Are you hoping to find a bathroom vanity that includes a sink and faucet? You can do it, though you might need to spend some extra time searching around.
Bathroom vanities often come with sinks but rarely come with faucets. Instead, a vanity set includes holes for a center set (1-piece) faucet or widespread (3-piece) faucet. In addition to sinks, some bathroom vanity sets will include cabinet handles, a mirror and a backsplash.
Let’s explore what you can expect to get with your bathroom vanity set, and how you can piece together a vanity if you already have some parts.
Types of Sinks That Come With a Bathroom Vanity
Usually, a bathroom vanity set includes a countertop and cabinetry, as well as a sink—or two sinks for a double vanity.
These are the sink types that might be included with a bathroom vanity set:
Integrated Sink
An integrated sink is molded from the same material as the bathroom vanity countertop. Usually, there is no separation between the sink basin and the countertop material and they are shaped from the same slab.
Undermount Sink
An undermount skink is made from a separate sheet of material and often a different type of material than the countertop. It’s set into the vanity from beneath.
Drop-In Sink
The basin of a drop-in sink rests beneath the surface of the bathroom vanity. However, what makes it different from an undermount sink is that the sink rim that rests on top of the vanity surface, giving the drop-in sink more decorative flair.
Vessel Sink
Ultra-modern, the vessel sink rests atop the vanity and can be made from a wide variety of materials. Often, the vessel sink is the real showstopper of the three.
Faucets Often Not Included with Bathroom Vanities
Most likely, you’ll need to purchase a bathroom vanity faucet separately. You may be wondering why that is. Many people like to get matching faucets for both sinks, showers and tubs.
Plus there is such a wide array of faucet types and finishes: deck-mounted, floor-mounted, wall-mounted, roman, waterfall, vintage, chrome, polished nickel, and oiled bronze, to name a few. The choices go on and on.
If the list of faucet options is overwhelming, fear not!
Simply read Bathtub Faucet Types: Which Is Best for You? Then you’ll be ready to make a great choice to compliment your bathroom vanity.
Bathroom Vanity Bases and Tops
If you are looking for just the bathroom vanity cabinets—without the countertop—you’ll want to search up “bathroom vanity base.” Here are bathroom vanity bases on Amazon:
However, maybe you already have the cabinetry. Or maybe you’re planning to repurpose a piece of furniture like a dresser. Now you just need the countertop. You’ll want to search the term “bathroom vanity tops.” And check out the bathroom vanity tops on Amzon:
You’ll find some countertops with holes for drop-in sinks or undermount sinks, while others will include integrated sinks or vessel sinks.
Whether you need a bathroom vanity set or simply the top, you’re probably wondering what’s the best bathroom vanity countertop material. I go into depth in this post Quartz, Granite or Marble for Bathroom Vanity: Which Is Best?
And not to ruin the suspense, but there’s a clear choice: so read the post, and you’ll know exactly what material to get and why.
Types of Bathroom Vanities That Come with Sinks
There are a few main types of bathroom vanities. You can find any of these types of bathroom vanities that will come with a sink. All except the corner-mounted vanity will be available as single or double vanity. (A single vanity will come with one sink and double vanity will come with two.)
Bathroom Vanity Cabinet
This is the traditional vanity with pull-out cabinet doors. It will be flush against the back wall, and may also fit between two side walls.
Freestanding Bathroom Vanity
Even though it’s called freestanding, this type of bathroom vanity does rest against one plumbing wall. Usually, it looks like a piece of stand-alone furniture and can add elegance to a space, as well as make a small bathroom appear bigger.
Wall-Mounted (aka ‘floating’) Bathroom Vanity
Wall-mounted bathroom vanities do not touch the floor; instead they float above it. They attach to the plumbing wall, and are especially good for anyone shorter or taller than average since you can adjust the sink height as you like.
Bathroom Vanity Sets Might Include Add-Ons
There are a wide variety of add-ons that might be included with your bathroom vanity. As already discussed, a bathroom vanity set always includes the cabinet and the countertop, and usually the sink as well. Beyond that, there may be other add-ons.
Bathroom Vanity Backsplash
A backsplash is included with many bathroom vanity sets. When you get a bathroom vanity backsplash, you’ll usually get a 4-inch backsplash made from the same material as the countertop.
The purpose of the backsplash is to prevent water from saturating the wall just behind the sink. If that should happen, you’re at risk for growing mold and mildew in the bathroom. Also, soggy drywall will eventually rot.
For a more custom look though, there are a variety of options:
Switch out the backsplash included with your vanity set for a taller slab of complimentary material that you’d need to purchase separately. If you’re doing a kitchen remodel or have in the past, do you have some remnant countertop material that would work in the bathroom?
Or consider using a window or mirror behind the vanity as a backsplash instead of the standard 4-inch piece of material that comes with your set.
There are a whole variety of ways to give your bathroom vanity a more upscale feel, but the bottom line is that in almost every case, you will need a backsplash. Read this post for more fun and creative bathroom vanity backsplash ideas.
Vanity Mirrors
Some bathroom vanity sets include mirrors that match the cabinetry. These sets can save you lots of trouble trying to find a good match. You can often find mirrors that compliment a double vanity set.
Bathroom vanity sets that come with mirrors often can give a quick finished look to a bathroom in need of a new decor.
Since the mirrors can be a considerable expense, if you’re not planning to use those that come with the set, you may want to consider getting a different bathroom vanity altogether so that you don’t pay for what you don’t use.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to use the mirrors that come with the set in the bathroom, consider where else in your home you might use them. Often, these mirrors can make a nice addition to an entryway, mudroom or even a bedroom that’s adjacent to the bathroom with the vanity.
Plumbing Hardware
Some bathroom vanities include plumbing hardware. Look in product specifications to see if a drain assembly and P-trap are included.
Drain Assembly
Some bathroom vanity sets come with a drain assembly. The drain assembly includes a stopper as well as the drain tube.
If you think about your sink faucet, usually there’s a piece you pull up or push down. When you pull it up the drain at the bottom of the sink rises and plugs the sink. This device is a ball-and-rod and it’s included in the drain assembly. When you open the drain, water flows through the sink to the drain tube, which is also part of the drain assembly.
P-Trap
The drain assembly connects the sink to the P-Trap. Here is the definition of a P-trap according to Wayfair.com:
“A p-trap holds water to prevent sewer gases from entering the home through the drain. It also traps debris that has drained from the sink to prevent the plumbing system from being clogged.”
If the drain assembly and p-trap are included, you’re in luck. If not, it should be easy to find these at any hardware stores.
Other Add-Ons
You might also get lucky and find a bathroom vanity set that includes cabinet handles, mounting brackets or even a sidesplash. Plus, if you really want a vanity that comes with a faucet, you can find one if you’re persistent.
Bathroom Vanity Sets Can Be Expensive
Read 8 Tips to Pick the Perfect Bathroom Vanity to get all of our most helpful resources on the topic.
And if you’re in the middle of a bathroom remodel, I don’t need to tell you that the bathroom vanity can be one of the more costly items in your project. However, it doesn’t have to be.
With a little ingenuity you can hack the bathroom vanity, so that you not only save (big!) money but you also enhance the custom feel of your bathroom.
In fact, there are quite a few designer hacks for everything from the bathroom vanity to tile to tubs. These can save you quite a bit on your remodel. To find out more, get the Save Big $$$ Cheat Sheet. All you need to do is add your email address below.
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