DIY Bathroom Vanity Ideas Perfect For Repurposers

A bathroom vanity isn’t exactly a complex piece of furniture so you could safety assume that you might be able to build one yourself. The easiest option would be to repurpose an existing furniture piece or even something completely different, not meant to be used in this way at all. Check out some of our ideas for DIY bathroom vanity designs and maybe you’ll be inspired to start your own project.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

Before you get all excited with the idea or repurposing a cabinet as a bathroom vanity, take a moment to consider things like the humidity in the room, the size of the space and the style that works best for it. You might realize that a more open design would suit the bathroom better. In that case, check out Smalltownrambler to find out how this semi-floating vanity was built.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

An open shelf vanity like the one featured on H2obungalow is also a beautiful option. Notice that it looks quite robust and solid, with a sturdy wooden frame and a stone top for the washbasins to stand on. However, because the compartment are not closed off, the vanity looks open and less heavy.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

If the bathroom is small or if you’d like to maintain an open and airy decor, consider a floating shelf vanity. It’s one of the easiest DIY projects you can do. You just need some wood which can be reclaimed lumber, a table saw, a drill, some screws and polyurethane. If you want, you can make a live edge shelf and you can stain the wood in any shade you want so it looks great in your bathroom. Check out Themerrythought for more inspiration.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

If it fits and you like the look, you could repurpose a dresser into a bathroom vanity. The transformation shouldn’t be too difficult if you follow the steps described on Anoregoncottage. First thing first: get a sink that fits. Trace its shape on the top of the dresser and cut out the hole. Then cut a hole at the back for the plumbing, paint or stain the dresser and give it the look you want, install the sink, the faucet and plumbing and you’re pretty much done.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

Another thing you can repurpose as a vanity is a dining table. Sure, dining tables are pretty big so you’ll have to cut off some of the pieces. Consider having the vanity sit on only two legs, with the back section attached directly to the wall. Make sure you measure the sink before you cut the table and that the piece fits. If you can find a dining table with built-in drawers then you’ll also have some storage in your bathroom. Of course, you can take advantage of the empty space underneath your new DIY bathroom vanity to store things like towels and cleaning products in boxes or baskets. {found on makelyhome}.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

Repurposing can be easier in a lot of cases but sometimes it’s best to just throw out the old furniture and to make something new from scratch. A bathroom vanity doesn’t have to be very fancy, especially if you prefer a rustic, farmhouse-industrial style. In fact, if you like this particular design, you can check out Melissavoigt to find out exactly the vanity was built. You can adapt the instructions to create something exactly to your liking.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

If you’re set on the idea of building your own bathroom vanity from scratch, then there are lots of different options, including the project described on Avantimorocha. You can find out what materials and tools you’ll need for it as well as the supplies and measurements for this particular vanity. Its design is simple and rustic and wonderfully well-balanced, with both open and closed storage.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

Some of the design details of a DIY bathroom vanity have to do with things like the type of sink you want to use, the height of the counter and the type of storage you prefer. For a vessel sink you’ll need the counter height to be quite low so you might not be able to have it all, in case you want drawers as well as open shelves. It’s a compromise that was also made when building this very vanity. You can find out all about it on Thespacebetweenblog.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

Unless you’re a professional furniture designer or you already have some experience in this field you’ll want to try something simple for your first DIY bathroom vanity. Some styles are better suited for this than others. For example, a rustic or an industrial vanity is easier to build than a modern one. If you want to simplify things even more, you could use a reclaimed cabinet as a starting point and simply turn it into a vanity but making the necessary adjustments. Such a transformation is described on Theescoopsoflove.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

A lot of things can be repurposed into a bathroom vanity. For example, a vintage sewing machine station might add a lot of character to your bathroom. Just remove the sewing machine and replace it with a washbasin. Leave the rest as it is. This particular model has drop-leaf sides which is actually a really useful feature. {found on Bededesign}.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

