A blown glass vessel bowl may be a good option. When we have converted furniture for use as vanities we have always had single level pieces that we put stone tops on. This piece may pose some problems if you are going to try to maintain the wood tops and sides. A glass vessel might help.

A vessel sink and a faucet that comes out of the wall would work well.

Both good ideas, Stearns and rainey. We feel that the faucets will need to come out of the wall in order to keep the drawers but the mirror, which you can't see in the pic, comes within an inch of the top. My husband 'thinks' he can raise the mirror up enough to make room but I'm not sure about this. I'm going to take some pics of it with the mirror on so you can see what I'm talking about

Also, I'd still like to add some glass or other material on the tops to protect the wood

Here's the pic with the mirror attached. As you can see, there is not much room between the bottom of the mirror and the top of the vanity.

Also, how where would the drain pipe go?

Unless I am fooled by the picture, the vessel sink is going to be very low and does not appear very functional. I think the only solution is to palce a thick piece of Granite accross the top and then attache the mirror higher up on the piece. The single handle/faucet would go to the side near the back and then you only have to shorten one drawer. This also allows for most of the drain to exit without going to deep into the drawer as well. The void under teh granite in the center of the vanity can then be filled with rolled towels etc.

You could use a thick peice of glass as well. Remember that when you use a piece of furniture for a bathroom it is going to have/need alterations. While the piece you chose is very nice but, altering it would not be a travesty. Key is make sure it works as well as looks good.

So, Maison, you're saying to place one solid piece of granite, or whatever material we choose, across the entire piece? That's not a bad idea. I was also thinking to remove the mirror and arms entirely and place them directly to the wall at whatever height necessary

With this idea the sink would need to be set-in, right? A vessel sink would end up being too high, don't you think?

You will need to give me a measurement to be sure but I think a vessel will work well. Please measure the current height of the sides as well as teh height of the center portion and then I will let you know.

Similar to what you are doing :)

Traditionally, vanities were 30" tall. These days we seldom build them that short. Almost all that we have built have been between 30" - 36" tall. With a vessel sink you will want it a little shorter than you would otherwise. Even with a piece extending across the top, you are probably going to have to modify the top of the lower section to accommodate the P-trap. The wood splashes will also need to come off.

Mark, that certainly looks good. What is the height of the surface where the bowl is sitting. I think yours is sitting higher than possumvanity's

Sterns, I did the same but what we did was cut a notch out of the back of the drawers around the p trap and then the drawers where still able to be used.

@Maison Pompeii Antiques and Interiors, it's not mine. I saw this online and couldn't find any info on it though.

is there a standard height for a vanity,i cannot bent too much over a low sink

The top of the recessed area is 25" from the floor and that space is 20 1/2" wide. The entire top, from side to side, is 45"

The top of the side pieces are about 35" from the floor

Maison, we have done the same and also used tilt drawers as furniture is often narrower than a typical cabinet leaving little room after modification.

That resessed area is too low for vessel sink or a set in sink. What is the measurment to the top of the highest flat surface

Yeah, that drawer goes all the way across. You are right; blocking out is the better way to go. I suspect that 25" may be too low even with a vessel sink.

Making this work is going to so drastically change the lines of this piece that you may not be happy with the end product. Would finding another piece be a consideration?

I think you can make it work. Use a 1 inch thick margle, granit etc and put it all the way across and then the vessel sink on top. It will look just fine with little alteration except to the drawers. I just did one at 36 inches with vessel on top and it works great. It is just teh right height unless you are very short. Keep the backsplash of teh side peices intact and set the marble/glass inside this. then the mirror will go hung on the wall behind it.

you can lower it a bit by taking the wheels off which I would do anyway.

all drawers actually work

The other possibility, especially if I don't want the slab all the way across, is to build a raised up area (not sure what it's called) where the vanity will go to ensure the sink is the right height.

No, Stearns, we'll make this piece work some how. Thanks for all the input. Once we get it finished I'll post a pic

I always think that's such a great idea, and I'm not sure why more people don't do that (instead of built-in cabinetry). When we gutted our bathroom, I was so happy to trash the built-in (way too much and pink!) cabinetry that we could hardly fill. I ended up finding a Harvey Probber vanity (2 matching pieces connected with a center piece). I was not going to use the center piece, but put vessel sinks in the 2 matching pieces. I found this furniture for a steal, and once it was delivered, I realized I just couldn't destroy that furniture (and would lose most of the drawer space because of the plumbing that would be required). So we put in pedestal sinks instead, with one of those pieces in the middle. I put the other piece someplace else. But I love it, and it works beautifully.

Anyway-- my point is that this is a beautiful piece. You *could* use it as is, with mirror-- gain all the storage space-- and put in pedestal sinks instead(?). It's a nice piece.

If you did a slab across, you could have another drawer built to fit the open area. Or a door that is hinged to tilt out. Or maybe a divider of sorts for rolled towel storage.

I agree with On the spot....

Dianahb, I had already mentioned this idea to my husband because I was afraid of messing the piece up. :) and, on-the-spot, that's a great idea too, if I decide to go forward with the 'putting a sink in it' idea

I've pretty much decided to keep the piece, as is, and get a separate sink.

Good for you! :) I think you'll like that decision. It's a beautiful piece, and a separate sink will look good. As an aside, since I just did something similar-- I cannot believe how much easier it is to keep everything clean (as opposed to built-in sinks and cabinetry). The difference is amazing. Please post photos when you've finished with everything.

I will, dianahb. It's going to be awhile before we get the entire bath finished though. Thanks, again.

vessel sink with faucet coming out of the some surface not the wall to allow mirror

Bronze or pewter with an ornate design is what I am picturing. And a glass bowl that has lots of color in it.

I have seen some beautiful bowls but really love the mosaics

how do you think this vessel faucet?
http://www.wholesale-faucet.com/products-3063-Contemporary-Modern-Design-Antique-Brass-Bathroom-Vessel-Sink-Faucet-170F.html

I do like antique brass finish but it's a little too modern for my taste. Prefer vintage look

I like the antique brass finish. I was thinking of something more traditional to match the Vintage Dresser though. Maybe a bit more Victorian, but that is just what I am thinking. I do like the bowl and wondering if you are going with that?

No, I'm not going to order that bowl or faucet. I like the finish but not the design. I prefer the vintage look, as I said previously

But, after seeing the Koi and Lily pond vessel sink by Fontaine I may change my mind about vintage. I love the colors

You will probably have to modify the top drawer to accommodate supply and waste line/trap. You can cut a center notch into the drawer to make it a U shape for this purpose.

Thanks TMK but I've decided not to put a sink in this piece after all. Will use it as a sink-less vanity and for storage. Does anyone have any idea what 'period' or 'style' this piece is?

I don't know for sure, but based on the mirror and the relatively clean lines, and the pulls which I assume are original-- I would have said it was 1930-1940's range. ?

possumvanity, great idea, just leave it for storage and preserve the integrity of the piece.

I think that it is Edwardian from around 1910.

Thanks, Maison Pompeii...that's interesting