A vanity are one of the major features in a restroom. Usually, they are one of the easier fixtures to install so if you are wanting to remodel your bathroom, you may want to begin with the vanity area.

There are many styles to choose from, and making the decision on which to buy is often not an easy choice. But knowing the major types of vanities can help make the decision making much more easy. Contemporary vanities have a distinguishable contemporary appearance. There are many styles out in the market, as they can be made out of several different materials and are made in several different shapes. Materials can be anything from stainless steel, glass, wood, chrome, and man-made composite materials.

Contemporary vanities are sleek, streamlined, and have a noticeable geometric appearance. Many will feature a countertop or vessel sink, while some will have vanity top formed from the basin. Many contemporary vanities are wall-mounted, but just as many can have a classic or rustic design. So, they are in a class of their own. Wall mounting vanities do well in smaller bathrooms, such as half bathrooms or powder rooms. By taking up as little space as possible, they allow for a spacier feel to bathrooms that would otherwise feel cramped with other types of vanities.

Victorian vanities have always been a popular choice amongst homeowners. They are almost always made out of wood, which has intricate carvings and designs, reminiscent of the elaborate and romantic era that was the Victorian age. Victorian vanities look best with granite and marble countertops, but you can never go wrong with white or black porcelain.

Unless they are being passed down to you as a family heir loom, original pieces are hard to come by. Antique shops and current owners are probably the first people you should go to. However, you can always find mass produced replicas. These will most likely not have carved designs but rather adhered designs, but many will look like the real thing, stains and all.

Missionary vanities are another timeless style. Like Victorian style vanities, mission vanities are often made of wood, but lack the intricate carvings. Instead, the carvings are often simple, straight lines. Some don't even have carvings. This is whey missionary vanities are versatile, able to match almost any bathroom and any theme. You get the classic appeal of wood and the contemporary appeal of minimalistic designs. Missionary vanities look best with white or black porcelain, but you can certainly make marble or granite work. Also, consider installing a vessel sink, which is a sink bowl that sits on top the counter rather than dropped in. You'll find that this makes for a very contemporary, yet classic look.