7 Tips to Choose a Practical Bathroom Vanity

Bathroom renovation is important and there are many details to pay attention to, yet many people overlook one key point—the bathroom vanity is used very frequently. Do not just focus on appearance, because if you choose the wrong one, replacing it later will be time-consuming and difficult. So how can you pick a vanity that is both attractive and practical? Here is a guide to help you choose a functional bathroom vanity.

1. Prefer Wall-Mounted Vanities

Traditional vanities are often floor-standing, which makes installation easy but comes with two main drawbacks:

• The bottom creates hard-to-clean corners.The legs are prone to moisture and corrosion, which looks unsightly.
• It is recommended to choose a wall-mounted vanity combined with a wall-drain design, leaving 20–30 centimeters of space beneath. This allows for easy cleaning, extra storage, and a lighter, more spacious feel.

For wall-mounted vanities, keep in mind:

• Opt for a wall-drain setup to avoid dead corners on the floor. The plumbing should be embedded in the wall during the construction stage, as modifying it later is difficult.
• Do not install on lightweight partition walls; the wall must have sufficient load-bearing capacity.

2. Choose an Integrated Ceramic Basin

Integrated ceramic basins are cost-effective, seamless, and easy to clean, reducing places where dirt and mold can accumulate. The downside is that their shapes are limited due to high-temperature manufacturing. Countertop or under-mount basins often create obvious dead corners, and the seams between the sink and countertop can discolor or mold over time.

If ceramic is not appealing or the size is unsuitable, you can opt for a custom Corian basin. It looks good, is resistant to wear and stains, non-porous, and easy to maintain. Imported Corian is more expensive, and the quality can vary, so buy according to your needs rather than following trends.

Avoid sintered stone basins, as they cannot be made in one piece. They must be glued, which limits weight capacity and increases the risk of collapse. The seams also become dirt traps over time.

Additionally, black sinks are not recommended because water spots and stains are highly visible, making maintenance troublesome.

3. Avoid Particle Board for the Cabinet

Do not choose particle board cabinets, as their moisture resistance is poor and they can easily warp in a wet environment, shortening their lifespan. Common vanity cabinet materials include plywood, HDF, and aluminum alloy.

• Plywood is usually finished with veneer or paint and can be chosen based on your style and budget.
• HDF offers better water and moisture resistance.
• Aluminum alloy is not mainstream but is sometimes used for vanities and cabinets. It is water- and fire-resistant, and reasonably priced, but can be easily scratched or dented.

4. Do Not Buy Low-Quality Hardware

Bathrooms are humid, so hardware quality is crucial. Cheap hardware corrodes, rusts, or deforms quickly. It is worth investing in reputable hardware brands. The cost is usually not high and ensures durability.

5. Choose a Mirror Cabinet for Extra Storage

Bathrooms often have limited space, and a mirror cabinet is more practical than a decorative mirror. It can store bottles and toiletries, keeping the countertop clean and organized.

6. Pick the Right Size

There are ready-made and custom vanities. Ready-made vanities have fixed dimensions, so measure your space carefully before buying. For vanities on three walls, custom options are best to ensure a proper fit.

Make sure the wall is leveled and squared before installation, otherwise uneven gaps may appear around the countertop. If the vanity is near a door, check the distance to the door frame, especially for drawers, as they may not open fully if too close.

Two solutions are:

• Use a single-side door frame so the vanity does not interfere.
• Design the cabinet to avoid the door frame.

7. Avoid Swing Doors

Vanities with swing doors are less practical because the presence of pipes reduces usable storage space, and retrieving items is inconvenient. Drawers are recommended instead, as they offer more storage, better organization, and easier access.