Bathroom vanity sinks are the focal point and highlight of any bathroom design. Choosing the right bathroom vanity ideas both creates a functional space and brings your style to life. This guide explores the latest bathroom vanity with sink designs, ideas, and trends for 2024.
Popular Bathroom Vanity Ideas
Modern and Contemporary Vanities
Clean lines, sleek surfaces, and minimal ornamentation define the modern bathroom vanity style. These contemporary creations showcase simple silhouettes and neutral colors for an elegant, uncluttered look in a neutral bathroom. Before you start looking for countertop stores, there are things you need to know.
Some trending ideas for modern vanities include:
- Floating vanities attached to the wall for a lightweight, airy aesthetic
- White quartz or grey marble countertops for an upscale yet neutral vibe
- Slim metal legs on cabinetry paired with brass hardware for subtle glamour
- Asymmetrical vanity shapes add interest and give the bathroom a gallery-like feel
- Soft-close drawers and adjustable shelving for added convenience
- Wall-mounted faucets to optimize countertop space
- LED strip lighting under cabinets or rims to add a spa-like glow
A white marble floating vanity paired with a geometric mirror and contemporary gold faucet creates a serene modern bathroom.
Traditional and Vintage Vanity Designs
For a touch of classic elegance, traditional vanity styles featuring ornamental details and gold hardware are the way to go. Vintage vanity designs also add old-world charm and a romantic atmosphere.
Some traditional and vintage vanity ideas include:
- Ornate wood vanities with fluted columns, carved legs, and trims
- Elaborate molding, medallions, and accents on cabinet doors and drawers
- Serpentine fronts, scalloped edges, or cabriole legs on cabinets
- Marble or granite countertops for natural glamour
- Distressed paint treatments and antique finishes to imitate worn well-loved furniture
- Porcelain vessel sinks or wall-mounted swan neck faucets with old-fashioned flair
- Decorative pilasters, corbels, and trim work to introduce classic architectural details
- Oil-rubbed bronze or brass hardware for an antique industrial vibe
Traditional design elements like fluted columns, oil-rubbed bronze handles, and an arched mirror give this bathroom vanity a timeless elegance.
Farmhouse and Rustic Vanities
Want your bathroom to feel cozy and welcoming? Farmhouse and rustic vanities bring natural warmth with reclaimed wood textures and cottage-style detailing.
Some popular, farmhouse bathroom and rustic vanity ideas include:
- Barn wood or reclaimed oak vanities with visible knots and natural grain patterns
- Subtle distressing and whitewashed finishes for a timeworn look
- Gilded vintage hardware like crystal knobs, keyhole backplates or ring pulls
- Handcrafted tile backsplashes or exposed brick accents
- Unlacquered brass fixtures and retired farmhouse sinks
- Open shelving with woven baskets or galvanized buckets for storage
- Wire-mesh covered doors on cabinet fronts to resemble older chicken coop doors
- Cast iron clawfoot tubs placed next to the vanity for a true vintage vibe
- Rustic wood frames around the bathroom mirror
A reclaimed wood vanity with antique brass hardware and exposed plumbing oozes farmhouse charm.
Compact and Small Bathroom Vanity Trends
Limited on space? No problem! Well-designed compact vanities optimize storage and functionality in small bathrooms.
Some smart ideas for small vanities include:
- Floating wall-mounted vanities to open up floor space
- Tower cabinets placed next to the vanity for extra storage
- Pull-out drawers with built-in organizers for hair/makeup products, medicines, etc.
- flip-down makeup counters or trays that tuck away when not in use
- Pedestal sinks that don’t require under-cabinet storage space
- Narrow depth (16-21 inches) vanities that can squeeze into tight spots
- Extending pull-out shelves below the sink to access items at the back
- Mirrored cabinets to visually double your storage
- Glass vessel sinks for a lightweight, space-saving option
- Creative use of corners with angled vanities or canted designs
This compact vanity with open shelving keeps a small powder room neat and organized.
Double Vanities
For large bathrooms, double sinks and vanities allow two people to get ready together in comfort. You also gain extra storage and sink space.
Some popular double vanity ideas:
- His and hers sink with two identical vanities placed side-by-side
- A shared extra-wide countertop on a double vanity base with two sinks
- A split style with two separate vanities and sinks divided by a walking space
- Floating double vanities with minimal legroom underneath for a streamlined look
- Coordinating vanities in different shapes placed creatively (L-shaped, angular, asymmetrical configurations)
- Contrasting finishes on each vanity cabinet (black + white, wood + marble, etc.)
