Asked on Nov 15, 2017

How to refinish this into a bathroom sink vanity?

Tony Doornbos
by Tony Doornbos
found this at a refind store, thinking of making it into a bathroom vanity and putting in a sink. Any idea how to finish this? Wood, mirror and marble tops (3)
  13 answers
  • Holly Kinchlea-Brown Holly Kinchlea-Brown on Nov 15, 2017

    Gorgeous and great idea! I would put it on a recessed platform (create a toe kick) to raise it to an appropriate level, put the sink in the middle (one of the tabletop varieties) you will have to drill a hole in the middle marble for the plumbing and will also lose the use of the middle drawers because if the plumbing. You can either leave the piece as is if there are no condition issues or decide if you'd like to strip and restrain, or paint. In either case I would probably want to put new sealant designed for kitchens/bathroom moisture

  • Tony Doornbos Tony Doornbos on Nov 16, 2017

    I like the idea of raising it up! what would you use to drill a hole thru the marble?

  • Bijous Bijous on Nov 16, 2017

    Use marine varnish to finish. It will make it water proof. Great piece of furniture.

    • See 1 previous
    • Bijous Bijous on Nov 16, 2017

      You asked about drilling the hole in the marble. This is old marble. Personally, I'd take it off and have it professionally done. Check at your local stone yard as to who could do this for you. They may even provide this service.

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Nov 16, 2017

    That looks to be such a beautiful antique in great condition. I would not use it in a bathroom as doing anything to it will not only decrease the value, but end up being one less beautiful memory of a fast eroding past.

    If it's just a copy - raise it up so the center is at counter level and have at it! I'd put a floating glass or copper bowl on it rather than a sink in the top.

  • Bj Moore Bj Moore on Nov 16, 2017

    I think it would make a beautiful sink. I would remove all 3 pcs of marble and replace it with one continuous pc of counter top across the top. Add a glass bowl sink and your faucets angled off to one corner of the bowl. I would also raise it to counter height with leg adjustments.

  • Angela Bahling Angela Bahling on Nov 16, 2017

    I vote for vessel bowl on top on the middle piece!


    In regard to not being able to use the drawers due to plumbing: make the drawers less deep so the plumbing fits but you could still use the drawers.

  • 9530106 9530106 on Nov 16, 2017

    Victorian Marble top vanity. Sell for upwards of $1000 around here. I would not tear it up, so beautiful, and not that easy to come by. They did not know what they had!

  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on Nov 16, 2017

    Brings a tear to my eye......looks like my Grandma's vanity. Seriously. What a beautiful piece of furniture. Great find. I too would attach legs to the bottom of the vanity to raise it up off the floor, then have a hole drilled into the center of the middle marble piece and add a round white vessel sink. You could have a tall single water faucet installed off center either side of the sink (would need another drilled hole for this), but all worth every effort. You're going to have that Grand Luxury Room everyone's wanted. Best of luck.

  • Sam green Sam green on Nov 17, 2017

    This is a beautiful piece, may i first suggest u check and see if its a true antique or a replica. I have one similar w a few differences such as curved front drawers and a bit more carving detail threw out. It does match the a full size bed that is with it and last appraisal i received an estimated $7,000 for the set. Note: the one i have does need some tlc, and was told with proper care the value could be increased. Your appears from the photo to be in wonderful shape. Now i realize this is your piece and an amazing find but it could change your mind on how you what to use it.


    On the other hand if its a replica or you still want to transform it into a vanity. I could envision a glass style bowl for your sink. With risers to bring it up to the desired hight. The mirror on the back is detachable for transportation purposes, but you could use that opportunity to lift and hang the mirror a bit higher on the wall. And if staying with the time of this beautiful piece looking for replica oil lamps that have bulbs in them to place on the lamp holders on each side of the mirror or can find something w the style of edison bulbs that would provide enough light.


    But how ever u choose to use this piece im sure it will be beautiful and make a wonderful addition to your home.

  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Nov 17, 2017

    Hi there, I'm commenting because everyone seemed to like the idea of the sink being in the middle and I wanted to put in my two scents. I think, instead of in the middle, I would put a vessel sink (clear glass bowl) on either side or on just one side :) That would give you the option of it being a double vanity without having to alter it by raisin it up. What a beautiful piece!

  • Brooklyn Brooklyn on Nov 18, 2017

    Love the Idea of a Double Sink. How Cool & Unique.


    I get the part about not altering an antique.


    But In My Opinion ---- Give It New Life and Enjoy it and Use it, vs. collecting dust in the corner of a room somewhere.


    The value may be good as is, but Repourposed in a useful and creative way may just give it a higher value and instill a sence of pupose and function .


    Enjoy it !!!

  • Nancy Nancy on Dec 02, 2017

    Here's how I successfully did this to my grandmothers dresser 25 years ago and I love it! Get one piece of marble for the entire top with a hole cut for a sink. Remove the inside wooden panels of the sides of the raised sections and use the wood to make a front panel to cover the bottom of the sink. A previous writer is correct that you do not have to sacrifice the drawers. Just make them shallower or form an indentation for the plumbing. I have attached three pictures, one which shows some carving I did to make it match. Nancy in Memphis.

  • Nancy Nancy on Dec 02, 2017

    oops middle picture of drawer is upside down. Sorry