Can I use wallpaper in a bathroom?

It is possible to use wallpaper in spaces with humidity. Nevertheless, hot and long showers can damage the appearance and quality of the wallpaper. Wallpapers are more suited for powder rooms or half baths.

What materials should be avoided in a bathroom?

When using wooden countertops, make sure to apply a water-resistant paint or clear coating, so you won’t need to worry about swelling, warping, and other damage. Agglomerate wood, for example, can swell with moisture. As for the finishes, keep in mind that lacquer can stain easily, when in contact with products such as hair dye.

What are the recommendable materials for a vanity countertop?

There are several options for all tastes and budgets. You can use granite, quartz, marble, wood, glass, Corian solid surface, onyx, concrete, porcelain, and tiles. Marble countertops can stain easily if paints or soaps are left on its surface for a long period of hours.

Bathroom Vanity Ideas for Custom Storage and Style

Everyone needs bathroom storage, to keep towels, and bathroom essentials. Freestanding pedestal sinks do not offer counter space, such an essential item especially when you want to get ready for a day’s work ahead. Medicine cabinets are tiny, without enough space to store all the everyday toiletry items we need at arm’s reach.

So, a bathroom vanity is an essential item for you to keep your bathroom tidy and organized. No matter the size of your bathroom, you will see that there are simple ways to make it more functional, with the awesome ideas we will give you in this post.

1. Bespoke Bathroom Vanities

Custom-made vanities are always an excellent choice. Take a look at the examples of dual vanity below: a custom-made cabinet that takes advantage of the space between the sinks, with a set of drawers between the lower cabinets. This type of cabinetry provides plenty of highly needed bathroom storage space.

Modern bathroom with dark wood double vanity, two mirrors, black fixtures, and a central cabinet — Source: @don_gardner_architects via Instagram

Modern bathroom with double vanity, large mirrors, black light fixtures, and herringbone tile floor. Minimalist decor and green plants — Source: @maconithome via Instagram

In the other example, instead of a dual vanity, the space was used for a single vanity with cabinets and drawers, and the extra space is used as a makeup station, another essential item for every woman.

These are examples of how much custom vanities can add to the space: they are designed to use the space’s exact measurements. Using a wall-to-wall slab, for example, will allow for a wider countertop with more room for bathroom essentials.

2. DIY Vanity Projects

There are creative ideas for you to install a vanity that combines beauty and functionality, at affordable prices.

Open niches look great when paired with baskets and rolled-up bath towels. Floating cabinets are also trendy. They make the space look bigger and are easier to maintain since there’s no risk of getting in contact with water when cleaning the bathroom.

White bathroom with wood vanity, black faucet, and patterned floor; window view with trees, dual cage ceiling lights, and toilet — Source: @barberspointe via Instagram

Modern bathroom with wooden vanity, two sinks, framed mirrors, striped rug, and wall-mounted lights; white walls and door — Source: @happilyeverafterinrosharon via Instagram

Bathroom with patterned tiles, round sink on large vanity with white cabinets, potted plants, towels, and toiletries on a wooden countertop; orange rug on the floor — Source: @home_at_door4 via Instagram

Bathroom with wooden vanity, black fixtures, and patterned tile floor; large mirror above the sink, white walls, and a toilet beside — Source: @kimpsey via Instagram

Modern bathroom with round mirror, wooden vanity, and decorative shelves, featuring hanging lights above the mirror, and a door slightly open — Source: @lilo_photography via Instagram

A bathroom with a vintage sink, a wooden mirror, teal walls, decorative jars below, and a striped towel on a hook — Source: @vintageandhoem via Instagram

With a little imagination, you can turn an old piece of furniture into a stylish vanity. Install a vessel sink on top of an antique table and adapt a shelf on the bottom for towel baskets, and you’ll have a unique décor piece in your bathroom.

The most common materials you can use in your DIY project are wood and MDF. Just keep n mind that both have to be properly sealed to avoid moisture. Mirrored and glass cabinets are an alternative to wood cabinets.

3. Dual Sink Designs

If your bathroom is large enough for a double vanity, then you shouldn’t let the space go wasted. Install a wall-to-wall vanity to make the most use of storage space to tuck away toiletries and other bathroom essentials.

A stylish bathroom with dual sinks, round mirrors, green vanity, geometric tile floor, and leaf-patterned wallpaper — Source: @deco.berri via Instagram

Bathroom with double sinks, marble countertop, gold fixtures, white cabinets, and herringbone tile floor — Source: @scperfectstones via Instagram

If your vanity is in desperate need of a facelift, a quick but effective solution is to give it a fresh coat of paint and replace the knobs. Sometimes, this is all you need to transform an old vanity into a sleek and stylish décor piece.

4. Contemporary Vanity Styles

Melamine coatings are probably the most common finishes for bathroom and kitchen cabinets.