- Two vanity mirrors placed close together or a single large mirror spanning the whole space
His and hers vanities allow two users to get ready together comfortably.
Popular Materials for Bathroom Vanities
The materials you choose for your vanity set the overall style, durability, and functionality. Here are some of the best options to consider:
Wood Vanities
Wood brings natural warmth and timeless elegance to any bathroom. Popular wood choices include:
- Oak: Strong and stain-resistant, with a bold grain pattern. Works for traditional or modern styles.
- Maple: Subtly grained with creamy hues. Ideal for painted or stained finishes.
- Cherry: Rich red undertones that darken beautifully over time.
- Walnut: Striking dark brown wood with straight graining. Looks luxe and modern.
- Ash: Light-colored with an open wood grain. An affordable option for DIY projects.
Stains, paints, glazes, and distressing can transform wood vanities to suit any interior design aesthetic.
Metal and Glass Vanities
For contemporary bathroom flair, metal and glass vanities have a lightweight, floating appearance. Popular choices include:
- Brass: Warm golden tones suit modern and traditional spaces alike.
- Stainless steel: A shiny, industrial look for sleek modern bathrooms.
- Powder-coated steel: Durable and available in any color. Great for kids’ or guest baths.
- Clear glass: Provides transparency and visual lightness. Fused with metals or LED lights.
- Smoked glass: Adds a soft obscuring effect. Especially stylish in black.
Stone Vanities
Natural stone exudes luxury, with each slab full of natural materials and unique veining. On-trend stones include:
- Marble: Elegant white or gray tones with dramatic veins. Requires sealing.
- Quartzite: Understated and earthy. More stain-resistant than marble.
- Soapstone: Smoother than marble with great heat retention. Darkens over time.
- Granite: Speckled stone perfect for traditional vanities. Holds up to heavy use.
- Limestone: Neutral, sandy coloration. Gains character as it ages.
Concrete and Fiberglass
Super-durable and affordable alternatives to natural stone vanities include:
- Concrete: Available in any color and can mimic a stone look. Customizable thicknesses.
- Fiberglass: Easy to clean, mold-resistant, and scratch-proof. Flexible for curved shapes.
Countertop Materials
Your countertop should be water-resistant, durable, and fit the style of your vanity. Popular choices include:
Quartz
Made from crushed stone and resin for a luxe solid surface look. Stain- and scratch-resistant.
Laminate
Budget-friendly and easy to maintain. Huge range of patterns, textures, and colors.
Marble
Natural elegance with unique veining in each slab. Requires regular sealing.
Butcher block
Warm, traditional look. Maple and walnut are common woods used.
Tile
Create a custom mosaic or geometric shape. Grout requires sealing for water resistance.
Concrete
Industrial chic. It can be stained, scored, or polished into different finishes.
Stainless steel
Sleek and modern with a commercial kitchen vibe. Shows water spots easily.
When selecting countertop materials, consider your lifestyle, usage, and overall design vision. A quartz or quartzite countertop offers resilient luxury, while a marble countertop makes a glamorous impression. Wood butcher block brings vintage character, or expresses your creativity through ceramic tile.
Choosing Bathroom Vanity Cabinets
The cabinetry contains the bulk of your bathroom storage and makes up the main body of the vanity. As you shop, keep these tips in mind:
- Test doors, shelves, and hardware for smooth opening and closing. Look for soft-closing mechanisms.
- The optimal depth is 20-22 inches. Too shallow limits storage space. Too deep is hard to access.
- Adjustable shelves, trays, and drawers maximize usable storage for towels, toiletries, etc.
- Quality joinery is essential – avoid cheap particleboard cabinets prone to swelling.
- Match cabinet finishes to other details like faucets, lighting, and hardware.
- Open shelving provides tidy display space in modern and farmhouse baths.
- For small bathrooms, consider space-saving corner cabinets or tall tower units.
- Drawers should be solid wood rather than flimsy wireframes. Fully extending drawers are the most functional.
By selecting quality vanity cabinets tailored to your space, you can maximize both style and storage capacity. Take time to inspect construction and test functionality while browsing options. Sturdy cabinets protect your belongings and become a seamless part of your designed bathroom space.
Stylish Bathroom Vanity Sinks
An eye-catching sink is the focal point of your vanity. Available in a range of materials and mounting options, consider which suits your space best.
Vessel sinks – Sit atop the vanity countertop. Made from glass, stone, ceramic, or metals. Modern and vintage styles.
