The kitchen island might be the social hub of the home, but the bathroom vanity is your personal sanctuary. It’s where you start your day and where you wind down. It needs to be a hardworking storage unit, a durable workspace impervious to water and cosmetics, and a beautiful piece of furniture that defines the room's aesthetic.

If you are planning a bathroom renovation in the Greater Toronto Area, choosing the right vanity is one of the biggest decisions you will make. It’s not just about picking a cabinet; it’s about curating the perfect combination of layout, style, and surface material.

Here is your guide to elevating your bathroom space. 

1. The Layout: Mastering Your Space

Before you look at finishes, you need to look at your footprint. The biggest mistake homeowners make is choosing a vanity that is too bulky for the room or too small to be functional.

· The Powder Room (Single Sink): In smaller guest baths, less is more. A 24-inch to 30-inch single vanity maximizes floor space.

· The Master Bath (Double vs. Single): The great debate. A double sink vanity (usually 60 inches or wider) offers personal space for partners and increases resale value. However, if you are tight on space, a large single sink with expansive counter space on either side is often more luxurious and practical than two cramped sinks right next to each other.

2. The Style: Floating vs. Freestanding

Once you know the size, define the vibe.

· The Floating Vanity (Wall-Mounted): This is the reigning champion of modern design. By mounting the cabinet on the wall so it "floats" above the floor, you create a sense of openness. It makes small bathrooms feel larger and makes cleaning the floors a breeze.

· The Furniture-Style Vanity (Freestanding): For a more traditional or transitional look, a vanity with legs that resembles a dresser adds warmth and character. These often provide slightly more usable storage space in the lower drawers.

3. The Crucial Element: The Vanity Top

You can have the most beautiful cabinetry in the world, but if you put the wrong countertop on it, it will look worn out in a year. Bathroom surfaces face a unique barrage of challenges: high humidity, water splashes, toothpaste, makeup, and hot hair tools.

Forget high-maintenance marble that etches with a drop of perfume. Here are the top choices for a worry-free, luxury bathroom:

· Engineered Quartz: The most popular choice for custom bathroom vanities. It is non-porous, meaning it won't absorb stains from cosmetics or moisture. It offers the beautiful look of natural stone without the sealing requirements.

· Sintered Stone: The ultimate option for hygiene and durability. Sintered stone is completely waterproof and incredibly resistant to scratching and heat. You can often achieve an "integrated sink" look, where the sink basin is seamlessly crafted from the same slab as the countertop for a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.

· Porcelain Slabs: Similar to sintered stone, large-format porcelain offers stunning marble replications that are impervious to water and incredibly easy to sanitize.

4. Trends to Watch in 2026

· Warm Wood Tones: We are seeing a move away from stark white painted cabinets toward warm, natural wood veneers like white oak or walnut, paired with creamy quartz tops.

· Bold Hardware: Mixing metals is in. Think matte black faucets paired with brushed brass cabinet pulls.

· The "Thick" Look: Using a mitered edge to create the illusion of a extra-thick (3-inch+) stone countertop gives the vanity a substantial, high-end feel.