Bathroom Vanity Styles and Types

Bathroom vanities are furniture pieces or fixtures typically consisting of a sink, countertop, and storage space. Selecting the right bathroom vanity styles and types for your bathroom is crucial to achieving functionality and aesthetic appeal. This entails matching the vanity style to your bathroom space, ensuring it serves its purpose, and enhancing the overall ambiance. 

Bathroom vanities’ unique designs and decorations become a focal point in bathrooms, adding character and personality to the room’s ambiance. These standout vanities often feature intricate details, premium materials, or innovative storage solutions. 

In the following, there are 14 vanity styles and types listed: 

• Traditional Vanities
• Modern Vanities
• Transitional Vanities
• Farmhouse Vanities
• Industrial Vanities
• Wall-Mounted Vanities
• Freestanding Vanities
• Corner Vanities
• Double Sink Vanities
• Vessel Sink Vanities
• Undermount Sink Vanities
• Pedestal Sink Vanities
• Cabinet Vanities
• Custom Vanities

Traditional Vanities

Traditional vanities have a classic charm and timeless elegance. They are typically crafted from sturdy materials like solid wood, such as oak, cherry, or mahogany, which contribute to their durability and longevity. Intricate detailing, such as raised panel doors, decorative moldings, and ornate hardware, is often featured and adds to their aesthetic appeal. 

Traditional vanities’ finishes range from rich stains to painted finishes in hues like white, cream, or antique black. They enhance the traditional look, which is why they go well with traditional or vintage-inspired bathroom settings. In these settings, they evoke a sense of warmth and sophistication. 

Traditional vanities offer a lot of storage through drawers, cabinets, shelving, built-in sinks, and countertops. 

Installing traditional vanities is usually straightforward but can depend on the design and size of the vanity. Traditional vanities do need space considerations, as they tend to be larger and could require clearance around them for comfortable use. 

Plumbing requirements could be needed if the vanity has a sink, plumbing requirements could be needed. In this case, careful planning for sink fixtures and drain connections could be needed to ensure proper alignment and functionality. 

Traditional vanities are best in bathrooms with classic or vintage décor styles. There, they can serve as focal points or anchor pieces. They look particularly good in spacious bathrooms with ample floor space, where their decorative details shine. 

Standard features in traditional vanities are decorative hardware, such as brass or bronze knobs and handle, raised panel doors with intricate designs, or ornamental accents like carved feet or molding. Some traditional vanities may offer marble or granite countertop upgrades for added luxury.  

Modern Vanities

Modern vanities are characterized by sleek, minimalistic designs. They are often made from glass, metal, and engineered wood. Typically, they have a matte or glossy finish and come in colors ranging from neutral tones to bold hues. 

Aesthetically, modern vanities are the best additions to a contemporary bathroom, as they prioritize clean lines and geometric shapes. 

A prominent feature of modern vanities is their functionality. They entail features like soft-close drawers, integrated sinks, and hidden storage compartments to maximize usability. Their space-efficient designs make them suitable for smaller bathrooms or minimalist designs. 

Their installation is usually straightforward and independent of the vanity’s design and size. 

Plumbing requirements differ based on the design, but they often include space-saving features like wall-mounted faucets or vessel sinks, which require planning. Their versatility allows them to fit well into residential and commercial settings, adding a touch of sophistication. 

Some common features of modern vanities are LED lighting, integrated mirrors, and innovative storage solutions like pull-out shelves or built-in organizers. 

Modern vanities are a popular choice for contemporary bathroom design because of their style and functionality. 

Transitional Vanities

Transitional Vanities blend traditional and contemporary elements, offering a versatile and timeless design. They are often made from a mix of materials such as wood, marble, and metal, combining warm and cool tones for a balanced aesthetic. Finishes that are often used are classic wood stains and brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze accents. 

Transitional vanities are often a mix of elegance and simplicity, featuring clean lines softened by decorative details like beveled edges or raised paneling. This design variety allows them to fit into a range of bathrooms. 

An important feature is functionality, taking the contemporary elements of modern vanities. Transitional vanities offer ample storage options through drawers, cabinets, and open shelving. They are designed to be easy to install and have the option of freestanding or wall-mounted configurations, allowing transitional vanities to accommodate different space constraints. 

