Ahh... the humble small bathroom vanity. Quite literally, part of the furniture when it comes to keeping an organized small bathroom. This savvy, storage staple combines space for a sink, with a countertop, and shelving, and is an absolute winner for hiding away your haul of cleaning sprays, toiletries, and other miscellaneous bathing essentials. (They're fab at hiding ugly plumbing too boom!)
And if you're renting or working with an especially snug space, a nifty freestanding vanity unit versus a built-in option is the way to go. So let's take a peek at some super cute ideas for itsy-bitsy ensuites, pint-sized powder rooms, weeny water closets, and more.
1. Crown your vanity with a statement mirror
No vanity set-up is complete without a crowning-glory mirror. And I don't know about you, but my existing apartment rental option is beyond horrendous (think small, glass square stuck on the wall with tape — truly grim!) So I for one am definitely going to mix and match things up with an affordable small bathroom mirror that ticks all the style boxes for shapely silhouette, texture, and ultimate lust-list appeal. (Step away from the matchy-matchy — your vanity and mirror don't have to be twinned!)
2. Style up your vanity counter for zen spa vibes
Guests due and looking to speedily glam up your cloakroom like NOW?! Simples! Add some pretty to your vanity counter with cute bathroom decor buys to beautify a small wet room in a flash. Introduce chic bathroom accessories or plop a soap bar into a shell or vintage dish. Pop a floral stem in a vase, and light a glowing scented candle. And voila, speedy update with details that count. And obvs, you'll want to organize bathroom countertops for a mess-free space (absolutely vital in a cozy wet room).
3. Elevate your white vanity with drawer knobs (and wallpaper)
Oh, my eye — we're obsessed with the fresh mono aesthetic in this punchy little bathroom! Steve White, designer, Trim Tech Designs, says: “Custom cabinetry, especially in frequently used spaces like a bathroom, allows homeowners the ability to have form meet function and create a space they truly love.”
But If going bespoke just isn't an option right now, you're not missing out! Perhaps your apartment already includes a white vanity that you can easily chic up with some luxe little drawer pulls? Go one step further and use your "white anchor" as a foundation to let the walls do the talking with a transformative bathroom wallpaper idea.
4. Upcycle for a unique look
Craving some crafty wholesomeness this weekend? Fill your cozy space with personality (and fun!) with a DIY vanity transformed with love (and a wee bit of sanding!)
Think outside the box when it comes to what could potentially be a wonderful little vanity unit. Have you already got something at home that could be reworked in a new light with some chalk paint revival? A sad-looking console table, or a nifty little bedside cabinet even? It's all about thinking creatively, working with the space that you have, and acting thriftily peeps!
Talking of the rosy gorgeousness above, Poppy, @dustsheets_and_decor (opens in new tab), says: "Still one of my favorite up-cycles. This table was a $36 Facebook Marketplace bargain and after a bit of work, good paint, and new handles she’s looking fabulous!" We totes agree!
5. Max out impact with a color block vanity
6. Glow up your vanity (literally)
Illuminate your vanity situation with a small bathroom lighting idea to glow and go every morning...
"Task lighting in the bathroom is where it all begins," explains Marie Botsis-Premici, co-founder and director at The Montauk Lighting Co (opens in new tab). "Some pretty important jobs are undertaken in the bathroom, including makeup application, shaving, and other daily grooming routines. The best place to start with light is at eye level. Mounting wall lights on either side of a mirror provides you with shadowless illumination and the best results for a single vanity area."
We're digging brass lighting designs (like the above by @tinadoodles (opens in new tab)) to add a luxe finishing touch with a hint of glam.
7. Chillax with relaxed, boho textures
Is boho decor your vibe? (Absolutely!) Take free-spirited feels to your bijou bathroom with a natural vanity unit that entices all the senses with grainy gorgeousness and tactility...
@palim_tintin (opens in new tab) has totally nailed this look with her plant-filled oasis of cozy calm. We're adoring the coordinating, slatted vanity unit, and mirror, which both have a tropical-vintage look and feel, creating a rooted and authentic space that transports the soul.
This look is all about layering, so go big on the natural materials, woven textures, and macrame galore!
8. Pack a punch with a two-tone vanity
It's amazing how a splash of color can entirely transform a humble piece of furniture into a style statement of bright delight! We're just obsessed with this punchy small bathroom space by the wonderfully talented Emily Magnus, founder and lead designer, Emily Mangus Interiors (opens in new tab). The perfectly petite vanity adds an energizing two-tone color pop to the cozy corner, coordinated to dazzling effect with the graphic and playful wallpaper design. The neutral wall paneling harmonizes and balances the character-filled scheme, and note how the paneling lies horizontally as opposed to vertically to visually "open up" the small space. Clever stuff!
9. Go for an industrial loft look
10. Put it on display with open shelving
Bathroom reno goals y'all! Peter Irvine, digital creator, @thewhitehome (opens in new tab), transformed his previously "meh" bathroom into a wabi-sabi style spa, featuring a DIY plinth for the eye candy stone sink, using an offcut from the kitchen countertop, which he then plastered and painted, the clever chap! It looks amazing!
And we're all for mixing it up with open shelving on the vanity unit instead of doors for a change. Woven storage baskets are a versatile small bathroom storage solution for concealing anything and everything, whilst adding depth to a neutral scheme with effortless rustic textures and earthy hues.
11. Dazzle your vanity with a cute above counter vessel sink
If you're on the hunt-gather for a speedy small bathroom idea and vanity update, look to switching up the sink! A striking patterned vessel bowl design, like the gorgeousness from @kejti.ts (opens in new tab) above, elevates a plain, "blocky" piece of furniture into a swoon zone of interest.
Pop down to your local reclamation yard this weekend, and keep your eyes wide and peeled for a delightful, budget-friendly treasure. You might want to consider upping your tap game whilst you're at it too for an easy mini-revamp that wows!
12. Go for a dark and dramatic vanity
Gothic glam isn't just for grand main bathrooms! Dare to be different and go to the dark side with a black downstairs toilet idea. Black and brass are a bold combo, and this small bathroom vanity, along with the statement-arched mirror is serving up mysteriously cool cathedral vibes.
