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 bathroom vanity 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 beauty and functionality to your bathroom. Let’s create a space that reflects your style and meets your everyday needs.

Types of Bathroom Vanities

When choosing the right bathroom cabinet, understanding the available types 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 vanity cabinets are a versatile choice that can enhance 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 enough storage without overwhelming the room.

Benefits:

• Space Savvy: Corner vanities are ideal for tight spaces such as powder rooms or guest bathrooms where every centimetre counts. They make the most of otherwise underutilised 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 vanity cabinets 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 ‘all-in-one,’ but we also offer the flexibility to exclude the top if you prefer to purchase your own elsewhere.

All-in-one vanity cabinets 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 many designs available, all-in-one vanity cabinets can complement any bathroom aesthetic, from traditional to transitional and modern. Whether you favour 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 various 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 ambience of your bathroom. The right bathroom cabinet 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 a place of practicality and a reflection of your personal taste.

Matching Vanity Style with Bathroom Decor

Selecting the right vanity style is crucial to enhancing your bathroom’s overall look and feel. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we’re here to guide you in choosing a vanity that meets your functional needs and 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: Traditional vanities are the perfect choice for those who prefer a touch of timeless elegance. These styles often feature warm wood tones and decorative detailing, adding 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 quickly adapt to any decor, making them a popular choice for many homeowners.

Style Tips

• When selecting your vanity cabinet, 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 bathroom cabinet for your lifestyle. Whether your bathroom is a busy family bathroom or a serene guest retreat, Ross’s Discount Home Centre is here to help you find a vanity that meets your practical and aesthetic requirements. By tailoring your storage solutions, you can ensure a clutter-free, 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 added convenience, reducing noise—a particularly beneficial feature 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, bathroom cabinets like “tall boys” are your go-to. They provide ample space, and you can customise the interior with adjustable shelves to better accommodate your needs. This flexibility ensures everything, from tall bottles to compact linens, has its place.
• Open Shelving: Open shelving is a fantastic choice for those who love easy access and a touch of style. 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 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

Choosing the right vanity size is key to making your bathroom both stylish and practical. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we get how important it is to pick a vanity that works for your space. That’s why we offer a variety of sizes, from 600mm to 1500mm, to suit bathrooms big and small.

Standard Vanity Sizes

When it comes to vanity sizes, there’s a wide range to suit every bathroom. Let us help you find the perfect fit for your bathroom and your household’s needs:

• 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 or main bathrooms with 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 functionality and aesthetics.

• Family Bathroom: Consider a larger vanity of 1200mm or more for a busy family bathroom. 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 complements the space and enhances its overall functionality and appeal.

Vanity Placement

When it comes to bathroom design, the placement of your vanity cabinet is crucial in defining the space’s look and functionality. We know 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 shouldn’t just be functional—it should stand out, too. It’s usually the first thing you notice when you walk into the bathroom, instantly setting the style for the whole space. In bigger bathrooms, placing the vanity at the centre creates balance, making it the main feature that ties the design together.

Ideal Placement for Functionality

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

Plumbing Considerations

Plumbing is essential in vanity placement, especially if you’re renovating. Keeping your vanity close to existing plumbing minimises installation costs and simplifies the layout. If you’re planning a custom vanity, consider the plumbing layout 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. Moreover, vanity tops are crucial in bathroom design, offering functionality and style. Choosing the right vanity top and basin is essential as it significantly influences your bathroom’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we help you navigate these choices to create a vanity that 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 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 and single or double bowls, you can easily find a top that meets your 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:

• Above Counter Basins: These basins sit right on the vanity top, instantly catching your eye. They add extra height and a stylish touch, perfect if you want your bathroom to stand out and feel more unique.
• Wall Hung Basins: The perfect choice for powder rooms and ensuites, wall hung basins are becoming increasingly popular due to their space-saving design and versatility.
• Inset Basins: Recessed or inset basins are perfect for saving space without sacrificing style for small bathrooms and powder rooms. These basins are installed into a pre-cut hole in your vanity or countertop, giving a clean and seamless appearance.
• Pedestal Basins: Another great option for small bathrooms, pedestal basins take up less space than a traditional vanity unit and can add a touch of elegance to your bathroom.
• Semi-Recessed Basins: These basins integrate partially into the vanity top, saving space while introducing a distinctive, modern visual appeal.
• 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.

Single or Double Basin Vanities

When selecting your vanity top, deciding whether a single or double basin vanity best suits your space and lifestyle is important. Both options can work with integrated or separate vanity tops and come with their own set of benefits:

• Single Basin Vanities
  • Space-Saving: Ideal for smaller bathrooms or powder rooms, as they take up less floor space.
  • Cost-Effective: Typically more affordable, with fewer plumbing requirements and a single tap to purchase.
  • Easy to Maintain: With only one sink, cleaning and upkeep are simpler, making them a great low-maintenance choice.
• Double Basin Vanities
  • Convenient for Shared Bathrooms: Two people can use the space simultaneously, reducing morning congestion.
  • Ample Storage: Often comes with extra cabinetry, making it easier to organise toiletries and towels.
  • Luxurious Feel: Provide a high-end look in larger bathrooms or master ensuites, adding style and functionality.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer a wide selection of single and double vanities in various sizes, styles, and finishes. Whether you’re looking to maximise bench space in a compact bathroom or create a statement piece in a spacious ensuite, you’ll find the perfect fit to complement your vanity top and basin choice.

Read our single vs. double basin vanity comparison to decide which is best for your bathroom’s space and needs.

Buying Tips

• When selecting your basin, remember that the type can impact the overall height of your vanity. Above-counter 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. Consider sleek stone finishes that exude luxury and sophistication for a modern touch. If you prefer a classic style, ceramic tops offer timeless elegance. Whatever your preference, choosing a vanity top from our range ensures your bathroom functions well and 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

Choosing the appropriate material for your bathroom vanity cabinet is essential to guarantee its longevity, particularly in high-traffic areas. 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 wise 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

Waterproof MDF and HMR particle board present durable options for those seeking a cost-effective solution that works well in bathrooms with excessive humidity. They come in various finishes, from matte to high gloss, allowing you to customise the look to match your bathroom’s style. This versatility guarantees durability and aesthetic appeal, all at a cost that aligns with your budget.

You’ll find our standard bathroom vanities (non-PVC) to all be made from HMR particle board, which is 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: Solid wood is a timeless option if you’re after a classic, luxurious touch. 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 pristine.
• 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 of purchasing and installing a bathroom vanity is essential for making informed decisions that align with your budget.

Price Ranges for Bathroom Vanities

Bathroom vanities and cabinets 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 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 labour 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 freestanding vanity installation guide or our wall-hung vanity installation guide, depending on your model. If you need to remove an existing vanity, also, don’t miss our guide on how to remove a vanity also.
• Professional Installation: Professional installation is available for those who prefer to leave it to the experts. National averages for this service range from $467 to $1,360, depending on the size and customisation 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. We have something to suit every home, no matter your style or budget. We invite you to explore our Perth showroom or visit our website for personalised assistance and expert advice.

Visit us at 57 James Street, Guildford, to see our extensive range in person, and let us help you find the perfect bathroom cabinet to transform your bathroom into a beautiful and practical space.