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karibee1

Awkward Window Behind Vanity - Help! :)

5 years ago

Hi!! I have a design dilemma. I am redoing my bathroom on a shoestring budget - moldy shower so I couldn't wait. I am buying a longer vanity to better fill the wall space but I'm not sure where to hang the mirror because if this awful window. For reference, this vanity is 53". The space from the left wall to shower on the right is almost 80". This is the only wall a vanity can fit on and thr window can't be moved. Any suggestions much appreciated!

Comments (28)

  • 5 years ago

    More Pics

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    If it were my space, I would center the vanity under the window.

    I hate to cover a window but, I would mount a mirror in front of the window, only the lower half. Use a piano hinge on the right side, for easy access to window function. Opens like a door. The size can be from the center of the window to the bottom edge, or whatever comes close.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Also, I meant to add ... you need to construct an open box frame around it, to mount the hinge.

  • 5 years ago

    Did you already buy the new vanity?

  • 5 years ago

    I’d center the vanity under the window as well, and then add two mirrors as similarly sized to the window as possible. Still not the ideal / typical layout but I think it would look intentional at least

  • 5 years ago

    That is quite the dilemma! Maybe consider having just a single vanity located on the left wall instead. This way the window can do its job.

  • 5 years ago

    By longer vanity, are you talking about a 72" double sink vanity? We need more information about your future vanity to give a good solution.

  • 5 years ago

    I like the window. I would offset the sink to the left, have a longer counter under the window and put a vase of cherry blossoms or orchid in front of window. Use the counter as a makeup area and include a bench. That means spending money on the counter but keeping the vanity the same size. If you went with double sinks, just have the window in center. Add some blinds to soften the look. Still add a decorative floral piece under it

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Mount the mirror in front of the window I have done this many times it can look quite cool.



  • 5 years ago

    Thanks all for the input! I have not bought the vanity yet as I wasn't sure what size to buy. The vanity must be up against the left wall because of plumbing. Previously I had hung a second Godmorgon mirrored cabinet over the window, but obviously blocked all light unless I had it sitting open.

  • 5 years ago

    So then get a vanity that expands the entire width and proceed as suggested with smaller medicine cabinets, maybe just mirrors the same size as the window and sconces.

  • 5 years ago

    I dont think I can do 2 sinks because of the plumbing, but I could center the sink and perhaps build a sliding mirror like this? only drawback is this is a nice window, mine isn't

  • 5 years ago

    You seem to have a large bathroom. I would check with a plumber on getting the plumbing moved to have a longer vanity with two sinks. That does not seem like it would be a big expense. A longer vanity with 2 sinks would look good.

  • PRO
    5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    I'm confused... what is the unit on the wall at far left in your original photo? Can you post another pic?

  • 5 years ago

    If the vanity has to stay there, look into a vanity with left offset sink. Mirror would then be above the sink.

    It will always be quirky, but at least it could be functional.

    Then, I would figure out how to visually balance the space.


  • 5 years ago

    I know you are trying to save money, but redoing the bathroom and working totally around the window seems to me to be a bad idea. I would cut my cost somewhere else and address the window and plumbing. If I didn’t want to remove the window completely (and I’m not in the bath, so not sure, but I might consider that) then maybe you could replace the window with a longer rectangle window to go above a large plate mirror over a double vanity. I know that means work to the outside siding as well. 😢. I would absolutely do everything in my power to put in double sinks. If you only get one go at making this right, I would really think out my budget to do what makes the biggest impact on this bath. Functionality and aesthetically.

  • 5 years ago

    Windows above vanity

  • 5 years ago

    If you find you can not move the plumbing, you might be able to get some nice drawer space and storage with this arrangement, 1 inch filler, 30 sink cab, 27 inch drawer bank and then an 18 to 21 inch tall cab.

  • 5 years ago

    Wow thank you Karen and Kimber, those are great suggestions. It will be difficult to move the window because it's a strata duplex and I would need permission to alter the building envelope. That being said I should cost it out , maybe it'll be less expensive than I think and something to push for. The plumbing comes from the other side of the wall. Original builders put the vanity in the laundry room - my house is weird like that, and it's very expensive to take up subfloor and move the plumbing. The waste pipe is already running horizontally from the current sink which isn't great, so I'm not sure about adding a second sink. I think I'll look into the cost of that too (moving plumbing) as this will be my bathroom for a long time and yah this dang window is messing it up haha. Thanks Karen for thr drawing I really appreciate it.

  • 5 years ago

    LB it's a mirror cabinet from Ikea. I had two and have removed one to expose the window.

  • 5 years ago

    You're having good discussion, but have you found out how much to extend plumbing to the right of the window? everyone seems to like 2 sinks. Could be on each side of window.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Even sparing expense with a cheaper countertop to me makes sense. A person could later on place another counter... not so well re-do pipes.

    Same with floor tile, cheaper porcelain is ok. Have you picked any?

  • 5 years ago

    Do you need the window for light? If your able to do the 2 sinks and larger vanity is there enough room to put your other mirror/cabinet above the 2nd sink with the window in the middle. Then put nice blinds up or change out the window glass for something more private/decorative.

  • 5 years ago

    everdebz yes I got some amazing ivory coloured 24x24 rectified porcelain on clearance , $4 a piece from $30. I am definitely leaning towards the double sink, plumbing will be cheaper than the window I'm sureand I can upgrade to a quartz coutertop post pandemic when I'm back at work. I found an awkward window inspo pic !

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Options for placement



  • 5 years ago

    Another option is to close off the window inside. We found that is a previous home.

  • 5 years ago

    Can be "good" and can be "bad" when I see my reflection in sunlight !