Friday, July 16, 2010

Should you get a Double Sink Vanity Top?

Perhaps bathroom is the most utilized part of any household. Everyone uses it from time to time. Since bathroom creates daily traffic in your home this one should be built with high functionality. In decorating or accessorizing this, it should be done based on the members' needs and requirements. For couple with kids, opting for a double sink vanity top is a smart choice especially if all of you are sharing with one bathroom. With double vanity sinks, two people can use it at the same time. Even for newly wed, this type of vanity is equally helpful too. You don't need to fight over who's going to go first or wait for your turn to use the sink in the morning. This is a practical choice if both of you are working and needs to use the bathroom sink simultaneously. It will not only save your time but also make your daily preparation a speedy one. And for those who have twins and both of them shares with one bathroom or if your home has a guest room, double sink vanity top is perfect too.

Providing more storage is another good point for double sink bathroom vanity. Since it comes in two, its storage compartment is wider compared to a single one. It will allow you to keep your bathroom more organized and clutter free. A clean and tidy bathroom is not only hygienic but moreover it provides a relaxing and calm ambiance to its users. This one also comes in sleek and brilliant design which will definitely give your bathroom a more luxurious pleasant feel. Price wise, the cost for this type of vanity will only differ a bit from a single one. This means that purchasing this stuff is more economical and budget friendly. So if your bathroom is roomy enough for a double sink vanity, why not go for this instead of the single one to avoid changing your sinks later.

But when choosing to use this kind of vanity, don't forget to consider the size and space available in your bathroom. Since this one is made in doubles, it means that it requires a spacious and bigger bathroom. It will be a waste of time, effort and money if you have this and can only utilize a single sink because you'll just end up bumping at each other due to its limited room. Make it a point that you have it on a purpose of double usage. Carefully choosing where to put this is another important aspect. Take note that this one has two sinks, so the placement for this should create a balance look to your bathroom. Isn't it ugly if you will set this one in an area where it will just give an awkward appearance?

To sum it up, having a double sink vanity top in your bathroom is not only a practical choice for households with several family members but also for those who are looking for a highly efficient and functional vanity.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Caring for your Cultured Marble Vanity Top

Why pay more when you can have quality and affordability in one material. As the advent of new world has come with an increasing numbers of new materials are being introduced in the market today. One this material is the so called cultured marble. A cultured marble is a combination of mix high strength polyester and marble dust. The material is closer to a fiber glass in composition than to its natural stone. Compare to natural marble stone, cultured marble stone have a wide variety of deigns and colors. You can actually determine if it's a cultured marble when you feel it texture it's like a hard plastic compare to real marble stone which is stone like.

Aside from its variety this material is lesser in terms of its cost but still it's more durable than the natural stone marble. Since it is less expensive more and more people uses this kind of material for their bathroom vanity top. But the question is what are the extra precautions and required maintenance for this product? How will you maintain its beauty and elegance?

The most common problem encountered when using a cultured marble stone is that it is prone to scratches and it could be easily worn out. It is really a big challenge with regards to the maintenance for this type of materials. These damages can be acquired through falling hard object and abrasive sponge. But these can be avoided if we know what the right thing to do. When cleaning, make sure not to use a rough surface sponge because this may begin scratches and dents to your item. It is safer to use a pure cotton cloth or something that has a smooth texture. Another way of maintaining this product is applying fiberglass pate wax. A fiber glass paste wax help restores color and remove dirt on its surface. It may also lessen some scratches on the materials.

Using your usual detergent might cause damage to your marble vanity. This kind of materials requires special cleaners. You can go your local hardware or browse the web to look for the right product to clean your vanity. Sensitivity to acid is another thing to take note for cultured marble stone. Be cautious not to spoil any acidic chemical into. It might cause some etch and make your vanity top dry and dull. If this occurs, clean it right away with water and soap and dump dry using a clean cotton cloth to avoid any further damage to your item. If inevitably, your cultured marble got stained or has some discolorations, you can use lime, baking soda or ready to use rust remover. Just put extra attention and care when using this kind of products.

