Cabinet-Style Vanity
The cabinet-style vanity is a classic, common style of bathroom vanity. Although its solid shape takes up the most space, its built-in drawers and concealed compartments provide generous storage in one place.
If you are considering stock or semicustom cabinetry, study the measurements closely to make sure the cabinetry fits and won’t overwhelm the space visually. When budget allows, custom cabinetry is ideal because it can be designed and built to fit your unique space and its storage needs.
Seek out vanity cabinets that are specifically designed and scaled for smaller spaces. Because their intended use is for small bathrooms, their proportions are already suited to the room’s size constraints.
Vanity cabinets designed to look like legged furniture (or pieces of furniture converted into bathroom vanities) blend open design that is visually appealing in a small bath with storage capacity for a tight space.
Pedestal and Console Sinks
A freestanding sink gives a small bath some visual relief, as well as the physical advantage of extra legroom and general space to move around.
Pedestal sinks don’t offer any storage, so you will want to account for this elsewhere in your design plan. A recessed medicine cabinet, freestanding storage cabinet, adjacent shelves, or decorative stacking baskets tucked beneath the sink can contribute storage to compact spaces.
Console sinks can strike a happy medium between a cabinet-style vanity and a pedestal sink by featuring an open shelf in the lower vanity area, as well as a built-in towel bar, while maintaining an airy, open design.
A pedestal or console sink can be an ideal choice for a powder room where storage is less of a priority.
Wall-Mount Vanity
As its name indicates, a wall-mount vanity is attached only to the wall, revealing open space beneath the sink to the floor. This floating design lends an airy look to the room, similar to using a pedestal or console sink.
Storage in a wall-mount vanity depends on the specific design. Some are simply a countertop and sink, while others feature a short cabinet beneath that offers some storage. The ample space beneath the vanity does provide the opportunity to add storage containers on the floor.
Wall-mount vanities most often feature a clean-lined, contemporary design.
Sink and Faucet Considerations
Consider these sink and faucet options, too, when choosing a vanity for your small bathroom.
Seek a smaller sink to allow for a smaller vanity or to provide more counter space.
Use a wall-mount faucet to set the sink closer to the wall, thus allowing for a shallower vanity and maximizing the space in the room.