Transitional vanities have standard plumbing requirements and come with undermount or drop-in sink options. They are well-suited for medium to large bathrooms and add a touch of sophistication. 

Standard features of transitional vanities are soft-close drawers, adjustable shelves, and decorative hardware like brushed nickel or antique brass pulls. 

Transitional vanities blend classic elegance and modern convenience, making them popular for versatile bathroom designs. 

Farmhouse Vanities

Farmhouse vanities embrace rustic charm and simplicity. They are often made of wood or reclaimed materials like barn wood to evoke a sense of authenticity. Typically, they have distressed finishes like weathered oak or whitewash. These finishes enhance their vintage appeal. 

Typical colors are earthy and subdued, with natural wood tones or muted hues like grey, white, or sage green. Through their colors and design, they exude a cozy and inviting atmosphere. 

Farmhouse vanities are very functional. They offer generous storage options like deep drawers, open shelving, and slatted doors, which remind you of classic barn doors. They are easy to install and come with freestanding or wall-mounted configuration options. 

Farmhouse vanities have standard plumbing requirements, with undermount or vessel sink options to complement the rustic aesthetic. They fit the best into medium to large bathrooms and add a nice rustic touch to traditional and contemporary spaces. 

Standard features of farmhouse vanities include farmhouse-style sinks, decorative metal hardware like iron knobs or handles, and distressed finishes for an aged look. 

Farmhouse vanities evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia in bathrooms. This makes them popular for cozy and inviting bathroom designs. 

Industrial Vanities

Industrial vanities have a rugged and utilitarian design. They are often crafted from metal, wood, and concrete, evoking a raw, warehouse-inspired aesthetic and a sturdy, industrial-chic appearance. 

Popular finishes for industrial vanities are distressed or brushed metal surfaces and matte or distressed wood finishes, which contribute to the industrial look. The colors for industrial vanities are normally neutral and muted, including tones like grey, black, and brown. They complement the industrial aesthetic and create a cohesive look with other industrial-inspired décor elements. 

Their minimalist design and raw materials exude a rugged and edgy vibe. Some frequent features are clean lines, exposed hardware, and practical details like rivets or metal accents, which add to their industrial appeal. 

A key aspect of industrial vanities is functionality. They offer practical storage solutions for bathroom essentials like open shelving, wire baskets, or metal drawers. They also provide ample space for towels, toiletries, and other items. 

Industrial vanities are easy to install, with freestanding or wall-mounted design options. They fit into various-sized bathrooms, from compact powder rooms to spacious master baths. They add an industrial-chic touch to any space. 

These vanities require standard plumbing. To complement the industrial aesthetic, they have options for undermount or vessel sinks. 

Common features of industrial vanities are exposed piping, distressed wood or metal accents, and industrial-style hardware like drawer pulls or handles. Other included features can be built-in features like towel racks or built-in lighting. 

Industrial vanities are versatile and stylish additions to any bathroom, offering practical storage and urban-inspired aesthetics. 

Wall-Mounted Vanities

Wall-mounted vanities are a sleek and space-saving option for modern bathrooms. Their contemporary design adds a touch of sophistication to any space. Some materials used for them often include wood, engineered wood, or metal for the frame and cabinet construction. This offers durability and support for the vanity. 

Common finishes are glossy or matte paint and wood veneers or laminates. This diversity allows for different aesthetics and styles. Colors often used for these vanities are usually neutral and versatile, including white, black, grey, and natural wood tones. This color scheme allows them to blend seamlessly into different bathroom styles. 

Wall-mounted vanities exude a clean and minimalist vibe. They create an illusion of spaciousness through their sleek lines and floating appearance. Their contemporary look complements modern bathroom designs, which makes them perfect for urban apartments or smaller bathrooms. 

A key aspect of wall-mounted vanities is functionality. They provide a lot of storage while taking up only a little space. They often include drawers, cabinets, or open shelving. 

Wall-mounted vanities are usually easy to install. However, to prevent accidents or damage, proper anchoring to the wall study or a solid mounting surface is important. 

Space considerations need to be made. It is important to make sure there is enough space for installation and clearance around the vanity for easy access and functionality. But they are still the most suitable for smaller bathrooms. 

