How to Choose Bathroom Furniture
Learn how to choose the best furniture for your bathroom.
Although we sometimes overlook it, the bathroom is one of the most used spaces in any home. Enjoying a comfortable and functional space, where we get ready each morning and prepare for bed each night, can significantly impact our quality of life. And, in many cases, a bathroom's functionality depends on the chosen bathroom furniture.
In this article, we look at how to choose the perfect bathroom furniture. Learn how to choose modern bathroom furniture for your home, from functionality to the latest trends.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- What to consider when choosing? Evaluate available space, bathroom style and design, furniture materials, functionality, installation type (wall-hung or free-standing) and budget.
- The latest trends in bathroom furniture. Highlights include trends such as matte black profiles and taps, wood and other organic materials, or new modular designs that allow you to personalize the space according to your needs.
- Importance of functionality and storage. Choose furniture according to your storage needs.
- Selecting suitable materials. Discover the most common materials used to manufacture bathroom furniture, such as wood, MDF, PVC and metal. Remember that it is always essential to choose moisture-resistant materials.
- Using design tools. Use tools like Planner 5D to visualize different furniture options and color and material combinations in your bathroom space. This will help you make informed decisions and ensure the final design meets your expectations.
How to choose the best bathroom furniture?
When choosing the perfect bathroom furniture, you need to consider several different factors. From the available space to the style of your bathroom, storage and countertop needs, and, of course, your budget. Always consider:
Available space. Whether you're renovating your bathroom or decorating your new home for the first time, make sure you measure the space accurately. Consider depth, width and height to ensure the vanity will fit perfectly without obstructing the passage or use of other bathroom fixtures.
Style and design. Choose a piece of furniture that complements the overall style of your bathroom. Consider your personal style and tastes, as well as the most popular bathroom furniture design styles—from contemporary and minimalist to classic or rustic. Make sure the furniture harmonizes with the colors, materials, and accessories you've chosen.
Material. The most common materials for bathroom furniture include wood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), PVC, or even metal. Of course, the material of the furniture will influence its durability, appearance, and the maintenance efforts it will require in the long run.
Functionality. Consider how much storage space you'll need. What are your storage needs? If the vanity is for your master bathroom, you'll need room for hair care tools and other personal care products. Some vanity feature multiple drawers and compartments, while others offer open storage or adjustable shelves.
Installation. Consider whether you prefer a wall-hung unit, which makes it easier to clean the floor and provides a modern look, or a free-standing unit, which usually offers greater storage capacity and stability. Of course, when installing floating bathroom furniture, evaluate the specifications and requirements of the specific piece of furniture.
Budget. Set a budget before you begin your search. Bathroom furniture is available at a wide range of prices, from budget options to luxury designs. If you are looking for cheap bathroom furniture, consider the durability of the designs as well. Cheap, low-quality furniture can add more expense and headaches in the long run.
Trending styles
The latest trends in bathroom furniture design lie somewhere between functionality and aesthetics. In recent years we have seen more and more bathroom furniture made of wood and other organic materials. Due to their surprising design, functionality or aesthetics, we highlight three very attractive trends:
Black finishes
Traditional chrome metal accents are a thing of the past and matt black steel taps and profiles are increasingly being used. Italian bathroom design firm Scarabeo, in collaboration with Studio Adolini, proposes a series of designs where black metal is the real star.
Bathroom furniture | Images courtesy of Scarabeo
Combined with bold materials and colors for the washbasins and the body of the furniture, the designs of the Picture collection are truly eye-catching.
Everything marble
Everything organic is in fashion. And, without a doubt, the easiest and most accessible solution is to opt for wooden furniture. However, some prefer to opt for more striking finishes. Custom-made furniture with stone cladding is one of the most surprising bets but not always the most accessible.
Marble-effect porcelain bathroom from the Marmora collection by Casalgrande Padana. Images courtesy of Casalgrande Padana
Sculptural pedestals
The (also Italian) bathroom design firm Antoniolupi offers a whole selection of pedestal-shaped bathroom furniture. In these spectacular designs, the firm explores different combinations of materials and textures.
And, although storage is sacrificed, striking silhouettes are created that will delight any design lover. They are a good alternative for guest toilets or as furniture for small bathrooms.
