Bathrooms have received that name because they were traditionally rooms that contained a bath. However, nowadays that is often not the case as many homes and offices have one or more bathrooms that do not contain a bath. Virtually all bathrooms do however have certain bathroom fixtures such as the modern vanity. This is generally a fixture that contains within it the sink and also offers storage space. Bathroom cabinets and vanities come in many different shapes and designs and can be made of a plethora of materials with different colors.
Often times, the vanity is the most prominent fixture in a bathroom design. The reason for this is that it is extremely practical and especially in smaller bathrooms or half bathrooms they will take up a significant amount of the available space. The more modern bathroom vanities can be works of art, crafted of stone, stainless steel, or glass. More traditional wooden designs can also be quite aesthetically appealing when designed the right way.
Bathroom vanities often come in on one of two designs so let’s briefly discuss them.
Built-in Vanity
This is probably what you will think of when you think of the standard bathroom vanity. They are practical as well as stylish. They generally consist of a cabinet upon which the sink rests. They offer a good deal of storage space while enhancing the look of the space around them. Commonly made of wood, there are many different materials to choose from. The big advantage to this style is the use made of the space below the sink. If the sink is jutting out of the wall and there are no shelves or cabinets below it then that space is being wasted. The built-in vanity takes advantage of the space below the sink and offers a place for your bathroom items which can then be put away instead of leaving them on the countertop.
Freestanding Vanity
This bathroom fixture does not offer bathroom sink cabinets but are used in smaller bathroom designs. They do well in a half bath or if you are going for style over practicality then sometimes this option can serve you well if you want to do something a little different than what you would find in the typical bathroom.
When deciding on a vanity you will of course want to focus on the style and the aesthetics in general. But in doing so you should try not to overlook the importance of choosing a practical vanity which will provide you with the necessary space and other features that you will need to ensure that you are maximizing the available space. Custom bathroom cabinets can be built to design if you are willing and able to pay for it and this can help you to combine style and function if you have been unable to find the right vanity for your bathroom. But with so many options on the market this is often unnecessary and you can do well with one of the standard choices.