Which to choose first tile or vanity?

6 years ago

I’m at the very beginning stages of a master bath reno. I’ve been told that I should choose the tile before the vanity but I’m really attracted to a specific biscotti coloured vanity.
Question 1: Will it be an issue doing it the other way.
Question 2 : if I picked a white one can the room still look warm rather than cool tones?
I’m a real novice at this so hope my questions make sense.

Featured Answer

deegw

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I would choose the vanity first but make sure that it doesn't clash with other choices you have your heart set on, like grey paint or a marble counter. There are fewer choices of color in stock vanities than there are of tile.

You can combine warm and cool elements for a cohesive look but it's not easy. If you aren't confident in your decorating skills, it's best to pick one palette, warm or cool and then make your choices based on that. Grey and marble are popular bath elements but a majority of those choices come in cool colors.

The light in your space can also make your choices appear different than they look in the store. Be sure to look at samples in your space before you make final choices.

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Comments (8)

enduring
6 years ago
That is a lovely picture. It is a warm white and warmish wall. Whites can be cool or warm, because of the color that is used in the combination. If it was me, I'd pick the vanity first. Also determine what vib you want in the room. If you pick the tile now, it will dictate all other decisions.

See how the floor in your pic relates to the vanity and countertop. The wall is greenish gray and relates to the yellow in the white and floor and counter. the fixtures look like a brushed nickel which is always a bit goldish silver. Chrome is a cold silver. the candle and sea sponge on the counter picks up the yellow too.
Jeff Smith
6 years ago
It seems to me it's best to pick the permanent item first, that is, the tile. You can always find any number of vanities in dozens or hundreds of color tones but once the tile is up it's virtually forever.

If possible, see the vanity in person and then take tile samples (or your favorites) and place them next to vanity? This way you can see the actual tile and actual tone of vanity in person. When we built our recent new house we had many sample boards and test palettes of all kinds for tile, stucco, floors, paint, trim, etc.
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PRO
Skippack Tile & Stone
6 years ago
Deegw said it perfectly! Pick the vanity you like and then work from there; there's lot of options in tiles so you can tweak things to the tones of the vanity.
porkchop_z5b_MI
6 years ago
I would first determine the overall look/vibe you're going for, and work from there (i.e. always know what the end vision is before you start doing/buying anything).
PRO
Sabrina Alfin Interiors
6 years ago
Whatever you do, don't buy anything online until you can get finish samples. What you see on your computer screen might not be the actual color, nor does it really tell you much about the workmanship. Assuming you like what you see in person, then you can use those same finish samples to go select tile at a tile showroom.
everdebz
6 years ago
Wall paint or wallpaper to bring the warmth ?

What is your flooring?
Master Bathrooms · More Info
digby37
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks everyone. You’ve given me lots to think about. I like the colours in this photo so I guess I have an idea of the vibe I’m looking for. I haven’t picked out a floor but am drawn to the lighter coloured tiles but darker than the vanity. I get to pick the countertop so will relate it to the flooring.
I’ll be doing a glass 5x3 shower and a stand alone tub as well so lots of planning to do.
I have access to a floor model of the vanity so will be sure to get sample tile as well to compare at the store and at home in the space.