Vanity Base With Vessel Sink

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Vessel sinks are all the rage in the home decor and renovation scene, but most people replace their countertops and call it fine. Maybe what your really need is a vanity base for your vessel sink. It takes up less space so there is more room to do other things with the typically wasted square footage, and they are both stylish and functional. Take a look in this collection and see.

Mia Jones Interior Design Expert

Mia is a freelance bathroom designer and writer with over a decade of professional experience. From space planning, cabinetry, storage solutions, and tile design to hardware and fixture selections, she knows a thing about creating baths that strike a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics.

23 Recommendations and 124 Ideas

Updated 24/09/2023

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Vanity Base With Vessel Sink

Buying Guide

Vessel sinks have always been a great way to add stylish elegance to a home bathroom. Whether you are new to the glory of vessel sinks or are simply looking to revamp the current one you have, choosing the right vanity base for your vessel sink can pose to be quite a challenge. There are so many options and you want to be sure the one you choose is right for your choice of sink.

Choosing the best vanity base for vessel sink can be done either before or after you’ve established what sink you want to get. That being said, there are several considerations you’ll need to keep in mind. Below you’ll find some great tips to put in your back pocket as well as popular vanity bases for vessel sinks you can find online. Read on for some great info!

What's the recommended height for a vessel sink?

It is recommended that a vessel sink is mounted on a vanity of 31” high. Most vanities are anywhere from 32” to 36” on average. If any children are going to be using the sink regularly, then you’ll want to make sure you have a way for them to reach, whether it be a lower vanity or a stepping stool. On the other hand, if you or someone in your home is on the taller side, a vessel sink mounted on a standard vanity can help relieve some back strain.

How big a bathroom vanity should you get?

Some people don’t need much bathroom counter space while others are experts at cluttering this space up. If you keep it simple with only the basics like soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste, then a smaller vanity should be fine. However, if you or someone in your home is always keeping out facial cleansers, makeup, brushes, hair dryers, etc. then a large vanity should be considered.

Storage is available as cabinets, shelves, drawers, and a seemingly endless combination of the three. Open shelving tends to have a more modern look while cabinets and drawers tend to offer a more sophisticated look.

Probably the biggest factor in choosing your vessel sink vanity base is going to be the space you have in your bathroom. Simply put, the more space you have, the bigger you can go. While less space means a smaller vanity base, you can choose a base with cabinet and drawer storage to maximize the use of your space.

How to pair a vessel sink with the vanity base?

A plain white vessel sink works well with black and white contemporary vanity designs. Glass vessel sinks are suitable for granite counter tops and “floating” vanities that offer open shelf storage. Vanity bases can range from modern to vintage to suit your preference.

As you browse through your vanity base options and choose the vessel sink you want, you’ll find that you have a lot of combinations to choose from. Just like with choosing any other piece of furniture for your home, try to make sure it fits the overall style of your house or at least the current theme of your bathroom so the vanity doesn’t look out of place.

A new vanity base for your bathroom not only gives you plenty of space to store your essentials, but it can also revamp your bathroom without the cost (or headache) of a full remodel. Not to mention, vanity bases look uber cool!

If you have decided to install a new vanity in your bathroom, you might be looking for some ideas as to how to choose the best one. We have created a detailed guide of our best tips for how you can pick out a new bathroom vanity for your home.

How to pick the right size vanity base?

Choosing the right-sized vanity pretty much depends on the size of your bathroom.You should ensure that you have sufficient clearance around any drawers, shower stalls, and opening doors. There is nothing worse than installing a brand-new vanity and then finding out that you can't open the bathroom door all the way!

So, get some painter's tape or masking tape and mark out the dimensions to confirm you make the right choice, size-wise.