There are standard plumbing requirements for wall-mounted vanities. They have options for above-counter or undermount sinks to accommodate design preferences. 

Standard features of wall-mounted vanities are soft-close drawers or doors, integrated handles or pulls, and minimalist hardware for a streamlined look. 

Wall-mounted vanities are a stylish and space-saving solution for modern bathrooms. They combine practicality with contemporary design aesthetics. 

Freestanding Vanities

Freestanding vanities are standalone units that are not attached to the wall. They come in various materials, finishes, and styles to suit different preferences and bathroom aesthetics. Materials that are often used range from wood to metal and stone. These materials offer durability and customization. 

Popular finishes include natural wood stains, painted finishes, and glossy or matte coatings. Colors can range from neutral to bold, including white, grey, espresso, or natural wood tones. The colors can differ depending on the desired aesthetic. 

They offer a classic, elegant appearance with traditional, transitional, or contemporary style options. Decorate features, like carved accents, raised panels, or shaker-style doors, are often featured. 

Functionality is given through a lot of space, including drawers, cabinets, or open shelves. 

Generally, freestanding vanities are easy to install as they require essential tools and plumbing skills. This allows for flexibility in the design and layout of the bathroom. Clearance does need to be considered for door swings and traffic flow. 

Standard plumbing requirements exist, with different options for undermount, vessel, or drop-in sinks. The vanities may feature pre-drilled faucet holes or space for wall-mounted faucets. Ample floor space is recommendable for freestanding vanities, making them a focal point and functional storage solution. 

Common features include decorative hardware, soft-close drawers, and adjustable shelves. Some may also include integrated sinks or countertop options like marble or quartz. 

Freestanding vanities are versatile and stylish. They offer practical storage and timeless aesthetics. 

Corner Vanities

Corner vanities are designed to maximize space in smaller bathrooms or awkward layouts by utilizing unused corner areas. Materials can include wood, MDF, metal, and stone, offering durability and customization. 

Popular finishes include natural wood stains, painted finishes, and glossy or matte coatings. Colors can range from neutral to bold, including white, espresso, natural wood tones, navy blue, or black.

Corner vanities have a unique and efficient aesthetic. They often have angular shapes and compact profiles. 

They provide space for bathroom essentials by optimizing the functionality and available space. 

They are generally easy to install, requiring only basic tools and plumbing skills. They can be freestanding or wall-mounted. Proper anchoring is only important for stability and safety.  

Standard plumbing requirements include options for undermount, vessel, or drop-in sinks. They could also feature pre-drilled faucet holes or space for wall-mounted faucets. 

Corner vanities are ideal for bathrooms with limited space or awkward layouts. Standard features include compact dimensions, space-saving design, and efficient storage usage. 

Corner vanities are versatile and practical additions to any bathroom. 

Double Sink Vanities

Double-sink vanities are designed to accommodate two sinks, making them ideal for shared bathrooms or master suites. Common materials are wood, MDF, metal, and stone. 

Common finishes include natural wood stains, painted finishes, and glossy or matte coatings. They come in various colors: white, beige, grey, navy blue, or black. 

Double sink vanities offer a luxurious and functional focal point in the bathroom. They are often symmetrical designs with matching sinks and mirrors, creating a balanced and cohesive look. 

They provide separate spaces for each user while utilizing the available storage,  making them high-functioning. 

Professional installation could be required as they are large and heavy, although they can be installed with basic tools and plumbing skills. It is important to ensure proper anchoring and support for stability and safety. 

Standard plumbing requirements exist, with options for undermount, vessel, or drop-in sinks. The sinks can also have pre-drilled faucet holes or space for wall-mounted faucets. 

They fit the best into spacious bathrooms. They serve as a focal point in the room, providing style and functionality for everyday use. 

Standard features include spacious countertops, multiple sinks, and ample storage options. They can also include integrated mirrors, lighting fixtures, or features like built-in charging stations or vanity seating. 

Double-sink vanities are practical and stylish and offer versatility and luxury for shared spaces. 

Vessel Sink Vanities

Vessel sink vanities have above-counter sinks that sit on top of the vanity countertop. Common materials for vessel sinks include wood, metal, glass, and stone. 

Popular finishes are natural wood stains, painted finishes, and glossy or matte coatings. Colors can be neutral or bold hues. 