Though cultured marble are made with high durability and strength, it is still necessary to give it with correct and much attention to make it long lasting and keeping it look as good as new. Any product no matter how tough and sturdy it is, when neglected it wont certainly last.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

A Custom Vanity Top for your New Bathroom

Because of the growing number of demands for vanity tops, manufacturers are coming up with more creative inventions and giving more options to the consuming public. One of this is the creation of custom vanity. As the name tells it all, this kind of vanity lets you customize your product when it comes to colors, designs and even the materials that will be use. This is very ideal especially for those who want to make their bathroom have a brand new look and be different from the others. In this way you can freely choose and decorate your vanity top according to your personality and the look that you want to achieve. Unlike the one that are readily available in the furniture stores today, this kind of vanity will surely make a great impact to express your sense of taste and style.

Not only that you can customize the design of your bathroom vanity tops, it gives you the option to modify the size and even the shape of your vanity tops. If your bathroom has less space to accommodate the standard size vanity, this one is a great option. On the other hand, if your bathroom is too spacious that putting an undersized vanity will make it look dull and boring, having your vanity tops customize is much advisable. When it comes to selection of colors, the customize one are more adventurous and bold. Pre-manufactured vanity usually comes in colors like white, beige, taupe or black but for custom made vanity you can freely select the colors that will suit to your style. You can go beyond the conventional one and let your imagination do the work or you can ask some suggestions from your friends or other household members.

Mix and match of materials can be done also for a custom made vanity top. You can use a ceramic sink toned with a porcelain tile or granite. It has no restrictions when it comes to its styling. You can be very experimental in your designs of course provided that there are available materials. Use of other fixtures and accessories can be different than the usual too. Another good point for using a custom made vanity is that you can have it designed in the manner that will meet your needs. You can even put additional accents to make it look more personalize. Since it is custom made, you can also have it designed based on the location and shape of your bathroom. In such a way, you can optimize your space and make use of the available area to put additional furniture and furnishings.

Surely customize bathroom vanity is one the hottest and sought after trends today. Though this one can be a bit costly depending on how you would want the final product appear, but it is a perfect alternative if you are tired and bored of the usual and typical bathroom vanity tops. So if you want to give your bathroom a more personal touch, this one is the right thing for you.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Tips on Installing a Floating Vanity

Using a floating bathroom vanity is very ideal for those who have smaller space in their bathroom and wanted to create an impression or illusion that there is much space available. This kind of vanity does not only provide a neat and tidy look but also its gives your bathroom a modern and chic appearance. But when planning to install or change your existing vanity with this type, there are certain points that you must remember to make sure that it is properly installed. Same also with other vanities out in the market today, to set this one up, it requires precision and total understanding of the product. Here are some simple and basic tips for you in installing your floating bathroom vanity.

Identify the product to be installed. First significant factor to take into consideration is to know or identify what kind of bathroom vanity you will be installing. Since floating vanity differs in sizes, shapes and designs, it is important to fully understand its specification with regards on how to fit the item.

Depending on the kind of floating vanity that you will be setting up in your bathroom, its required installation process differs as well. A floating vanity made out of glass should be set up with extra care to avoid breaking it up or getting it damage while wood vanity is sensitive also from scratches and dents.
Check the area where the vanity will be mounted. It is a necessary aspect to check first the place where your vanity will fixed. Make sure that the place is big enough to be able to mount your vanity properly because you might end up fixing it in the wrong spot. The strength and sturdiness of the wall should be check too especially if you will be installing heavy weight vanities like those one that comes with storage cabinets or those that are made out of weighty materials. Make sure that the hooks and clamps that you will be using can cater the weight of your vanity. Remember that your product is hanging on the wall; a single mistake during installation might cause damage in the end.

Take time to read the instruction. This is the best and the most appropriate thing to do in any installation process. Reading the instruction won’t harm you. The manufacturer of the product is your best source for correct and perfect installation procedures. They know more of the product and understands well on how the item should be addressed, installation wise. You can also utilize the internet to search for additional relevant information. It can even give you photos and videos of step by step installation process. There is lot of relevant site in the web that tackles about this kind of stuff.

If you are not comfortable and sure in the installation especially if you are trying to mount a floating vanity with sensitive materials, it is best to hire a professional to have the work done correctly and avoid the risk of damage on your product.

