I’ve talked a bit before about wood bathroom vanities, but usually in the context of structural integrity or rustic style. They come in all shapes, sizes, styles, and shades, and work well in a variety of bathroom decors. If you like the look of natural wood, and are considering a bathroom renovation, but aren’t quite sure what look you’re going for, here are a few ideas to get you started.
Artsy Impact
It’s easy to think of wood bathroom vanities as being simple and rustic, but this isn’t always true. Ones with patterned wood veneers are a great way to add unexpected, stylish visual interest to your bathroom. While veneers are largely used in antique-inspired designs (more on this in a moment), I personally think they’re the most interesting in more modern applications. This Art Deco inspired Ovation vanity from Sagehill Designs is a perfect example, with an eye-catching spiral design that’s made from entirely natural materials, but has a distinctly artistic flair.
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This Legacy vanity from Avanity is another good example, and one of my personal favorites. It breaks almost all the rules of what makes a bathroom vanity, shirking the traditional rectangular style for a modern half moon shape. It also disposes of the traditional cabinet in place of a dresser style set of three drawers. But what really makes this vanity spectacular is the burl veneer faces and wood vanity top. Paired with the right vessel sink, this wood bathroom vanity is a showpiece all on its own.
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Wood Can Be… Modern?
Lustrous, honey-toned birch wood bathroom vanities might not be the first things that come to mind when you imagine a modern bathroom vanity. But while much of the modern palette is industrial, leaning towards concrete grays and darker shades, modern design is also about embracing the unexpected. This Leonie vanity from Ronbow is nothing if not unexpected, with an ultramodern conical design that’s finished in a warm, homey wood tone. This stunning use of wood accents is an excellent way to warm up a chilly modern bathroom design, or just add visual interest by opting for something a little out of the norm.
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That said, even if you stick with the industrial color wheel of conventional modern design, wood bathroom vanities can still be a good option. This Luna vanity from Iotti is done in a dazzling grey oak finish that’s unexpected in an entirely different way. While the color is right, the faded, aged wood color, along with a beautiful wood grain, add a sense of history and weight to what’s otherwise obviously a very contemporary piece.
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Rustic Simplicity
If you’re aiming for a simple, natural, rustic style for your bathroom, you really can’t beat natural wood vanities. I love this Lawton Vanity, with its simple, straightforward design and elegant, light-finished cherry wood veneers. While the finish isn’t weathered, the vanity has the appearance of a more rustic construction. This hint of older, colonial influences, gives it a hand-hewn finish, but the design itself has enough definition to give it a more contemporary style. The integrated door pull (the little wood piece at the top of each of the doors has a lip underneath to make it easy to open) allows the cherry veneer to be the main focal point for a simple but sophisticated finish.
Lighter wood tones are great for evoking Nordic spas and saunas – a different kind of rustic entirely. While American Craftsman and similar styles evoke a sort of frontiersy or ranch style, something like this Spa Style Vanity from Legion Furniture is a perfect pair for an open, light-filled, spa-style bathroom. The lighter wood is not only brighter, but leaves the eye with a cleaner finish – a perfect pair for lots of white tile, plushy white towels, and lots and lots of steam.
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Antiques, Of Course
All that said, antique or period inspired bathrooms are the one place where you won’t find anything but solid wood bathroom vanities. More than with any other bathroom style, you’re apt to find vanities with elaborately carved details and beautiful patterned exotic wood veneers. This Ornate Birch vanity is just one example among many, but if you want to really enjoy and show off the highest beauty of the rarest and most exquisite types of wood, antique bathroom vanities are definitely the way to go.
Even slightly more simplified, transitional versions of antique wood bathroom vanities, like this lovely Chardonnay Vanity, are a great way to show off the beauty of natural wood (and to a lesser extent, woodwork). Even if you don’t necessarily want to have the kind of bathroom you need to carry a truly ornate vanity, you can still get just a hint of antique style, accented by the use of wood. This vanity in particular has just enough curve to make it seem sophisticated, just the right wood finish to make it seem elegant, but with the simplicity for a homey, even casual bathroom in a contemporary home.
What’s your personal favorite look when it comes to wood bathroom vanities? Are you considering an antique style, something a little more rustic, or are you just looking for a beautiful wood vanity to use as a showpiece for your bathroom?
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