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bonniebrownhair

Please help me find a wood vanity for this vintage/boho/spa bathroom!

4 years ago

We are doing a full remodel of our small master bathroom. I'm going for a sort of vintage/boho/spa-like feel.


It will look a little bit like this photo, with a subway tile shower (no bathtub) and black-and-white octagon-and-dot flooring. I'm planning to add some wood elements to warm up the space (a wood vanity, teak shower bench, and wood floating shelves above the toilet).



I'd like to find a 30" to 36" light-to-medium-tone wood vanity with legs. Ideally, I'd love one with a slatted shelf at the bottom, but I'm not finding anything. I ordered this one online because it got good reviews, but when it arrived, it was much, much darker than in the photos and way more distressed-looking and just not pretty.



I have looked through so many websites and in-person stores, and I'm just not finding a vanity that feels like "the one." And I'm honestly nervous to order something else online without being able to see it in person because I'm scared it might end up being ugly or poor quality. If you've recently purchased a wood vanity online that you still liked when it arrived, can you let me know which one it was?


Another question: Would you go more rustic/spa-like with the vanity (like the one I originally ordered above), or would you go more old-fashioned/vintagey (like the one below)?





Thank you!

Comments (47)

  • 4 years ago

    Have you looked at Restoration Hardware? They often have something similar at their outlets as well..

  • 4 years ago

    @kathylawyer Yes, I have, but I didn't love any of their vanities. They had two that would be maybe-okay for the look I'm going for. What do you think of this one?




  • 4 years ago

    I’m thinking boho means painted and spa means blue


    Pacific Heights Renovation: Girls' Bath · More Info


    Maybe your warm wood touches could include a mirror frame?


    Guest Bathroom Remodel (Kekic) · More Info


  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Any of these work for you? Maybe with different hardware on some for a boho vintage feel, or a different basket below?


    Lakeshore 36" Bathroom Vanity, Royal Blue, Carrara Marble · More Info



    Miseno MVTATI30 Tatianna 30" - Harbor Blue / Marble Top · More Info



    OVE Decors Rider 36" Open Shelf Single Sink Bathroom Vanity, Grayish Blue · More Info


    Seen these?


    36" Reclaimed Pine Single Bath Vanity · More Info



    Avanity Bathroom Vanity With Integrated Vitreous China Counter Top and Sink · More Info



    Nouveau 34" Vanity Cabinet and Lavatory Top, Walnut Brown/White · More Info


    To me “spa” says modern and clean, but I think you want vintage but not shabby.


    this is definitely warm


    32-Inch Contemporary Style Single Sink Bathroom Vanity Model 2405-505 MXC · More Info


    Durand Bathroom Vanity, Navy Blue, 30", Single Sink, Freestanding · More Info


  • 4 years ago

    I do like the free standing vanities and I think the one in your picture would work nicely!

  • PRO
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    No traditional or dark wood vanities like you posted.

    you need something like these

    RH vanity.




    This one could work w/the right elements. looks good w/the flooring you want



    or, find something like this


    west elm



    Home Living Walnut Brown 30" Bathroom Vanity · More Info


    You could look online, flea markets, garage sales, etc, for a vintage chest or dresser and modify it






    find a remnant piece of marble or quartz for the top




    you may be able to find a larger nightstand that looks lie this and modify it. or look at vintage chests


  • 4 years ago

    @User Thanks! I really do want to stick with a wood vanity. I absolutely love the reclaimed pine one that you posted. I'm worried that the marble top has too much grey, though. Do you think a busy marble countertop works with a black-and-white mosaic tile floor?

  • 4 years ago

    @Beth H. : I went down to Restoration Hardware last weekend, and I did really like a few of their vanities (especially the Maison washstand -- and I agree with you that the light wood one looks better once I saw them in person). I didn't feel like any were 100% right, though, and for that price, I'd really want to LOVE it.


    I do love their black and white pharmacy cabinet style vanities, but I'm worried that if I abandon .my wood vanity idea, then the there won't be anything to add some warm elements to the bathroom and it will be REALLY black and white. I was hoping to do a wood vanity, wood floating shelves above the toilet, and a teak shower bench.

  • 4 years ago

    I did find this vanity on Houzz when I searched for rustic vanities. I like that it's light wood, and the marble countertop has very subtle veining (so I think it would look okay with a mosaic floor). I like the style, though it's a different style than what I was imagining. Do you think this would work in the bathroom I'm envisioning?

