Top 70 Best Bathroom Vanity Ideas – Unique Vanities And Countertops
Your bathroom vanity says a lot about your style and personality.
Before you embark on a bathroom remodel, you should choose a theme or style. Whether your taste leans to a modern bathroom or a traditional-style powder room, knowing what you want ahead of time will help create a cohesive bathroom.
Your bathroom’s vanity design will lend a lot to the feel of the room so you really need to get it right. From DIY bathroom vanity ideas with trough sinks to luxurious marble countertops on high-end cabinetry, you can create a custom vanity to fit any budget.
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1. Modern Bathroom Vanity Ideas
To create a modern vanity in your bathroom, you need to create sleek lines with clean design. There shouldn’t be lots of detailing or clutter. To achieve this look, consider installing a floating bathroom vanity that leaves the space under it open.
A modern bathroom should follow certain design cues. The counter and cabinets should have smooth slab or shaker drawer fronts. Try to create long continuous lines that encourage the eye to flow through the entire bathroom. Embrace minimalism with low profile lighting and plumbing fixtures.
Consider using lighting that’s hidden, such as LED lighting in the mirror, or LED strips that illuminate the underside of the floating vanity, or recessed lighting in the ceiling.
2. Traditional Bathroom Vanity Ideas
To create a traditional feel for your vanity, aim to create a “furniture-style” with ornate details and design. Look for cabinets with legs, trim, and molding. Even old dressers are an option. The mirror should also have a matching ornate frame. You could add some old-world opulence and opt for a gilded frame.
Use sconces and chandeliers for the lighting and vintage-inspired ornate plumbing fixtures. Cabinet hardware is a must, and it should be sculpted with fine details. The cabinet doors and drawers should have plenty of raised panels and trim work. The great benefit of these cabinets is they can provide lots of storage space for a small bathroom.
3. Marble and Stone Bathroom Vanity Ideas
When most people think of a marble or stone vanity, they assume you’re using a wood vanity, and then the stone will top them as the countertop. You can take this a step further, though. Skip the wood cabinets and use stone for the entire vanity.
Use tiles and stone veneers to create a vanity that looks like a single large block of stone mounted to the wall. This construction gives it a floating vanity look. You could then use the same stone as the backsplash and wall behind the vanity for a cohesive look. You have a few options when choosing a stone for your vanity.
- Slate
- Soapstone
- Limestone
- Travertine
- Marble
- Granite
Keep in mind that a stone vanity will be very heavy. You should have a professional do the installation to ensure the right support system is put in place. Here are some other ways to use marble in your bathroom.
4. Country-Style Bathroom Vanity Ideas
Create a country-inspired rustic vanity in your bathroom by embracing the use of wood and other rustic materials. The cabinet should have some trim detail, but not be as ornate as a traditional vanity design. Cabinets can use a combination of drawers, doors, and open spaces.
You can then use the open spaces for baskets or tubs as storage space. The goal is to create a warm, welcoming, and comfortable space. Create an easy-going casual style by using natural materials, matte finishes, and fixtures that inspire a sense of nostalgia.
To really embrace the country style with your rustic vanity, consider adding a farmhouse sink. A white trough sink will add a unique element to your bathroom while also clearly defining the aesthetic.
You should also look for fixtures, faucets, and hardware that aren’t considered sleek but aren’t overly ornate either. If you can describe it as simple or unpretentious, then you’re on the right track. Don’t feel limited to a black finish either; you can achieve a country look with silver or gold-colored fixtures.
5. Double Bathroom Vanity Ideas
A double sink vanity means that you have two areas for use in the same space. This creates two vanity areas for people to use at the same time. These days, double vanities are in high demand, especially in master bathrooms.
To create a double sink vanity in your bathroom, you need to have enough space to add two sinks and still comply with local building codes. Consider how close you want the sinks to be and the amount of usable counter space surrounding them.
You also need to have enough space to create lighting for each area. This could be sconces on the wall or lighting around each mirror. Keep in mind, this can be difficult in a small bathroom.
As for the mirror, you could further define each vanity area by hanging two mirrors. Or you could tie the entire vanity area together by using one large mirror that matches the length of the entire counter.
