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Giving your bathroom a makeover often means replacing the tile, refreshing with a coat of paint, or adding wallpaper. However, the real trick to channeling a whole new vibe is to swap out the vanity. This one piece of furniture—or cabinetry, depending on the project—can totally transform a space, taking it from builder-grade to bold.
It doesn’t have to be a traditional vanity to make an impact, either. You can get creative with materials, vintage fixtures, and unconventional sinks or countertops. Ready to be inspired? Here are some interior designer-approved ideas that will give your space a fresh, polished look.
Embrace a Rounded Edge
White Arrow / Thomas Richter
A vanity with a rounded edge can add softness and a light touch to a bathroom. Here, in this primary bathroom by interior design firm White Arrow, the curved countertop perfectly complements the herringbone floors, creating a sense of effortless sophistication.
Choose a Fun Color
Murphy & Moore Design / Ashley Gieseking
Vanities don’t have to be neutral. Choosing a playful color can give a bathroom a vibrant, joyful look—particularly when it’s paired with elevated trim and elegant fixtures. That approach was perfect for this custom vanity, which Murphy & Moore Design incorporated into a poolside area.
“The rich ochre finish adds a burst of cheerful energy,” says Rebekah Murphy, the firm’s co-founder. “The traditional inset cabinetry, polished nickel hardware, and honed marble countertop ground the space in timeless elegance.”
Continue the Material
Vergara Homes / Green Castle Photography
A vivid vanity is lovely on its own, but it becomes even more of a statement when it’s tied together with the rest of the room through cohesive molding and trim. This one, for example, is reflected throughout the wainscoting.
“The combination of the custom green vanity, brass hardware, bold patterned wallpaper, and warm wood accents was chosen to ensure the bathroom stood out from the rest of the home,” says Elizabeth Vergara, CEO and founder of Vergara Homes.
Add Texture
Stanton Home Design / Tori Sikkema Photography
Adding texture can create a casual, effortless look in a bathroom. Here, in this beachside house, the vanity is subtle but adds just the right amount of visual interest. Stanton Home Design used white oak as well as tongue and groove panels to achieve the look.
Go for a Minimalist Look
Vergara Homes / Green Castle Photography
If you want your bathroom to feel like a serene retreat, then try a minimalist vanity. This approach lends a calming look to the entire space—especially when it uses materials like light wood and white stone.
“The idea for this bathroom was to lean into natural tones for a minimalist, spa-like design,” says Vergara. “This modern vanity features white oak cabinetry, sleek brass hardware, and double faucets.”
Try White Oak
Think Chic Interiors LLC
A double vanity takes up significant visual weight within a bathroom, so choosing a light wood can help it feel less heavy.
Malka Helft, founder of Think Chic Interiors, used white oak, a Caesarstone surface, and brushed brass hardware to achieve this effect. The result “exudes sophistication,” she says. The wall-mounted faucets help maintain a clean aesthetic while also maximizing counter space.
Mix Materials
Unpatterned / Dustin Halleck
Don’t limit yourself to one material for the vanity. Instead, consider a mixed media approach, which creates contrast and dynamism. This space by Unpatterned, for example, perfectly blends color, material, and pattern.
“We couldn’t decide between painted and stained, so we incorporated a painted vanity frame to match the linen cabinet, but had the drawers and door fronts crafted out of white oak,” says Carly Moeller, the firm’s founder and principal designer.
Add a Gilded Touch
Robbie Maynard Interiors / Jim Brady
Even a small vanity can make a big impact when every detail is considered. Gold fixtures and hardware, as well as a striking mirror, give this particular example real presence. It also has “clean lines, and incorporates storage below,” says interior designer Robbie Maynard.
Make It Subtle
Jennifer Lynn Interiors
In a relaxing, restorative bathroom design, the vanity should blend in rather than stand out. A calming color palette between the different elements helps create that look.
“We wanted a subtle contrast from the white backsplash, so we used a light oak, brass pulls, and beautiful elevated sinks,” says interior designer Jennifer Lynn of this space.
Incorporate Seating
Molly Miller Interiors / Julie Leffell
This bathroom channels old Hollywood glamour with classic lighting and vanity seating. A large mirror gives it even more elegance. “A centered knee space with a warm wood stool offers a comfortable spot for pampering,” adds interior designer Molly Miller.
Install Extra Storage
You can never have too much bathroom storage. This vanity, for example, has plenty of drawers, and even a separate cabinet. “What truly sets it apart are the thoughtful, elevated details, like the floor-to-ceiling linen cupboard,” says Brittany Bowen, co-founder of Girls at Flourish.
Choose Interesting Hardware
Lexie Saine Design
This bathroom has a double vanity with plenty of storage—but the real design win is in the details. Lexie Saine Design incorporated scalloped hardware and rich brass fixtures into the piece, making the vanity feel warm, timeless, and classic.
Be Brave With Color
Indigo Mavens Interiors
Choosing a bold color turns a bathroom into a design highlight, rather than a purely utilitarian space. And if you’re doing color on the walls, why not continue it to the vanity?
Here, Indigo Mavens Interiors used a classic Schumacher wallcovering for a bold bathroom—a custom, high-gloss lacquer on the vanity further embraces the glam aesthetic.
Add a Tower
Kelly Neely Interiors / Hector Sanchez
Who doesn’t want to maximize their bathroom storage? Adding a tower to the vanity is a wonderful way to keep things within arm’s reach, so you’re not fighting with under-the-sink clutter to find your hair tools.
“Installing an outlet into the tower is also a great use of space for electric toothbrushes, razors, and hair dryers,” says interior designer Kelly Neely.
Fit the Vanity to the Space
Lauren Conner Interiors / Jean Allsopp
There is almost always room for a vanity, even in a petite bathroom. The key is to make it look and feel intentional, rather than forced. This example, designed by Lauren Conner, incorporates a playful one into a historic home.
“We added a vanity with storage, painted in a whimsical color with new hardware, antique gold fixtures, and a pretty marble countertop,” she says. “[It] makes this space practical and delightful for a new generation.”
Install a Floating Vanity
Emily June Designs / Julie Soefer
A floating vanity is perfect for a modern bathroom with a sleek, light look; pairing it with a warm wood treatment will keep the space from feeling too cold. This space from Emily June Design is a perfect example.
“The natural wood mimics the doorway and offers an organic sense of grounding,” says principal designer Emily Spanos.
Add Patina With Wood
Haldon House / Jason Varney
A partial vanity like this one can add instant character and patina to a bathroom—using an intricate natural stone adds even more elegance and intention. The “striking” sink is Viola marble, says designer Autumn Oser, co-founder of Haldon House. The vanity itself is custom and crafted by Foxden Decor.
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