Here are some great tips to keep in mind when measuring the space for a new vanity:

Allow 42 inchesfor a single vanity width and at least 3 ft of wall space per user for a double vanity.
Leave plenty of room for door trim and door openings (shower and entry). The vanity shouldn't disrupt easy flow of traffic.
To make sure you are in adherence of the standard building code, allow at least 15-inches from the *edge of the cabinet *to the center of the toilet.
Check out your plumbing location to correctly determine the width of your vanity base. Remember, if you want to move the plumbing, it will cost you more.
Keep an eye on the existing features, like electrical outlets, switches, and mirrors.
If you want to install a vanity with a countertop, consider the height of individuals. For example, small children will prefer shorter countertops while a taller adult might prefer a higher countertop.

What types of vanity bases are there?

Vanity bases are available in two different styles: built-in and freestanding.

Built-in

These vanities are ideal if you have a larger space since they offer more storage and countertop space. Here are some pros and cons of built-in vanity to help you determine whether it's a judicious option for you:

Pros:

Best option for large, traditional homes
Best option for major storage needs; offers more storage space than freestanding vanities.
Utilizes space from floor-to-wall and wall-to-wall
Can be customized to any height and/or width
Can be customized to fit oddly-shaped spaces
Can be customized to store your personal item needs
Many door styles are available to coordinate with your style

Cons:

Expensive; costs more than freestanding vanities
Installation is expensive and a bit time-consuming
Only a professional cabinetry installer can install a built-in vanity

Freestanding

These vanities are more suitable for people who are short on space. The following pros and cons of freestanding vanities will help you make a better decision:

Pros:

Modern and elegant appearance
The "floating" or open bottom vanity gives an open look to the bathroom
Space appears more spacious
Great for small powder room or bathroom spaces
Offers more dimension and aesthetic appeal to the bathroom
Offers more organized interior storage solutions for everyday items (compared to a built-in vanity)
Cheaper than built-in vanity
Cheaper and easier to install (countertop, sink, and faucet are usually included in the cost of vanity)
Many shapes, sizes, styles, and countertops available to coordinate with your style

Cons:

They are not completely "freestanding" - you still need to attach them to plumbing and wall cleats.
May need interior modification and assembling for plumbing supply
Possibility of un-utilized space in the bathroom
An open bottom vanity requires more cleaning efforts

What are the best materials for vanity tops?

The most popular vanity top materials are:

Wood. Wood adds natural charm and warmth to a variety of bathroom settings and is the go-to option for a lot of homeowners today due to the multitude of color options. The drawback is, however, that it needs to be frequently treated in order not to sustain damage from exposure to moisture.

If you are going for a wood vanity, do your research about what type of wood you want. Maple, oak, and Asian hardwood are more expensive than pine or birch, but they offer exquisite durability.

Granite. Granite tops exude elegance and the sense of luxury. A granite top can almost instantly upgrade the looks of your bathroom and is easy to maintain. Perfect for formal, sophisticated interiors.

What other features should be considered when buying a vanity base?

Here are a few options you should consider when buying a vanity:

Finish and Color: Vanities usually come in black, white, mid-tone espresso/brown finishes. If you want a specific color cabinet, like blush pink or eggshell, get a wooden cabinet and paint it that exact shade.

Storage: Storage is available as shelves, cabinets, drawers, and a combination of the three. Open shelving tends to be more casual looking and makes a good choice for guest bathrooms (eg. for towel storage). Cabinets and drawers offer a more refined look, perfect for master bathrooms where it's best to avoid visual clutter.

Hardware: If you want a vanity that comes with drawer and door hardware, check the description on the vanity that you're interested in. Not all vanities include the hardware.

Quick Tips

For all of you busy bees out there, here is a quick rundown of the above information:

Measure the dimensions of your bathroom space before buying a vanity.
A built-in vanity is best for larger spaces (like traditional homes), so they are expensive.
A freestanding vanity is best for smaller spaces (like a studio apartment), so they are cheaper.
A single sink vanity is better if you want more space on the countertops.
A double-sink vanity is best if you have a big family and you want to cut down the morning-prep times.