Try to maintain visual balance by having the same features on each side. This means lighting, cabinet design, hardware, and plumbing fixtures.
6. Bathroom Vanity Ideas for Mirrors
Your bathroom vanity needs to have a mirror. Guests will use it to get ready or check their reflection after using the restroom. You could choose a basic round mirror that functionally does the job, but this can look boring and generic.
Instead, dress your bathroom up by choosing a mirror that complements the rest of the bathroom. A popular choice is to place one large mirror that takes up a majority of the wall. This will help your bathroom look and feel larger.
One large mirror also looks beautiful if the vanity counter has double sinks. You can extend the mirror across to both sinks and give people room to utilize the entire counter space between the sinks.
Another option is to create two defined areas by placing separate mirrors above each sink. This works well if you need the wall space to hang vanity lighting. The separate mirrors allow you to place lighting on either side of the mirrors.
If your vanity has a single sink, then you only need one mirror. You could have the mirror take up the entire length of the wall. You can also have a mirror that’s shaped and hung. Get creative and consider using a round mirror.
For an ultra-modern look, consider a mirror that has lighting built-into it. This eliminates the need for additional lighting fixtures and creates the best shadow-free lighting for women applying makeup.
7. Bathroom Vanity Ideas for Lighting
The vanity is considered a task area in the bathroom. You should have lighting that makes using the sink, counter, and mirror easier. This means having bright light that illuminates the person and sink area.
Common places for vanity lighting are at face level on either side of the mirror or above it. You could have lights placed on the counter, but this isn’t as common. Having lights placed low puts them at risk of getting splashed by the sink and creates weird upward shadows.
Another popular lighting option is to mount the fixture above the mirror to cast the light downward. You could mount your lights on the wall but you can also hang them from the ceiling as pendant lights.
Sconces on either side of the vanity mirror can create a traditional and elegant look. Consider choosing a traditional fixture that has a light shade. A retro or vintage style is on-trend right now, but only works if the rest of the bathroom embraces the vintage look.
For modern bathroom lighting options, look for LED fixtures that are sleek, minimalist, and embrace clean lines. Modern fixtures tend to blend in with the decor as light bars.
When hanging your lights, look at where the light gets shown. You don’t want the light to cast ugly shadows on the person. It should create a bright light that makes using the sink and mirror easier.
For some other creative ways to use lighting in your bathroom, check out these other Bathroom Lighting Ideas and these Shower Lighting Ideas.
8. Bathroom Vanity Ideas for Countertops
The bathroom countertop you choose for the vanity needs to be impervious to water. Bathrooms are full of moisture, and the vanity needs to survive this moist environment. A smart choice is using a stone, such as marble or granite.
A common choice is to use a thin layer or marble granite on top of your wood cabinets. Then your sinks will be dropped into the counter. If you want to create a unique and bold statement, consider using a thicker piece of stone.
You could use a thick slab of stone and then have a matching sink constructed out of the same material. This creates one continuous-looking material from the counter to the sink.
If you’re looking for something more affordable than natural stone, consider using a concrete countertop. This common building material can give your bathroom a modern feel. A concrete countertop gives you complete freedom because you can form it into almost any shape you want.
The right type of wood can also be used to create your countertop. Teak is the best; there’s a reason it’s the wood of choice for use on boats. However, you can also use hardwoods such as cedar for a wood vanity.
Whatever wood you use, make sure it’s properly treated to extend its life. You should also choose a vessel sink that sits on top of the counter to prevent excess water from splashing onto it and ruining the finish.
9. Bathroom Vanity Ideas for Hardware and Fixtures
Choosing the right fixtures is about picking the right finish, style, and connection. The popular finishes are black, brushed gold, and copper, but don’t feel obligated to use a trendy finish. You should use a finish that you like and look beautiful.
Once you choose a finish, you need to pick a style that matches the rest of the bathroom and your home. You shouldn’t put an ultra-sleek and modern faucet in a traditional or rustic bathroom. Just like you wouldn’t put vintage-inspired fixtures in a contemporary or modern bathroom.
Before you settle on a favorite fixture, you need to make sure it’s compatible with the connection on your vanity.
