Bathroom Vanity (3)

How Can I Make My Old Vanity Look New?

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Instead of buying a brand new vanity for your bathroom, consider giving your current one a facelift. To find the most bothersome part of the vanity, you should take a step back and take a look at it in its entirety. Modifying the look can be as easy as switching out the door and drawer hardware or adding decorative touches to the cabinet and drawer fronts. Another low-cost option for updating the vanity's appearance is a coat of paint. This can be done in a solid colour or distressed to make the piece look older.

    Ideas For A Quick Bathroom Makeover

    Put in a New Vanity

    Because of its high frequency of use, your vanity will rapidly begin to show its age and dull the otherwise pristine appearance of your bathroom. A bathroom vanity replacement can have a dramatic effect on the overall look and feel of the renovated space. There is a wide range of vanities available, from economical basic versions to designer originals in terms of colour, size, and finish. You can get a new vanity that's a bit bigger than the one you're replacing, as long as it doesn't overwhelm the space or squeeze the other fixtures.

    Helpful Tips

    Think about how tall a sink you'd like it to be. When they were young, did you have them? In that case, a sink mounted on a low vanity would be ideal. Vanities that are just a little bit taller are more convenient for grownups since they eliminate the need to bend over. If you already have a wood vanity and are looking for a cost-effective way to update it, try sanding it staining and down the bottom half a different colour, then swapping out the faucet, sink, and cabinet hardware. Here are the steps you need to take to get rid of your old vanity and set up your new one:

    Get Rid of Your Outdated Vanity

    Bathroom Vanity (2)

    Drain the water pipes and turn off the main water supply. The sink must be unbolted before the cabinet's screws can be taken out. You can now detach the old cabinet from the wall and throw it away.

    Mark and Measure

    Put a pencil mark on the wall where you intend to mount your new vanity. First, measure the height and width of the vanity at its highest point, and then make a mark on the wall. Next, draw a line down vertically from the top of each side to the ground. Accurate results with straight lines can be achieved with the aid of a yardstick or other straight edge device. Create a basic outline of the region that needs fixing. Then, use a stud finder to locate and indicate the wall studs that are contained inside the drawn area.

    They'll secure the vanity to the wall and hold it in place. If your vanity has a back panel, you'll need to make holes in it so the plumbing can be reached from the wall. In the beginning, you should use a pencil to make a mark on the back where the pipes will be installed. Follow that up by cutting the holes with a drywall or jigsaw.

    Put in the New Changing Room

    The vanity's outline is what you'll use to ensure that the pipe holes you just made are in the right places. Check the unit's alignment with a level to make sure it's straight and level. If the vanity isn't flush, it's probably not because of the unit. Even with the help of wooden shims, if the vanity still doesn't sit flat on the floor, the problem is probably with the flooring. Install the vanity to the wall with washers and three-inch wood screws (check again to ensure it is level before tightening).

    It is recommended to screw the brackets into the wall after drilling holes through the wall and into the studs for a secure installation. Be sure it is firmly attached to the wall by running a bead of latex caulk down the top edge. If you removed the doors from the bathroom vanity, you should put them back on. It is important to not forget about shims. Remove the surplus with a chisel and a hammer.

    Advice You Can Use

    Shims can easily be hidden by nailing some decorative moulding to the base of the cabinet, especially if they are large.

    Put in a New Faucet

    Simply drop the new faucet into the old faucet's original hole to replace it. The base of the faucet should have a bead of plumber's putty or silicone caulk applied to it, approximately 1/4 inch thick. The sink's rear wall should now sit flush with the base of the faucet once you've moved it. Press firmly once you've located the ideal place for the faucet to make sure it fits snugly into the sink.

    Scrape off any excess caulk from the faucet. Wait until the putty dries before continuing assembly. Perhaps it's time for a shiny new sink and vanity. The new faucet's colour and style should complement the rest of the bathroom's accessories and countertop. A variety of colours are available for selection. Several popular metals and coatings are available, including nickel, stainless steel, chrome.

    Take Apart The Current Faucet

    Turning the cold and warm supply valves counterclockwise will cut off water to the sink. Then, open the faucet so that any remaining water can drain out. Turn off the water supply by freeing the pipes using a ratchet. If the mounting nuts, the faucet's tailpiece, or the coupling nuts are very tight, spray lubricant on them.

