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Bathroom Vanity and Sink Ideas: Tips from an Expert Seattle Remodeler

Remodeling a bathroom offers an opportunity to blend style and functionality with your personal aesthetic. A well-chosen vanity is a focal point that can bring a touch of elegance and luxury to your bathroom. With a variety of options to choose from, vanities provide both essential functionality and set the aesthetic tone for the entire space. This guide will delve into the world of bathroom vanities and sinks, preparing you to make informed decisions when it comes time to tackle your bathroom remodel. Before we begin, we’d like to introduce ourselves: We’re Model Remodel, a top Seattle Design-Build Remodeling Contractor. After your finish this article, feel free to take a look at our portfolio and the rest of our website.

What is a Bathroom Vanity?

A bathroom vanity is a combination of a cabinet, countertop, and sink. Unlike pedestal sinks, which rest on a single column, or wall-mounted sinks, which are supported directly by the wall, vanities offer a variety of advantages in form and functionality.

Ample Storage: Drawers, cabinets, and shelves to organize toiletries and keep clutter off the countertop.

Enhanced Functionality: Vanities offer a spacious countertop for daily routines, with room for décor and essentials. Built-in faucets, outlets, and other conveniences make a vanity the right option for functionality. The modularity of a vanity makes it capable of accepting a huge variety of sink types, giving you tons of control over the look and feel of your bathroom.

Don’t settle for a basic bathroom sink, a vanity adds sophistication and valuable storage space.

Visual Appeal: Vanities come in countless styles, colors, and materials to complement any bathroom aesthetic. With high quality materials, you can completely transform the aesthetic of your bathroom.

Single vs. Double Vanities

A single vanity just has one sink in it. A double vanity is usually twice as wide, with two faucets that can either share a single large basin for a more luxurious experience, or have their own individual sink basins. Either way, double vanities usually have a lot more room in both storage and counter space.

Single Vanities: Perfect for smaller bathrooms or powder rooms, single vanities offer a space-saving solution while still providing ample storage and countertop space.

Double Vanities: Ideal for primary bathrooms or larger spaces with multiple users, double vanities maximize countertop space and storage. They create a more luxurious feel and can be particularly beneficial for couples or families who share the bathroom.

Floating Vanities, Freestanding, And Other Types

Floating Vanities: These space-saving fixtures are mounted to the wall to create an open and minimal aesthetic. Perfect for smaller bathrooms or more upscale builds, floating vanities offer the illusion of more floor space as they often don’t touch the ground (though many still have front legs). Keep in mind that wall-mounted vanities require sturdy wall construction for proper support.

A freestanding vanity can provide a sustainable option by repurposing a vintage furniture piece.

Freestanding Vanities: Resting on the floor, freestanding vanities offer a more substantial and traditional look. They provide an easier installation, and are easier to replace when damaged or outdated. Freestanding vanities can be a good choice for larger bathrooms where creating a focal point is desired. Another benefit of a freestanding vanity is that you can often re-use or renovate vintage furniture instead of buying new or building one from scratch.

Console Vanities: A console vanity, also called a console sink, can be either wall mounted or freestanding, with an open frame and open shelving beneath it. It differs from a traditional vanity by forgoing the structure and closed storage, and provides a modern aesthetic that can be charming and unique in your bathroom.

Cost Consideration: Wall-mounted vanities tend to be slightly more affordable up front, due to the simpler construction. However, additional costs may be incurred for reinforcing the wall structure and installation. Freestanding vanities may have a higher upfront cost, but they generally don’t require additional structural work.

Blue bathroom remodel
Serene & Sustainable Dream Home Remodel

Vanity Sink Styles

Once you decide on your dream vanity, you’ll have a couple different options for the sink:

Undermount Sinks: These seamless sinks are installed below the countertop surface, creating a clean and modern look. Undermount sinks offer a larger usable countertop area and are easier to clean. Keep in mind that undermount sinks require a specific type of countertop material, such as granite or quartz, that can support the sink from below.

Drop-In Sinks: These have a visible rim and are easier to install than undermount sinks. They’re often found in more traditional vanity styles and are available at a lower cost.

Vessel Sinks: Sitting atop the countertop, vessel sinks offer a bold, sculptural statement. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, allowing for a high degree of design flexibility. However, vessel sinks require additional countertop space and may have limited counter space around the rim.

Integrated Sink: One modern sink style opts to replace the entire countertop with the body of an oversized sink. With integrated sinks, a single piece of porcelain runs all the way to the edge of the vanity, and sometimes over the edge. Some integrated sinks will have flat sections on the sides, emulating a countertop, but providing a much more seamless and elegant look.

