Ah… humble little vanity in the bathroom. Literally, part of the furniture when it comes to keeping a bathroom organized, this storage staple is a must when concealing your load of cleaning sprays, toiletries, and other miscellaneous shower gadgets.
Now, there is no point in looking at what you like in store or online and just buying it. When looking at small bathroom ideas – you should be more considerate of your purchasing decisions.
How are you going to get it into space (is it flat-packed or pre-assembled)? Where will you put it in the bathroom? Can you add a mirror over it? What lighting would be appropriate for the top of this cabinet? Will it fit? And can you open and close the drawers easily?
All of these questions and more are answered by us as we explore the suitability, functionality and design capabilities of these bathroom consoles. We’ll also look at different types of small bathrooms so you can be confident enough to do well for small en suite suites, pint-sized powder rooms, small water tanks, and more.
Small bathroom vanity ideas that are so cute
“A gray bathroom vanity can lighten the look of your bathroom,” says Sarah Fishburne, fashion and design director at Home Depot.
Not quite as stunning as black, but more unique than white, a gray vanity can suit any style of bathroom. If you want a clean neutral look for a small bathroom, but don’t want a white nightstand, consider a light gray vanity instead. An airy gray vanity blends beautifully with a country house, and a glossy gray vanity is perfect for transitional or modern styles.
1. Add a gentle illuminator in the powder room
(Photo credit: West One bathroom)
The powder room might be too small for a full stack of storage, but if you’re a half full glass men or gallon – you don’t need to be fussed with style. An unusually shaped pink Nouveau sink by West One Bathrooms, this small bathroom will add a charming touch to your toilet space.
With a touch of marble and copper, why not use this bathroom cabinet as a space to put your makeup and store your cosmetics, Q-tips, and cotton pads for the cutest Instagram interiors. It is definitely one of the best furniture units we have seen.
2. Go for an industrial boho feel
(Image credit: Primark)
Whether you call it Primark or Penney, we can all agree that this industrial, bohemian bathroom is a raw, unapologetic bathroom in style. From the exposed brick wall to the tiny bathtub in the bathroom, this exciting and quirky space can transport you to a faraway destination.
But what we’re swoon over about is our rustic green little vanity. With weathering effect and visible glass panels, it is elegant and practical. And if you can’t track it down at an Irish fast fashion retailer – why not go in your recycling by finding a used stocking at a thrift store or online marketplace.
3. Enlarge your storage room with a large storage space
(Image credit: IKEA)
When looking at bathroom organization, a small bathroom vanity will help you plan your space and take out toiletries when guests come. But the storage opportunities don’t stop there.
Unless you’re partial to regular cosmetic removers (considering that very important post-open period or PAO codes), you may find yourself struggling to open or close the drawers. But remember, if things just don’t fit in a small bathroom vanity, you can always add a portable bathroom cart too.
“Moving bathroom storage keeps your things close at hand where you need them – like fresh towels by the shower!” Says Becky Martin, Head of Interior Design, IKEA UK & Ireland.
4. Think about stocking around the vanity too
Click the image to shop the ENHET range from Ikea
(Image credit: IKEA)
[Small bathroom layouts] Rely on intelligent planning, product research, and in-house know-how. Whether you’re remodeling an entire space from scratch, or just replacing an old small bathroom vanity with something different, the ENHET range available from IKEA makes it easy to start with a fresh bathroom solution.
This sink base cabinet features two practical drawers for all the essentials, paired with white fronts that brighten the room. It has plenty of storage space and is well suited for smaller bathrooms since the base cabinet is only 60cm wide.
ENHET (meaning “unit” in Swedish), comes in white to create a clean, bright design that’s fresh and versatile enough to fit in most interiors.
5. Add brass lighting accessories to create a vintage feel
(Photo credit: Armac Martin / Carla Salsone)
Get under the sink storage units and add a personal touch by choosing these small bathroom vanity knobs carefully. This beautiful blue and gray home of Carla Salsone (also known as casasalsone) features a wall sconce from Montauk Lighting Co. Which acts as a task lighting for the bathroom, especially in the evening.
“The task lighting in the bathroom is where it all begins.” Marie Botzis-Primeci, co-founder and director at Montauk Lighting Co., explains.
Some very important functions are performed in the bathroom, including applying make-up, shaving and other daily care routines. The best place to start the light is at eye level – wall mounted fixtures on either side of the mirror provide shadowless illumination and the best results for your vanity area.
