Wooden countertops were the trend in bathroom design for a long while, and it’s easy to see why. Wood is attractive, smooth, and earthy, and it often gives the illusion of warming up a room. While wood countertops haven’t vanished from the bathroom remodeling scene, the modern trend has leaned more towards marble and stone. These materials are more durable than wood, though they often have just as much visual appeal and suggest a similarly “earthy” atmosphere.

Of course, bathroom vanities have evolved hand in hand with bathroom design; just as bathroom furnishings and décor have been ushered into a modern-day world, bathroom vanities too have undergone significant design changes. The modern bathroom renovator has a plethora of bathroom vanity options at his disposal. There are so many options, in fact, that the task of picking the “right” vanity often proves to be a difficult one. With so many choices, it’s easy to become confused or even jump the gun on a vanity that’s just so-so instead of waiting for the perfect one. As with most things, when it comes to selecting your bathroom vanity, patience pays off.

So what is a bathroom vanity, anyway? These bathroom furnishings are simultaneously functional and visually pleasing. They use space more efficiently than older furnishings, and facilitate normal bathroom operations. Most provide ample storage space for your towels, toiletries, and other necessities without crowding the bathroom. They allow you to organize your bathroom efficiently and with minimal hassle. Most bathroom vanities are hybrids: in one reasonably-sized cohesive unit, a bathroom vanity provides cabinet space, sink space, and bathroom lighting. Bathroom lighting is one of the essential features of a bathroom vanity. Nobody wants to spend time in a dimly lit, cave-like bathroom. As far as lighting options are concerned, it is best to fix your vanity with halogen lamps. Make sure you choose energy efficient bulbs, to ensure that your bathroom lighting lasts.

Bathroom vanities come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. These materials include wood (perhaps the most common, if a little outdated), natural stones such as slate, concrete, glass, porcelain, marble, and stainless steel (for a modern look and low-maintenance cleaning). Some are designed to resemble antiques for a certain “vintage appeal” or rustic quality, while others boast modern designs and post-industrial chic.

Of course, different vanities retail at different prices, depending on the design and materials used. It is not difficult to find a bathroom vanity that suits your needs as well as your wallet, but you should establish a budget for yourself before you go vanity-hunting.

Installing some bathroom vanities will require the services of a professional. For example, it is recommended that you hire a plumber and an electrician to handle your installation, unless you’re absolutely certain you know what you’re doing. Not only are these jobs potentially hazardous, but if they’re done poorly, they will lead to more problems later on. In the end, a poor remodeling job will only end up costing you more money than if you hired a professional in the first place. Some bathroom vanities, however, boast “do-it-yourself” installation. To install one of these, you won’t need anything more than a screwdriver.

A bathroom vanity changes the mood of any bathroom. If you’re looking for a new bathroom vanity, you should consider your options carefully beforehand, and know that you have many options at your disposal. Outline your choices and options, and take the entire process into account, from financial issues to hired help. With these simple ideas in mind, you should have little trouble finding the perfect vanity for you and your bathroom.