Double vanity or a bit more space?

4 years ago

We are about to gut and redo our en suite bathroom. Its a decent sized room for an en suite 2.5m x 3.5m. It was last done circa 1990 judging by the fittings. We currently have a toilet, a bidet, a double vanity (two sinks) and a large shower cubicle. In the new design I would like a bath.

The house is fairly high value (over a million in an area where property is fairly cheap) but it is our forever house and so we are planning on being here for the next 20 years unless disaster strikes.

I am contemplating a single vanity unit rather than a double one since the bath is already going to make the room feel smaller than at present. Its still fairly large (1200mm) but only has one sink. Is this a mistake in terms of house value?

For further context there are 6 bathrooms in this house so it isn't like we are all fighting over one sink..

Featured Answer

PRO

OnePlan

4 years ago

I think that’s a lovely vanity Shelley !
Personally I think two sinks is a bit daft - it’s just more to clean !

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (35)

shelleyuk
Original Author
4 years ago
vanity unit

This is the one I am looking at
Related Discussions
Do we have space for a 5ft x 4ft kitchen island?
Q
Comments (8)
I am sorry to say you don't have room. You are only giving yourself 36" in front of the ovens and only 31" for passage on the opposite side and 42" is not enough between the island and the sink. You might find a smaller 30" wide x 48" moveable stainless steel prep table and placed in the opposite direction, it might work for additional counter surface but not give you the seating you would like.
...See More
Main bath (guest) layout design
Q
Comments (16)
About your plumber saying "plumb layout is confirmed". That is a load of rubbish. It's fairly easy to move drains around (yes he might have to rip up some walls, but he can also do off-the-wall installations to avoid that). In a small bath proper placement is of the utmost importance!!! If you have the bathtub and shower next to each other that will be much better and then the glass separator idea should work. padmaramachandran's (see post above) setup sounds more reasonable to me as well (see first picture below). This is similar to your setup but as you have more space you could put in bath tub and shower where the picture only shows a bath tub. Also if you do it that way you could theoretically have a bidet or a wider wash basin (small double perhaps too). Example layout: Do you need a bathtub in the guest bath? If not you have a lot more room to work with. E.g. for a double wash basin and large walking shower and a bidet (2nd picture). Example of off-the-wall installation for toilet and bidet and a large walking shower. Finally if you ignore this advice and do it the way you planned ;) then I suggest you really thing about that glass separator. Doing it right will make a lot of difference (see 3rd picture). Good luck!
...See More
double sink cabinet vanity or two pedestal sinks?
Q
Comments (7)
HI -- If one of those very modern open style vanities that have a full formed sink top was used instead of the two separate pedestal sinks , that might work and not spoil a house sale . The tops come in various sink arrangements such as one big trench or two formed ones and they have top counter space . The sink tops are a feature but on an open fancy frame base made of metal or wood. And the sink tops are varied made out of formed glass or concrete or porcelain or stone . Very cool looking .
...See More
Sitting Room Help!! Blank Canvas and don't know where to start
Q
Comments (10)
I have to agree with nudejude regarding the upholstered furniture sizes and positions. The room looks long and narrow, so placing 2 chairs or a 2 seater sofa opposite another 2 seater would allow you to enter through the door and walk, unrestricted, through to the opposite end of the room. An area rug between the sofas, large enough to fit under their front legs and perhaps a clear coffee table in glass or Perspex between would make a great conversation area. There may be enough length to the room to use a console table behind the sofa nearest the double doors with 2 small occasional chairs. A pair of lamps would provide light for the sofa and for the chairs. If the chairs are needed, they can be brought into the main conversation grouping. A Roman blind, with or without the curtains, would set off the window. Throw cushions in a variety of patterns and colour, will add interest to the upholstered pieces. Good luck and enjoy your home.
...See More
shelleyuk
Original Author
4 years ago
We have two sinks at the moment and both end up using the one with better light!
shelleyuk
Original Author
4 years ago
https://www.houzz.co.uk/discussions/383737/right-my-en-suite-bathroom-do-your-worst

