Bathroom Vanity Buying Guide: Tips for Choosing the Perfect Fit

When it comes to designing a bathroom, many people prioritise practicality over comfort, often opting for generic fixtures and bland aesthetics. A well-selected vanity can elevate your bathroom’s style, functionality, and overall ambiance, which makes it a centrepiece that reflects your personal taste. Discover tips, trends, and expert advice to make a choice that combines both form and function, so that your bathroom not only meets your needs but also exudes charm and elegance. 

Size

How big does the room appear? Is there a particular shape or focal point that stands out? Does the existing layout, including the vanity, shower, bath, or toilet alcove, draw attention to specific areas? The size of your fixtures is undoubtedly one of the most critical factors. For instance, compact 900mm vanities can be a fantastic choice for smaller bathrooms. They maximise space efficiency while still offering ample storage for your makeup, skincare products, and more. By thoughtfully choosing a vanity that balances both size and visual appeal, you can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your bathroom. Your 900 mm vanity shouldn’t obstruct foot traffic, block access to the toilet, bath, or shower, or make the room feel cramped. Ensure cabinet doors and drawers can open freely without hitting walls or other features.

In a narrow, galley-style bathroom layout, a wall-mounted fixture can create the illusion of more room, though it might mean less storage. Conversely, in an open floor plan, a larger fixture that matches the scale of other features like the bath or shower alcoves works beautifully. The trick is keeping the visual weight in harmony with the room’s proportions. A narrow room calls for a slim fixture, while a wider space can accommodate a more substantial one. 

Plumbing

When browsing through 900mm vanities, the location of your plumbing is a crucial consideration. The fixture needs to connect the sink and faucet to your home’s water lines seamlessly. This means the new vanity should have an open area that accommodates the supply pipes and hoses without interfering with their operation. It’s essential to ensure easy access to the supply valve, too. 
Unless you’re planning to reroute the plumbing, your 900 wide vanity must fit well within the existing space around those pipes. This factor impacts both the aesthetic of the finished room and your overall budget. Sticking with the current layout is much more cost-effective than hiring a contractor to redirect the water lines. Plus, it saves significant time, making your bathroom update project quicker and less complicated. By choosing a fixture that works with your current plumbing, you avoid the hassle and expense of major modifications. It also ensures that the installation process is smooth and efficient. This approach not only helps keep costs down but also guarantees that your new vanity looks great and functions perfectly within the existing setup of your bathroom. 

Style

Choosing the perfect 900 mm bathroom vanity can seem complicated. The key is to find a design that meets your household’s needs and enhances the overall look of your space. Here are the main styles to help you decide: 
-Freestanding vanities: These cabinets offer sturdy storage options in addition to sink space. Whether you choose a single or double vanity, these cabinets stand on their own without needing to be anchored to a wall, making them versatile and easy to install. They provide ample counter space for decorations and a variety of storage options like drawers and cupboards, which help keep your bathroom organised. Their flexibility makes them a popular choice for many homes; 
-Wall-mounted vanities: If you’re looking to save space, a wall-mounted fixture is an excellent choice. These floating fixtures attach directly to the wall, creating a clean, contemporary look that opens up the visual space in your bathroom. They come with various storage options, from cupboards to drawers, and are perfect for bathrooms of all sizes. Just make sure you have sufficient stud support in your wall for proper installation; 
-Corner vanities: For smaller bathrooms, these fixtures can be game-changers. They can be freestanding, wall-mounted, or a combination of both. They work well with all types of sinks, from recessed to vessel styles, and offer modest storage options. They help open up a cramped layout and preserve floor space, making the bathroom feel larger and more accessible; 
-Vanity tops and sets: Many manufacturers offer 900mm vanity units as two main pieces: the cabinet and the vanity top. The top section includes the sink and countertop, often made from water-resistant materials like ceramic, granite, acrylic, or stone. These tops usually have an overhanging edge that measures slightly larger than the cabinet base, so be sure to order the correct size. 

Sink Type

The sink type influences both the functionality and the overall look of your vanity. So, how do I choose a vanity sink? Let’s dive into the different options available: 

-Recessed (integrated) sinks: Recessed or integrated sinks are formed directly into the vanity top. These sinks are one piece, seamlessly blending with the whole fixture. This style offers a clean, cohesive look that’s easy to maintain; 
-Console sinks: Console sinks are a stylish choice but come with limited storage. They take up much of the surface, leaving only small ledges for faucet installation and minimal space for items like soap. Typically wall-mounted and balanced on two front supports, console sinks offer a minimalist, open look. However, they provide little to no storage, which might not be ideal for everyone; 
-Drop-in sinks: Drop-in sinks, also known as self-rimming sinks, install into a hole cut in the vanity top. The sink’s rim rests on top of the counter, helping to minimise water splash and mess. These sinks can be made from various materials and offer flexibility in design, so you can pair them with different tops; 
-Undermount sinks: Undermount sinks are installed below the counter, creating a smooth, vertical edge. This style is popular for its sleek appearance and easy cleaning. Like drop-in sinks, undermount sinks are often made from materials different from the vanity top, enabling combinations such as a porcelain sink beneath a marble countertop.