Bathroom Vanity Ideas

Bathroom vanities are necessary for their storage, but they can also be a design statement. One way to make a big statement without spending exorbitant amounts of money is to convert an old dresser into a vanity.

How to Convert a Dresser into a Vanity

First, you will need to shop around for the right dresser. Search through used furniture stores or secondhand shops to find the perfect dresser. Make sure it is deep enough to contain your sink and will fit in your bathroom space.

Next, you will need to remove the top, doors, drawers, and hardware. Then sand all the wood surfaces to prep for painting or staining later. Next, cut a hole in the top drawer to make room for the sink’s plumbing. Stabilize the drawer so it cannot be opened. You can do this using wood glue and nails.

The lower drawer will also need some alterations to account for plumbing. Cut off the back of the drawer, shorten the depth, and then nail the back on to the shortened drawer. This allows you to keep some storage and still have room for the plumbing behind the bottom drawer. Now you can paint or stain the dresser. Be sure to seal it to protect it from moisture.

Now you need to mark out where your sink will go. You will need to account for the sink lip and faucet as well. To cut the hole, get started with a drill using a hole-bit then finish the cut with a jig saw. Less is more with this step as you can easily remove excess wood to make room, but you can’t add wood back if you make the cut too large.

Next, you need to apply your countertop or tile. To cut the holes in your countertop, you will need to use a wet saw. Adhere your countertop to the dresser. You can also leave the surface as is, but be sure to seal it to protect it from moisture.

Now you can install your sink and faucet. Use a clear adhesive to keep it in place then seal it with caulk. Thoroughly check to ensure the seal is complete. Otherwise, moisture can seep through. If you are uncomfortable hooking up the faucet, enlist the help of a plumber.

Small Scale Bathroom Vanity Ideas

Converting a dresser into a vanity is a large DIY project. If you are looking for smaller projects, there are a variety of options.

If you like the vanity you have but want to make your bathroom a spa-like retreat, consider open shelving for the bottom row of drawers. Remove the drawer cabinets allows you to display towels and décor pieces. You can use stylish baskets to hold your toiletries while keeping them out of sight.

If you want to reclaim some storage space and give your bathroom a facelift, consider replacing the countertops and installing a vessel sink. Vessel sinks sit on top of the vanity, giving you more space inside for storage.

If you have cabinets with multiple shelves inside you can increase functionality with pullout shelving. This will allow you to access the entire shelf without having to dig through items in the front.

One final way to regain storage space without taking up visual space is to convert your hanging vanity mirror into a recessed medicine cabinet. You retain the mirror and gain storage for smaller toiletries like dental floss, toothpaste, cotton balls, and so on.

Whether you have grand plans or small dreams for your bathroom vanity, there are a multitude of ways to make it your own. Decide on the scale of project you want to take on and create your perfect bathroom. If you aren’t comfortable taking on a major DIY project, checkout our guide on how to hire a remodeling contractor.