The Perfect Sinks and Vanities - Balancing Form and Function

A perfect sink and vanity combination is one of the most essential parts of the bathroom. Choosing the perfect one; however, is really a matter of finding the perfect mix between design and storage capability. After all, while sinks and vanities are typically the visual centerpiece of any bathroom, they also provide much of the available storage space in a bathroom.

Form - Finding the Perfect Appearance

Sinks and vanities come in as many different shapes and styles as you can imagine. Finding which one suits your bathroom perfectly is often as much a matter of the room that it will end up in as the design of the item itself. The first thing to consider when buying sinks or vanities is material. For sinks you can choose from bathroom vessels and lavatories. Vanities can be made of natural materials, like wood and marble, or of synthetic materials, such as acrylic and imitation stone. Each material has its benefits and drawbacks.

A solid-wood vanity can be an excellent choice aesthetically, and can be a nice touch, especially in an older house, or in an antique-themed bathroom. However, wood is not a stable material. It will expand and contract with the heat from the shower, and it may warp over time, so it may not be an excellent choice for a bathroom with a shower. However, for a powder room, or a bathroom in which the shower isn't often used, wood can be a great option.

Synthetic materials often offer a much sleeker appearance and slimmer profile for all sinks and vanities. They also have the benefit of being easier to clean, and will not warp over time. If your bathroom, or your house overall, has a more modern feel, then synthetic materials are probably the way to go.

Remember that in terms of designing a unique and well-decorated space, the art of bathroom design has only been around for a few decades. Before that it was simply of a matter of making a bathroom as sterile and easy-to-clean as possible. That is, if the house had a bathroom at all! So you should feel free to add to the development of the art, and add your own touches which designing your bathroom.

Function - Knowing what you'll use it for

Of course one of the primary functions of a bathroom vanity is to add much-needed storage space to your bathroom. Good sinks and vanities will not only add countertop storage space around the sink, but also plenty of drawers and cabinets within the body of the vanity. Make sure that you select a vanity with plenty of storage space, as excess clutter around the sink can make a very attractive bathroom look disorganized.

Another major aspect of function is lighting. If you plan on using your vanity to do your hair or make-up, then proper lighting is essential. Traditional ceiling-mounted lighting will create shadows and dark areas. Countertop lighting or wall-mounted lighting around your vanity mirror can help to address this problem.

When selecting sinks and vanities, the first thing to remember is that its all about balancing form and function - balancing design with storage capability. Remember this, and your bathroom will end up much more practical and much more attractive.