Modern bathroom with a wall-mounted toilet, a round sink on a vanity, and a small flower arrangement. Tiled walls and floor — Source: @avhomesweethome via Instagram

Modern bathroom with wood vanity, double mirrors, blue subway tile backsplash, brass fixtures, and geometric floor tiles — Source: @coreinteriordesign via Instagram

It is possible to find a wide variety of colors and patterns, but there’s also the possibility of adding colored glass or mirrors in cabinet doors and drawers, upcycling an ordinary cabinet to a refined and modern bathroom vanity.

See more modern bathroom ideas here.

5. Open-Shelf Vanity Concepts

Open shelving and floating vanities are very trendy. You can repurpose a shelving unit into an open vanity that will offer enough space for baskets where you can store towels and toiletries.

Modern bathroom with glass shower, woven baskets under the sink, and plants featuring a round mirror, boho rug, and ladder towel rack — Source: @emilia_boho_home via Instagram

Elegant bathroom with a double-sink vanity, large mirror, white towels, and a vase of flowers in soft neutral tones and bright lighting — Source: @marnieoursler via Instagram

A freestanding vanity can also be very charming. Choose one with lower shelf storage, that will make your bathroom feel larger. You can accessorize it with baskets and ball jars.

6. Rustic Vanity Inspirations

Rustic Barnwood vanities are pretty and timeless. You can add some sophisticated items like a white marble countertop to contrast the dark wood.

Bathroom with double sinks on a wooden vanity, mirrors, woven baskets, and wall lights; a door leads to a toilet area — Source: @heartandhomeinthehills via Instagram

Wicker baskets and polished brass hardware complement the décor.

See more rustic bathroom ideas here.

7. Solo Sink Vanities

Single vanities for bathrooms or powder rooms can be stylish and functional. If you want an out-of-the-box solution, consider a large drawer that can be repurposed as a floating vanity.

Modern bathroom with round mirror, white sink on a gray vanity, toilet, white tiles, and wicker baskets on wood-look flooring — Source: @slc.home via Instagram

An antique dresser can also be transformed into a stylish vanity with a coat of paint, new hardware, a built-in towel bar, and a vessel sink.

8. Compact Vanity Solutions

When looking for functional storage in a small bathroom vanity, there are a few things you must take into account: If you choose a built-in sink instead of a vessel sink, it’s important to consider its size when designing the cabinet. Should it be too deep, it will end up stealing internal space and limiting the storage capacity.

Small bathroom sink with gold faucet, gray wooden stand, striped towel, and wicker basket on a wooden floor — Source: @lunchbreakreno via Instagram

Also, take your measurements right and make sure there’s enough circulation space when the cabinet doors are open. Creativity makes up for the lack of space. You can have a tilt-out laundry hamper, alongside drawers.

Vanity units that include drawers and at least one cabinet door are well-suited for various storage needs. You can use countertop space for organizers with day-to-day toiletry items, and maximize the use of vertical space by adding floating shelves for extra storage.

See more small bathroom ideas here.

9. Classic Vintage Vanities

Think out of the box when you want a vintage-style vanity for your bathroom. Vintage tables or dressers can be upcycled to make spectacular bathroom vanities.

Vintage-style bathroom with ornate wood cabinet, marble sink, floral decor, patterned floor tiles, and a wall mirror cabinet — Source: @isabelmariapdias via Instagram

Vintage wooden vanity with a round mirror, vessel sink, plants, and decorative items on a wooden floor — Source: @loveantiques_com via Instagram

Rustic bathroom with wood vanity, white sink, large mirror, potted plants, and a white shower curtain on hexagonal tile floor — Source: @oursweetfarmhouse via Instagram

Vintage bathroom with a dark wooden vanity, marble sink, mirror, and brass sconces, baskets are on the floor tiles — Source: @strikeme_pink via Instagram

A vintage cabinet can also be converted into a sleek and stylish vanity. Vessel sinks allow for more storage room inside the cabinet and give the vanity a modern look.

Visit thrift stores and salvage yards to find exclusive pieces that you can transform into a showstopper vanity!

10. Wooden Vanity Creations

Have you ever thought of transforming an old workbench into a vanity? An old bench or even one simple slab of recycled wood can be transformed into an awesome floating vanity.

A cozy bathroom featuring a wooden cabinet, sin on a wooden vanity,potted plants, bathtub, framed artwork, and a beige mat on stone tiles — Source: @casacuvisuri via Instagram

Modern bathroom with wooden vanity, black countertop, large mirror, black and white tiles, and a glass-enclosed bathtub with white tiles — Source: @coreinteriordesign via Instagram

Modern bathroom with a wooden vanity, round white sink, large mirror, hanging lights, and reflection of another room in the mirror — Source: @pjhconstructions via Instagram

An old wood door can also be upcycled to make an exclusive countertop. All you need is to let your imagination run wild. From vintage to modern, wood furniture is always a sure bet.