They exude a contemporary and luxurious vibe, elevating the look of the bathroom. The above sinks are a focal point and bold statement, adding visual interest and sophistication. 

Functionally, they offer a stylish aesthetic but may need more storage space. They often feature drawers, cabinets, or open shelving. 

They are easy to install, requiring only basic plumbing skills and tools. However, proper installation is crucial to ensure stability and prevent leaks.

Vessel sinks work well in spacious bathrooms where aesthetics are prioritized, but they can require more space than usual. 

Specific plumbing requirements need to be considered due to the above-counter sinks. The plumbing fixtures need to be compatible with vessel sinks. 

Modern and contemporary styled bathrooms are best suited for vessel sink vanities. These vanities work best when they are the focal point of a bathroom. 

Standard features include spacious countertops, above-counter sinks, and storage options like drawers and cabinets. 

Undermount Sink Vanities

Undermount sink vanities have sinks mounted beneath the countertop, providing a sleek and seamless look. Commonly used materials are wood, engineered wood, stone, and composite. 

They come in various finishes, such as natural wood stains, painted finishes, and laminate coatings. The color options range from neutral tones to bold hues. They allow for customization to match different décor styles and preferences. 

They offer a clean and streamlined aesthetic through their seamlessly integrated sinks. This allows for a cohesive look and enhances the overall elegance of the bathroom space. 

Functionally, they provide ample storage space. The undermount sinks maximize the usable countertop space and include drawers, cabinets, and open shelving options. 

They require professional installation due to the countertop fabrication and sink mounting process. Proper installation ensures a secure and water-tight seal between the countertop and sink. 

Specific plumbing considerations are often required to accommodate the undermount sinks. The plumbing fixtures like faucets and drains must be compatible with undermount sinks. 

The versatile design of undermount sink vanities fits into a range of décor styles, such as traditional, transitional, and contemporary. 

Standard features include spacious countertops, undermount sinks, and storage options. Undermount sink vanities have a sleek and seamless look, making them ideal for clean and sophisticated-looking bathrooms. 

Pedestal Sink Vanities

Pedestal sink vanities are elegant fixtures with freestanding pedestals supporting a basin. Typical materials include vitreous china, porcelain, or fireclay. These materials offer durability and resistance against stains and scratches. 

Popular finishes are glossy white, matte, or colored. These give a versatile look while complementing various bathroom décor styles. Commonly used colors include white, black, biscuit, or off-white. 

Pedestal sink vanities exude a classic and traditional aesthetic. They add a touch of elegance to any bathroom. 

They are functional and well-suited for smaller bathrooms, as they don’t offer any storage options. This minimalist design allows for easy cleaning and maintenance. 

Pedestal sink vanities are relatively easy to install. The two considerations are anchoring the pedestal to the floor and attaching the basin. There are no space considerations. 

Simple plumbing requirements need to be fulfilled. The plumbing connections need to be compatible with the pedestal sink’s design and dimensions. Concealed plumbing could be required for a clean look. Standard features include a pedestal base, pre-drilled faucet holes, and overflow protection. 

Pedestal sink vanities are more of an aesthetical addition than functional, as they bring elegance to a room but do not offer any storage. 

Cabinet Vanities

Cabinet vanities are versatile fixtures that blend style and functionality in bathroom spaces. Typical materials are wood, engineered wood, metal, and stone. 

Various finishes can be used, including natural wood stains, painted finishes, and glossy or matte coatings. Some standard colors range from neutral tones to bolder hues, allowing customization to suit various bathroom décor styles. 

They often feature a classic and elegant aesthetic through decorative features like carved accents, raised panels, or shaker-style doors. 

Cabinet vanities are functional and provide ample storage options. They are easy to install as they only require essential tools and plumbing skills. However, space considerations should be made to ensure proper clearance for door swings and traffic flow. 

Standard plumbing requirements exist, with options for undermount, vessel, or drop-in sinks. They can have pre-drilled faucet holes or space for wall-mounted faucets. 

Cabinet vanities are best suited for medium to large bathrooms, where they serve as functional focal points. They are suitable for traditional and contemporary bathroom settings, as they have a timeless aesthetic and practical storage solutions. 

Common features are decorative hardware, soft-close drawers, adjustable shelves, and integrated sinks or countertop options. 

