Are you leaning toward something lighter/whiter or darker? If darker, I have used General Finishes Java Gel Stain with great results. If possible change out the hardware, and you will have a whole new look!

There's a finish on that wood, so stain is out (even if you strip chemically), I fear. Painted oak rarely looks good, IMHO. I replaced the doors and drawer fronts on my kitchen cabinets, and it was not expensive (Lowe's can order them in custom sizes). I finished them myself with clear Minwax acrylic finish. Piece of cake.

I really don't know which way to go color wise. Was hoping for some input.

I will be changing the hardware.

Someone had mentioned to use Rustoleum cabinet transformations. Have you used this?

If I won't get easy good results-we are keeping it the way it is.

Definitely replace handles and pulls.

anyone else with experience changing their oak vanity?

I painted mine about ten years ago. I prepped well and followed what I'd read about regarding sanding, priming, etc.... The grain did show through but overall it was a huge improvement. Today, I think I'd look into chalk paint. Without a top coat of some sort, paint will stain.

Sand, prime, paint, be happy. Even try for another sink, as you have room. Definitely get news pulls and yes, a light fixture! It's dated, paint is a inexpensive smile maker.

Go darker. What colors do you like or hate? What colors are you itching to try? What color is the floor? What color is the nearby room/s?

Have fun!

I have used the rustoleum kit with great results. I forget what it's called but it's available at home depot. basically there's an acid wash to etch the surface so you don't have to sand or strip. then there's a primer. then stain. then optional glaze (which I chose not to use). then clear coat. it looks just like you put in all the hard work of stripping and staining. The grain still shows through. bonus, it's water based so clean up is easy. I changed an oak shelving unit from honey to espresso. I would recommend you do the same here for the contrast with the white countertop. OR I would paint them a dark gray if you also are tired of the oak grain.

I used a wipe on jel stain by old masters. Very easy no sanding just wipe on. I used one coat wipe on one with a sponge brush. Loved it changed whole look. I used a stain color Spanish something ....lol

If I changed out vanity to espresso and leave our base boards and bathroom doors as is, would it still look good?

I had oak cabinets in my bathroom and kitchen. I painted both with Annie Sloan chalk paint. I love the paint! It self levels and is very easy to work with. I detest the wax though as it is very time consuming. I used a polyurethane instead to seal them. If you have cream cabinets be sure to use the polyurethane that does not yellow when used on paint.

I'm painting the vanity using the rustoleum kit. Should I do chocolate or espresso?

We had a honey oak bathroom bathroom cabinet.... We stripped the wall paper & painted. Added a marble sink, new hardware, backsplash, lights, and mirror from Lowes... My husband prepped, sanded, primed and used a white spray paint... Looks very nice but unfortunately we sold our house and are moving.

ok our cabinets are all done!

which hardware looks the best of these 4? The color isn't exact.

bump

The largest one. Because that's a long expanse of cabinet, and I think the smaller they are, the more they get lost. too bad you couldn't have added another sink. Cabinets look fabulous!

Yeah 1 sink for now :) Will go and buy more of the big silver handle.

I like the longer hardware also.