The bathroom area is one of the most intimate spaces in a home, and there are a number of factors that go into the bathroom vanity you choose. It is where time is spent winding down and presents an opportunity to create a more luxurious experience for the user through design. We love working in bathroom spaces and the selection and installation of a vanity and its surroundings, really brings the whole vision together. There are so many options out there, from off-the-shelf vanity kits that make upgrading your bathroom in a weekend quick and easy to custom-designed options that can be literally anything you imagine. So where do you even start?
Most design decisions are a balancing act between budget, timeline, aesthetics, and functionality. If you need a custom built-in look and want lots of special organizers, then you will need to plan to wait longer and pay more. On the other hand, if you need something durable and in a shorter time frame, then you may have to select from the styles and features that are offered with quick ship. Creating an upscale, luxurious home away from home is key to attracting visitors to a vacation rental home. That’s why we’re here to share with you our interior expertise on how to select the perfect bathroom for your vacation rental!
5 Steps To Planning The Perfect Bathroom Vanity
1. Always Start with a Space Plan
Before beginning the search or getting a price on a custom piece, you need to know what size will fit. Ready-made vanities come in stock sizes with typical widths starting at 18” and usually up to a max of 72” in approximately 6” increments. If you need something that is exactly 87 inches long, you will probably need to go with a custom style. When shopping for an off-the-shelf vanity, be sure to research the materials it is made of. In any climate where you have a lot of humidity (so all of the Caribbean!), we recommend sticking to styles that are made of plywood and passing over the MDF and particle board. The plywood construction costs more, but it will last you a lot longer and you will get more for your money in the long run.
2. Consider The Walls Around The Vanity
Bath vanities are a splash zone, therefore it’s important to select the right finishes and materials that will endure daily washing activities. Layering your vanity with a backsplash will equip the space to handle water while adding an element of beauty. If you have tile on the walls surrounding the vanity, you can skip the little backsplash slice of countertop that’s usually included with off-the-shelf vanities. This will also give you a more custom look! The vanity shown above is a custom wall-to-wall style, and the tile applied to the walls adds a decorative element and ensures easy cleaning.
3. Decide on A Built-In Style or Floating Style
Built-in vanities are usually custom-made, meaning it’s not usually a weekend project. It will likely be more expensive and require a longer wait. However, there are many advantages of going with this style. You can select how many doors and drawers you need, as well as the size of the sink. You can also choose from many different types of fun organizers as add-ons if you need the extra storage space.
A furniture style vanity brings a homey and eclectic look to a bathroom. Not to mention, there are plenty of beautiful options to choose from. These will often require a vessel sink, especially if you have drawers beneath. The vanity above is one that was made from a dresser.
Wall-hung vanities are a great option if you’re leaning more toward a modern style. We often recommend them for vacation rental homes because they are so easy to clean under. The main drawback to these is that they offer a little less storage space. If you are a person who needs all the storage they can get, then this may not be the best option for you.
4. Select A Vanity Top
When it comes to vanity countertops, there are many options. However, we usually recommend either granite or quartz for their durability. My top choice for anyone who rents their home or has kids is to go with a ceramic sink top. The sink and the top are all one piece, they come in standard sizes, and they’re super easy to clean. The one in my own home had a blue nail polish incident and we were able to wipe it all off with polish remover. I don’t know of any other countertop you can clean with acetone! (Anyone else have a 10-year-old who likes to paint her own nails?).
I usually buy the white, but this cashmere grey is pretty too! You can find them here.
The image above is one of my favorite “kid” bathrooms. All the materials are both durable and easy to clean, but the style definitely doesn’t say kid’s room. This space has grown up very well with the family that lives here.
5. Add A Decorative Element With Vanity Pulls
Vanity pulls are your opportunity to have fun and add some personal style to your bathroom. We love decorative options.
Here is a link to these beautiful brass pulls that will add elegance to your vanity.
If your space needs a little pop of color, these pulls will bring an island flair.
For a clean and modern look, you can’t go wrong with a simple acrylic knob. Here is one of our favorites.
With several vanity styles and finishes, you are guaranteed to find something that will suit your personal taste and make your guests happy. If you’ve recently invested in a vacation rental property, thinking of making that decision, or know of someone who is, then head over to our Design Downloads page to receive a guide on how to decorate for a profitable rental, created by yours truly!
