Antique furniture can add old-world charm and spectacular allure to just about any room in your home; it is no wonder then that almost every homeowner and interior designer includes a piece of antique furniture in their creation. There are several varieties to choose from when buying these extraordinary furniture pieces reflecting the craftsmanship and opulence of a bygone era. Antique bathroom vanities are very popular and most homeowners would love to embellish their bathroom which is often the inner sanctum of any home with an impressive antique bathroom vanity. So, here is a look at what you should look for and where you can buy an antique vanity.
What is so spectacular about antique bathroom vanities?
These intriguing pieces will often be the focal point of your bathroom rendering the space a classy touch. Unlike the cheap, plastic, or even ceramic monstrosities that are a part of most modern homes; these antique vanities were a labor of love and effort; created to reflect the artist’s style and talent. Unlike the recent plastic versions; these antique vanities have none of the commonalities associated with mass production bathroom vanity units. An antique bathroom vanity will have its fair share of imperfections all of which give it an intriguing quality; almost a personality of its own. Buying an antique vanity will not only give your bathroom a catchy look today but the piece will serve as a family heirloom for generations.
What are the different types of antique bathroom vanities available in the market?
Like all other antique furniture; vanities were also made to reflect the artistic period in which they were created; for instance, you could get antique vanities that are reflective of the following styles:
Gothic:
Influenced by the architecture of churches; the gothic style is characterized by sharp arches and buttresses that counterbalance them coupled with an emphasis on vertical grandiose and open tracery
Early Colonial:
As the name suggests; furniture pieces created in this style are reflective of the colonial period; you will usually see carved oak Hadley chests and other pieces from the period.
Renaissance: Inspired by the Italian Renaissance period; you will generally see oak furniture created in this style, complete with arabesque cravings and scroll with a horizontal emphasis.
What are the colors to consider when buying an antique bathroom vanity?
Although there are numerous colors to choose from when purchasing antique vanities; two colors that stand out are mahogany and white. While the former creates an eye-catching look with lighter tiles and color the latter is perfect for a bathroom decorated in dark shades. You can get mahogany in a dark deep red, dark brown, or a mixture of the two shades. Mahogany is not only famed for its rich color but the wood is remarkably durable hence ideal for the bathroom. White antique bathroom vanities are available in pure white, off-white, and ivory and enamel work is used to give these pieces stunning colors.
How to buy/get antique bathroom vanities for your home?
So, now that you know how an antique bathroom vanity can add a touch of luxury and comfort to your bathroom; here is a look at how you can get/buy these antique vanities
The first option is to look for an authentic piece; although this would mean hours spent scouring through the various antique shops and even rummaging through the garage and estate sales when you find one; the piece will be worth every minute that you spent looking for it. The only drawback here is that authentic antiques can be quite expensive; also, many of them are in a less than desirable shape and will need some serious restoration work. The benefit of purchasing an authentic piece is that its value multiplies over time and such a piece often turns into a family heirloom passed from generation to generation.
The second option is to choose a new, antique bathroom vanity; the term is an antithesis of sorts but there are several designers who make new bathroom vanities that have the same appeal and look like an authentic antique. Also, these are often available at less than half the price of genuine antique bathroom vanity.
The third option is to convert an existing antique cabinet into a bathroom vanity. This can be a difficult task if you are not particularly fond of the woodwork; however, if you already own an impressive-looking antique cabinet, a local handyman should be able to convert it into a vanity easily.
If you don’t already own an antique bathroom vanity; you should definitely consider getting yourself one; after all, your bathroom should be the most inviting place in your home where you can spend a quiet hour relaxing and an antique vanity can add greatly to its ambiance.