    To loosen the fasteners, use a channel-type or basin wrench pliers. Disconnect the tailpiece from the faucet base by unscrewing the mounting bolts. To clean the newly exposed surface, use a mild detergent and a rag, brush, or sponge, as appropriate for the level of filth. To remove any remaining plumber's putty, scrape it off with a putty knife or a razor blade.

    Advice You Can Use

    It's a good idea to place a bucket or other water-resistant container in the drawer below the sink in case any water leaks out while you detach the pipes.

    Switch Out The Cabinets And The Countertop

    The countertop and stand of your vanity may look dated in comparison to your recently refinished sink. Counters and backsplashes can be given a fresh look by tiling them with ceramic or marble. Change out your old countertop with a brand new, one-piece model made of marble, granite, or an easy-care hybrid. It's imperative that you get in the practice of wiping off the counter after each use. The vanity stand can be given a new lease on life with a coat of paint on the cabinet doors and drawers. Instead, you could go for a more dramatic look by switching to a dark wood Queen Anne cabinet with cabriole legs or a wicker panelled bamboo base.

    Foster Mutually Beneficial Relationships

    Put the metal friction washers on the tailpiece under the sink using your channel-type or basin wrench pliers. Once that's done, you can tighten the mounting bolts. Connect the supply tubes to the tailpiece and use a channel-type or basin wrench pliers to secure the coupling nuts.

    Activate Water Supply Again.

    Bathroom Vanity

    To finish, connect the sink's supply piping to the main water shutoff valves using compression fittings. Before using an adjustable wrench, make sure the mounting nuts are finger-tight (about a quarter turn).

    Advice You Can Use

    To keep the valve from turning, a second wrench must be employed. As the supply hose is being tightened onto the valve, When installing a new faucet, it may not be necessary to attach the tubing because it comes pre-assembled. Connect the supply tubes to the valves using a channel-type or basin wrench pliers. The red pipes are connected to the hot water system, while the blue pipes are part of the cold water system.

    Assisting Hardware

    Old, rusty, or out-of-date hardware can ruin the look of a vanity even if the vanity itself is in fine shape. Take apart the door frames and replace them with new ones that match the new hardware. Find vanity handles, knobs, and hinges that coordinate with the towel bars' platinum finish and minimalist design. Refinishing the bathroom's current hardware can be a low-cost option to update the space while also making sure all of the metal fixtures are a harmonious match.

    Variation in Color

    A fresh coat of paint can work wonders if the room's current varnish finish is painted, varnished, or laminated in a style that doesn't go with the rest of the design. Take the sink and its fixtures apart or cover them with tape before cleaning the vanity. Scuff it up with some sandpaper, and then prime it with something designed for that material. Cover the walls with several coats of washable, water-resistant satin interior latex paint. You may always polyurethane it afterwards if you want even more security.

    Create a striped or chevron pattern with painter's tape, or go for a shabby chic or cottage aesthetic by painting one colour, applying a coat of wax, and then painting a second colour while sanding through the topcoat in some areas. Applying a stain or coloured glaze all over the painted vanity and then wiping off most of the stain or glaze will give it the appearance of antiquity. Colors like grey, yellow, and brown can be used to create the impression of age. Check the glaze or stain colour in a discreet area to be sure it's what you want.

    Go, Faux

    The vanity's foundation might be appropriate for the bathroom, but the top might be an anachronism made of tinted laminate. Apply a primer designed for shining surfaces like laminate after lightly sanding the top to promote primer application (some manufacturers provide paint made specifically for countertops). The best way to reproduce the look of natural stone is to start with a base coat in the primary colour of the stone, and then use a sponge or brush to add tinted glazes in the colours present in the stone. This will make it look like granite or marble was used for the countertop.

    A feathering brush is used to blend the line between two colours. Instead of using a stylus, you should use a real feather or an artist's brush to imitate the veining found in natural stones like marble. If you want your fake stonework to look more realistic, try practising on some scrap wood or cardboard first.