    OVE Decors Edenderry 30" Vanity, Black Hardware, Rustic Almond, 36 in. · More Info


  • 4 years ago

    @Vinnova That vanity is really pretty, but it looks like it's unavailable. :(

  • 4 years ago

    I find the style of the OVE vanity a bit too rustic for the classic floor and the metal details make it look busy. Btw, I have the same pic as your first inspo pic saved (multiple times, in fact) and after analyzing it a bit, I realized I was drawn to how well balanced the contrast is and how light filled it is. Was that pic simply to show us the floor? Because you'll notice the painted vanity as italmover mentioned.


    What is your budget for the vanity? What size do you need? What type of storage? I hear you on wanting to see them in person, btw. Pricey suckers. Is there a good plumbing and bathroom fixture supplier in your area with a showroom? A place contractors and designers would frequent. You might discover brands you won't find online. Also, in your online searches, try terms like transitional, contemporary or even traditional. That "old-fashioned/vintagey" vanity you posted is actually "traditional" or classic. :)

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I recommend finding more pictures of the vanities you say you saw here and like, either by looking on the internet or by contacting the makers. The marble might not be as busy in real life or the wood might be darker

  • 4 years ago

    What about room and board? Not sure if it’s too modern but it’s pretty…

  • 4 years ago

    @tartanmeup The picture was mainly to show the layout of the bathroom, the floor, and the subway tile shower. I'm not seeking to exactly replicate any one bathroom. I have a few other inspiration photos as well, and I sort of want to combine elements of all four..


    Here is the intial bathroom I fell in love with. I want to incorporate the floating shelves and teak shower bench like in this photo:




    I like the way a wood vanity pairs with the look, as in this photo:




    And I'm hoping to get plants and a boho-style rug like in this photo:




  • 4 years ago

    Will you have blue on the walls anywhere?

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I've purchased a vanity from Room & Board for a previous remodel, and it was really nice.

    I've never seen the following in person, but it's wood and has the furniture look (legs) that you seem to like based on your photos. I think the cane doors are really cool, and the wood-tone looks lighter. Again, never seen in person so YMMV: https://www.potterybarn.com/products/sausalito-single-sink-vanity/?pkey=cbathroom-vanities


    And this one has the shelf below: https://www.potterybarn.com/products/farmhouse-single-sink-vanity/?pkey=cbathroom-vanities

  • 4 years ago

    How about this one:

    Legion Bath Vanity, Single Sink, 36", Natural, Freestanding · More Info



  • 4 years ago

    @tartanmeup To answer your questions:


    I would say budget is around $1000 for a vanity that fits the bill but that I don't absolutely love. I'd be willing to pay up to $2500ish (i.e. Pottery Barn or custom-made prices) for something that's absolutely perfect.


    The vanity needs to be between 30" and 36."


    As far as storage, I need it to have some storage, but it doesn't need a lot (so I'd rule out pedestal sinks, but I wouldn't rule out vanities with only one functional drawer, if that makes sense). I slightly prefer a drawer to cabinets, but I'm open to either as long as the look is right.


    I have been to all our local stores, but no one has what I'm looking for. The independent tile shops only sell custom vanities (which isn't out the the question, but I'd rather buy something pre-made so I can see the finished product in order to decide if I like it). And the larger big-box stores (like Lowe's and Floor and Decor) don't have wood vanities in the style I want.

  • 4 years ago

    @User I was planning to initally paint the walls a neutral color, but I love blue so I'm open to repainting down the road. I'm hoping to design a bathroom that's pretty verstaile so I can change the look just by changing the wall color, rug, towels, and accessories.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I asked because I think part of the success of the rooms in the inspiration photos you have posted is that they have some blue in them. (My computer screen shows the vanity in the glassed shower as midnight blue, but it could be black.) In particular if you want a wood with a lighter tone, I think you might need blue to make it work.

    Anyway, ever looked on Ebay?

  • 4 years ago

    Thanks for explaining about the first inspo pic you posted. (Your flexibility with vanity storage intrigues me: you must have quite the linen closet! :)) Fwiw, I like the look of the second vanity you posted in your OP. It has simple classic lines. Not too rustic. Not too traditional. Won't look out of place in a vintage/boho bathroom. If it's within your budget and the reviews are good, would be worth a try, imo. My worry is the wood finish will look too red irl. If I were you, I wouldn't be married to the wood finish for the vanity. Might be too limiting. I think the plant, rug, wood shelves would add enough elements needed for the look you seek.


    Have you thought of repurposing a vintage chest or dresser? (I thought I had seen Jinx suggest this but maybe it's on another thread.)

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    You initially mentioned vintage/boho/spa and it seems your examples and some references may not achieve that look.