Monday, July 12, 2010

The Pros and Cons of a Granite Vanity Top

The time has come to remodel the tired old bathroom and finally get the bath that you have always dreamed of having. When you get started with this process you will a have lot of decisions to make in order to get the bathroom of your dreams. You will need to choose the style and look of your bathtub, your shower, your toilet and your accessories. Somewhere between choosing the wall paper, the lighting and the window treatments you will need to make one more vital decision. You will need to choose the style of vanity you will have and what material you wish to have for your vanity top. There are a lot of choices that you can take advantage of but the most common without a doubt is granite.

Granite is beautiful, its durable and it can be styled and colored to match just about any design that you can imagine for your bathroom vanity. There are a lot of advantages to the use of granite, not the least of which is the strength that it offers. Granite is almost indestructible; it resists chipping, fading, scratching and marking. Granite can stand up to some of the harshest conditions that you could possible throw at it. It wears well and will develop a character over time.

Of course you do need to be aware that there are some very significant disadvantages to using granite for your vanity top. The first is that it can be very expensive to get good high quality granite for your vanity top. This best is what is refers to as straight granite. Straight granite is cut from the flat face of a solid slab of granite that has not been gored or grooved. This is the purest and strongest form of granite that you can get. This is also the most expensive form of granite.

A lesser form of granite known as back granite is slightly less expensive but is still of decent quality. Back granite is what is left after straight granite is cut from the slab horizontally. One of the issues with back granite is that the countertops that are purchased may be made up of several layers of back granite while the same countertop made of straight granite will be one solid slab layer. The fact that the back granite countertop is made of layers instead of a solid piece it is possible that those layers may separate over time if moisture gets in and breaks down the adhesive holding them together.

Another consideration is if you purchase unfinished granite for your countertop you may find that unfinished also means unsealed. Unsealed is bad for countertop usage as it means that moisture will darken the stone over time, chemicals and things such as makeup, moisturizers and soaps may discolor the stone and deep temperature changes may lead to cracks in the granite.

These are just a couple of the disadvantages of granite for use as the top of your vanity. These disadvantages are minor however as compare to all the pros that can be had using granite for your vanity countertop.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Cleaning Stainless Steel Vanities

Stainless steel vanities are a beautiful and stylish addition to your homes bathroom. These vanities add a touch sophistication and modern style to your bathroom and can create a unique statement about your home for all who visit. Of course, along with the beauty that stainless steel brings, there are also some special considerations to keep in mind that will keep it looking great for a long time to come.

First you need to know that the unique look of stainless steel comes from the fact that it has naturally occurring scratches that provide its shimmer and shine. These scratches provide the light reflection that makes stainless steel glow. You also need to understand that stainless steel is not the same as unmarkable steel. It is possible if you clean the stainless steel of your vanity top the wrong way, you could darken or pit the finish of the bathroom vanity top.

When you are starting to learn how to care for your stainless steel vanity you will want to pick up a few things. You will need a pack of steel wool scrubbies, some non-breaching cleanser, some baby oil and some old newspaper. These are the only things that will want to use to clean your stainless steel vanity.

Start out by wiping down the vanity with a mild window cleaner to break down the dirt on the surface. Once you have wiped it clean and it has dried completely, then grab a steel wool scrubby and your non bleaching cleaner. Using a piece of newspaper smear a thin layer of the non-bleaching cleanser on the surface in a small section. Now using the scrubby work in a motion consistent with shape of the surface.

If you are working on a straight edge areas then rub in long strokes with very light pressure, in large open areas use large sweeping semicircular motions, s-curves and figure eights that overlap each other. In rounded areas such as the sink bowl use small tight circles and spirals and for convex areas if you have any, use loose corkscrew motions. Once you have scrubbed down everything with the wool pad, and have wiped it all with soft clean cloths and cool water you should let the surfaces dry well before polishing.

When the surface is completely dry you are ready to start polishing. This is a very simple process which is very much like the cleaning process. Take a bowl and fill it half full of baby oil. Put a medium sized piece of newspaper wadded up into the bowl and let it soak up a moderate amount of the baby oil. Now rub the wet newspaper all over the surface in the same manner that you used with the steel wool.