This is the way it looks at the moment. As you can see we were going to do it years ago and then it got bumped for a different job. This time we are doing the en suite, the nursery next to it which will become a dressing room, and the bedroom - all at once.
Jules Mc
4 years ago
I like the cabinet Shelley but there's something off about the scale. The basin looks tiny!
shelleyuk thanked Jules Mc
Gabby Wong
4 years ago
I agree - I think if I were reducing down to 1 vanity, I'd want one with a larger sink really
shelleyuk thanked Gabby Wong
shelleyuk
Original Author
4 years ago
Yes it is small. That's the first thing my husband said. Hmm. They do one in the same range with two sinks but its not curved and I liked the curved sides.
shelleyuk
Original Author
4 years ago
https://soak.com/en-gb/furniture/on-trend/york-earl-grey-marble-top-vanity-unit---1200mm/100014.html#prefn1=descriptive-value2&prefv1=Traditional&start=14

This one is an alternative (and cheaper) but the sink looks roughly the same size. The units are quite large (1.2m) so that perhaps makes the sink look smaller?
Gabby Wong
4 years ago
It is really nice with the curves... I wonder if you could find something similar elsewhere... or for that sort of price if you could have something made by a carpenter?
shelleyuk
Original Author
4 years ago
I've done quite a lot of internet hunting and come up with these two that are curved plus a much more expensive one (burlington which is double the price). It might be possible to get one made but Im quite keen to get started on this project over the summer since brexit is looming and work might dry up.

Next question is about the bath. The current thought process is to have a large bath 1800 x1000 built in across the back wall (where the towel rail is currently). Then we would have a shower over the centre of it. I am then contemplating having a permanent glass screen across the centre of the bath, rather than at one end. So that it looks a bit like one of those walk in both sides showers but over a bath. It would need to sit on the bath surround and go up to the ceiling.

I can't find any photos of anything similar. Is it because its a stupid idea?
Victoria
4 years ago
We wouldn’t be without our double vanity. Improving the lighting will make all the difference. There are some luxury options out there...
https://www.porterbathroom.com/product-category/vanity/painted/

https://www.bardandblackwood.co.uk/product-page/4-door-vanity

Or you can do what we did and use kitchen cabinetry.

The sink in the cabinet you’ve found is tiny, the cabinet itself is very nice. You have loads of storage in your current design, do you use/need it?
shelleyuk thanked Victoria
Victoria
4 years ago
I think you won’t have much room to get in and out of the bath by the time you have a panel wide enough to stop the splashing.
shelleyuk thanked Victoria
Gabby Wong
4 years ago
Ah, yea I expect a carpenter would take more time... I did wonder whether kitchen cabinets might work! Interesting to hear that's what you did Victoria, I thought they might be too tall but would be great for storage!
shelleyuk
Original Author
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago

GRIFFIN ENRIGHT ARCHITECTS: Mandeville Canyon Residence · More Info

Hmm you might be right. In which case we get left with this sort of option
Victoria
4 years ago
Or this? This was my layout inspiration. Works well for us. Our bathroom is 3.6 long.

https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/east-mountain-traditional-bathroom-santa-barbara-phvw-vp~1417213
shelleyuk
Original Author
4 years ago
We have 2.5m across that back wall so we could fit both a bath and a shower in using this sort of layout (Or at least I think so - Karen?)
shelleyuk
Original Author
4 years ago
That's also my favourite photo Victoria. My only issue with it was that it means moving the toilet
shelleyuk
Original Author
4 years ago
Did you build your shower up onto the edge of the bath surround like that Victoria?
Victoria
4 years ago
In the layout you posted the shower would be narrow.
Victoria
4 years ago
Yes, we have the bath deck continuing into shower as a bench.
shelleyuk
Original Author
4 years ago
On the right angle layout we would have the bath coming down along the long wall and the shower across the back so if the bath takes up about a metre (width wise) we would still have 1.5 metres for the shower along the back.

