Using base cabinets vs vanity has actually been done many times before, and many people love the results. Kitchen cabinets and bathroom sink cabinets are not mutually exclusive, and can cross over if done correctly.
Depending on the cabinet, you may have to do a little more work to make room for plumbing. If you're having any trouble at all with plumbing, consult a plumber. And if you want to fully convert your kitchen cabinet into a bathroom vanity, you'll need to trim down the height and depth.
Consider the size of the sink. The base cabinet should be wide enough to accommodate the sink, with additional space on either side for plumbing and dish soap. It should also be deep enough to prevent water from spilling out onto the floor. Think about the type of material you want the cabinet to be made of.
Bathroom Vanity from a Dresser
A dresser that's been used as a dining room buffet gets a complete makeover into a DIY bathroom vanity. It's such a unique look, that really sets the bathroom apart from others.
Customize any bathroom by using a vintage dresser or buffet instead of a builder-grade vanity. Scour thrift stores, yard sales and flea markets for a piece that is the right size for your space. You may even be able to shop your home!
Indeed, thinking outside the square can turn up a one-of-a-kind vanity with character and function to boot. Sideboards, desks and cabinets – whether new or pre-loved – can all be repurposed to provide storage and surface space as needed.
No matter what you do, you will most likely need a special or custom cabinet to accommodate your new farmhouse or apron sink. This is because there are many styles of sink designs and how they need to be installed, typically requires a non-standard cabinet. The two most common types are Drop-in or Undermount.
Solid wood cabinets, such as oak or maple wood hold up nicely in a bathroom climate, particularly when properly sealed and painted. Keep in mind that there should be proper ventilation in your bathroom so that the humidity can escape.
If you want to consider other differentiating aspects between designer bathroom cabinets and vanity, you can consider storage. The vanity can be used for placing all of your bathroom needs, including towels, toiletries, and more. The cabinet can be used for keeping a few of your bathroom items but not all.
Typically a custom vanity costs about twice as much as a prefab vanity because there are more subcontractors involved in making and putting the vanity together.
Floated cabinets are wall-mounted vanities that float above the ground, so instead of extending all the way to the bottom of the floor, they rest slightly above it. That means the wall behind the cabinet is seen extending all the way down to the ground instead.
IKEA SEKTION cabinets are great for bathroom storage and organization. For instance, check out this IKD master bath design that features IKEA SEKTION cabinetry paired with BODBYN doors. Or, you can use MAXIMERA drawers with glass sides for example, or shelves, wire baskets.
Yes, Vanities Should Be Attached to the Wall
Most of the time, plumbing comes through the wall underneath the sink, and the vanity's cabinet keeps it hidden. A vanity that isn't attached to the wall could shift, either with time or because you've accidentally bumped into it.
In today's terms, a vanity (or sometimes a “vanity unit”) is a piece of bathroom furniture that most often combines a sink, countertop, and mirror.
Using Sealants
Sealants are relatively easy to apply and have excellent waterproofing properties. Brush or spray polyurethane, varnish, and lacquer onto clean, sanded wood. After drying, you need to lightly re-sand and recoat.
'HMR' stands for 'high moisture resistance' and is arguably the best material for a vanity cabinet – especially one that's in the bathroom where lots of moisture, steam and water are splashed all over your bathroom furniture every single day.
A 36″ base cabinet can handle a 33″ sink at most; a 30″ cabinet should be fitted with a sink no larger than 27″ wide. The average 24″ sink base cabinet comfortably accommodates a standard 22″ sink; be sure to consider the depth of your sink when planning storage inside the base cabinet.
A typical 33 x 22-inch sink will fill a 36-inch base cabinet. If you're replacing a sink, make sure it fits the existing cutout. If the cabinet allows, you may be able to install a larger sink by expanding the cutout. A farmhouse sink may require a special cabinet size.
While you can use kitchen cabinets in the bathroom, you'd better be prepared for a lot of work. For example, you'll need to remove any drawers in the kitchen cabinet to make room for under-sink plumbing. You'll also need to take the kitchen cabinet apart so you can seal the wood.
MDF Bathroom Cabinets
The MDF is a cost-effective option for those on a tight budget. This material is made up of composite fibers and small bits of wood that have been bonded together with resin or wax. MDF cabinets do not compress or expand as much as solid wood cabinets.