coupled with a good-sized mirror.
Features
After deciding on size and finish, consider the functionality of the unit. Many vanity units can be wall-mounted or freestanding. Think about whether you need the additional space below the unit. It needs to be clear for a bin or wash basket, or if more drawers would be beneficial.
Most vanity units come with a basin fitted, and there are options for designs with more than one basin. For example, his and hers basins can create a more opulent bathroom, while a single basin is ideal if space is limited. Ensure that everything you want to store in the unit will fit. You can then decide whether you prefer items to be hidden away. If so, the extra space a freestanding unit offers might be more beneficial than a wall-mounted option.
Style Choices
Vanity units can serve a purely aesthetic purpose by keeping pipes and plumbing work out of sight while providing a multifaceted approach to decorating based on the size of your bathroom. There are a range of styles and sizes to suit your needs, from large units for ample storage to smaller units for limited spaces. A sleek white unit offers a clean, minimalist look, while a classic wooden unit adds rustic charm. For a modern touch, consider an ultra-modern wall-hung unit that maximises space without compromising on style.
Using a vanity unit doesn’t limit your other storage options. It can be coupled with shelves or bathroom cabinets without detracting from the overall look and feel of the room. A vanity unit can form a major part of your bathroom furniture, adding additional storage and functionality to a sink and effectively tying storage and bathroom fixtures together.
