Bathrooms are, notoriously, one of the hardest rooms to inject a bit of character into, which is why we’ve noticed a trend of homeowners remodelling classic pieces of furniture to create bathroom vanity units. But how easy is this to accomplish?
When it comes to bathroom design – all those hard lines and shiny surfaces, not to mention the humidity, can make it tricky for the usual décor choices and, let’s face it, they’re often not the largest of rooms.
In fact, “how can I make my bathroom less bland?” is one of the questions KBB journo Laurie Davidson gets asked the most. Adding statement tiles and wallpaper can help, but there’s another option that can give your bathroom a good dose of personality – replacing your vanity with a more vintage piece.
Whether it’s a dresser, a sideboard or a small cabinet, this simple swap has become increasingly popular, and we can see why. A vintage vanity will give you a unique look, and it can also be a more affordable option.
So, how do you go about it?
Can you simply pick up a second-hand piece of furniture and convert it or are there things you need to know? How exactly does plumbing work? Laurie dug around and talked to the experts to see what you need to know before you start sourcing your furniture and getting stuck into the sanding.
Scouring vintage fairs and shops is the fun part of this project, and a good place to start. But don’t go empty handed – make sure you have the dimensions of your space, as well as details of where the plumbing will need to be, so that you can choose your vintage piece safe in the knowledge it will fit, without incurring any costly mistakes.
Finding the right piece for your bathroom
Of course, it’s important to consider the sturdiness of your unit – especially if it’s going to be used as a base for a particularly heavy sink or even double basins. “While most vintage pieces can be used as a new vanity in your bathroom, not every piece will be suitable,” says Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms.
“Old tables, dressers and drawers are all good candidates, but consider whether the top of the furniture is large enough to accommodate the sink you want.”
Felix Milns, founder of HUX London, agrees: “Check if there are any drawers in the way of plumbing and, if so, see if these can be removed and what the impact on the overall sturdiness of the piece might be. It may be worth reinforcing the piece by attaching it to the wall of the bathroom.”
Practicalities
Unfortunately, fitting a vintage dresser basin isn’t as simple as buying a second-hand or antique piece and converting it, but that’s not to say you should be put off the idea. “The process requires some serious DIY skills, or ideally, a professional,” explains Emma Deterding, founder and creative director at Kelling Designs.
“The drawers and compartments will most likely need to be reconfigured to accommodate plumbing and this may involve cutting into the wood and also reinforcing the structure. You need to make sure the dresser is at the correct height, too, for comfortable use as a washbasin, which could involve raising or lowering legs, or even adding a base.”
When it comes to plumbing, it may be that you need to expand or reroute it to make a good fit with your vintage piece, so it’s worth checking your current plumbing right from the get-go. “If your new dresser is higher or lower than what was there before, your plumber may be able to change your pipework accordingly,” says Louise.
Then there’s the upkeep, to ensure your piece stays looking ship-shape in a room with high moisture levels. If you decide to opt for a wooden item, chances are water will damage it even if you’re very careful. To protect it, experts suggest applying several coats of marine-grade vanish, as well as making sure it undergoes maintenance every year or so.
The accessories
Yes, there’s research to be done to ensure you get the right piece, and yes you may need to do some work to keep your vintage vanity in good condition, but the benefits far outweigh this in my opinion, especially once you’ve teamed it with the perfect basin and taps.
“The accessories can really make or break the final look,” says Emma. “You want to ensure that the basin fits proportionally to the top of your dresser without overpowering it.
“Countertop designs tend to work better as they sit on top of the dresser, preserving more of the original features and character of the dresser.
“The choice of taps is important too, with traditional crosshead taps or antique-style faucets adding to that vintage look. However, modern fixtures can create a contrast and more of an eclectic look. Don’t forget accessories like mirrors, lighting and hardware, too, to complement your piece.”
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