Custom Vanities

Custom vanities offer a tailored solution for homeowners seeking personalized design and functionality in their bathroom spaces. Materials used for these vanities are solid wood, reclaimed wood, metal, glass, and stone. The materials can be selected based on durability, aesthetics, and sustainability preferences. 

There are virtually unlimited finish options for custom vanities. Homeowners can choose from various stains, paints, lacquers, and specialty finishes. The same variety goes for colors. Homeowners can choose from any kind of color they want. 

A big purpose of custom bathroom vanities is to reflect the homeowner’s unique style and preferences. This means that aesthetically, they can follow any style. 

They are built to meet the homeowner’s specific functional needs, including integrated storage solutions, adjustable shelving, hidden compartments, built-in lighting, or specialized organization systems. 

Due to their unique design and construction, custom vanities may require professional installation. They are designed to fit seamlessly into a designated space within the bathroom, making them ideal for specific space constraints or irregular layouts. 

During the design process, plumbing requirements are already considered, making them an ideal fit for existing plumbing. 

Custom vanities are best suited for homeowners who desire a unique and personalized bathroom. They are ideal for individuals who want to express their style and preferences. 

Standard features are custom drawer pulls, knobs, decorative molding or trim, integrated lighting options, custom countertop materials, and unique hardware accents. 

Matching Vanity Styles and Types to Your Space

It is important to choose the right vanity for bathroom renovation because matching the vanity styles to the type of your space ensures that your bathroom creates visual interest. The correct bathroom vanity type choice transforms your bathroom’s look and functionality. 

Assess Your Bathroom Space

Consider size, layout, and existing décor. For example, wall-mounted vanities, corner vanities, and pedestal sink vanities work best in small spaces, while double-sink vanities and freestanding vanities are better suited for larger bathrooms. 

Depending on your bathroom design, you must use different materials, finishes, and colors to achieve a cohesive design. You should use consistent materials throughout the bathroom, pair different textures within the same material family, and choose materials that are suited for the bathroom environment. 

You should choose matching finishes, use contrast strategically, and use a consistent finish type in your bathroom. At the same time, you should establish a cohesive color scheme, add accent colors, and coordinate your colors with fixtures. 

By following these steps, your bathroom will have a unified, harmonized, personalized, and seamless look. 

Then, it is important to consider the bathroom’s traffic flow and usage patterns when choosing a vanity. A more oversized vanity in a bigger bathroom could be better if you use the bathroom quite often. At the same time, a smaller vanity maximizing as much space as possible is better for smaller bathrooms with space restraints. 

Now, it is important to consider how much storage you need and how easily the vanity is supposed to be used. Depending on the answer, you will need different vanity types. While many vanities offer a lot of storage, some do not prioritize it, e.g., pedestal sink vanities and vessel sink vanities. You may need more traditional, transitional, or modern vanities if you’re using that space as a family, as you require more storage. 

Customize Your Bathroom Vanity

Custom solutions for your bathroom vanity may be necessary if you have unique spaces or specific design requirements. Custom vanities are designed to fit certain spaces perfectly. 

Custom bathroom vanities enable you to determine the vanity dimensions, materials, and storage configurations according to your needs. They offer other benefits, such as personalized design, functionality, finish, and color configurations. 

Transform your bathroom into a tailored retreat by embracing custom vanities’ versatility and personalized touch. 

Conclusion for Bathroom Vanity Styles and Types

Choosing the right vanity style and type for your bathroom is crucial for aesthetics and functionality. Whether you opt for traditional, modern, farmhouse, freestanding, corner, double sink, vessel, or undermount sink vanities, each has unique features and benefits. 

Then, it is important to assess your bathroom space to ensure a perfect fit. You need to consider factors like size, layout, existing décor, traffic flow, and storage needs. Matching materials, finishes, and colors throughout the bathroom are essential for a unified and personalized look. 

Custom vanities offer tailored solutions for unique spaces and preferences, allowing for customized dimensions, materials, storage configurations, and design elements. The right vanity will serve a functional purpose and contribute to the bathroom’s overall aesthetic and ambiance. 

Consulting with professionals ensures a seamless and successful bathroom vanity project or bathroom remodeling, including bathroom vanities, transforming your space into a personalized retreat.