A sink faucet could attach as a single unit, as three pieces to the sink or countertop, or onto the wall above the counter. Look for holes and plumbing lines in the sink, counter, or wall to know what style of fixture you should buy.
If you want to change the location of your fixtures, this is possible but requires more work and a plumber. You’ll need to have the plumbing lines moved and replace vanity components that have holes for the old fixture.
Don’t forget about the cabinet hardware. If you have flat slab cabinet fronts, then you could skip the hardware. But most cabinets look better with knobs or pulls. For a cohesive look, try to match the finish of the plumbing and lighting fixtures with the cabinet hardware.
10. Bathroom Vanity Ideas for Backsplash and Tiled Walls
Tile and bathrooms go hand in hand, so it’s natural to use tile in the vanity area. You could use it on the countertop and the backsplash area on the wall. Tile can make it easier to keep your bathroom clean and protect the area from excess moisture.
Large tiles with thin grout lines create a continuous look, which can make your small bathroom look bigger. Tiles that are smaller than 4 inches square will create a mosaic look. Be careful with these tiles, there’s a lot of grout to keep clean, and the numerous tiles can look overwhelming in smaller spaces.
Keep the color of the tile and grout light and neutral to help brighten the bathroom and keep the mosaic from enclosing it and making it feel small.
Bathroom Vanity FAQs
What’s the importance of having a double bathroom sink?
The majority of couples prefer to have two sinks in the bathroom. This makes sharing the vanity area easier and allows for both people to access and utilize the bathroom at the same time. While you don’t have to have a double sink, it’ll make your home more functional and desirable.
How do I choose a design style for my bathroom vanity?
Look at the rest of the bathroom. Follow the architecture and design elements when completing the vanity area. The vanity should blend in with the rest of the bathroom. It should also make sense with the rest of the home.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
With cellphones so ubiquitous, your watch choice can be less about telling time and more about personal style. However, a watch is not ‘just’ a watch. For example, the vast majority are made for right-handed people, but a select few cater to the lefties among us. There is a wide range in functionality and size.
The wristwatch is also one of the few socially acceptable accessories for men, so why not have a small selection? If you’re not cashing a CEO’s paycheck just yet, here are the top 28 most handsome watches for men that retail for under $500.
Got a bigger budget? Then check out our guide to the best men’s watches under $1000 instead.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
1. Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
If you like the feel of a pliable, non-metal band but aren’t comfortable with genuine leather, this watch comes equipped with a handsome synthetic band. At 46mm in diameter, this watch is perfect for men of smaller stature, as it will not overpower your hand or make it look like you’re wearing your father’s watch. With bold Arabic numerals, a stainless steel case, and classic styling, this watch is an outstanding choice for an everyday watch and the man on a budget.
2. Nordgreen Pioneer – Black Dial
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Not everyone has an endless amount of cash to drop on a luxury timepiece. If you’re money-conscious but want something high-end, then why not consider the Nordgreen Pioneer.
An inspired take on a classic Chronograph, Nordgreen celebrates the Danish with what they call a timepiece “that captures the sustainable future.” Available in various dial colors from blue, black, and white. There’s even the choice of three case colors – gunmetal, silver, and rose gold. A perfect addition to the collection of any watch enthusiast.
3. Fossil Grant Brown Leather Watch
This lovely offering by Fossil features slim Roman numeral hour markers and delicate cut-out hands. The casing is stainless steel and is water-resistant to 165 feet, making it a great dive watch. The band is made of supple, soft calfskin leather and uses a buckle closure.
Of course, this timepiece also comes with the generous 11-year warranty and it’s own fun tin. This watch oozes class and is great for nearly every occasion in your life.
4. Citizen Sport Stainless Steel Men’s Watch With Brown Leather Band
If you don’t want to deal with changing out a battery in a digital watch, this watch is powered by either natural or indoor lighting. The mineral crystal face and stainless steel case make this watch water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for swimmers and snorkelers.
Handsome and utilitarian, this is a great watch for everyday wear. It’s one of the best watches for men who are always on the go.
5. Fossil Men’s Machine Chronograph Silicone Watch
This watch was designed with the active man in mind. The knurled silicone band stands up to sweat and oils without issue, and the timepiece itself is water-resistant to 165 feet.
