The Ultimate Bathroom Vanity Buying Guide

A bathroom vanity is more than just a storage solution; it’s a defining piece that sets the tone for your entire bathroom’s look and feel. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we know the difference the right vanity can make—from enhancing your space’s functionality to elevating its style. With years of experience helping Perth homeowners select the perfect vanities for their bathrooms, we understand the importance of finding one that combines practicality with aesthetic appeal.

In this comprehensive buying guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to consider when choosing a bathroom vanity, covering styles, materials, sizes, and more. Whether you’re renovating or simply updating, our goal is to help you make an informed choice that brings both beauty and functionality to your bathroom. Let’s start creating a space that reflects your style and meets your everyday needs.

Types of Bathroom Vanities

When it comes to choosing the right bathroom vanity, understanding the different types available can make all the difference. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we’re here to help you find the perfect match for your space and lifestyle.

Freestanding Vanities

Freestanding vanities are a popular choice for many homeowners, thanks to their standalone design that doesn’t require wall support. These units often feature a variety of drawer and cabinet combinations, providing ample storage solutions to keep your bathroom essentials neatly organised.

Benefits:

• Versatile Fit: Freestanding vanities are incredibly adaptable, fitting seamlessly into bathrooms of all sizes. Whether you have a compact ensuite or a large family bathroom, they can accommodate your space requirements.
• Family-Friendly: With plenty of storage, these bathroom vanities are ideal for families who need to stow away bathroom essentials like towels, toiletries, and more.

Style Tips:

Freestanding vanities are a versatile choice that can enhance both traditional and modern bathroom aesthetics. For a classic look, select a vanity with warm wood tones like our Woodlands PVC Vanity or detailed finishes like our Joyce PVC Vanity Unit, which can be installed with or without the kickboard, making it “float”. If you prefer a contemporary feel, opt for the sleek lines of our Astra Vanity Unit and minimalistic hardware to complement a modern bathroom design.

Floating/Wall-Hung Vanities

Floating or wall-hung vanities are a stylish and modern choice for those looking to create a sleek and airy bathroom environment. These vanities are wall-mounted, giving them a unique floating effect that opens up the floor space underneath.

Benefits:

• Space Enhancer: Ideal for smaller bathrooms, floating vanities create a sense of openness, making the room feel larger and more spacious.
• Easy Maintenance: The open space beneath these vanities makes cleaning easy, especially useful in busy or high-traffic bathrooms where maintaining hygiene is a priority.

Style Tips:

Floating vanities are perfect for contemporary or minimalist bathroom designs. Opt for the simple, clean lines of our Marine PVC Vanity and understated hardware to complement the sleek aesthetic. Their modern appeal is amplified when paired with neutral tones and smooth surfaces, creating a sophisticated, uncluttered look that defines modern simplicity.

Corner Vanities

Corner vanities are ingeniously designed to fit snugly into a corner, making them a smart choice for maximising space in small bathroom. These compact units have a smaller footprint and typically feature a single cabinet or shelf, providing just enough storage without overwhelming the room.

Benefits:

• Space Savvy: Perfect for tight spaces, corner vanities are ideal for powder rooms or guest bathrooms where every inch counts. They make the most of otherwise under-utilised areas, ensuring you don’t compromise on functionality while saving space.
• Functional Fit: Despite their compact size, corner vanities offer practical storage solutions, helping you keep essentials within reach without cluttering the space.

Style Tips:

With their functional yet simple design, corner vanities are a great fit for casual, compact bathrooms. Opt for styles that enhance your bathroom’s decor without overpowering it, using subtle finishes and streamlined designs to maintain a clean and tidy appearance. These vanities are especially effective in maintaining a light and open feel in smaller spaces.

All-in-One Vanity

All-in-One Vanities are the ultimate convenience for anyone looking to enhance their bathroom with minimal fuss. These single units include the vanity cabinet, vanity top, and often a basin, creating a cohesive and complete package. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, all our bathroom vanities are considered as ‘All-in-One’, but we also offer the flexibility to exclude the top if you prefer to purchase your own elsewhere.

All-in-One Vanities vanities provide a clean, unified look that requires minimal assembly or customisation, making them a hassle-free choice for any bathroom renovation.