I do prefer the look in that east mountain photo though, its just the toilet moving that is worrying me a bit.
Victoria
4 years ago
Like this
Victoria
4 years ago
You can run soil pipe behind vanity if need be.
shelleyuk
Original Author
4 years ago
Yes that is perfect. Ageing in place and all that...
shelleyuk
Original Author
4 years ago
running the soil pipe behind the vanity is less of an issue than the fact that it then has to get past the door
Victoria
4 years ago
Ah, I see
shelleyuk
Original Author
4 years ago
although we've just pulled the top of the existing cupboards to see what's behind the loo and the soil pipe looks like it runs the other way (which is really odd and means it crosses the landing)
Victoria
4 years ago
Does that improve your options?
shelleyuk
Original Author
4 years ago
It quite possibly means that I could have the toilet at the other end of the room without incurring vast expense. I think we might need to get someone in to have a look
PRO
OnePlan
4 years ago
Sorry - only just seen this ! Needs a site survey, by someone with plumbing knowledge, I agree - and then a good bit of planning to get all of your boxes ticked.

Most high end en-suites that I’m involved with the design of have a separate built in loo and basin ( with extractor fan) . Then a shower area ( with another extractor fan ) , bath and big vanity with storage with shaver /tooth brush sockets .

If it’s a really big room then an area away from the water areas for hairdryer and makeup etc although this often gets incorporated into a dressing room area that’s often next to en-suite .
j ba
4 years ago
one sink I belive is pleanty, also regarding the vanity why is a bigger si k necessary unless u plan to use it for bathing a baby!! A flat surface arounthe sink is much more useful for losions & potions.
I'd prefer one of those which have large flat sides.
regards
PRO
Brandler London
4 years ago
I agree that one sink is really all that is needed.

I have carried out a great many high end and luxury fit outs and refurbishments and have very rarely installed a double sink vanity.

In terms of the vanity unit, I am not so keen on the one that you have chosen as it is a bit pedestrian although is in keeping with a traditional finish.

Imho, I am sure that you can find similar but better options for the same budget in the same style.
shelleyuk
Original Author
4 years ago
I'm going for a New England sort of look as this ties in with the rest of the house. Lots of white, pale greys and very pale blues, white honed marble, wainscotting etc. Nothing too modern.
shelleyuk
Original Author
4 years ago
Just to update the bathroom refit is starting on 3rd Feb. Its taken some time to get there but its very exciting. Im now having two undermount basins fitted into a sideboard purchased on ebay (for the grand sum of £70!).
Gabby Wong
4 years ago
Wow that's a fantastic price! Can't wait to see the finished space

Double vanity or a bit more space?

Comments (35)

shelleyukOriginal Author

Related Discussions

shelleyukOriginal Author

shelleyukOriginal Author

shelleyukOriginal Author

shelleyukOriginal Author

shelleyukOriginal Author

shelleyukOriginal Author

shelleyukOriginal Author

shelleyukOriginal Author

shelleyukOriginal Author

shelleyukOriginal Author

shelleyukOriginal Author

shelleyukOriginal Author

shelleyukOriginal Author

shelleyukOriginal Author

shelleyukOriginal Author

shelleyukOriginal Author

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US

shelleyuk
Original Author

shelleyuk
Original Author

shelleyuk
Original Author

shelleyuk
Original Author

shelleyuk
Original Author

shelleyuk
Original Author

shelleyuk
Original Author

shelleyuk
Original Author

shelleyuk
Original Author

shelleyuk
Original Author

shelleyuk
Original Author

shelleyuk
Original Author

shelleyuk
Original Author

shelleyuk
Original Author

shelleyuk
Original Author

shelleyuk
Original Author

shelleyuk
Original Author