Designing a new bathroom? Looking to renovate? Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling your existing bath, when you’re looking to create a bathroom with a real wow factor, consider adding a free-standing bathroom vanity. This kind of bathroom vanity mimics the look of standalone furniture but with the same storage and plumbing benefits of a traditional vanity. Set on its own legs, a free-standing vanity can also open a space by extending the room’s line of vision, with flooring continuing underneath the cabinetry. When you’re ready to install a new, free-standing bathroom vanity in your space, here’s a look at the benefits of this choice as well as how to do it right.
Benefits of Choosing a Free-Standing Vanity
There are many reasons that a free-standing vanity works well in a bathroom, so if you’re thinking about whether or not to go with this option, here are some perks you can expect:
- Expanded sense of space. Especially in a small bathroom, a free-standing bathroom vanity can help enlarge the sense of space by allowing for a clear line of site beneath the vanity.
- A more custom look. Free-standing bathroom components can mimic the look of furniture — or even be fashioned from actual furniture. Match the rest of the home’s style by picking one that suits your taste.
- Cheaper costs. Despite being fully finished furniture, free-standing vanities are actually more economical than built-in options. They’re typically prefabricated and portable, so you can take them with you, even if you move.
- Versatility. Free-standing vanities come in all kinds of sizes, colors and designs. Whether you go with a small, white cabinet or a large vanity that looks like solid wood, you can easily find an option that suits your taste.
When you’re looking to give a bathroom a fresh breath of style and storage, consider free-standing cabinetry.
How to Install Your New Free-Standing Bathroom Vanity
If you’re planning to install your new free-standing vanity on your own, here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process. Take your time and follow each step carefully to ensure your installation is performed properly:
- Turn off the water. First things first. Using pipes and wrenches, turn off the water supply to minimize water spraying everywhere when you install your new vanity. You may have a shutoff valve beneath the sink, but if you can’t figure that out, you can alternatively just shut off the entire house’s water supply.
- Remove the old vanity. In the case of a bathroom remodel, you’ll need to remove the old vanity before installing your new free-standing vanity unit. You might have to do this in sections, particularly if the vanity is large, if it has a tile backsplash, etc. Think about whether or not you want to preserve the old vanity — to re-use or sell it, for example — or whether you’re just going to throw it away. If it’s going to be discarded, you can feel a little freer to be rough with it as you get it removed.
- Prep the area. Once the old vanity is gone, examine the walls and flooring left behind. Is anything damaged or unfinished? If so, take the time to patch walls and/or paint as needed.
- Prep the vanity. There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when you’re installing your new free-standing vanity unit: Does it have a back? If so, you’ll need to cut out spaces for pipes. Is it level on the floor? If not, you’ll need to shimmy the legs so that everything sits securely.
- Mark the installation location. Use measuring tape and a pencil to mark the location of your new vanity on the wall, so you’ll know where to install it.
- Install the vanity. To install your free-standing bathroom vanity, set it in its new location and attach it to the wall studs using the right screw length for the vanity (to avoid hitting pipes, you won’t want to use screws that are longer than 1 inch).
- Put in the new vanity top. Your next step is to add the top of your new free-standing bathroom vanity. Start by putting 3/8 inch of silicone caulk around the top of your base where the vanity top is going to sit, as well as along the wall if your top is going to border the wall on either side.
- Put in the sink and faucets. Install your new faucets and sink, and drain the assembly on the sink top. Your faucet will likely come with installation instructions to aid you in this step.
- Connect the plumbing. Because this step is a little trickier, you may wish to call in professional help. Whoever reconnects the plumbing, however, it’s important to get it properly hooked up in order to have water running to and from your sink(s).
- Caulk the backsplash. If your vanity has a backsplash, be sure to caulk where the wall and the backsplash meet, and use your finger to smooth the joint.
Once your free-standing bathroom vanity is installed, you are free to enjoy a renovated, stylish bathroom space that you did yourself! With a free-standing vanity, you can revolutionize the look of your bath.
Where to Find Free-Standing Bathroom Cabinets
When you’re on the hunt for quality bathroom vanities that won’t break the bank, look no further than Modern Bathroom. We provide factory-direct pricing, free shipping and a huge selection of products from top brands. Not only are our prices typically 70 percent lower than what you’ll find elsewhere, but we also offer a low-price guarantee. That means, if you find a lower rate (including shipping) elsewhere within 30 days, we’ll refund 110 percent of the difference.
Browse vanities or shop all of our selection to find ideas that appeal to you, or, if you’re in California, visit any of our three showrooms to see products in person.
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