    It's Time To Swap Out The Foundation

    Low-costly vanities can be given a luxurious makeover by having their bases outfitted with furniture feet, such as bun feet. The vanity will no longer look like a cheap cabinet from the store if you paint it and add some new hardware. Assemble a framework to attach the feet, which may require temporarily disassembling the vehicle, depending on its design. Furniture legs and feet can be found at home improvement stores.

    Bathroom Painting

    You can completely transform the look of your bathroom with just a coat of paint, requiring little time and money. And since there's usually not much room for frills in a bathroom, a splash of colour can really make a statement. When you paint the walls a different colour than the fixtures, it can help to take the eye away from them and provide the impression of more room or cosiness.

    You can select paint hues either for their visual impact in the room or for their compatibility with the rest of your home's decor. Colors that are lighter or more neutral, such as those used in clothing, tend to attract the eye in, while colours that are darker, such as those used in architecture, tend to recede the eye. The cool colours of the ocean and sky create a relaxing atmosphere, while the warm colours of the sun make any location seem more like home.

    Bathroom Mirror and Lighting Update

    It's possible that your old vanity sink and cabinet are worth more than you're giving them credit for. The single overhead light should be replaced by two wall sconces on either side of a large mirror above the sink. Squares, wall sconces, globe lights and torch lights, are all available with frosted glass.

    Let There Be Light

    It's possible that a new bathroom light fixture might do wonders for the atmosphere. To make a narrow hall seem more open, instal a pair of decorative wall sconces. Recessed lighting is stylish if it fits your design and budget, and dimmable overhead lighting is great for relaxing. Consider installing new lights if you discover that your bathroom's current ones are excessively dim (or maybe it just needs higher watt bulbs). Put in some clear light bulbs if you need more light.

    Utilise Double Vanity Sinks

    Install small mirrors over each sink and replace the old, fragile worktops with granite that will last longer and require less upkeep. Each sink should have its own light fixture in the restrooms so that no one's face is obscured. If you want to stop water from dripping onto the floor or counter tops, install fresh towel rings or racks next to each sink.

    Get Rid of Extra Stuff

    Get rid of the old clutter in your bathroom so that you have room for the new accessories you just bought. Get rid of expired pills and clean out the medicine cabinet and bathroom sink. Things you use frequently but don't want others to see can be stashed away in cosmetic bags and storage bins, or displayed proudly in elegant containers, on the counter.

    There is a wide variety of storage facilities from which to choose. It's important to make sure containers don't add to the confusion by not being given a dedicated location to be kept. It's a good idea to stow away the plastic bin with the cleaning supplies in a discreet location, such as the cabinet over the sink.

    Danger, Please Avoid!

    All drawers, cabinets, and even the toilet in the bathroom should have childproof locks if you have young children.

    Substitute Hardware

    Changing out the cabinet hardware, such as the hinges, handles, and pulls, can have a dramatic effect on the look of your bathroom. Pulls and knobs with a brushed or polished brass, bronze, pewter, or ceramic finish are a great choice for the traditionalist. Nickel and stainless steel, which both have a high sheen, are good options if you're going for a modern look. For a more modern look, knobs are out and pulls made of stainless steel or nickel are in.

    Advice You Can Use

    New plumbing components should be tested to ensure they can handle the water pressure and temperature of the new system. You should not use brass fittings with stainless steel pipes. Don't just switch out the door knobs. Similarly, you should replace the latches and hinges so they complement the new outer hardware.

    Dismantle the obsolete tools and discard their components. Simply a screwdriver will do in most cases. The only way to get rid of a cabinet door, as opposed to just taking out a drawer, is to disconnect the hinges from the cabinet frame. Just like the original, you should use the same tools and the screws or other fasteners that came with the replacement to put in any missing or damaged hardware.

    Create new screw holes in the cabinet door or drawer using a power drill and a bit of the same or slightly smaller diameter as the screws you'll be using to secure the hardware in place. Drilling should only be done after making sure the knob will be put in the exact centre of the drawer face, which may be done with the help of a tape measure.

    In the event that the handles you're installing contain many screw holes, you'll need to take careful measurements before affixing the pulls to the cabinet or drawer faces. First, use a measuring tape to locate the centre of the drawer's front and adjust the pull accordingly. Use a level to make sure your new emphasis is being mounted accurately.