It's ok if the surface is extremely wet you want the oil to soak into the tiny scratches and grooves of the surface. Once you have coated the entire surface with the oil, get clean dry newspaper and buff the remaining oil off. Once the process is complete you will have a vanity counter that glows and shimmers with the light and you will have the advantage of your bathroom having a light fresh scent of baby oil.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Ceramic Vanities - Works Of Art

It has been said that art is fluid and beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. When it comes time to redo your bathroom you will be making a lot of choices as to how you can create an environment that is a sanctuary away from the world, a respite from the stresses of the day and a retreat from the pressures that we all endure on a daily basis. One of the most notable ways to bring the glory of art to your bathroom is to choose a ceramic vanity.

Ceramic vanities are available in a wide range of colors, styles and designs. Ceramic vanities are indeed functional works of art that can bring as stylish and sophisticated flair to your bathroom and make this space more enjoyable as you wind down form the trial and tribulations of your life and attempt to recharge for tomorrow.

Ceramic vanities offer a lot of great choices for those who are looking for a wonderful bathroom vanity that will provide them a one of s kind look and feel. These vanities are able to be custom made to almost any design that you could possible want. Some of the more popular designs are dancing dolphins, oversized tulips and roses, and the classic oyster shell or sea shell.

No matter what design you could possible envision for your vanity, it can be created or found in a ceramic vanity. If you have an idea about what you would like your vanity to look like then you can find quite a few companies online who will create it for you for a reasonable fee. The quality that you will find with these vanities is a direct result of how much you are willing to pay for what you want in the design. For the most part there is no limit what you can get done with your ceramic vanity but know that the more complex and intricate the design the more it will cost you to have it made and the longer the creation process will take.

One more reasonable option might be to start with a vanity that a company already produces and have it made custom for you by changing some details such as the material of the vanity top the style of the sink, the color of the ceramic or the type of base that it sits on. Options for the vanity top may include glass, marble, wood, or even ceramic itself. For the base you may find options in metal, stone or wood or again a solid ceramic option all the way to the floor.

When you choose to have a ceramic vanity you are choosing to have a piece of art in your bathroom that will not only add beauty and elegance to the space but will increase your enjoyment of a room where you spend 1/8 of your life. A ceramic vanity can bring a special look to your new bath and make it a place that is as conducive to your relaxing as it is beautiful.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

How To Easily Install Wall Mounted Vanities

When it is time for a person to remodel their bathroom, there will be several decisions that they need to make. These decisions are the type of vanity that they will install in their bathroom. There are several types to choose from and each one comes with advantages and disadvantages. The common type that is beginning to gain popularity is the wall-mounted type that is found in new homes. This type offers a person a modern look without having to sacrifice when it comes to the price of the vanity.

The reason that some people may be a little shy to install this type of vanity is the difficulty in installing them. These people would be surprised to see that these vanities are quite easy to install, and many times can be an excellent idea to liven up any bathroom that is in need of a jolt of life. Many of these come with easy to follow instructions and are able to be installed within a couple of hours. All you will need is a couple of basic tools and a couple of friends to assist.

Many of these will include a light, so it is important that you make is a point to kill all the power before you begin any type of work. Once you have determined that the power is properly shut off, then make sure that you remove the old light, make a note as where all of the wires are and what color goes where. You may need to snip a little of the old wire off in order to ensure that it will work with the new fixture. This also will require electrical tape and a wire nut for the connection.

Place the new light fixture in place and secure with the mounting hardware that was included with the kit. You should not have any wires exposed or any parts that are left over. If you do, make sure to check the instructions. After you have secured all of the connections in place. Turn the power on to see if everything is working properly; if anything seems out of place shut the power off. It will then be time to place the new actual vanity in place. This will be a task that will take a little effort in order to accomplish successfully.

Remove the old vanity including all of the washers and nuts holding accessories in place. Then carefully remove the vanity from the wall trying to peel a little paint as possible. Discard the old one. As with the electricity, make sure that all of the water is shut off from the wall, and then remove all of the plumbing from the wall. Reinstall the new plumbing, and position the new wall mounted vanity in place. Make sure that everything will fit before making any permanent changes. If it is the wrong size, then you will need to take it back. Another option will be to alter slightly your plans. After a few hours’ time, you will have a new vanity that will be attractive and will bring new life to a dull bathroom.