Benefits:

• DIY Friendly: Perfect for those who love a good DIY project, All-in-One Vanities come with all parts matched and ready to go, simplifying the installation process.
• Quick Convenience: For renovators seeking a quick and efficient solution, these vanities provide a seamless option that saves time and effort without sacrificing style or quality.

Style Tips:

With a wide variety of designs available, All-in-One Vanities can complement any bathroom aesthetic, from traditional to transitional and modern. Whether you favor classic elegance, sleek modernity, or something in between, these versatile vanities are designed to fit seamlessly into your desired look, offering both style and practicality. You only need to view our selection to see the wide variety of designs available.

Style and Design Considerations

Selecting the perfect vanity is more than just a functional decision—it’s a design choice that can dramatically influence the ambiance of your bathroom. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we believe the right vanity should seamlessly integrate with your existing decor, enhancing the overall aesthetic and creating a harmonious space.

Whether you’re drawn to modern minimalism, classic charm, or a balanced transitional look, choosing the right style ensures your bathroom is not only a place of practicality but also a reflection of your personal taste.

Matching Vanity Style with Bathroom Decor

Selecting the right vanity style is crucial to enhancing the overall look and feel of your bathroom. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we’re here to guide you in choosing a vanity that not only meets your functional needs but also complements your bathroom decor beautifully.

Modern:

Modern vanity styles are all about simplicity and elegance. With minimalist designs, clean lines, and the option of glossy or matte finishes, modern vanities create a sleek and uncluttered look. Subtle hardware completes the aesthetic, making your bathroom feel contemporary and chic.

Traditional:

For those who prefer a touch of timeless elegance, traditional vanities are the perfect choice. These styles often feature warm wood tones and decorative detailing that add a sense of charm and sophistication. Elegant hardware further enhances the classic appeal.

Transitional:

Transitional styles offer the best of both worlds, blending modern and traditional elements to create a versatile look. With neutral tones and clean detailing, transitional vanities provide a flexible design that can easily adapt to any decor, making them a popular choice for many homeowners.

Tips:

• When selecting your vanity, consider finishes, colours, and details that harmonise with existing bathroom elements. This ensures a cohesive and balanced look that ties the room together.
• Pay attention to other bathroom fixtures like mirrors, lighting, and tapware. Coordinating these elements with your vanity style can enhance the overall aesthetic, creating a unified and visually appealing space.

Storage Needs

Understanding your bathroom storage needs is key to selecting the perfect vanity that suits your lifestyle. Whether it’s a busy family bathroom or a serene guest retreat, Ross’s Discount Home Centre is here to help you find a vanity that serves both your practical and aesthetic requirements. By tailoring your storage solutions, you can ensure a clutter-free and organised bathroom that complements your daily routine.

Storage Types: Drawers, Cabinets, and Open Shelving

Drawers:

Drawers are ideal for keeping smaller items like toiletries and cosmetics neatly organised. With soft-close technology, these drawers offer an added layer of convenience, reducing noise—a feature that’s particularly beneficial in family bathrooms. Imagine the ease of accessing your morning essentials quietly, even when others are still asleep.

Cabinets:

If you need to store larger items such as towels or bulk cleaning supplies, cabinets are your go-to option. They provide ample space, and with adjustable shelves, you can customise the interior to better accommodate your needs. This flexibility ensures that everything, from tall bottles to compact linens, has its place.

Open Shelving:

For those who love easy access and a touch of style, open shelving is a fantastic choice. Perfect for frequently used items or decorative baskets, open shelves add a light and airy feel to your bathroom. They’re particularly effective in modern or spa-inspired spaces, offering both functionality and flair.

Storage Tips

When it comes to bathroom storage, think about the long-term needs of your household. Shared or family bathrooms often benefit from additional storage solutions that can adapt over time. Consider vanities with dividers or pull-out trays, which enhance organisation and make finding your bathroom essentials a breeze.

Choosing the Right Size

Selecting the perfect vanity size is a critical step in ensuring your bathroom is both functional and stylish. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we understand that the right size can make all the difference in creating a comfortable and efficient space, which is why you’ll find our range available in sizes from 600mm to 1500mm.

Let us guide you through the process of choosing a vanity that fits your bathroom’s dimensions and meets your household’s unique needs.