    Equip with Extras

    Shower curtains, carpets, towels and window treatments can be updated with modern patterns and colours without breaking the bank. The wall art and vases that you choose to display demonstrate your unique style. Add a trunk, some armour, and a cosy chair if there's room.

    Conclusion

    Changing out the vanity in a bathroom may make a huge difference in the finished product. In terms of price, size, and quality of construction, you may choose from a broad variety of vanities. Changing the handles on the cabinets and drawers or adding new accessories can completely transform the design. Instructable detailing the methodical process of mounting a vanity to a wall and aligning its underside with the faucet's water intake. Disassemble the existing unit and instal the refurbished one in its place.

    Your new sink may make your vanity's counter and stand look old and worn. Ceramic or marble tiles are a great choice for updating the look of your counters and backsplashes. Depending on the model of faucet being installed, the tubing may already be attached. Put the tubes into the valves with the help of a channel-type or basin-type of pliers. Spray many coats of washable, water-resistant satin interior latex paint on the walls.

    In the bathroom, a new coat of paint may do wonders for the room's appearance. Bun feet, commonly used on furniture, are a cheap way to dress up even the cheapest of vanity bases. A room's mood can be set by the paint colour, or the colour can simply be chosen to match the furniture. We've walked you through every step of the process, from removing the old, brittle worktops and replacing them with granite to updating the lighting and cabinet hardware.

    Content Summary

    1. Don't go out and buy a totally new bathroom vanity when you can easily update the one you already have.
    2. Painting the vanity is another inexpensive way to improve its visual appeal.
    3. Changing out the vanity in a bathroom may make a huge difference in the finished product.
    4. Quantify and Identify Make a mark with a pencil on the wall where you want to hang the vanity.
    5. By using a yardstick or other straight edge device, one can get precise measurements of straight lines.
    6. Make a rough outline of the area that requires repair.
    7. They will fasten the vanity to the wall so that it does not move.
    8. In order to connect the plumbing to the wall, you will need to drill holes in the rear panel of the vanity.
    9. Using the vanity's contour as a guide, drill holes for the pipes where they should be.
    10. Using a level, verify that the unit is positioned straight and level.
    11. Unless the unit is malfunctioning, the reason the vanity isn't flush isn't the toilet.
    12. If the vanity still won't sit flat on the floor after being levelled with wooden shims, the issue is likely with the flooring.
    13. Washers and three-inch wood screws are used to fasten the vanity to the wall (check again to ensure it is level before tightening).
    14. After drilling holes through the wall and into the studs, the brackets should be screwed into place for a stable installation.
    15. You should replace the bathroom cabinet doors if you removed them.
    16. Take a chisel and a hammer to the excess and smash it to bits.
    17. Install a New Tap To instal the replacement faucet, simply drop it into the same hole as the previous one.
    18. Perhaps a new sink and vanity are in order.
    19. The countertop and furnishings in the bathroom should all look well with the new faucet.
    20. Use a ratchet to loosen the pipes and then turn off the water supply.
    21. Unscrew the bolts holding the tailpiece to the base of the faucet.
    22. When compared to the shiny new sink, your vanity's countertop and stand could look a little shabby.
    23. Install a fresh new, one-piece countertop composed of marble, granite, or an easy-care hybrid in place of an outdated, piecemeal one.
    24. You should make it a habit to clean the counter after each use.
    25. A fresh coat of paint on the vanity stand's doors and drawers will breathe new life into the piece.
    26. Please make sure the mounting nuts are finger-tight before using an adjustable wrench (about a quarter turn).
    27. Direction That Will Help You A second wrench is required to prevent the valve from turning.
    28. As the hose is being screwed into the control valve, Depending on the model of faucet being installed, the tubing may already be attached.
    29. Put the tubes into the valves with the help of a channel-type or basin-type of pliers.
    30. Machine Parts That Help Even if a vanity is in good condition overall, outdated, rusty hardware can completely damage its aesthetic value.
    31. Dismantle the door frames and instal new ones that coordinate with the locks.
    32. Recoating the existing hardware in the bathroom can be a cheap way to modernise the space and ensure that all of the metal fixtures are a good aesthetic match.
    33. Before cleaning the vanity, remove the sink and its fixtures or cover them with tape.
    34. To make the painted vanity look older, apply a stain or coloured glaze all over it and then wipe off most of the stain or glaze.
    35. A little test area is a great way to make sure the glaze or stain colour is exactly what you had in mind.
    36. Starting with a base coat in the stone's primary colour, then applying tinted glazes in the colours found in the stone with a sponge or brush, is the best approach to replicate real stone's appearance.
    37. This will provide the illusion that the counter is made of natural stone, like granite or marble.
    38. If you want to recreate the veining found in natural stones like marble, a real feather or an artist's brush is a far better tool to use than a stylus.
    39. Home improvement stores are a good place to look for new furniture legs and feet.
    40. The Art of Painting a Bathroom A new coat of paint is an inexpensive and simple way to update the look of your bathroom.
    41. It is possible to create the illusion of additional space or cosiness by painting the walls a different colour than the fixtures.
    42. Picking paint colours can be done with an eye towards the room's overall aesthetic or with an eye towards how well they'll blend with the rest of your home's furnishings.
    43. You may be underestimating the value of your old sink and cabinet for your vanity.
    44. Above the sink, instead of one central light fixture, there should be two wall sconces, one on each side of a sizable mirror.
    45. Light Up the World! A new light fixture in the restroom could work wonders on the ambience.
    46. If you require additional illumination, switch to transparent light bulbs.
    47. Reduce Clutter by Disposing of Unused Items Clear out the old toiletries and make way for the brand new ones by clearing out the clutter.
    48. Toss out any old medication and tidy up the medicine cabinet and wash basin.
    49. Put the container containing the cleaning products somewhere out of sight, like the cabinet over the sink.
    50. Change Out the Equipment Changing the hinges, handles, and pulls on your cabinets can completely transform the design of your bathroom.
    51. Knobs are out, while pulls made of stainless steel or nickel are in for a contemporary feel.
    52. Direction That Will Help You It is important to test new plumbing parts to make sure they can withstand the higher water pressure and temperature.
    53. Please don't only replace the door knobs.
    54. In a similar vein, the latches and hinges should be updated to match the new exterior hardware.
    55. Disassemble the old equipment and throw away the parts.
    56. Disconnecting the hinges from the cabinet frame is the exclusive method of removing a cabinet door, as opposed to just pulling out a drawer.
    57. By using a power drill and a bit of the same or slightly smaller diameter than the screws you'll be using to secure the hardware in place, you may make new screw holes in the cabinet door or drawer.
    58. If the pulls or handles you're installing have a lot of screw holes, you'll need to make sure you have the right size holes in the cabinet or drawer fronts.
    59. Mount your new focus precisely by using a level.
    60. The wall hangings and flower vases you've selected to showcase your individuality.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Old Vanity

