Introduction: Turn an Old Dresser Into a Bath Vanity Cabinet
Looking for a new idea for a bath vanity cabinet? One that takes your bathroom decor to a stylish new level?
If you've thumbed through any recent decorating magazines, you've probably already seen the trend of re-purposing an old piece of furniture, such as a dresser, into a stylish bath vanity cabinet. And it's not just old pieces of furniture that get the Cinderella treatment. New bathroom vanities are showing up in showrooms with a freestanding furniture look. It's the furniture look that's grabbing everyone attention and it does give the bathroom a whole new look.
If you have an old dresser in the basement, then it just might be time to give it -- and your bathroom -- new life. Are you ready to find out how?
Step 1: Finding a Worthy Bath Vanity Cabinet Candidate
Not all dressers can be transformed into a new bath vanity cabinet. Before you fall in love with the "perfect" piece of furniture, there are several factors to consider:
Size of the dresser: Standard sized of bathroom cabinets run in increments of 6-inches with the most popular sizes being 30-inches, 36-inches, 48-inches and 54-inches. It's almost impossible to "reduce" an existing dresser to the right size opening. Take away here: measure your space and your dresser to avoid headaches and heartaches. I worked for a 48 inch bathroom vanity.
The height of the dresser: Stooping over for too long to wash your hands or brush your teeth is a sure way to a backache. The standard height for a bathroom vanity cabinet is 30-inches but depends on personal preferences. If your dresser is shorter - or taller - than what's comfortable for you and your family, then the dresser may need modification. The question is: will it look right its legs are cut off or it needs additional blocks under it to raise it to the proper height.
Front of the dresser: The most important part of finding a worthy bathroom vanity cabinet is whether the front can be modified to easily accommodate the plumbing. The best solution would find a piece of furniture, like a buffet, that already has the doors on the front. Second best solution is to add a new door using the drawer fronts to simulate the look of an intact dresser.
Step 2: Consider...
Whatever the style of the old dresser you choose to convert into a vanity, make sure it is structurally sound.
Fix it... you don't want a rickety dresser as the base of your new bathroom vanity.
Step 3: Top It Off With the Prefect Bathroom Countertop
And Don't Forget the Bathroom Hardware
There are several choices of bathroom countertops for your new (old) bath vanity. Granite, tile, solid services. The choices are endless. So are the choices for sinks. My personal favorite now is the vessel sink. These sinks set on top for the counter rather than inset within the cabinet. They can be made from granite, marble and other stone, as well as porcelain, glass and copper. With so many designs available, it's easy to find one that will go with your bathroom vanity cabinet, whether you going to a traditional or country cottage look.
After the countertop and sink, don't forget the faucets. If you decide on a vessel-style sink, then you'll need a faucet that matches the height of the sink or will have to be wall mounted. Whatever finish you decide for your faucet (and there are a lot, from chrome to brushed nickel to oil rubbed bronze), make sure to carry through the style and color in the rest of your bathroom hardware.
Step 4: A Finished Bath Vanity Cabinet From an Old Dresser
Pretty Cool, Huh?
Consider...
Granite, tile, even faux marble tops are great to cover an old dresser turned into a vanity. However, if you intend to use the wood top with just a drop in sink,, make sure you coat it with LOTS of vanish! At least three or four coats and then keep an eye on it and recoat as necessary.
