We’re all familiar with the concept of modern bathroom vanities. However, we sometimes tend to forget that there are so many different types and styles to choose from. A bathroom vanity is a combination of a sink and a storage structure, like a cabinet.

A modern bathroom vanity is a cabinet topped with a sink and the way in which these two elements are combined can vary

Any bathroom cabinet topped with a sink is vanity but not all vanities are cabinets. Sometimes bathroom vanities are very simple and focus mainly on covering the plumbing. As a result, they feature minimal or no storage. Many modern vanities aim to be flexible and to provide the bathroom with a clean and streamlined look but also to offer some sort of storage for various items.

In some cases the cabinet and the sink or sinks can appear as separate structuresA large bathroom vanity can offer sufficient storage for all the bathroom-related items such as towels and toiletriesA bathroom vanity can either stand out and become a focal point or it can blend in with the wall behind it and the rest of the bathroomSome more modern vanities have an open and simplified design and a sculptural appearance

The size of a bathroom vanity can vary depending on a variety of different factors. For instance, the number of sinks is one of these factors. A double vanity is quite large, with enough room for two sinks or washbasins, typically evenly spaces out and with a bit of extra space in between.

A floating bathroom vanity gives the impression of a larger and more open and airy space

There’s usually storage underneath each of the sinks, although asymmetrical designs are quite fashionable these days. Of course, a vanity with only one sink can be quite large as well. It can have a long countertop which can hold various items such as toiletries, planters, towels and so on.

Double sink vanities are typically preferred for master bathrooms and are usually fairly large in sizeThe countertop in this case resembles a floating shelf and is not placed directly on top of the cabinetThere’s usually a strong connection between a bathroom vanity and the mirror, these often being complementary of one anotherNot all cabinets are vanities and not all vanities are cabinets, as this design very eloquently shows

Other elements that can help organize bathroom vanities into different categories include the materials from which they’re made as well as the finishes used. Wood is common, being a very versatile material that suits all styles. It’s a great material to consider if you opt for a DIY bathroom vanity and you want to create your own custom design from scratch. Marble is a popular countertop material. Other less common materials include stone and metal which give vanities a very distinctive look.

Although the role of the vanity is often to hide the plumbing, sometimes the exposed pipes can be part of the room’s aestheticMarble is a beautiful and timeless material that can make any style of vanity look exquisiteThe design and geometry of both the vanities and the mirror add a lot of character to the room

A bathroom vanity is always complemented by a mirror. In some cases, a double vanity can either have a single large mirror or two smaller and separate ones. A mirror with lights is often preferred in modern and contemporary bathrooms. It has a clean and simple look and it provides uniform and pleasant lighting which can also serve to set a welcoming ambiance in the room. Alternatively, a vanity with mirror lights in the form of wall sconces or hanging pendant lamps can look really beautiful and sophisticated. These are just some of the aspects to take into consideration before deciding on a new vanity for your bathroom.

Although very simple, the design of this bathroom vanity very effectively conceals the plumbing and offers generous storageThe sink is in this case the main focal point of the vanity and the space around it