Help with bathroom vanity and sink

Question

Looking for ideas to redo the old bathroom.

Lori Verni-Fogarsi · Answer

This looks to me like a pretty functional vanity, so I'm thinking you could keep the unit itself and just fix it up. If it were me, I would get a new, granite countertop, and a 'half in half out' sink, and new faucet. By doing this type of sink, The functioning height will be taller, like today's vanities are. I'd paint the vanity all one color, and if it's in the budget I would put pull-out storage in the cabinets underneath. I'm attaching a photo where I did something like this. Good luck with your project!

Obi11575148 · Answer

you could pull out the old vanity, use an old dresser or buffet, put a bowl sink and fixtures

Emily · Answer

I would only change one thing.  See the space between the two windows?  Put a small shelf there  make it be sort of like a bin, with the height being the same as the molding at the bottom of the windows. Set your toiletries in there, keeping the counter top free.  You have a very unique and attractive vanity with a porcelain sink.  IMHO home owners make a big mistake in destroying these vintage features.

Emily · Answer

I forgot to say, paint the storage bin, the same as the window frames.

Lyn · Answer

I totally agree with Emily.  Changing the paint colour would make a huge difference if the green is bugging you, also, the shower curtain is looking a  tad dated-I'd go with a plain one-or try a vintagie look-maybe a shower curtain with flamingos? If you are planning on selling-have your realtor talk up the bathroom. Tons of people love that type of bathroom (just sayin')

Cheryl Markus Reynolds · Answer

Since the sink leaks and is 85 years old, I would definitely replace it along with the countertop. The rest of it looks like it's in pretty decent shape. If you wish to, you could  change color scheme. But I would do  contrasting colors like shown in the picture. I also agree with Emily. Between the windows put some shelves or a cabinet to store your toiletries leaving the countertop empty or with a decorative flower arrangement.

Rynn · Answer

I would definitely enlarge the mirror. Then, I would just get out my sandpaper and distress the cabinet. This color combo is in style in the distressed version. Sand it back until you see wood in some areas. You'd be surprised at the difference . I like Emily's idea of adding a shelf or 'bin' between the windows.  If there is still too much green, paint the walls an off white/creamy color similar to the counter top. Best wishes!

Judy · Answer

I like the look of this and I oppose the throw away mentality we have developed in decor.  I would keep it as is if the sink is intact and just change leaking faucet  and I would make the front of vanity either all green or all cream-the two colors and the busyness of tile and sink are not cohesive .

Judy · Answer

also change the handles to  something more Era appropriate-

Lizzy L · Answer

I would rip off the top and put in a quartz countertop with a large rectangle trough sink with 2 faucets. Then paint out the vanity in white, and add new knobs. I would also paint the walls in a soft grey and replace the outdated shower curtain. Check Pinterest and Houzz for ideas. Here's a photo of the type of sink I would do. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/314759461434085...

Michelle · Answer

I love the vintage look of the tile counter top. I say keep it if it isnt cracked. But you may damage it if you replace the sink, which it probably needs.  Is the cabinet in good condition and wood? If so refinishing in a wood tone would give you a new look.  Unless you re very good with plumbing I would hire a plumber, you never know what you are getting into with old plumbing!

LuAnn Roberts · Answer

If you want to keep what you have, just update the paint and handles on the cabinet.  You can even paint the tiles if you like.

Laurie · Answer

I just used a spray Stone paint on my downstairs bathroom counter top and sealed it with a water based clear coat! It looks fabulous. Just paint your vanity a striking colour that will blend with the colours you are looking for. Get a new mirror or remodel the old one. Cost of the counter top was $14 as I had the sealer already. Had to use 2 cans of stone spray.
There are some ideas on Pintrest for redoing tile countertops.

Susan Bellwood · Answer

Fix whatever is leaking, new faucets, paint the green and the vanity, new handles and a new mirror.   If the counter is in good shape, leave it alone, or you could use a countertop kit.  Otherwise, it is unique and really cool.

Kathy Ireland · Answer

I wouldn't replace the top or sink unless it is damaged. It is awesome and vintage. Paint the entire cabinet a glossy black and replace the handles. Paint the mirror frame and the window ledges black as well. Black and white wallpaper or tile and a new matching shower curtain is all you need then!

