How to Design House Bathroom Vanities

A house bathroom vanity is just the counter or surface that sits on top of a cabinet. But, inclusively, bathroom vanity design incorporates the countertop, the cabinet, the sink, the faucets, the backsplash, the mirror or medicine cabinet and light fixtures above the cabinet. All these elements intimately relate to the vanity because they are part of the vanity area. In designing a bathroom vanity, the first consideration is function, the second is usually budget and the third is aesthetics.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape measure Graph paper and pencil Home bathroom template (for drawings) Measurements of standard sizes of potential new cabinets Measurements of sizes of potential new sinks Measurements of light fixtures, mirrors, medicine cabinets, towel bars. Proposed budget

Designing A Bathroom Vanity

1. Measure your existing bathroom. Draw the exact dimensions on your graph paper. Note the location of any electrical outlets and the center of your vanity faucet. Note your commode and bath or shower.

2. Redraw your bathroom leaving out your current fixtures. Your drawing should be completely empty except for walls and window locations (if your window will remain). If you wish to change the swing or location of your bathroom door, then note such changes. Redraw any bathroom fixtures that will remain or be replaced in the same location.

3. Measure your vanity cabinet if it will remain at the same location. If you have a pedestal sink, measure from the wall to your next fixture. If your fixture is a commode, allow 10 inches between the cabinet and commode for clearance. This will produce the maximum width of your new cabinet.

4. Compare your vanity size to your needs. If you wish to add a second sink, your minimum vanity width should be 60 inches, a better width is 72 inches. Don't crowd the commode or other fixture to squeeze in a larger vanity; it will reduce function and make the bathroom unpleasant to use. Determine your budget by calculating your preferred finish materials, plus demolition, plus moving any pipes and wires, plus wall repairs, door repairs and labor costs.

5. Determine if sink size is more important than counter space. Some sink styles take up considerably more room than others. Space your double sinks evenly apart. For single sinks, center the sink over existing plumbing or to one side if your vanity countertop also has a dressing space (open space under the counter for a small stool).

6. On your second sketch, draw in your new vanity and sinks. Mark the center line of where each sink will mount on the counter top. Draw an elevation (view of the vanity from the front) of the new vanity and sketch in the position of mirrors, faucets, light fixtures, medicine cabinets, towel hardware, etc. If the sketch looks too crowded, then the scale of your mirrors may be too large. Note on your new drawings where plumping and electrical outlets need to move. (Each sink should have its own electrical outlet when possible.)

Tips & Warnings

• Buy the best quality materials you can afford without going beyond what is reasonable for a home in your location and price range. One well-designed vanity sink is better than two crowded sinks. Backsplash materials should be integral to your design.
• Renovations often expose hidden problems, particularly in bathrooms (due to moisture). Reserve 10 percent of your budget for unexpected expenses.

References

• Bathroom Renovations and Repairs