The patterned bezel and quality craftsmanship of the black dial is excellent, as is to be expected from a Fossil watch. It even comes in the iconic and collectible tin!
6. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
This men’s watch features Japanese quartz movement that charges itself indoors or out when exposed to light, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to change out the battery too often. The stitched canvas strap is soft against your skin and will wick away moisture, while the mineral crystal face stands up to the rigors of your everyday life.
Water-resistant to 330 feet, this dive watch is a classic and simple design you’ll be proud of for years to come.
7. Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph Men’s Watch
Another gorgeous offering by Invicta, this watch features a bold design with a slightly nautical feel to it. It will look at home whether you’re wearing a business suit or are going for a dive of less than 660 feet. This piece is also covered by a one-year warranty as a matter of course. The luminosity feature and magnified date window make it a great choice if you work or play in low light.
If you want something that looks like a Tag Heuer but without the luxury watch brand price tag, this is a good option!
8. Casio Edifice Multi-Function Men’s Watch
This watch has three sub-dials for 12 hour, 60 minute and 60-second displays, in addition to the standard time. It also features a fold-over, push-down clasp on the stainless strap, keeping it secure throughout your activities. If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that shrieks sophistication, this is a great choice.
9. Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
This quality watch is a chameleon piece. It looks at home as a dress watch riding below the cuff of your best suit, and it also looks great paired with jeans and a t-shirt. Backed by Fossil’s 11-year warranty as a matter of course and beautifully crafted, this smoke-colored piece is guaranteed to become the go-to accessory for nearly every occasion.
10. MVMT Watches Black Face Men’s Watch
If you like the look of a simple watch, this minimalist offering from MVMT is right up your alley. With just a plain black face, tick marks to denote the hours and a single date window, there is nothing overdone or extravagant about this design. The is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.
11. Timex Weekender Watch
If you’re looking for a fun watch to pair with casual outfits, this is a great option. The band is blue and yellow woven nylon, and the face features both civilian and military timekeeping. An Indiglo night light is also included. This watch is water-resistant to 99 feet, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or exposure to rain but you won’t want to submerge it.
12. PUMA Ultrasize Black Sport Men’s Watch
Boasting a 50mm diameter, this piece is perfect for the large-framed man or one who likes to wear his accessories oversized. A true fashion statement, this sports watch comes in eight different colors schemes to match your favorite hues.
Do be aware, however, that the dial knob is configure for left-handed men!
13. Timex Easy Reader Men’s Watch
Another dress watch designed with the older gentleman in mind, this watch features a white dial with generously sized numerals that do not appear comical to the casual observer.
It’s also an excellent choice if you take your contacts out at night and still want to be able to check the time. With classic lines and a simple white face, the watch would not be out of place at any casual gathering. It comes with Timex’s one-year warranty at no additional charge.
14. Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch
For men who like a more gritty, industrial feel to their accessories, this Fossil watch is right on point. The bezel is gear-edged and the face is utilitarian black and gray. Water-resistant to 165 feet, this watch is a great choice if you like your adornments to be understated yet add visual interest.
It’s definitely a stand-out piece, for those who would take notice!
15. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch
Featuring an indigo night light, tachymeter, a date window and a buckle closure, this watch is perfect for men who like to work or play outdoors. It is also water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for snorkeling or swimming.
You won’t want to wear it for diving, however. With classic, black styling and a genuine crystal face, this is a timepiece that will stand the test of time in both form and function.
16. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
This Seiko automatic watch has all the bells and whistles you need, but presents it all in a plain and strikingly attractive manner. It features a date window in either English or Spanish, sword-shaped hands, a sweeping second hand and a mineral dial window. This is a great option for the man on the go. The canvas strap can be removed and hand-washed if sweat or other odors become an issue.
This watch is not water-resistant, so you’ll only want to wear it when you won’t be popping by the pool for a swim!
17. Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch
For those who prefer an all-metal timepiece, the stainless steel Invicta fits the bill nicely. It has a similar aesthetic to a Tag Heuer watch, but at a more affordable price. Equipped with a unilateral bezel and removable links, the band can be customized to fit your wrist perfectly. The face is flame fusion crystal and features a magnifier to highlight the date window.
