How do I choose a vanity top for my sink?

Author: Prof. Alvis Bahringer  |  Last update: Sunday, October 15, 2023

The perfect vanity top for your bathroom should be durable, stain-resistant, easy to clean, and gorgeous – complementing the overall ambiance of your bathroom. This is not the time to choose porous, fragile surfaces; you want a bathroom vanity top capable of withstanding the morning rush and afternoon wind-down.

What are the key considerations when selecting a vanity top?

The key factors to consider when selecting a vanity include:
  • style and aesthetic preferences.
  • the materials used to make the vanity.
  • countertop material.
  • desired number of sinks/bowls.
  • placement.
  • storage space required.
  • existing infrastructure and available space.

What kind of top is best for bathroom vanity?

Fortunately, most surfaces that work in the kitchen will also work in the bath. Top choices include granite, marble, cultured marble (a man-made surface made of real marble chips and resin), solid surfaces, tile, and wood.

How do I choose a bathroom vanity top color?

You want your bathroom to uplift you, not give you a headache. So, the first thing to keep in mind when choosing a countertop color is what colors already exist in your bathroom. It's important to choose colors that complement each other, not match, to create balance in your design.

What is the difference between a vanity top and a countertop?

In bathrooms, vanity tops are short runs of a countertop, often with an attached sink. Vanity tops help make bathroom remodeling easier, faster, and less expensive. Vanity tops are usually small enough for DIYers to install themselves.

How to choose a bathroom vanity top

Is acrylic or ceramic vanity top better?

Acrylic vanity tops are also long-lasting, more resistant to chipping than ceramic vanity tops, and bacteria-resistant which ensures that they're easy to keep clean and hygienic. Solid surface vanity tops are constructed from natural minerals and high performance acrylic with a matte finish.

Can you replace just the top of a vanity?

Swapping out a vanity countertop is a great way to give a dated space new life, sometimes for much less than replacing the whole vanity.

What is a timeless color for bathroom vanity?

Bright White

White is a classic for bathroom cabinets. From there, the decision is what kind of hardware to use. Unlacquered brass, nickel, and matte black are all popular choices.

What is a timeless color for a bathroom?

Keep it Neutral

For walls and appliances, sticking to colors like gray, white, and black are recommended. Selecting these colors makes it easy to match with décor. In addition, white is especially popular in many bathrooms because of its clean aesthetic.

What color vanity is most popular?

White has been the most popular bathroom vanity color for years.

What is a practical material for a bathroom countertop?

According to a HomeAdvisor comparison of quartz vs. granite, quartz is the better material for bathroom countertops due to its non-porous qualities. Granite needs regular resealing and is susceptible to harboring stains and bacteria, especially from moisture.

Is marble or quartz better for a bathroom vanity top?

Because quartz is more durable and easier to maintain than marble, it is a better choice for a bathroom vanity top. Quartz is a beautiful option to match any bathroom, and it will last for years. Quartz is also typically less expensive and easier to find.

What is better for bathroom quartz or granite?

Both quartz and granite countertops for bathrooms can last between 10-15 years; however, quartz is more durable than granite because it isn't porous. It's also easier to keep bacteria-free, although it can be damaged by excessive heat, so heating pads or trivets should be used at all times.

How much overhang should a bathroom vanity top have?

A standard bathroom cabinet overhang is about 1 to 1 1/2-inches. This slight overhang is attractive and helps protect the cabinets below the counters from spills. However, some homeowners desire a larger or smaller overhang due to the benefits each can offer.

How thick should a vanity counter top be?

3cm (or 1 1/4") is the standard thickness for kitchen countertops, while 2cm (or 3/4") is typically used for vertical applications like backsplashes, bathroom vanities, and custom edge profiles.

How thick should a vanity top be?

The industry standards typically hover around 1 and 1/4 inch (or 3 centimeters) for granite and marble kitchen island countertops and 3/4 inch (or 2 centimeters) for bathroom granite and marble vanity tops.

What is the trend color for bathrooms in 2023?

Light green is a popular bathroom paint color in 2023 because it delivers a soothing, refreshing ambiance. Inspired by nature, green paint colors like lime, olive, and chartreuse create an outdoor connection and lend tranquility to a bathroom.

What is the latest color trend for bathrooms?

Many designers recommend white or light colors to create the illusion of a larger space, but coziness can be nice, too. In fact, current trends involve going a bit bolder with small bathrooms—especially powder rooms—and using vibrant jewel tones or moody colors like charcoal, eggplant, pewter green, or even black.

What color makes a bathroom look bigger?

"Lighter colors reflect light easily, which gives the room a bigger appearance," says Piercy. Unsurprisingly, a classic white paint is the perfect choice when it comes to creating the illusion of a bigger bathroom.

What color vanity never goes out of style?

Whether you prefer a classic-looking bathroom or a spalike retreat, Winn says, “white doesn't go out of style.” Think white paint, tile, countertops, vanities and textiles. If you find yourself craving color, you can add it with window treatments and towels, Gates suggests, or wallpaper and art.

What color vanity is in style?

Warm Tones

Speaking of warmth, color schemes shifted from cool colors to warmer colors at the end of 2021, throughout 2022, and will continue into 2023. Gray is still one of the hottest colors, especially for a bathroom vanity, but be sure to pick a warm gray or greige instead of a cool one.

What color vanities are in style?

Bright shades, like a peachy pink or wispy lavender, are in vogue this year, as are darker shades, like deep-ocean blues and bold olive greens. It is fashionable to combine these with more neutral colors, like creams or beiges, for the countertops and vanities.

Will a plumber install a vanity top?

It's common knowledge that plumbers can install sinks, but you may wonder if they can also install bathroom vanities. Many times, the answer is yes. However, they will often only do it if the vanity installation is straightforward and does not require much carpentry work.

Can a plumber replace a vanity top?

If your plumbing is already set up to accommodate a new bathroom vanity, then a plumber can likely install it for you. However, if you need to have new plumbing installed in order to accommodate the vanity, then you'll need to hire a different type of professional.

Does vanity top need overhang?

If the top is on a free standing vanity (no walls on either side) the top should be 2” LONGER (B) than the vanity to allow for 1” overhang on each side.

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