antique bathroom vanity | Kitchen Cabinet Value

Challenges of Using an Antique Bathroom Vanity

By Scott Dostal

Using an antique bathroom vanity or converting a piece of antique furniture into a bathroom vanity is a very popular design trend. However, there are challenges associated with using antique furniture to create a bathroom vanity, as well as using an antique and adapting to modern plumbing.

There is a significant difference between using an antique piece of furniture and using a modern bathroom vanity made in the

This antique bathroom vanity used an oak dresser

style of antique furniture. The modern “reproductions” are designed for modern plumbing. In addition, they typically are made with wood that has been treated and sealed to prevent damage from steam and moisture. In most cases, careful measurements allow homeowners to choose a style, have it delivered, and install it by simply making the appropriate connections to pipes.

Working with antique furniture presents certain challenges. Some homeowners have the required skills to convert an antique into a bathroom vanity. Others will want to shop for the perfect piece of furniture and have a skilled cabinetmaker do the work of converting it into a vanity. A third alternative is to buy a converted antique vanity from one of the dealers who specialize in converting antique furniture for this purpose.

Bathroom vanities often are made from antique sideboards, servers, hutches, dressers, washstands, chests, trestle tables, sewing cabinets, or Victrola cabinets. All of these furniture items can be converted to either one- or two-sink vanities, depending upon the width of the item.

Several decisions must be made before the conversion can begin:

1. Perhaps most important, is the question if the antique of sufficient value that it should not be damaged or altered. In this case, the antique might not be the best choice for use as a bathroom vanity because the finish and, potentially, the wood will be damaged by moisture and steam.

2. Will you use the antique in its current condition, or will you refinish or paint it?

3. Are you willing to cut holes in the surface, the back, and the bottom of the antique? If it is a taller piece (such as a server or sideboard), will you remove legs to make it the correct height?

The challenges of using an antique bathroom vanity are these:

· You must choose the antique carefully to ensure a correct fit in the bathroom and with the current placement of plumbing. Although you can have pipes moved, doing so will substantially increase the cost of your bathroom remodel.

· Once you decide whether you will use the antique in its current condition, refinish it, or paint it, you will need to waterproof the antique on both the inside and the outside. Without waterproofing, the wood will absorb water and steam, causing warping and, possibly, mildew.

· Next, you must decide what type of sink you will use. A vessel sink might require the least alteration of the antique, but it might also be too high, if the antique is a taller piece of furniture.

Adding a sink uses space in the cabinet of this antique bathroom vanity made from a sideboard

You will then need to decide whether you will cut a hole in the surface of the antique for the sink, or you will remove the surface and replace it with a “countertop” material, such as marble, granite, etc.

· The next step will be to modify the cabinet(s) and drawer(s) to accommodate the correct location of pipes and install the pipes, with connections to the sink you have chosen.

· You will then be able to complete the modifications of the antique to enclose drawers and cabinets for your use. You might also decide to install dividers or organizational inserts to make the vanity more functional.

· Finally, install the faucets and other fixtures you have chosen to complete your décor.

Although there are challenges in using an antique as a bathroom vanity, you can overcome them. These challenges will be within the skills of some homeowners. Others will need to engage the services of an expert cabinetmaker. Whether you do the work or you hire someone, the result will be a unique bathroom that is exactly what you want.

Happy remodeling!

Antique Vanity Choices

Many people are considering an antique vanity when remodeling or renovating. Antique furniture certainly creates a unique bathroom. Both true antiques and many reproductions are available for remodelers, but is an antique vanity right for your home?

Most bathroom and home designers believe the vanity is the focal point of a bathroom. This makes it the basis of your bathroom design. For this reason, many homeowners choose the vanity first, and then design the bathroom around it.

Antique Vanity Challenges

There are several challenges, however, in designing a bathroom around an antique.

Everything else in the bathroom should also fit the period (Victorian, for example) and the design style. Knobs, handles and drawer pulls must be appropriate for the original design of the furniture. Fixtures and fittings must also match.
The surface material must be a natural material (marble, stone) to match the period of the antique.
The tub and shower must also fit with the design of the vanity. Ideally, a claw foot tub is chosen. The shower will be hand-held and the curtain will be suspended from a circular rod surrounding the entire tub. Even the curtain rings must be appropriate.
Some designers recommend that everything be antique brass. Others recommend chrome and porcelain.
You must be prepared to either cut holes in the antique or find a style that will accommodate pipes without cutting holes.

An antique vanity will be made of a natural wood. Typically, these were built of oak, walnut, pine, cherry and mahogany. One of the most attractive characteristics of the antique is the warmth of the natural wood.

When introducing a significant visual focus in a natural wood, the wall, ceiling, door and floor colors should also be warm tones. Earth tones and some sea tones are perfect. Sterile white or other clinical shades will be jarring to the eye.

Many of the true antique vanity pieces were built long before modern waxes and chemical sealants became available. As a result, most of the true antiques can be damaged by the moisture in the typical bathroom. The warm moisture can weaken joints and cause warping.

Antique Vanity Reproductions

An attractive alternative is the reproduction of an antique vanity. An array of styles and sizes are available from most dealers. It is possible for you to shop for the style you want in the wood finish of your choice and with the surface material you prefer.

Although it is possible to find antique vanity reproductions in real mahogany, cherry, walnut or other natural woods, most reproductions are made of maple and a finish is applied to create the appearance of more expensive woods. The work of a good cabinetmaker will be difficult to distinguish from the true antique visually. In fact, your cabinetmaker will likely visit antique stores and warehouses to find good antique wood either from a period house, a barn, a boat or even a bridge.

The two most important differences between the antique vanity and the reproduction will be price and ability to endure the humidity in a bathroom. A reproduction has the advantage of chemical treatment to prevent damage by heat and humidity. It is also possible to apply modern sealers to marble and other stone or to use an artificial marble for the surface.

Shopping for the Perfect Antique Vanity

There are many sources for a true antique vanity or for a piece of furniture adaptable for this purpose. Some, for example, use dressers or “dressing tables.” There are also several sources for reproductions.

The true antique vanity or other antique furniture can be found in antique stores, salvage stores or from remodelers who remove them from old homes before they are demolished. Occasionally, it is also possible to find useful pieces of furniture from old hotels when they remodel.

Most people prefer an antique vanity with some scars or other indications of use and age. If this is your preference, you might have the best luck in a salvage store. You might also find something appropriate online.

Antique vanity reproductions are available through most kitchen and bathroom stores, home improvement stores and cabinet stores. Shopping around might also locate a cabinetmaker who has a connection with a manufacturer or who customizes antiques for his or her customers. Reproductions are also available from online stores.

Choosing to remodel your bathroom around an antique vanity will result in a finished room that is attractive, warm and inviting. An antique or reproduction can be used in any home style, but they are typically seen in Victorian, revival, Georgian and Southern Colonial homes. If you are renovating a historic home, you will certainly want to include an antique.