Think about how your vanity or bathroom space will function and light it accordingly. If you have one nightstand, the light on either side of the mirror is perfect. When you have a tall nightstand with double sinks and possibly a makeup area in between, think about this a bit. You may need to focus your lighting on the central area, or if budget allows, consider installing four lights across the vanity for maximum effect.
6. Keep your vanity plain in a crowded bathroom
(Image credit: IKEA)
We can always count on Swedish brand Ikea for its chic designs and innovative interiors…so when we saw this black and white bathroom, we were obsessed. Small mosaic bathroom tiles that make ‘stripes’ to extend a warm bathroom, add interest and catch the eye, modern monochromatic towels with mirrored shower curtain details, and if you look closely in the mirror reflection – a maze-like wall art design.
But, so this scheme doesn’t make you feel sick in the morning or make you feel dizzy and disoriented after a few small cuts, the bathroom vanity is kept plain and simple against the poignant backdrop.
7. Add interest with a small mosaic tile backdrop
Click the picture to buy NYSJÖN small bathroom vanity, available at Ikea
(Image credit: IKEA)
Make your morning routine run like clockwork—even in a small space—with this wash-basin cabinet (with plenty of storage), a mirror with shelf, and all of your bathroom essentials. The NYSJÖN small bathroom vanity, available at Ikea, is well suited for the smallest of bathrooms since the base cabinet is just 19 inches wide, but can fit toilet rolls, towels, bottles and hair accessories.
Although the product is plain, we love the green and blue small bathroom tile wallpaper that adds interest to the walls and floors.
8. Go for a modern rustic feel with a wooden vanity
(Image credit: Garden Trade)
“A rustic bathroom vanity showcases the beauty of natural wood. These vanities are often complemented with simple accessories and pulls in faded metallic finishes,” says Fishburne.
9. Add a bold black vanity in a luxury bathroom
Click image to shop the Burlington Chalfont 650mm Single Drawer Unit in Matt Black, available from Sanctuary Bathrooms
(Photo credit: Burlington)
This scheme is living proof that you don’t need blocks of floor space to create a stylish bathroom. Our favorite elements include herringbone floors and this marble [small bathroom shower enclosure] Which makes you feel like you took a section of a spa and brought it home.
But, to prevent this bathroom from feeling too washed out with bold black-and-white elements in the shape of a mirror, window frame, toilet seat, and small bathroom vanity.
Available in Sanctuary Bathrooms, the 650 mm Burlington Chalfont Single Drawer Unit in Matte Black has gentle curves and is traditional in style with a sun-resistant lacquer. This small bathroom also features a soft-closing feature with a quiet and elegant operation…perfect for ensuring little fingers don’t get caught!
“A black bathroom vanity is versatile and can be combined in a range of styles.” Says Sarah Fishburne, director of trend and design at Home Depot.
‘When paired with other black décor, it can make large bathrooms feel intimate, making it a great choice when you need big bathroom decorating ideas. When paired with a lighter décor, it can be a striking statement piece. Mid-century modern bathroom items and modern bathroom furniture look amazing in black.
10. Go for a dark and dramatic vanity
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
Gothic charm isn’t just for grand master bathrooms – so convincing yourself to go to the dark side with the idea of a black basement restroom. Black and copper are a bold combination, and this small bathroom vanity, combined with a bow [small bathroom mirror] We are served by ambiguous reactions in the cathedral.
11. Fake more space with floating vanity
(Image credit: Home Depot)
If you’re wondering how to make your small bathroom look bigger, there are a few tips and tricks you’ll need to know before you take out your credit card for commitment…
“A floating bathroom vanity creates an airy, modern look.” Fishburne explains.
It can create the illusion of more space by opening up the floor space under it. This makes it ideal for small bathrooms. Cleaning is much easier with the floating vanity as the entire floor is easily accessible.
A wall-mounted sink is an attractive addition to a floating vanity style. Since the vanity of this style has limited storage space, you can install floating wall shelves that coordinate with your vanity.
Carts, boxes, or baskets are also an option to hold towels or other bathing needs neatly placed under the vanity. A floating vanity is also a good opportunity to add a tiled wall or backsplash.
What Kind of Vanity Should I Use in a Small Bathroom?
“When you need small bathroom decorating ideas, start with a corner vanity,” Fishburne explains.
“An angled vanity can open up your bathroom and give you more room to move around.”
Choose a light-colored table. Light-colored vanities will bounce light around the room, helping a small bathroom or powder room feel more spacious. Dramatic dark wood can also be effective. When paired with lighter décor, a darker vanity catches your eye and can make the surrounding room appear larger.