Where to Buy Bathroom Vanities Online — My Honest Take

Hi, friends! I consider myself a seasoned bathroom remodeler, and I often get asked, "Where should I buy my bathroom vanity?" and "How good are these things online?"

So, I thought it was time to chat about where to buy bathroom vanities online—and what I personally think is the best option.

Table of Contents

• 1. How to Choose a Bathroom Countertop Material
• 2. Common Brick-and-Mortar Stores
• 3. Buying a Bathroom Vanity Online

1. Choosing the Perfect Countertop Material

► Laminate Flooring

Essentially, multiple layers of plastic are fused together with particleboard—and now they can mimic the textures of stone or wood!

✓ Most affordable, with a wide variety of patterns, and DIY-friendly
✗ Feels lightweight, but won't last forever, and let's be honest—it looks expensive.

Best for: Guest bathrooms, quick fixes before selling a house

► Tile

A classic choice—ceramic or glass tile can now be installed in almost any style.

✓ Affordable, with a wide variety of designs, and any contractor can install it.
✗ Can chip easily, and those grout lines? They attract dust easily.

Best for: Those who don't mind regular deep cleaning.

► Engineered Stone (like Corian)

Mineral dust mixed with resin - often used with integrated sinks.

✓ Stains wipe away instantly, scratches can be polished, and there's no need to worry about seams.
✗ Lacking the heaviness of natural stone, hot tools can damage them.

Best for: Family bathrooms where practicality is key.

► Natural Stone

A luxurious choice - but each has its own unique characteristics:

• Granite: Tough as nails, with a mottled pattern.
• Marble: Gorgeous veining, but requires careful care.
• Slate/Soapstone: Rich colors, easy to maintain.

✓ Each piece is unique and instantly elevates your space.
✗ Investment-grade pricing, requires regular sealing.

Best for: Those who want a striking effect and don't mind maintenance.

► Concrete

Custom poured and polished for an urban loft vibe.

✓ Durable and stylish.
✗ Requires specialized fabrication techniques, and cracks can be difficult to repair.

Best for: Industrial or minimalist spaces.

► Recycled Glass

Crushed glass set in acrylic or cement is an eco-friendly and stylish choice.

✓ Stunning appearance and easy to clean (acrylic).
✗ Cement base stains easily and is difficult to repair if damaged.

Best for: Creating a unique design style.

► Quartz

The current star product—natural quartz mixed with resin.

✓ Harder and stain-resistant than granite, no sealing required.
✗ More expensive than some options, and seams may be visible.

Best for: Most homes—create the look of stone without the hassle.

My Recommendations:

• On a tight budget/timeline? Laminate or tile will meet your needs.
• Looking for the perfect balance? Quartz or engineered stone offer the best balance.
• Seeking luxury? Natural stone is a great choice if you're ready to commit.
• Looking to make a statement? Concrete or glass will make guests stop in their tracks.

✅ Your Shopping List

• How much moisture will it withstand?
• How much maintenance are you really willing to incur?
• Will there be hot tools like curling irons around?
• Do you need true natural stone, or will similar stone also work?
• Consider the edge profile, sink style (undermount/recessed/integrated), and seam placement.
• Be realistic about your overall budget (materials and installation).

2. Common Brick-and-Mortar Stores

Now, your first thought might be to head to the big box stores like Lowe's or Home Depot. But between you and me? The ready-to-go vanities they keep in stock are just plain disappointing. They're made with really cheap materials that won't hold up in your bathroom for the long haul - we're talking 10-20 years down the line.

The real kicker? They're not even that cheap! If you wander over to their kitchen design centers, though, that's where the good stuff is. I'll be honest - it took me years to realize that anywhere that makes kitchen cabinets also makes bathroom vanities. It's not their main business, of course - they're just selling you one little cabinet instead of a whole kitchen. But they carry multiple cabinet brands, and let me tell you, the quality is night and day compared to their stock options. The surprising part? The price difference isn't as big as you'd think!

Plus, if anything goes wrong with your cabinet, you're working with a local business that'll actually help you out - so much easier than dealing with Home Depot or Lowe's customer service.

Your other option is Ready-to-Assemble - what we call RTA cabinets. Think of them like the IKEA of kitchen cabinets. Speaking of IKEA, they are one RTA option, but I have to warn you about their bathroom vanities - they use their own special system that only works with IKEA sinks. But if you do like their matching cabinets and sinks, they can be a pretty good value for the money.

3. Buying a Bathroom Vanity Online

Nowadays, if you're comfortable building your own bathroom vanity, online options are endless! Some popular cabinet brands worth checking out include plainfancycabinetry , TileandTop.com, and RTAStore.com.

It's important to note that if you order from these specialty websites, don't forget to factor in shipping costs. Shipping for a single cabinet can sometimes be surprisingly expensive.

Another online option is browsing home decor stores like Wayfair or Bed Bath & Beyond. These sites offer a wide selection of bathroom vanity styles, but the problem is that quality can vary. Some products are as flimsy as those found in big-box stores, while others are incredibly well-made. The challenge is knowing the real deal! However, you'll often find sleeker, more trendy designs here than at regular cabinet stores.

One other thing to note: these home decor websites often only offer very standard sizes, like 36 inches or 60 inches wide. I once needed a 42-inch vanity for one of my bathrooms—a not uncommon size—but I couldn't find it at any major online decor retailers.

So, if you do shop there, my best advice is: read the reviews carefully! Make sure you're buying something that's actually durable.

I have to say, though—I've had a fantastic experience shopping for bathroom vanities online! I once found a perfect vanity at a great price on TileandTop.com, and it was delivered right to my door. So, with a little patience and a little research, you can definitely find a vanity that's right for your bathroom and your budget.

Hopefully this helps you be a little more savvy when it comes to Bathroom Vanity Online, friends! Happy decorating!