Vanity Units

Understanding the Basics

A bathroom vanity unit is not just a piece of furniture but a pivotal element that combines functionality with aesthetics. It's where practicality meets style, offering a basin or sink and storage space to keep your bathroom organised. The range of choices is vast, from modest pedestal designs to more elaborate, furniture-like pieces adorned with numerous drawers and cabinets. To make an informed choice, it's crucial to familiarise oneself with the different types:

Freestanding Vanities: These are the quintessential choice for most bathrooms. Standing directly on the floor, they offer excellent stability and ample storage space. The design variations are endless, ranging from ultra-modern, sleek units to those exuding traditional charm with ornate detailing.

Wall-Mounted Vanities: Known for their contemporary appeal, these 'floating' vanities are attached to the wall. This not only creates a modern, streamlined look but also aids in the illusion of a more spacious bathroom. They're a perfect match for minimalist decor and smaller spaces.

Corner Vanities: An ingenious solution for small or awkwardly shaped bathrooms. These vanities fit snugly into corners, maximising space without compromising on functionality. They're ideal for guest bathrooms or compact ensuite facilities.

The Style Statement

Your vanity unit can be a focal point in your bathroom, setting the tone for the entire space. Whether you're renovating an existing bathroom or designing a new one, choosing the right style of vanity is crucial.

Traditional: These vanities are all about classic elegance. Expect detailed woodwork, ornate mouldings, and antique-style hardware. They bring a sense of time-honoured craftsmanship to your bathroom.

Modern: For a clean and uncluttered look, modern vanities are the go-to. They typically feature sleek lines, minimalistic designs, and a mix of unconventional materials like glass and metal. These units are ideal for those who favour a contemporary edge in their bathroom decor.

Rustic: To evoke a sense of warmth and homeliness, rustic vanities are your best bet. They often feature unrefined wood finishes, emphasising a natural, handcrafted appearance that's reminiscent of country living.

Vintage: Vintage vanities are perfect for adding a touch of history and uniqueness. Often crafted from reclaimed materials, they have distinctive designs that can become the centrepiece of your bathroom.

Functionality Meets Design

While a vanity needs to be visually appealing, its functionality is equally important. Here are some aspects to consider:

Size and Proportion: It's imperative to measure your bathroom space accurately. A vanity too large can overwhelm a small room, whereas a small vanity in a large bathroom might seem incongruous.

Storage Needs: Assess your storage requirements. Do you need lots of drawers for small items or larger cabinets for bulky products? The storage options should be practical, accessible, and help keep your bathroom clutter-free.

Sink and Countertop Material: You have a plethora of choices here, from porcelain and stone to glass. Each material offers a different aesthetic and has its own care and maintenance considerations.

Tapware Compatibility: The basin should not only complement the overall design of the vanity but also be compatible with your tapware in both style and functionality.

Material Matters

The choice of material for your vanity unit is a critical decision that affects not only its aesthetic appeal but also its longevity and ease of maintenance. Here's a closer look at the popular materials:

Wood: A classic choice, wood brings warmth and natural beauty to any bathroom. However, it requires sealing to protect against humidity and water damage. Regular maintenance is essential to preserve its appearance and integrity over time.

MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard): MDF is a cost-effective alternative often used for painted vanity units. While it provides a smooth finish ideal for painting, it's generally less durable than solid wood and may not withstand prolonged exposure to moisture as effectively.

Metal: For a touch of industrial chic or ultra-modern style, metal vanities are a strong contender. They offer exceptional durability and can handle the humid environment of a bathroom with ease. Metals like stainless steel can also add a sleek, contemporary look.

Stone: Incorporating elements like granite or marble can infuse your bathroom with a sense of luxury and opulence. However, these materials require regular maintenance to prevent staining and may need resealing over time.

Lighting and Mirrors: The Final Touch

The right combination of lighting and mirrors can elevate the functionality and aesthetics of your vanity unit:

Mirrors: The size and style of the mirror should complement your vanity. Mirrored medicine cabinets can offer added functionality, combining storage with style. Consider the shape and framing to match or contrast with your vanity's design.

Lighting: Proper lighting is essential for tasks like shaving or makeup application. Sconces on either side of the mirror provide balanced lighting, while overhead options can add a different style element. Under-vanity LED lighting can create a soft ambiance and is practical for nighttime use.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Options

With a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility, consider sustainable options:

Eco-Friendly Materials: Bamboo, reclaimed wood, or recycled materials can be excellent choices for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.

Water-Saving Tapware and LED Lighting: Features like low-flow taps and energy-efficient LED lighting not only reduce your environmental footprint but can also offer long-term cost savings.

Customisation: Tailoring to Your Needs

For those with specific needs or tastes, customisation is the way to go:

Tailor-Made Solutions: Customising your vanity allows you to dictate the dimensions, materials, and design features, ensuring it fits perfectly in your space and meets all your functional and aesthetic requirements.

Personalised Style: Customisation means you can choose from a wider range of materials and finishes, allowing your vanity to truly reflect your personal style and complement the overall bathroom design.

Brands:

Let's take a look at some of the best brands in the vanity unit space. These are brands that exceed expectations in quality, design, and reliability.