Monday, July 5, 2010

The Classic Look Of Glass Vanities

The bathroom is the one room in a home that can make a powerful statement. If you are in the process of remodeling your home, then place some thought into the vanity. There are several different types of vanities that a person is able to use in their bathroom. Depending on the look that you are aiming for, will depend on the vanity that will be best for your bathroom. One idea is to install a glass vanity to add a different type of look to your bathroom. These vanities are able to make a unique statement in the bathroom.

A glass vanity is in many ways the same as any other type of vanity. The thing that makes these different is the fact that they are designed to look a lot different from their other counterparts. There is a noticeable difference that many times you will notice when dealing with one of these vanities. This difference is that there is no cabinet for your to use as storage. This also will eliminate the option of concealing the underside of the sink. This is one of the prime advantages that a person will choose a traditional looking vanity for their home.

The first thing that you will notice about these vanities is that you do not notice the underside of the sink. This is due to the way that these are constructed. The design of these will many times not draw your attention to the fact that there are pipes exposed. Your eyes will naturally lean towards the other types of storage that are available. There are shelves that are strategically placed in order to not allow your eyes to wander towards the underside of the sink. This is one thing that makes these sinks so unique in their design. These are also a terrific choice for a more contemporary looking home.

Most people will be the first to tell you that when thinking about a vanity, they think about the type with a wood base and duel doors to conceal the underside of the sink. The new concept in many newer homes is giving the bathroom a look that is classic yet modern all at the same time. This is a trend that is popping up in many of the new homes that are constructed, as well as a great idea for a person looking to remodel their bathroom.

If you are looking for a concept that will go a long way in making a strong impression in your home, then consider glass vanities. There are so many different designs that are able to be placed in a home. Many times as well depending on the color scheme of the home, you are able to get a color that will coordinate. There are many advantages that are able to be enjoyed with these types of vanities. They will add a different look to any bathroom that these are laced in, if you are thinking about giving your bathroom a face lift, and then begin with these vanities.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

What Are Powder Room Vanities

A powder room is actually an age-old term. It began in the 18th century during a time when people would go into a small room to have their wigs powdered. Later on woman began using the term "I'm going to powder my nose" when they would excuse themselves to the bathroom. This is where the term powder room began. Today the term is used much differently.

In modern society a powder room refers to a small bathroom that has a sink and a toilet. These rooms are also referred to as a half bath. The powder room is actually intended to be a guest bathroom. They are generally easily accessible to guests without invading the privacy of the homeowners' personal spaces.

Powder rooms are generally formally decorated. Because of the fact that it is a guest room, making the room beautiful and functional is of great importance. Powder room vanities are meant for this purpose. These particular vanities are small to fit the small space while imposing taste and functionality. Because of the different varieties that are available, you are sure to find one that matches your tastes.

Find something to compliment you and your home without complicating the limited space. Your vanity in this room should be your focal point. It should make a statement in the room with all-else complimenting the unit. Due to the small space of the room the vanity will be in, there are many designs that take up very little space. Some of the designs that are available are, vanities with legs, pedestals, and wall mounted. These are specifically designed to save on space.

More traditional designs offer storage space and more functionality. In this room however, trying to open up your space so the room can flow is not necessary. As stated before this piece needs to be the center of attention so pick a unit that you love. After you have made your choice decorate around the piece. Intricate units that feature a lot of details tend to be difficult to keep clean. Keep in mind that because only guests will generally use this room, you can now pick a more intricate unit you would normally shy away from.

Choosing the perfect powder room vanity should be fun. This is your time to shine as a decorator. You will leave a lasting impression on your guests with the way you decorate this room. It is important to choose the right focal point, being the vanity, to put in your powder room. With the right care and attention, your guests will be able to catch a glimpse of what your tastes are. If you take the right steps into making the room special, your guests will, in turn, feel pampered and important. That is the impression that a powder room vanity is supposed to have. So decorate with grace, style, and an attention to detail leaving your guests with nothing but good thing to say about you.