What to Consider When Buying a Bathroom Vanity

Buying a bathroom vanity is one of the most crucial decisions when designing or renovating your bathroom. More than just a functional addition, a vanity defines the style of your space while offering essential storage and usability. Selecting the right vanity requires more than focusing on aesthetics—it’s about finding a piece that suits your layout, meets your storage needs, and complements the overall design of your bathroom.

For Perth homeowners, the variety of bathroom cabinets available can be overwhelming. From sleek, modern designs to traditional options, vanities now come in various sizes, finishes, and price points. Without proper guidance, finding the right fit can be a challenge. That’s why understanding factors like size, material, plumbing requirements, and storage functionality is essential when narrowing down your options.

In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to buying a bathroom vanity. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right size and storage to evaluating materials and finishes, ensuring you can confidently select a practical vanity that blends beauty. Whether you’re revamping your bathroom or starting from the beginning, these tips will guide you towards a decision that enhances the value and style of your home.

1. Consider the Space Available in Your Bathroom

When choosing a bathroom vanity, starting with a clear understanding of the space available in your bathroom is essential. Bathroom vanities come in various sizes, shapes, and configurations, so selecting a vanity that complements your bathroom layout will ensure functionality and flow.

Choosing a vanity that’s too large can dominate the room, making it feel cramped and restricting movement. Conversely, a vanity that’s too small can leave the space feeling imbalanced and may fall short in storage. To create a harmonious design, always choose a vanity that is proportional to your bathroom size and complements the layout.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer a wide range of bathroom cabinets in Perth to suit every bathroom size and style. Whether you’re working with a compact space or a spacious master bathroom, our selection of vanities includes various sizes and configurations, allowing you to make a statement with a feature bathroom vanity that reflects your personal style.

For a truly eye-catching look, consider incorporating one of our feature vanities that not only optimises space but also serves as a focal point, enhancing your bathroom’s style and functionality.

2. Take Plumbing Requirements Into Account

When selecting a bathroom vanity, it’s essential to consider your plumbing setup to ensure a hassle-free installation. Ensure your new vanity is on-site before the plumber arrives, as plumbing placements will dictate where fixtures can be located. Once plumbing lines are set, it becomes challenging—and potentially costly—to rearrange things later.

If you’re replacing an existing vanity, read our guide on How To Remove a Bathroom Vanity before you do anything. Once removed, you can ensure your new unit is compatible with the existing plumbing configuration. Opting for a vanity that matches your current setup will simplify the process, avoiding the need for extensive plumbing adjustments and helping you stay on budget.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer a wide selection of vanities to accommodate various plumbing configurations, so you can find a solution that meets both your style preferences and functional needs. By considering plumbing early in the planning process, you’ll set the stage for a smooth installation and a stylish, cohesive bathroom design.

3. Consider functionality

When selecting a bathroom vanity, it’s essential to prioritise both functionality and ample storage space. A quality vanity provides a convenient spot to wash up while ensuring all your bathroom essentials are neatly stored and easily accessible—key to an organised, efficient bathroom.

For family or kids’ bathrooms, functionality becomes even more critical. In busy households, opting for a double-bowl vanity can be a game-changer, allowing multiple family members to use the vanity simultaneously, which is ideal for streamlined morning routines. Our waterproof PVC vanities are also fantastic for kids’ bathrooms or high-traffic family spaces. Made from durable, easy-to-clean materials, PVC vanities can withstand everyday wear and tear while maintaining a fresh look, making them particularly practical for households with young children.

If you’re designing a family-friendly space, check out our guide on How to Design a Kid-Friendly Bathroom for more ideas. And don’t overlook bathroom accessories to enhance style and usability. For expert insights on selecting accessories that complement your vanity, refer to our Bathroom Accessories Buying Guide. These tips will help you create a bathroom that’s not only stylish but also highly functional and family-friendly.

4. Freestanding or wall hanging?

Freestanding vanities, as the name suggests, are standalone units that can be installed anywhere in the bathroom. These vanities add a sense of grandeur and are often associated with traditional or classic designs, though they’re available in contemporary styles, too. If you have a medium- to large-sized bathroom, a freestanding vanity can become a stunning focal point, lending a solid and substantial look to the room.

Wall-hung or floating vanities, on the other hand, are mounted on the wall, freeing up floor space below. This makes cleaning easier and creates the illusion of more space—perfect for smaller bathrooms. I’ve personally opted for a wall-hung vanity in a compact ensuite at my rental property, and the difference was remarkable; the open floor space made the bathroom feel larger and much more functional for tenants.

Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or a practical space-saver, choosing the right bathroom cabinet style can make a huge difference. If you’re unsure which is best for your bathroom, check out our comparison of freestanding vs. wall hung vanities.

Below are a few of the most popular options here at Ross’s to kickstart your search.

5. Single or double bowl?

When choosing your bathroom vanity, deciding between a single or double basin configuration is a crucial consideration that impacts functionality and style. A single basin vanity is often preferred for smaller bathrooms or powder rooms with limited space. One sink seamlessly integrated into the vanity top creates a clean, uncluttered look while maximising countertop space. This option is not only cost-effective but also easier to maintain, making it ideal for households with minimal usage or for guest bathrooms.

Conversely, a double basin vanity is well suited to shared bathrooms or master ensuites, allowing two people to use the space simultaneously without congestion. This design not only offers the convenience of dual sinks but also typically provides additional storage behind each basin, contributing to a more luxurious feel. Although double vanities require a larger footprint and higher installation costs, their ability to streamline busy morning routines makes them a wise investment in larger homes.

Integrating this consideration into your vanity purchase will ensure that the final choice complements your bathroom’s layout and lifestyle requirements. Whether you choose a single or double basin design, selecting a vanity that harmonises with your overall aesthetic and practical needs is key.

6. Consider your bathroom style

When choosing a vanity, one of the most crucial factors is ensuring it complements the overall style of your bathroom. Whether your space leans towards classic elegance, minimalistic charm, or a bold, modern aesthetic, the right vanity can enhance and harmonise with your bathroom’s look. A vanity that doesn’t fit in with the room’s design can feel out of place, while the right choice will create a cohesive, visually appealing space.

Not sure what style you want? Check out my earlier post, Popular Bathroom Styles to Consider for Your Renovation, for inspiration. From Hamptons-inspired spaces to sleek modern designs, defining your bathroom style can make selecting your vanity easier.

A personal tip from experience: during my own bathroom renovation, I initially chose a bold, contemporary vanity for my more traditional bathroom. Once installed, it looked completely out of place! I quickly learned the importance of style alignment and went with a classic, timeless vanity that now feels perfectly suited to the room’s design. It’s a small decision that makes a big difference!

Here at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer a variety of vanities to suit all popular styles. Our range includes single-bowl and double-bowl options, freestanding bathroom vanities with sleek finishes, and nature-inspired wall-hung vanities. Whatever style you’re looking for, you’ll find a vanity in Perth that will seamlessly blend with your vision at Ross’s.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect bathroom vanity requires thoughtful consideration. From assessing your available space and plumbing requirements to selecting a style that complements your bathroom design, each factor contributes to a vanity that not only functions well but also enhances the overall aesthetic of your space. A well-chosen vanity will be more than just a sink and storage—it can be a focal point, adding elegance and practicality to your daily routine.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we’re dedicated to helping you find a vanity that meets your needs, style, and budget. With options in all sizes, styles, and configurations, our range is designed to provide quality and versatility for any bathroom renovation.

Ready to make a statement with a feature bathroom vanity? Explore our range online or visit our showroom to see the latest designs firsthand.