    1. Clean It Up. Wipe down the vanity with a damp cloth and let it dry completely. 
    2. Remove Hardware. Using the appropriate screwdriver, remove all door and drawer pulls from the vanity.
    3. Sand It. 
    4. Prime It. 
    5. Paint.
    6. Distress the Edges. 
    7. Attach Doors, Drawers and Hardware. 
    8. Replace Faucet.
    1. Step 1 – Remove Backsplash. 
    2. Step 2 – Remove Old Sink Faucets. 
    3. Step 3 – Scrape Off Old Sealant and Buildup From Countertop. 
    4. Step 4 – Sand the Vanity with 320 Grit Sandpaper. 
    5. Step 5 – Cover Any Gaps Between the Wall and Vanity. 
    6. Step 6 – Apply Bonding Primer Over the Surface. 
    7. Step 7 – Mix the Epoxy.

    Oil, latex, and chalk-based are generally the best paint choices for bathroom vanities. Oil paint has a hard finish that protects against scratching and chipping, but it has a strong odour that can be difficult to work with. Latex paints are water-based, making them less smelly and much easier to clean.

    White bathroom vanities continue to be as popular as ever! Whether your decor style is traditional, coastal, or contemporary, a white bathroom vanity is a stunning and versatile centrepiece that will work with most interiors.

    Over time a wood vanity cabinet may lose its lustre from moisture, smudges and general use. Painting a bathroom vanity cabinet is a manageable project that gives a whole new look while extending its life.

    Scroll to Top