It’s also water-resistant to 660 feet. If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that stands up to an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.
18. Seiko Men’s Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch
This Seiko watch derives its power from either natural or indoor light and can withstand water depths of up to 330 feet. The supple brown leather strap and timeless brushed steel give this piece an attractive look, and the alarm chronograph is easy to set.
If you’re looking for a watch that can serve as a backup for your wake-up call while traveling, stand up to the elements and look awesome, this casual wrist watch is a winner.
19. Nautica Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band
Featuring a plethora of options and a smart, snappy style, this a great casual watch with a eye-catching blue dial. The hardy resin band is adjustable, and the face is protected by a mineral window. Whether for work or play, this bold blue design is handsome and substantial on the wrist. It comes with Nautica’s five-year warranty at no additional charge.
20. Citizen Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band
The black, red and white face of this piece eschews the traditional two-tone color scheme so often employed in other watches, and the contrasting stitching on the band adds creative flair. It comes backed by Citizen’s five-year warranty and will compliment any casual outfit.
21. Alessi Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Men’s Watch
Another not-quite-round offering on our list, the curved square casing of this piece gives it instant visual appeal. Sleek and clean, this unfussy design will be a compliment to almost any occasion. It has quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
22. Invicta 1517 I Force Collection Watch
Another on our list designed for left-handed men, this watch is something special. Water-resistant to 330 feet and featuring oversize stenciled numbers and a sub dial, this watch is great for any casual outfit. The cloth band is extremely durable and stands up to dirt, sweat and grime.
If you lead an active lifestyle, this watch will be right at home in your collection.
23. TRIWA Blue Steel Nevil Canvas Watch
This watch comes in a whopping 14 color variations, all of them beautiful. You may decide to add more than one to your collection!
Designed in Sweden, this watch features Japanese quartz movement, a stainless steel casing and a strap made from Tärnsjö organic leather. TRIWA, which stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches, believes in the artistry of fine jewelry and it shows in their product.
24. Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch
Another fine dress watch from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, this watch is emblazoned with the internally recognized cross and shield emblem. It has no sub-dials, tachymeter or other add-ons to detract from its simple and appealing style.
This watch will be at home with all but the most formal of outfits and carries a two-year warranty.
25. Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Bull Run Watch
Again, Ingersoll remakes the classics and brings them into the present day. With a highly polished stainless steel casing, two sub-dials, a date aperture and arrow-shaped hands, this quartz watch is beautiful.
The band features contrasting stitching on the fine-grain leather, adding depth and detail to the workmanship. This watch will compliment any casual occasion and can be relied upon for years to come.
26. Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Leather Men’s Watch
Made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is a smart and utilitarian choice. If you’re looking for a solid Swiss watch that isn’t flashy, this is an excellent option. It’s also guaranteed for two years.
27. Seiko Sport Solar Men’s Beige Watch
Are you getting tired of squinting down at your watch or holding it closer and closer to your face? Don’t worry, we all get a bit nearsighted with age, especially over the age of 40.
If you’re not quite ready for reading glasses or a comically huge watch, this is a great choice from Seiko. The numerals, indices and luminous hands stand out in stark white against a black background, and the numerals are generous in size. It’s a perfect casual watch for the older gentleman.
28. Seiko Men’s 5 Watch Blue Canvas Band
This simple and affordable watch has a clean, crisp aesthetic to it and doesn’t bog down its design with a ton of bells and whistles. It’s time and date, end of.
If you want a watch for casual wear, this Seiko is a shoo-in. The band is forgiving and comfortable against your wrist, and it’s blue color will likely compliment your existing wardrobe. The price is also extremely affordable.
29. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Stainless Steel Watch With Brown Leather Band
Featuring the Hilfiger logo at the three o’clock position, this wrist watch is a statement piece. It is a bright, shiny stainless steel work of art that you’ll be proud to wear at all but the most stuffy of workplaces. The calfskin leather band uses a buckle closure and the date window is beside the logo at three o’clock.
If you’re a fan of Tommy clothing, cologne or luggage, you can complete your look with this stunning accessory.