Standard Vanity Sizes

When it comes to vanity sizes, there’s a wide range to suit every bathroom:

• Common Widths:
  • 600mm & 750mm: These smaller sizes are ideal for compact bathrooms or ensuites where space is at a premium. They provide essential functionality without overwhelming the room.
  • 900mm, 1200mm, & 1500mm: Larger vanities are perfect for family bathrooms or main bathrooms that see more traffic. They offer ample space for storage and can accommodate multiple users comfortably.
• Standard Height: Typically ranging from 850mm to 900mm, this height is designed for ease of use by most people, ensuring comfort and accessibility in your daily routine.
• Standard Depth: Ranging from 450mm to 500mm, this depth provides sufficient vanity top space while maintaining a balanced presence in the bathroom, preventing it from feeling cramped.

Choosing Based on Bathroom Type

Different bathrooms have different demands, and selecting the right vanity size can enhance both functionality and aesthetics:

• Family Bathroom: For a busy family bathroom, consider a larger vanity of 1200mm or more. This ensures plenty of storage space for everyone’s needs, from towels to toiletries, while making the bathroom a functional hub for the household.
• Ensuite or Guest Bathroom: In smaller spaces like ensuites or guest bathrooms, a compact vanity ranging from 600mm to 750mm may be all you need. Focus on a design that maximises space efficiency while providing essential storage, ensuring guests have everything they need without cluttering the room.

By considering your bathroom’s specific requirements and the people using it, you can choose a vanity size that not only complements the space but also enhances its overall functionality and appeal.

Vanity Placement

When it comes to bathroom design, the placement of your vanity is crucial in defining both the look and functionality of the space. We know that a well-placed vanity can transform your bathroom into a harmonious and efficient environment. Here’s how to position your vanity for maximum impact.

Vanity as the Focal Point

Your vanity should be more than just a functional piece—it should be the star of the show. Ideally, it’s the first thing you notice when entering the bathroom. This positioning not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also sets the style tone for the entire room. In larger bathrooms, centering the vanity can create a sense of balance, making it the undeniable focal point that anchors your design.

Ideal Placement for Functionality

Functionality is key when positioning your vanity. Consider placing it near the entrance or adjacent to the shower for easy access and seamless flow. Avoid awkward spots like behind doors or cramped corners, which can hinder usage and detract from the room’s design. By thoughtfully placing your vanity, you ensure it enhances both the usability and appeal of the bathroom.

Plumbing Considerations

Plumbing is an essential factor in vanity placement, especially if you’re renovating. Keeping your vanity close to existing plumbing not only minimises installation costs but also simplifies the layout. If you’re planning a custom vanity, take the plumbing layout into account to prevent unexpected expenses and ensure a smooth installation process.

By considering these aspects of vanity placement, you can achieve a bathroom design that is both striking and practical, aligning with your personal style and daily needs.

Vanity Tops & Basin Options

You can’t have a vanity, without a vanity top. But moreover, vanity tops are a crucial element in bathroom design, offering both functionality and style. Choosing the right vanity top and basin is essential as it significantly influences both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your bathroom. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we’re here to help you navigate these choices to create a vanity that truly reflects your style and meets your practical needs.

Integrated Vanity Tops

Integrated vanity tops, as featured in our All-in-One vanities, offer a streamlined solution that simplifies both installation and upkeep.

Our vanity tops come in diverse finishes such as stone, ceramic, or solid surfaces, each chosen for its durability and aesthetic appeal. With options for one or three tap holes, you can easily find a top that meets your specific tapware preferences, ensuring both style and practicality.

Separate Vanity Tops and Basin Options

Opting for separate vanity tops and basins opens up a world of customisation, allowing you to tailor the vanity’s look and function to your preference. Here are the basin styles to consider:

• Vessel Basins: These basins sit atop the vanity, creating a bold and eye-catching statement. They add height and a unique visual interest, perfect for those looking to make a design splash.
• Top-Mounted Basins: Compact and contemporary, these basins sit partially above the vanity top, offering a modern touch that’s both stylish and space-efficient.
• Undermount Basins: Tucked neatly beneath the vanity top, undermount basins provide a smooth, uninterrupted surface that’s easy to clean and maintain—ideal for a fuss-free, sleek look.
• Recessed and Semi-Recessed Basins: These basins integrate partially into the vanity top, saving space while introducing a distinctive, modern visual appeal.