    Wondering if bathroom below is what you had in mind. It encompasses the combination of looks and if interested, search Scandi bathrooms for more inspiration.

    This bathroom’s more subtle floor will create a more spa like feel, but a stronger white and black pattern would still work.


    Thought you might like this vanity, based on your description.


    https://www.kitchenbathcollection.com/products/birmingham-36-bathroom-vanity-driftwood?epik=dj0yJnU9V1pIUzdVb3g0QW5XejV3ai03WndwNFdnQUtMdDBhc2gmcD0wJm49czZwN3BBeThVZG9FT0gycHVLbm5sUSZ0PUFBQUFBR0RFbzFr

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    @User I'm pretty sure that vanity is black -- especially since I think a dark blue vanity might look odd with a black-and-white mosaic floor.

    I do want to get a bathroom rug like the one in my last inspiration picture, and that will likely have some blue in it.


    I have not yet checked Ebay, but that's a good idea!

  • 4 years ago

    @tartan tartan We have a tiny linen closet, but we have two other bathrooms with a lot of storage, so the number of things I need to keep in the master bathroom is pretty minimal. I prefer to do my hair and makeup downstairs (in a bathroom that gets natural light), so the master bathroom vanity pretty much just needs to hold our toothbrushing stuff, deodorant, and lotion.


    I *am* worried about a vanity looking too red/orange. I prefer something in the natural-wood to light-brown to medium-brown range.


    I have considered repurposing a dresser because I do love that look, but I'm worried it might be a lot of trouble.

  • 4 years ago

    @Maureen I do really like that bathroom! I've been playing around with the idea of abandoning my idea of a cute vintagey black-and-white mosaic floor, but I'm not sure I'm ready to do that. I love the black-and-white floors!


    If I go with an all-white floor, then that opens up the option of having a slightly busier marble countertop -- and a vanity like the one you suggested would be perfect!

  • 4 years ago

    @newkitchenny55 and @JP L


    The Room and Board ones are really nice, but I think they're more mid-century modern, and that's not quite the look I was going for.


    I've actually been eyeing the Pottery Barn Sausalito vanity, and I love the look, but I'm worried my cats would use the cane doors a scratching post. (We briefly had some dining chairs in our house with cane backs, and it was a disaster.)


    The Farmhouse one you suggested could be a good option.

  • 4 years ago

    @smalloldhouse_gw Thanks! I like that one! I wonder if those doors are real wicker/rattan or if they just look like it. I'm worried our cats would claw up real wicker/rattan doors.

  • 4 years ago

    What do you think of these options (with a white quartz countertop)?


    I think I'm drawn to Craftsman style vanities like this one, and it got good reviews for being solid wood and well-built. Is it too orange?


    I like the open-bottom spa-like style of this one, but it is too grey?



    This is a Pottery Barn vanity that I saw in person, and I like it, but I'm not sure I LOVE it. I wonder if it feels too chunky.


  • 4 years ago

    I really appreciate everyone's suggestions in helping me think through what I want and what will look good together.

  • 4 years ago

    Oh, I also think this one is really cool-looking (but it has no storage). Thoughts? Too dark?



  • 4 years ago

    I’m no good at apps but maybe if you put white baskets, or open wire baskets filled with white towels, it would lighten the whole effect of the really cool looking one.


    What kind of storage do you need?

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    You have now included Craftsman and modern Farmhouse references, in addition to the first 3 styles originally mentioned. If you could find an inspiration bathroom that best represents the look you have in mind, as you have received so many ideas and none seem to be hitting the mark. Here are examples of styles you mentioned and perhaps some resonate. It helps to narow down, for example a Craftsman vanity (and subsequent choices for bathroom) will feel very different than boho/spa.






  • 4 years ago

    @User The cool-looking one really doesn't have enough storage, but it would work if we got a medicine cabinet for toothbrushes/deodorant/etc. (instead of a regular mirror, like I was planning).

  • 4 years ago

    Does this go with your cool vanity?


    Barnwood Inset Medicine Cabinet, Hinged Left and Right, Hinged Right · More Info


    bonniebrownhair thanked User
  • 4 years ago

    @User That medicine cabinet is gorgeous!

  • 4 years ago

    @Maureen I have found several inspiration pictures, which I posted above. I know I'm considering vanities in different styles, but I think that's because:


    1) The other bathroom elements (white subway tile and black-and-white floors) are very versatile and can go with different styles.


    2) I ultimately want to find a vanity I love, so instead of just locking myself into one style, I'm trying to find something that I think is genuinely pretty on its own and still works with my whole vision of the bathroom.