Choosing the Right Vanity Materials

Materials can be a huge factor in cost, durability, and aesthetic. Whether you have a small bathroom or a large wetroom, the materials can make a huge difference in the look and feel, not to mention the construction cost and difficulty. Luckily, there are a few industry standards that are known to last long and look beautiful.

Countertop Materials: Granite and quartz are timeless choices for their beauty, durability, and resistance to stains and scratches. For a warmer aesthetic, consider natural wood and the variety of stains and finishes it can offer. While budget-friendly, laminate countertops may not be as durable as other options, they provide a solid economic option for a bathroom vanity.

Vanity Cabinet Materials: Coated or painted wood is always a classic choice for cabinet materials. Wood is easy to source, customizable, and visually pleasing. Some less common frame/cabinet materials include stone or metal, which provide a luxury look for your unique aesthetic.

Vanity Storage Solutions

Vanities offer a multitude of storage solutions to keep your bathroom organized.

Look for bathroom vanities with drawers, cabinets, and shelves in various sizes. Do you need deep drawers for towels or pull-out shelves for toiletries? Consider your storage needs and choose a vanity that provides the right configuration. Building custom vanities is one of our strong suits, and we love designing the perfect storage solutions for a homeowner with specific needs.

Open shelving can provide an interesting visual element to your bathroom. While it may not be as tidy, it can make the space feel more free-flowing, and provide opportunity to bring some color and variety into the design.

Trendy Bathroom Vanity & Sink Combinations

There are so many materials, shapes and sizes to choose from, but when it comes down to it, your aesthetic and the design of your bathroom will decide what vanity works best for you. Here are a few vanity and sink combination examples from bathrooms we’ve remodeled:

Modernized Mid-Century: In this master bath, the floating vanity is adorned with walnut Abodian cabinets to bring out a stunning woodgrain. The ergonomic walnut cabinet pulls were perfectly color matched to the drawers. You’d never know they weren’t made for each other! A custom cut quartz countertop provides a bit of extra space in the bathroom while still giving ample counter space. A single basin sink holds two faucets for convenience and accessibility. This double vanity is an elegant and beautiful solution custom crafted for a unique space.

Ocean Blue Serenity: This luxurious bathroom feels like relaxing on a tropical island. With the ocean blue tile, this all white vanity gives an air of sea salt and sunshine. A double vanity with a luxury quartz countertop makes for the perfect place to get ready in the morning. A gorgeous soaking tub gives you the space to wind down and relax in the evenings.

Rustic Patterned Bathroom: A unique vanity is the centerpiece of this half bathroom, crafted from solid fir and stained to match the beautiful cabinets. With an oversized vessel sink sitting on top, this vanity prioritizes functionality as much as aesthetic. A large mirror cut to the shape of the wall, and under-counter lighting adds an extra touch of elegance to this stunning room.

Custom Vanity Options

For a truly unique and perfectly tailored bathroom, consider a custom vanity. A professional remodeler can design and build a vanity that fits your exact specifications. Please feel free to contact us if you have any bathroom remodeling needs in the Seattle area.

Dimensions: Ensure your vanity is the ideal size and layout for your bathroom. Keep in mind aspects such as towel racks, outlets, and the items you might need to store on the countertop of below inside the cabinets.

Having a vanity custom-designed for your bathroom can be a luxury in its own right.

Material and Color: Choose from a wider selection of materials and finishes to match your design vision. A custom vanity can include custom selections of wood to mesh perfectly with your artistic vision.

Storage Solutions: Design built-in features like pull-out drawers, compartments, and shelving to maximize functionality.

Integrated Features: Incorporate extras like towel racks, power outlets, hampers, or even lighting directly into the vanity design.

Luxury wood vanity and mirrors
Elegant Primary Suite Conversion

Pedestal Sinks and Wall-Mounted Sinks

While vanities provide the most functionality and style, there are always more budget-friendly, space saving options available:

Pedestal Sinks: These space-saving classics feature a sink basin supported by a single column. They offer a simple and elegant look, ideal for powder rooms or smaller bathrooms. However, pedestal sinks provide minimal storage space on their own. A pedestal sink can also be called a freestanding sink.

Wall-Mounted Sinks: Like wall-mounted vanities, these sinks attach directly to the wall for a minimalist look. While they offer a sleek aesthetic and save floor space, wall-mounted sinks require sturdy wall construction and may limit storage options.

Vanity Lighting Ideas

The right bathroom lighting can elevate the entire experience. Here are a few popular bathroom vanity lighting ideas:

Sconces: Wall-mounted sconces on either side of the mirror provide ample task lighting for grooming and makeup application.

