Bathroom Vanities for Homes and Offices
Over the past few years vanities have evolved considerably in terms of design. In the days before indoor plumbing, a vanity was merely a desk type structure or a stand which held a wash basin and pitcher of water. There was usually a mirror over the wash basin, and the size varied from about sixteen to about sixty inches. The vanity traditionally held various toiletry items, cosmetics, perfume bottles and a hairbrush.
The vanity has always been a place where one washed, shaved, applied cosmetics and brushed their hair and teeth. This use has not changed in hundreds of years. Therefore, the most defining and important elements of the vanity are the sink, mirror, and storage space. These elements are still the most important aspects of a vanity. The size of the mirror, the utilitarian function of the sink, and the amount of storage are the three practical considerations when selecting a vanity. Typically modern people require a lot of storage. The more storage the better, especially in homes, but storage is somewhat important in all settings. Ample drawers prevent clutter, and make cleaning much easier.
Modern vanities are widely varied and come in almost every imaginable style, but the purpose of the vanity has changed very little. However, the look of modern vanities has changed considerably. The main element of modern vanities is the sink. Many vanities have two matching sinks, one on each end, replacing the traditional basin and pitcher.
For many years bathroom vanities were all rather basic. The nicest of them looked like standard kitchen cabinets. They came in different sizes, and levels of quality, but in general they had two doors beneath the sink, and some of the nicer ones also had drawers. These types of vanities are still available today, and are still the most common choice in homes and offices.
Today, vanities need not be so boring. Modern bathroom vanities come in a wide variety of styles, from simple metal or wooden stands, to elaborate Victorian furniture. Vanities can be cylindrical or square. They can hang from the wall, stand on legs, or sit flat on the floor. Sizes vary from the mere width of the sink itself up to the full wall width of even the largest bathrooms. They can be sleek, or ornate, and the range of colors and materials is endless. The sink may either be below or above the countertop height. Many of the new sinks actually sit on top of the cabinet, just as the antique basin once did. How the sink attaches is just one of many exciting variations. Mirrors also vary, and are usually hung above the vanity as a separate piece, but are occasionally attached.
In the world of bathroom decorating, the vanity carries the most potential for unique style. A vanity can define a bathroom, and set it apart like no other bathroom fixture. Style is of great concern, especially in the office, where clients may use the facilities. The office bathroom vanity, should give a good impression, and reflect the overall style of the rest of the office. At the same time the bathroom vanity is the perfect place to be a bit creative, and unique.
Shopping for a bathroom vanity can be exciting because of the wide variety of choices. In the end however it all comes down to the practical utility of storage, mirror and sink. Once a style and color have been selected, it is important to ensure functionality. It is still important that the uniquely styled sink will not splatter all over the counter top and floor, when the water is turned up high. The amount of storage needs to be ample and the mirror should be large enough to view the entire upper body.
About the Author:
Since 1982, Caldwell Plumbing & Heating Supply has been providing exceptional service and expertise in the areas of plumbing and heating, providing everything from bathroom remodeling supplies to modern home heating solutions.http://caldwellplumbingsupply.com/
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