Roca:

Roca, a renowned name in the bathroom industry, has been at the forefront of bathroom design and innovation for over a century. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, Roca offers a diverse range of bathroom vanities that cater to various styles and functionalities.

Design and Aesthetics

Roca's vanity units are crafted with a focus on both aesthetics and functionality. They offer a variety of styles, from contemporary to classic, ensuring there's a vanity unit to match every bathroom interior. Notable collections include:

Roca Horizon: This stunning range of countertop basins and vanity units redefines bathroom design, blending sleek lines, contemporary materials, and award-winning craftsmanship. Designed by the acclaimed Brazilian architect João Armentano, this collection is not just a set of bathroom products, but a representation of modern architectural principles.

Roca The Gap: One of the hallmarks of The Gap is its incredible range. With 31 different models, including 24 base units with basins and 7 vanity units with countertop basins, you're guaranteed to find the perfect fit for your needs. But the variety doesn't stop there. The Gap offers over-counter basins, Unik vanity versions, and diverse bowl placements, giving you the freedom to customise your bathroom exactly as you envision it.

Roca Tenet: This superb range features handleless designs and a choice of gloss, wood, and wood-effect finishes to complement modern bathrooms. Crafted in Spain, the Tenet collection comprises wall-hung and floor-standing vanity units complete with basins. The handleless, streamlined look creates a minimalist aesthetic that makes the most of available space. Inside, Tenet units provide plenty of storage with soft-close doors or drawers, as well as adjustable shelves.

Roca Aleyda: The Roca Aleyda bathroom furniture collection is a perfect blend of modern design and versatile functionality. This collection is designed to optimise your bathroom storage space, offering a range of vanity units with two or three drawers, available in various sizes. The Aleyda collection is not just about functionality but also about aesthetics. It offers five exciting finishes to choose from, allowing you to match the furniture with your bathroom's existing decor.

Material Quality and Sustainability

Roca is committed to using highly resistant materials that comply with the most demanding quality standards. This ensures durability and longevity, making Roca vanities a sustainable choice for any bathroom.

Functionality and Comfort

Roca vanities are designed with the user's comfort and convenience in mind. They offer great storage capacity, clever designs, and are equipped with features that enhance usability, such as music-streaming technology in the Stratum-N collection. The variety in sizes and mounting options, including both floor- and wall-mounted units, caters to bathrooms of all dimensions and layouts.

Range and Customisation

Roca offers a wide range of sizes and styles of vanity units. From compact units like the Ona collection, which starts at 450mm, to larger options in the Lander and Beyond collections, there is a Roca vanity to suit any space and budget. Their collections also come in various widths, from as narrow as 200 mm to as wide as 1600 mm, offering flexibility in design and installation.

Burlington:

When it comes to adding a touch of elegance to your bathroom, Burlington Bathroom's range of vanity units offers a perfect amalgamation of traditional aesthetics and modern functionality.

Burlington bathroom vanity units come in a variety of sizes, catering to different bathroom spaces. From compact cloakroom units to substantial 1340mm freestanding units, they provide a range of options for any bathroom size.

Cloakroom Freestanding Vanity Units: Designed for smaller or cloakroom bathrooms, these units combine elegance with practicality, ensuring even the most compact spaces don't compromise on style.

650 and 750mm Freestanding Units: Ideal for slightly larger spaces, these units offer both doors and drawers, enabling customisation according to personal preference and bathroom layout.

980mm Freestanding Units: These corner units are space-efficient and come with an integrated vanity bowl, suitable for medium-sized bathrooms.

1300 and 1340mm Freestanding Units: For those with larger bathrooms, these units offer ample storage and sophisticated design, with options for single or double basins.

The unique aspect of Burlington Bathroom vanity units is their high level of customisation. Customers can choose from various basin designs, storage types (doors or drawers), and a wide range of Minerva® worktop finishes. This flexibility allows for a tailored bathroom vanity unit that perfectly fits individual style and needs.

The Minerva® Worktops

A standout feature in Burlington's collection is the Minerva® worktops. These worktops are available in a spectrum of finishes, including White, Carrara White, and Black Granite, as well as more exotic options like Ice Blue and Amazonia Brown. Notably, these worktops are supplied undrilled, giving freedom in brassware choice and ensuring a sleek, uninterrupted finish.

Pricing and Accessibility

Burlington Bathroom vanity units are priced across a broad spectrum, making them accessible to a wide range of budgets. Prices vary depending on the size, style, and customisation options chosen. For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, higher-end models are available, while there are also more budget-friendly options for those wanting to incorporate traditional elegance without a hefty price tag.

The Traditional Aesthetic

All Burlington bathroom vanity units exude a traditional charm, reminiscent of classic bathroom designs. However, they don't compromise on modern functionality. The integration of contemporary features into these traditionally styled units ensures they meet the practical demands of modern living while retaining their timeless appeal.

Burlington bathroom vanity units stand out for their ability to blend classic design with modern functionality. With a wide range of sizes, customisation options, and a commitment to quality, these vanity units are more than just bathroom furniture; they are a statement of style and elegance. Whether you have a compact cloakroom or a spacious master bathroom, Burlington's collection offers something that not only meets practical needs but also enhances the overall aesthetic of your bathroom space.