Sconce Bars: A long bar with multiple sconces above the mirror creates a modern and dramatic effect.

LED Strip Lighting: Discreet LED strips placed under the vanity or behind the mirror add a soft, ambient glow.

Vanity with LEDlighting mirror
Serene & Sustainable Dream Home Remodel

Smart Bathroom Vanities: Technology Integrations

For the ultimate in convenience and luxury, consider incorporating smart technology into your vanity. Here are some features to explore:

Touchless Faucets: Motion-activated faucets promote hygiene and ease of use.

Technology can help elevate a modern bathroom, from convenience to energy efficiency.

Integrated Lighting: Vanity lights with dimming or color-changing capabilities can perfectly match your mood. LED mirrors provide a beautiful modern aesthetic while giving some of the most even lighting by placing lights directly behind the mirror.

Heated Towel Racks: Warm towels add a touch of spa-like luxury.

Built-in Outlets: Including outlets in a vanity, either on top or side, can help provide convenient access to electronics and appliances while getting ready for your day.

Built in outlets in a bathroom vanity
Stylish Upgrades for Two Heavy-Traffic Bathrooms

Small Bathroom Vanity and Sink Ideas

Even compact bathrooms can benefit from the beauty and functionality of a vanity. Here are some space-saving tips:

Single Sink Vanities: Opt for a space-saving single sink vanity to maximize floor space.

Wall-Mounted Vanities: Create a sense of openness with a wall-mounted vanity that keeps the floor clear.

Corner Vanities: Utilize unused corners with a strategically placed corner vanity.

Vanity with Open Shelving: Open shelves below the sink offer storage without adding visual bulk.

Mirrors: A large mirror above the vanity reflects light and creates the illusion of a more spacious bathroom.

Console sink vanity with gold brass frame
Timeless Black and White Remodel

By considering these factors and design ideas, you can select the perfect vanity and sink combination to transform your bathroom into a luxurious and functional space. Remember, when it comes to upscale bathroom remodels, professional guidance can make all the difference. Consult with a qualified remodeler to discuss your vision and explore all the possibilities for creating your dream bathroom.

Bathroom Remodeling in the Seattle Area

Construction worker remodeling contractor

Dreaming of a fresh new bathroom that feels like an escape from the hustle and bustle of the day? From maximizing compact spaces to building your luxurious dream bathroom, Model Remodel can transform your vision into reality. With over 20 years in the business, we’ll guide you through every step, from eco-friendly material choices like recycled countertops and water-smart appliances to choosing the perfect tub that adds a pop of personality. Be sure to take a look at our portfolio for more bathroom remodeling inspiration.

Our design-build services let our expert designers and skilled builders breathe life into your bathroom, opening up spaces, embracing natural light, and creating a better connection to your home. Let’s build something great – contact Model Remodel today and unlock the full potential of your Seattle bathroom!

Bathroom Vanity and Sink FAQs

What are the main types of bathroom vanities?

There are four main categories of bathroom vanities: single sink vanities, double sink vanities, freestanding vanities, and wall-mounted vanities.

What material and color vanity should I get?

The best materials and color for your vanity depend on your personal style and budget. Wood vanities offer a classic and warm look, and painted vanities can match any style. It’s recommended to consult with a professional designer or remodeler to discuss your specific needs and preferences.

What is the most durable vanity countertop material?

Quartz and granite are considered the most durable vanity countertop materials. They are resistant to stains, scratches, and heat, making them a great choice for high-traffic bathrooms.

What size bathroom sink should I get?

The ideal size for your bathroom sink depends on the size of your vanity and the overall space in your bathroom. Anything less than 22 inches might be a bit small for a sink, and if you enjoy having extra space to wash up, you might consider a larger 30 inch sink, or even a 48 inch sink.  

What is the most affordable bathroom sink or vanity option?

Pedestal sinks are typically one of the most affordable options for a bathroom sink. If you opt for a vanity, combining quality engineered woods and laminate with a drop-in sink can provide an affordable combination. However, these materials are not as durable and will not last as long as real wood vanities with stone countertops.

Can I install a sink and vanity DIY?

Installing a sink and vanity can be a complex process that involves plumbing and potentially electrical work. While some experienced DIYers may be able to tackle this project, consulting with a professional remodeler is generally recommended to ensure proper installation and avoid any potential leaks or damage.

Written by Model Remodel

Model Remodel is a design-build, remodeling contractor located in Seattle, WA. For over 20 years we’ve been building with purpose, craftsmanship and sustainability in mind. We are proud to continually make the list of top Seattle contractors for our beautiful interior designs and homeowner-focused remodeling process.

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