Here’s another similar design. This bathroom vanity sits on a base that’s actually a vintage cast iron frame from a sewing machine. The wooden top was added later on during the transformation. It looks very beautiful and it has a lot of character. {found on Nomadearchitettura}

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

Another thing you can repurpose is a wooden barrel. The transformation is actually pretty easy. You have to make room at the top for the sink or washbasin so, depending on the style you choose, plan the necessary adjustments. What’s great about this idea is the fact that the barrel hides all the plumbing. At the same time, the wood adds warmth to the room.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

You can even repurpose unusual things like a bike. This would have to be my favorite design. The bike isn’t meant to be used as furniture but it looks wonderful. The vanity sits nicely, being attached to both the bike frame and the wall and there’s room for the towels on the handlebars. So if you’re thinking of replacing your bike with a new one, this is something you can do with the old one.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

If you liked our repurposed barrel idea, this is something similar. The difference is that the barrel is not made of wood. It’s a metal barrel and it would fit well in industrial bathrooms.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

To simplify the project, go with a basic design that relies on a simple geometric form. For example, this bathroom vanity has a box-like shape which is easy to put together. You can add to that various little details to make your vanity stand out and look more interesting, such as retro hardware or a cool color. Check out this youtube tutorial if you need step-by-step instructions.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

To save even more time and money, instead of building a whole new vanity from scratch you can choose to give your existing one a makeover. Take this opportunity to do some repairs, maybe fill in some cracks and cover up a few scratches. The biggest change would be to give your bathroom vanity a brand new color. It really makes a big difference. Check out this transformation from lifeonshadylane if you’re not convinced or if you want additional details.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

A little bit of paint goes a long way and that’s true for a long of DIY projects, including this bathroom vanity makeover featured on hollygrace. Doesn’t it look much better in white? The new hardware also suits the style a lot of better and adds more character to the otherwise simple design. It doesn’t take a lot to do something similar for your own bathroom.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

A good reason to build a new vanity for your bathroom is if you need more storage. There are lots of designs that would suit these needs. For example, there’s this great tutorial on housefulofhandmade that you might want to check out. This vanity has big drawers at the bottom and a big open section in the middle where you can keep a bunch of extra towels, toilet paper rolls and various other items.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

Small vanities can be tricky to find plus you’re also fairly limited by the designs and styles available in stores. If you want something different or you have specific dimensions that you need to respect, a DIY bathroom vanity is the way to go. The design featured on angelamariemade is really cute and simple. Also, it’s a very space-efficient vanity with a door disguised as a set of drawers and an open shelf at the bottom.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

Even a big double vanity wouldn’t be that difficult to build. You can simplify the design a bit by including large open shelves and cubbies which would also make the vanity look more lightweight. We think this design featured on studio36interiors is absolutely wonderful. It looks super elegant and stylish and as it turns out it’s not really that complicated to build either.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

Although this is a very simple vanity there are small details that add a lot to its design. For example, the slats at the bottom are a nice touch, adding a light touch to the shelf. The drawer pulls are very sleek and stylish as well, in tone with the modern look of this vanity. The black finish is an interesting choice but, as always, you can customize your own vanity in any way you want to. All the details of this project can be found on craftedbythehunts.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

This extremely detailed tutorial from shanty-2-chic explains how this double sink vanity was built, taking you through the entire process from start to finish. As you can see, this vanity has loads of storage and really cool sliding barn doors. There’s also a toilet paper holder attached to one side and stylish black faucets that match the hardware.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

Another idea is to repurpose a dresser or a cabinet into a bathroom vanity. This way you same some money on materials and you get to revive an old piece of furniture and give it a new purpose. As long as the dresser is in good shape transforming it into a vanity shouldn’t be difficult at all. Everything you need to know about this sort of project can be found on anoregoncottage.

Before and after bathroom vanity transformation

Another really cool dresser transformation was documented on myoldcountryhouse. This time we’re looking at a retro piece with a curvy front and a few antique details. It’s a pretty big piece but it fits well in this bathroom, offering lots of counter space and lots of storage. If you decide to take on a similar transformation, this tutorial should give you some good tips.