Undermount sinks – Installed below the countertop for a sleek contemporary look. Common in solid surface countertops like quartz.
Drop-in sinks – The most common type. Top-mount sinks drop into a cutout hole in the countertop.
Wall-mounted sinks – Attached directly to the wall for a minimal footprint. Great for small bathrooms.
Pedestal sinks – Stand independently on a single base. No storage but maximize floor space.
Corner sinks – Optimize unused space in corners. Angled designs conserve room.
Choose sink shapes and sizes to complement your vanity style. Vessel sinks make a statement in contemporary baths, while traditional styles may favor an ornate ceramic under-mount sink. Remember to account for clearance – some vessel sinks require very tall faucets.
Bathroom Vanity Mirror Ideas
A well-placed mirror expands the vanity area visually, reflects light, and completes the look above your chosen bathroom sink well.
- For contemporary styling, a single oversized rectangular mirror has a graphic impact.
- Frameless mirrors have clean lines and keep the focus on your reflection.
- Antique vanity mirrors with ornate frames suit traditional bathrooms.
- Circle or oval mirrors provide a softer shape for zen-like bathrooms.
- Creative-shaped mirrors like stars, sunbursts, or curved frames add artistic flair.
- Tilting mirrors that adjust vertically expand functionality for users of all heights.
- Lighted mirrors with built-in LED lighting create a movie star glamour aesthetic.
- Mirrored medicine cabinets offer concealed storage behind the looking glass.
Get creative and place mirrors across from windows or other reflective surfaces for an infinitely spacious sensibility. Then sculpt the perfect vanity vignette with artful sconces, flowers, and decor.
Bathroom Vanity Lighting Ideas
Proper bathroom lighting should be both beautiful and functional. Lighting highlights your vanity design and enables easy grooming.
Pendant lights – Suspended single pendants or chandeliers make a stylish statement.
Sconces – Mounted on side walls, sconces provide warm, focused task lighting.
LED strips – Use under cabinets, inside glass shelves, or lining the mirror for an ambient glow.
Overhead – Ceiling flush mounts or semi-flush fixtures give even overhead light distribution.
Recessed – Sunken can lights focus directional illumination without clutter.
Windows – Strategically placed windows draw in glowing natural light.
Dimmers – Control brightness and ambiance with dimmer switches.
Combine several lighting sources such as pendants, sconces, and recessed lights together for well-rounded coverage appropriate for makeup, grooming, and self-care. Place your vanity near a window whenever possible, and supplement it with adjustable fixtures.
Tips for Organizing Bathroom Vanity Storage
Once your dream vanity is installed, make sure to fully utilize all the storage space. Follow these tips:
- Categorize each drawer. Assign purposes like makeup, hair care, first aid, etc. Use organizers and trays
- Tiered storage. Place most-used items in top drawers and lesser-used items in lower drawers.
- Maximize corner space. Use lazy susans or angled organizers in corner cabinets.
- Try pull-out storage. Install slide-out trays and racks to access items at the back.
- Use door-mounted storage. Add hooks or mesh pockets to the inside of cabinet doors.
- Try under-sink movable caddies. Access what you need without digging around pipes.
- Take advantage of vertical space. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets give you more room for towels, supplies, etc.
- Edit regularly. Remove unused products to avoid clutter accumulating over time.
- Add lighting. Install battery-operated puck lights in deeper drawers for visibility.
- Consider your daily routine. Keep items you use most frequently handy near the sink basin.
Optimizing your bathroom vanity storage not only keeps your space tidy but also makes your daily grooming routine more efficient. A place for everything ensures everything stays in its place.
An Interior Designer recommends incorporating closed storage areas with open shelving to strike the perfect balance between hiding necessities and displaying cherished accessories.
During your bathroom renovation, make sure to allow for ample towel storage in or around the vanity. Bins, shelves, and hooks keep towels neatly organized.
For easy cleaning, many contemporary bathrooms now feature sleek wall-mounted faucets. Elle Decor predicts this will continue to be a top trend.
Wrap-Up
The vanity sets both the ambiance and functionality of your dream bathroom. By selecting the perfect countertop, sink, faucet, lighting, and storage components, you can create a beautiful white bathroom and centerpiece tailored to your needs.
Remember to keep sightlines clean, layer in both hard and soft textures, optimize storage conveniences and customize the space with personal accents. With the trending styles and design tricks above, you’re sure to achieve bathroom vanity nirvana.
Here’s to a chic, welcoming bathroom oasis you’ll happily retreat to each day. May your fresh vanity design provide joy and renewal for many years to come!
