Every now and then, we'll get a customer who is using a kitchen cabinet base as a bathroom vanity. There's nothing wrong with doing this, especially if you have the space in the bathroom.
Yes – kitchen cabinets can be used in a bathroom, but they will need to be modified a little. If you think that is too much hustle, you can opt for a vanity instead. Either way you choose, your new bathroom is going to look elegant!
Kitchen cabinets and bathroom sink cabinets are not mutually exclusive, and can cross over if done correctly. Simply choose a kitchen cabinet then put a vanity tops on it to transform it into a bathroom vanity cabinet.
A long media cabinet becomes a DIY bathroom vanity and a base for a trough sink, while still providing counter space. Glass-front sliding cabinet doors make for grab-and-go storage with style. You might even pair this with a marble slab for a countertop.
By using the IKEA kitchen cabinets in a bathroom you're opening up a whole new world of options! We love that this client chose such unique decorative knobs to pair with the popular 'GRIMSLOV' door style. We're huge fans of this bathroom reno we did with T-Square Renovations last year.
Bathroom base cabinets and vanities are typically lower than kitchen countertops because they are designed for tasks done seated or when bending at the waist, such as applying makeup or shaving.
Kitchen cabinets tend to be larger in all three dimensions compared to bathroom cabinets. That's because kitchen cabinets are often used for storing large objects such as pots and pans, as well as woks, slow cookers and other rarely used cooking equipment. Usually, the bathroom tends to have more limited floor space.
How close is the bathroom to the kitchen? If your kitchen has a powder room nearby, you should have the same style cabinets. Doing this will provide a flow from one space to the other. On the other hand, if your bathroom is on another floor or in a different home section, you don't have to match the cabinets.
Let's take a closer look at each. All bathroom cabinets topped with a sink are considered vanities. However, if you have extra bathroom cabinets that aren't attached to any sink and are just used for storage, these aren't considered vanities. A vanity is used not only or storage, but also to hide exposed plumbing.
Plywood is an excellent choice for bathroom vanity materials. Solid Wood: While nothing really compares with solid wood in most projects, it may not ALWAYS be the best choice for a bathroom vanity. Solid wood comes in two variations; solid wood (all natural real wood) and solid hardwood.
Consider these popular wood types for your bathroom cabinets: Hard maple: Maple hardwood is water-resistant, giving your cabinets a stylish off-white to light brown look that can resist humidity. Cherry: Cherry is a durable hardwood that resists shrinking and warping, making it a durable choice for bathroom cabinets.
Most bathroom cabinets have a laminate finish that is waterproof and very durable. The surface is nonporous and moisture wipes right off. Wood is more porous and can absorb moisture if it has not been treated. Over time, high levels of moisture in the air and water can cause wood to swell and even rot or become moldy.
Base cabinets are usually shorter than sink base cabinets, and they don't have a built-in sink. Sink base cabinets, on the other hand, are designed to accommodate a kitchen sink. They're also often deeper than base cabinets, giving you more storage space for larger items.
The general term for the different units that house the sink/s, storage and surrounding bench space in the bathroom. Sometimes, vanity also refers to a wider vanity area in the bathroom that includes above the sink and hardware such as mirrors, lighting and separate tap fixtures. Not all vanities are cabinets!
Painting Bathroom Cabinets
Keep it classic by painting cabinets a shade or two darker than your wall color. Dark greys and dusty blues can give dated cabinets a facelift and help them blend into your décor.
A wall-mounted cabinet may be your best bet to gaining storage without eating up your bathroom's real estate. The two doors are fitted with mirrors adding to its functionality and there's a shelf underneath for small products you want to keep within easy reach.
Overall, the best finish for painting cabinets is semi-gloss. It ensures maximum durability and is ideal for high moisture areas like bathrooms and basements.
There's also a difference in height. Kitchen cabinets are usually 34.5 inches tall, and bathroom cabinets are usually 31.5 inches tall, though some cabinet manufacturers have started making their bathroom cabinets taller.
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.
If there isn't enough width available in the cabinet, you won't be able to go for the bigger sink, even if there is room on the counter. Also, remember that you are going to have to create a larger hole in the counter to suit the new sink.
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.
Having double sinks is more convenient for sharing the bathroom. Having a single sink will offer more countertop space but you might also risk cluttering it.