Common types of bathroom furniture
Of course, there are all kinds of bathroom furniture – it can be anything from a bathroom cabinet with a sink to a chest of drawers or small auxiliary shelves. However, when talking about bathroom sink furniture, the main solutions include:
Standing furniture
Floor-standing units are the most traditional solution and, regardless of their size, tend to optimize storage space to the maximum. They are ideal for larger bathrooms and are usually equipped with drawers and hidden shelves with doors. These units rest on the floor, which allows for more height for storage, and makes them more robust and able to support more weight.
Floating bathroom furniture
Wall-hung units are mounted on the wall and do not touch the floor, making the bathroom easier to clean and giving it a modern, minimalist look.
Images courtesy of Scarabeo
They are perfect for small bathrooms as they free up space visually and can make the bathroom appear larger. While they do not make the most use of storage space, you can use wicker baskets to gain storage under the unit.
Vanities with integrated sink
These vanities come with a sink integrated into the top, creating a uniform and elegant appearance. They are an excellent choice for those looking for an all-in-one solution that combines functionality and style. Bathroom vanities with sinks can be free-standing, floating, etc.
Modular furniture
Modular bathroom furniture designs offer particular flexibility, as they allow you to customize the layout to your needs and available space. These can include separate storage units, shelves and drawers that can be easily rearranged.
Corner units
For compact, small or awkwardly laid out bathrooms, corner units can be a very efficient solution. They use corners that would otherwise be empty, providing additional storage without taking up too much space.
Furniture with mirrors
Some bathroom furniture has built-in mirrors, either on the cabinet doors or as freestanding units. These pieces of furniture are practical and functional, combining storage and a mirrored surface in one design.
How to install a bathroom sink cabinet
Installing a bathroom cabinet can seem like a daunting task, but if you have the right tools and follow the steps carefully, it can be a very rewarding project. Here is a basic guide to installing a bathroom cabinet:
- Gather your tools. You'll need a drill, spirit level, tape measure, pencil, wall anchors, screws, and a wrench.
- Prepare the area. Clean the area where the bathroom furniture will be installed and make sure the wall is free of moisture or damage.
- Measure and mark. Use the measuring tape to mark the position of the cabinet on the wall. Make sure it is level using the spirit level. Bathroom cabinet measurements may vary if it has moldings or decorations, so be sure to take these details into account when preparing for the cabinet's installation.
- Install the anchors. If you are installing a floating bathroom vanity, place the anchors in the wall according to the firm's instructions. The firm will provide the necessary support for the installation of the vanity.
- Secure the furniture. Place the furniture in position and secure it to the anchors with the screws. Make sure it is level and make adjustments if necessary.
- Connect the sink. If it's a built-in sink, connect the water and drain lines according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure all connections are tight to prevent leaks.
- Finish the installation. Check that all parts of the furniture are well secured and that the doors and drawers function properly.
Renders created by creativityworks in Planner 5D.
Where to buy cheap bathroom furniture
When it comes to bathroom furniture, price doesn't have to determine quality. So, you can find cheap bathroom furniture without compromising on quality. Some places to find bathroom furniture at good prices include:
- Home improvement stores. Stores such as Leroy Merlin, IKEA and Home Depot offer a wide range of bathroom furniture at competitive prices. Leroy Merlin bathroom furniture, or Ikea bathroom furniture can be the best solutions for the tightest budgets.
- Online stores. Platforms such as Amazon, Wayfair or eBay offer a large selection of bathroom furniture. In addition, you can often find discounts and special offers.
- Furniture outlets. Some manufacturers have outlets where they sell bathroom furniture at reduced prices. These may be models from previous seasons or with minor cosmetic defects.
- Second hand. Consider looking for bathroom furniture in second-hand stores, markets or through apps like Wallapop. You can find unique pieces at very affordable prices. You can restore the pieces or replace the countertop sinks.
- Special sales and discounts. Take advantage of seasonal sales, such as Black Friday or summer sales, to get fantastic discounts on bathroom furniture.
Conclusion
In short, choosing the right bathroom vanity unit can completely transform the space, making your bathroom the most functional space possible. By considering factors such as space, style, materials, and budget, you can find the perfect option that fits all your needs.
Renders created by Micaela Maccaferri on Unsplash
