Finding the perfect bathroom vanity is never easy, but in a master bathroom it can be particularly difficult. Because master bathrooms are shared spaces, privacy and storage are much more important concerns than in secondary bathrooms. Plus, since you’re more likely to use them simultaneously, layout and logistics matter a lot more, too. The right bathroom vanity can go a long way towards addressing all these issues. But not all vanities are created equal, and not all options are ideal for every bathroom.
Custom Cabinets
For a large-scale master bathroom renovation, many homeowners opt to have their bathroom cabinetry custom built. The biggest advantage here is that you’re pretty much guaranteed to get a final product you’re happy with. Whether your bathroom is big or small, custom-built cabinets will match and enhance the space. That means storage where you need it, and a style and layout customized for your space and your preferences. In very large bathrooms, opting for custom cabinetry is one of the best ways to ensure you have enough furniture to keep the space from looking barren. Unfortunately, custom cabinets can be prohibitively expensive. The more customized they are in terms of size, shape, style, and storage, the more expensive they’ll be.
Pre Made Cabinets
On the other end of the spectrum are pre-made bathroom vanities. You can purchase these as-is and install them directly into the bathroom, just like placing a piece of furniture. Pre-made vanities are more affordable than custom cabinets and come in a bigger variety of sizes, styles, and shapes. Whatever your taste, there’s a vanity out there that fits the bill – without a higher price tag for a more detailed look. The drawback? You might have to do a little looking to find it. To get two sinks in a master bathroom, you can either opt for a double vanity or two single vanities. Both are available in a variety of different widths to accommodate most bathroom sizes and layouts. That said, there is an upper size limit to single-piece vanities; even the biggest double vanity might not be enough for a large master bathroom.
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Modular Cabinets
For those larger bathrooms, some manufacturers sell double vanities that go above the average 60″-72″ width range. The catch? You’ll get them in pieces rather than as a single solid unit – usually two single vanities and a central cabinet. This makes it possible to have pre-made double vanities 96″ and wider that aren’t a nightmare to transport or install. While not fully customizable, this modular approach makes it possible for pre-made vanities to accommodate even very large bathrooms. Depending on the manufacturer, you can sometimes buy extra add-on pieces to supplement your vanity set. Either way, you can space these pieces out to help balance out a larger room. Plus, even though the storage on these large modular double vanities isn’t customizable, there does tend to be a lot of it.
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Customizable Modular Cabinets For A DIY Master Bathroom
Unless you really go all-out, a set of custom cabinets usually amounts to a simple row of cabinets. Pre-made cabinets of all types have a lot more style, but lack customizability in terms of size and storage. Customizable modular cabinets offer the best of both worlds: stylish, modular, pre-made vanity sets that can be purchased with interchangeable storage and connecter pieces. Instead of just buying selected add-ons, you can effectively effectively build a vanity in any size or shape, with multiple sinks, cabinets, make up stations, and so on. Using attractive, pre-made parts, you can construct a cabinet to be as big or small as you want, and fit almost any layout. They’re also generally much less expensive start-to-finish than custom cabinetry. The main drawback is that only a few manufacturers offer this type of setup; right now the options in terms of style and finish are a bit limited.
Pedestal Sinks For A Luxe Feel In A Small Master Bathroom
Fitting two sinks into a large master bathroom is easy, but it can be more challenging in a smaller one. Perhaps the best space-saving option for a small master bath is to ditch the vanity and opt instead for a pair of pedestal sinks. These have a much smaller footprint even than some of the smallest bathroom vanities. Plus, you can install them side by side or in different parts of the bathroom, to better fit the space. The biggest drawback for using pedestal sinks in a master bathroom is that they lack any kind of storage. Pairing two pedestals with a small storage cabinet in the middle can work well; it’ll build a largeish unit, but still take up less space than the average double vanity.
Modern Trough Sinks
For a more modern look, you might consider doing away with the idea of traditional cabinets and fixtures entirely. Modern wall mounted sinks are long and flat, often with integrated countertops that provide a smooth, usable surface without taking up much space. Multiple sinks built into a single unit (or very long sinks with multiple faucets) afford plenty of room for two while taking up much less space than a conventional vanity. Wall mounted sinks, like pedestal sinks, lack built in storage. But because you mount them directly to the wall rather than the floor, there’s a lot more freedom to put modern storage cabinets underneath the sink, creating a sleek, gravity-free modern look.
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What’s most important to you when choosing a new vanity for your master bathroom? Size, shape, style, storage, or something else? Let me know in the comments below!
