Top 10+ Unique DIY Bathroom Vanity Ideas to Elevate the Room
A wooden vanity holds a white basin and gold faucet. A plant and decorative items rest nearby, in a softly lit, minimalist bathroom.
Vintage Dresser Bathroom Vanity
We’re starting off this list of unique DIY bathroom vanity ideas with an upcycling project. Would you believe us if we told you this mid-century DIY bathroom vanity by @holly_valdivia only cost $77? It’s true! She bought the vintage dresser used, and the vessel sink at an auction. Valdivia finished the high-end look for less with a modern gold faucet and matching hardware.
A modern bathroom vanity features a round wooden mirror, a small plant, and soap on a counter, against a blue herringbone tiled wall.
Ikea Hack Bathroom Vanity
If you don’t have the time or skills to build a bathroom vanity from scratch, start with a store-bought piece and make a few adaptations to fit your needs. That’s what @studio_xtine did with a vanity from Ikea. Originally a two-drawer design, she and her husband built only one of the drawers. They turned the excess pieces into a custom-fit floating vanity in their small powder room.
How To Build A Bathroom Vanity
Build A Bathroom Vanity
A bathroom vanity might seem like a difficult project for a DIYer, but it can actually be done relatively easily. Nearly anyone can build this stylish bathroom vanity in just a few days with these easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. This floating vanity project from the Family Handyman archives features clean lines and simple joints that’s approachable and looks great in any bathroom.
A green dresser supports a white sink and black faucet, with a mirror above. A towel hangs nearby, and a toilet is to the right.
Dresser Bathroom Vanity
An antique dresser from a thrift store will cost you a lot less than a new bathroom vanity. A coat of paint (we recommend oil-based or mildew-proof latex), new hardware and a vessel sink are all you need to transform it into a distinctive vanity, like this charming example by @mimodfarmhouse.
A wooden vanity with dual sinks is positioned against a light-colored wall, flanked by mirrors. A toilet is visible in the background.
Double Bathroom Vanity
Here’s another dresser-turned-vanity project, but this one features convenient double bathroom sinks. Liv Barnsley of @houseonhorizon recommends a dresser with plenty of storage. Make sure there’s enough room to fit the needed plumbing, as well as storage space for tucking away toiletries and other bathroom essentials.
A potted plant sits on the floor beside a sleek, black vanity. An elegant mirror reflects light in a bright, modern bathroom.
Painted Bathroom Vanity
When it comes to unique DIY bathroom vanity ideas, sometimes less is more. Not every DIY bathroom vanity requires a jigsaw or power drill — sometimes, all you need is a paintbrush! This bathroom vanity by @gisele.blaker received a fresh coat of classic black paint and new gold knobs. The result is a sleek and stylish vanity transformed in one weekend.
A wooden and metal bathroom vanity holds a bowl sink and toiletries, with neatly stacked towels and baskets on shelves beneath, in a cozy, well-lit space.
Open-Shelf Bathroom Vanity
The DIY husband and wife team Hannah and Andrew of @elleandjaydesign built this open-shelf bathroom vanity for a family member. Andrew welded the metal base, used a piece of butcher block for the top and cut the wooden slats for the shelves. Once finished, all the wood was sealed with three coats of polyurethane. It’s definitely an advanced project (check out their full step-by-step instructions), but if you’re looking for a satisfying challenge, it’s worth it.
A blue vanity with a black faucet and large mirror reflects the room. A sign says "BRUSH & FLOSS," next to a plant on the countertop.
Colorful Bathroom Vanity
Here’s another painted bathroom vanity by @kellyjalayne. The soft blue brings a welcome pop of color to the neutral bathroom. When painting bathroom cabinets, prep work is essential. Clean all surfaces to be painted with trisodium phosphate, or a TSP alternative, to remove grease, dirt, and product build-up like hairspray. Then use 100- or 120-grit sandpaper to scuff the surface, ensuring the new paint adheres to the wood.
A wooden sink countertop supports a white basin, with black fixtures in a tiled bathroom, framed by a glass partition and an ornate wall art piece.
Floating Reclaimed Wood Bathroom Vanity
Here’s how Cassandra described the project: “Waterproofing the wood was about a week-long process of sanding, staining and sealing repeatedly (allowing 24 hours of dry time between each coat) to ensure it was fully waterproof [and ready to withstand bathroom use.] It’s mounted to the wall with floating brackets as well as an `L’ bracket underneath for additional support.”
A green bathroom vanity with a marble top and gold handles sits beside a mirrored wall. A potted plant rests on a chair in a bright space.
Fluted Wood Bathroom Vanity
To add texture and interest to her builder-grade bathroom vanity, @meaganmarquisliving covered the cabinet door fronts with fluted wood using this beaded molding as a shortcut. Many fluted wood projects use individual dowels, which require more cutting and measuring.
FAQs
What materials should I use for a bathroom vanity?
“Vanity materials are where most people mess up. MDF with a thin veneer peels fast in humidity. Instead, try plywood boxes with solid surface tops,” says contractor Danny Niemela. “Quartz is worth the extra $300 versus laminate. And skip those thin chrome pulls. You want brushed metal or matte black with some weight to them. Bonus points if you do integrated sinks because they have fewer seals and fewer leaks.”
Will adding a bathroom vanity increase the value of my home?
“Yes, a well-built vanity boosts resale value but only if you do it right,” says Niemela. Don’t value vanity size over useable space, he advises. “Buyers want function and breathing room. You are looking at a $2,000 boost in perceived value if the vanity improves layout and adds usable space. That drops to zero if knees hit the door when it opens.”
About the Expert
Danny Niemela is a professional contractor and home remodeler. He is the co-owner, Vice President and CFO at ArDan Construction, a luxury home remodeling company in Scottsdale, Arizona. Niemela is also the current President of the Greater Phoenix Chapter of National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