Jart57 · Answer

I just saw one with cement.  They applied the cement with their hands to the sink then smoothed out after it set up (they sanded just enough). Then they troweled and leveled the counter tops without using side support.  They kept drain in sink as removing it caused leaking.  They did a few coats and then sealed it.  It has been a year and it looks the same.  No leaks.

IFortuna · Answer

Probably just need new gaskets in the faucets if they leak.  This is easy.  If you strip the cabinets they will look nicer than just painting.  The many layers already on the cabinets just doesn't look very nice when painted over again and again.  New hardware does wonders.  The counter top and tile are beautiful and I would not touch them or they may be ruined.  In which case they would have to be removed and new counters put in.  This is very expensive.  I would also repaint the walls and definitely not black for the cabinetry.  I would paint the cabinets all one color though.    Fresh paint always seems to make a room so much nicer. : )  Best of luck!

Bernadette Staal · Answer

What an unusual vanity unit.  I would start by getting rid of the green by painting the walls white.  Then having another look at what you have and maybe use more white to accent other features or bring in a bit of black or the darker tone that you have on the vanity top.

NancyMaria · Answer

Art Deco...fix the pluming and change the shower curtain to a more dramatic color to match the rest to paint it yourself.  The look is awesome.

Lisa Jenkins · Answer

Replace it

Gail · Answer

Use a thin layer of concrete on the sink and top. I did it and it works great. Get feather lite cement. Use your hands to put it on.

Bor10527877 · Answer

I'd replace it with a pedestal sink placed between the windows, & go from there.

Jennifer Purdy · Answer

I happen to like the sink/vanity.  It is unique!  Lots of storage as well as counter space.   Not a fan of all the green paint , it makes the room a bit stuffy maybe?  I would choose a lighter color for the walls, paint the vanity bright white, and replace the shower curtain to something lighter as well.  Maybe shutters on the bottom or 3/4 of the Windows to allow in some natural light as well.

Sandra. Jackson · Answer

You need to repainted it all, it would look better with a white cabinet and a different colour on. The walls, maybe a yellow to brighten  them up,

Judith Alexander · Answer

I love the sink/vanity.  All the counter space is wonderful, and I love that retro look.  Must get rid of that green, though.  Makes it look very old and dated.  Maybe mix white with a nice blue to accent the black tile on the edges.

Rita Wenger · Answer

I would keep the vanity cabinet, but paint it all white, keep same hardware, it's fine. Then I'd replace the vanity top with laminate and add a drop-in white sink, with a pretty new faucet, nickel to match hardware. I'd do the walls in Sherwin Williams'  Intellectual Gray (SW 7045), trim in white, and new frosted white shower curtain. Here's a pic of a bath I just redid, same colors I just described. And we love it!

Karen Puckett · Answer

I would start by replacing the counter with tile. Then I'd paint the cabinet doors, drawers and window sills with matching stenciling

Lea Swenson · Answer

Painting the cabinet all one color will update it. White or off white is timeless and clean looking. There is a great product called Giani for painting countertops. You can make it look like granite or marble. It's fantastic and I have used it many times even in rentals and it is very durable. Go to their FB page for photos. I would change out the handles to something sleek and simple and then paint the wall color a soft grey. You will have an updated bathroom with a little work and not a big expense.

Deanna Nassar · Answer

Looking over other comments only one addressed the leak.   If you want or need new faucets stick with a similar style.   If it's drippy faucets you need new washers.  If the drain pipe is leaking it should be a simple replacement with a new pipe.    A fresh coat of paint would do wonders.  Pull out drawers and take off doors.  Remove handles and hinges unless you want them painted too...not a good idea.  Paint only the outside part of drawers.  If you paint inside it could cause them to stick.  If you shop for new hardware take along one of old ones for size comparing.  If you change them totally pick up some wood putty to fill holes before you paint.  The faux counter top treatments are nice but the one our apartment complex picked meant we had to stay elsewhere over night and they could not be used until next night.    Adding a shelf or two is nice if you have enough space that you won't be banging into them or knocking off stuff.  Since your wall plug is to left of sink you might want to put the shelf over there.

Nancy Gramm · Answer

I'm with keeping the top. It's a fab Art Deco design. Definitely paint the cabinet one color, fix whatever leaks, add a new shower curtain. I like Emily's idea of the bin, but IMO it should be a little higher than the window sills, just beneath the mirror, which, btw, I also like what I can see of. Freshen the room up, lighten it up, and it'll be gorgeous, without spending much at all.

Help with bathroom vanity and sink

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Help with bathroom vanity and sink

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