    What I was initially envisioning (and haven't been able to find): A light natural wood vanity with two long drawers or four small drawers and a slatted shelf on the bottom and a white quartz countertop with no grey veining or VERY minimal veining. Pretty much like exactly like the driftwood one you posted, but with a different countertop.

  • 4 years ago

    Seen these before?



    Sue 30" Single Bathroom Vanity, Teak · More Info


    Teak Wood Bathroom Vanity With Integrated White Marble Sink, 36" · More Info



    Fairmont Designs Toledo 30.5 Single Vanity Driftwood Gray 2cm Gray Quartz 1-Hole · More Info


  • 4 years ago

    Have you spoke to a local cabinet maker? I was surprised that going custom wasn’t really more expensive than a lot of the off the shelf vanities and it seems like you have a good sense of the style and exact color you want. Then you should be able to find a remnant at a local stone yard. I gave up on finding what I wanted premade and my master vanity is going to be about the same price as a lot of the premade ones I found and less than say RH.

  • 4 years ago

    @User No, I haven't. That second one is gorgeous!

  • 4 years ago

    @newkitchenny55 Yes, I have gotten a quote from a couple local cabinet maker. One place charges $1800 and the other place $2200 for a 36" vanity without the top. If I could find a pre-made top that was the right size, the overall cost could be less than Pottery Barn or RH.


    I have been considering going that route, but I was a little overwhelmed by having to choose my own wood type and finish color just from seeing little tiny sample pieces of wood. It's sometimes hard for me to imagine how a tiny wood sample would look on a large vanity, and I'm so afraid of paying over $2000 for something I don't absolutely love because it's not like I can return a custom vanity if it ends up not looking right in our bathroom.

  • 4 years ago

    You should see if they’ll make a sample board for you so you could see it better…

    bonniebrownhair thanked newkitchenny55
  • 4 years ago

    Here's a question: I've been operating under the assumption that a black-and-white mosaic floor would look weird with a white-and-grey marble countertop (too busy, wrong colors, etc.). I've been assuming I need to find an all-white countertop or one with very, very subtle veining in order to make it work. But is that assumption wrong? Because I've seen a LOT of vanities I like in the suggestions here that have a more heavily veined Carrara marble countertop, and if one of them would actually look okay, that opens a whole new world of possibilities for me.

  • 4 years ago

    maybe this helps


    Billings Drive · More Info


    Chevy Chase Kids Bath · More Info


    Classic Black and White Capitol Hill Bathroom · More Info


    Historic Butler Home Restoration · More Info


    Bathroom and laundry room addition in Pasadena · More Info


    Master Bath - Hexagonal Tiles · More Info


    Modern Bohemian Remodel · More Info




    Looking through pictures what I mostly see is that black and white patterened floors are OK with marble — what is tought with marble is an unpainted wood vanity. Most unpainted wood vanities — especially the more rustic kinds — have pure white tops or light veining in the marble



    6th Avenue · More Info


    bonniebrownhair thanked User
  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    As someone who moved into a home with a bathroom with stark white countertops (thankfully not in our primary bath), I think they aren't used as often because they show every smudge of toothpaste, hair clippings, mascara, etc - and your eye goes right to the mess. It's enough to drive you bonkers. At least with a little veining or movement, it distracts from the normal everyday stuff and prevents you from wiping the countertop multiple times each day.

    I've put in marble countertops in otherwise neutral or B&W baths before - it's actually a pretty traditional/classic look. I do like where you're going with putting some wood in there - it will add some nice warmth.

    Also, I think some places (although not Pottery Barn perhaps) allow you to order the vanity with no top. If you find one that is otherwise perfect, check the item options to see if that's a possibility. I'm very anti the afterthought 4 inch backsplash piece that comes with most vanities (I prefer to tile behind the sink), so I have taken that route in the past. That said, I would second the suggestion to consult with a custom cabinet maker (especially if the only thing stopping you is sample sizes - I'd imagine they could give you an entire drawer front if you really needed it!). The price is often negligible, and it provides you with more control over the numerous options that are clearly very important to you (I say that in solidarity as someone who is known for refusal to accept limited options!). The other benefit of going custom is sizing - a custom cabinet maker can build a unit to any width, so you can maximize the storage and counters to your space. They could also give you the two drawer/open shelf combination you're describing (although keep in mind those drawers may be limited to allow for plumbing for the sink).

    Another random source is Etsy - there are a few sellers who make vanities out of repurposed cabinets that might appeal to you. Check out CuratedHavenDesigns (I've had their "ornate bathroom vanity" listing saved for a while now - if only I had somewhere to put it).

    bonniebrownhair thanked JP L
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