Buying Tips:

• When selecting your basin, remember that the type can impact the overall height of your vanity. Vessel and top-mounted basins may require lower taps or taller vanities to maintain comfort and usability. Read our guide on how to choose the right bathroom basin to ensure you create a bathroom that’s both beautiful and efficient.
• Vanity tops can dramatically influence the look and feel of your bathroom. For a modern touch, consider sleek stone finishes that exude luxury and sophistication. If you prefer a classic style, ceramic tops offer timeless elegance. Whatever your preference, choosing a vanity top from our range ensures your bathroom not only functions well but also reflects your unique style.

Check out our article, Make A Style Statement With Your Bathroom Vanity Top, to explore some of our most popular designs.

Materials: Choosing the Right One

Selecting the right material for your bathroom vanity is crucial in ensuring it stands the test of time, especially in high-use environments. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we know that a durable, water-resistant material is key to longevity and maintaining a beautiful bathroom. Here’s a closer look at some top materials to consider:

PVC

PVC is a standout choice for those seeking a robust and resilient option. Completely waterproof and extremely durable, PVC bathroom vanities, like the many you’ll find at Ross’s, are perfect for family or busy bathrooms where moisture is a constant presence. Its low-maintenance nature means you can enjoy a vanity that resists warping, mould, and damage, making it a smart investment for high-moisture areas.

Explore the unique features of PVC vanities or learn more about our range of PVC vanities.

Waterproof MDF & HMR Particle Board

For those seeking a cost-effective solution, waterproof MDF and HMR particle board present durable options that fits well in bathrooms without excessive humidity. They comes in a variety of finishes, from matte to high gloss, allowing you to customise the look to match your bathroom’s style. This versatility ensures you get the best of both worlds—durability and aesthetic appeal—at a price that suits your budget.

You’ll find our standard bathroom vanities (non-PVC) to all be made from HMR particle board, which is specifically designed for high-moisture environments. You can trust that when you purchase a bathroom vanity from us, it’s built to withstand the demands of daily use.

Solid Wood and Plywood

• Solid Wood: If you’re after a classic, luxurious touch, solid wood is a timeless option. Known for its durability and traditional appeal, it elevates the aesthetic of any bathroom. However, it may require occasional sealing to protect against moisture damage, ensuring it remains in pristine condition.
• Plywood: Offering a balance of affordability and performance, plywood provides good water resistance, making it suitable for most bathroom settings. Its versatility allows you to enjoy the warmth of wood without the higher cost, ensuring your vanity is both stylish and practical.

Cost & Budget Considerations

Understanding the costs involved in purchasing and installing a bathroom vanity is essential for making informed decisions that align with your budget.

Price Ranges for Bathroom Vanities

Bathroom vanities come in a wide price range, from as low as $200 to over $3,000, depending on factors like size, material, and brand reputation. Our vanities are priced between $320.00 and $2,220.00, ensuring you find options that cater to various budgets and aesthetics. Key factors influencing cost include the vanity’s size, the materials used, the complexity of its design, and the brand’s reputation. By understanding these elements, you can select a vanity that fits both your style and financial plan.

Installation Costs

When it comes to installation, you have options that can significantly affect your overall budget:

• DIY Installation: Our vanities are designed for easy DIY installation, providing a cost-effective solution that allows you to save on labor costs while enjoying the satisfaction of a hands-on project. If you’re keen to give it a go yourself, you’ll want to read our bathroom vanity installation guide.
• Professional Installation: For those who prefer to leave it to the experts, professional installation is available. National averages for this service range from $467 to $1,360, depending on the size and customization of the vanity. Larger or custom installations may require this professional touch to ensure a perfect fit and finish.

Conclusion

Choosing a bathroom vanity involves balancing several key factors, from size and style to budget and placement. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we understand that each decision you make contributes to creating a bathroom that’s not only functional but also a true reflection of your personal style. Whether you’re considering the space you have available, the materials that will stand up to daily use, or the budget you have in mind, we’re here to help you navigate these choices with confidence.

Rest assured, our wide range of high-quality, affordable vanities is designed to meet diverse needs and preferences. No matter your style or budget, we have something to suit every home. We invite you to explore our Perth showroom or visit our website for personalised assistance and expert advice.

See our extensive range in person by visiting us at 57 James Street Guildford, and let us help you find the perfect piece that transforms your bathroom into a beautiful and practical space.