Asked on Apr 10, 2021

Hiding plumbing on floating Vanity

I had a contractor install a floating bathroom vanity. Without my prior knowledge the vanity did not fit correctly with the existing plumbing from walls. They installed it like this (see photo). I was disturbed beyond! They suggested I order a different vanity one with legs or a box to be built around the plumbing to hide. I like the vanity and want to end this project asap. Looking for any suggestions on how to hide without taking up too much real estate on the shelf which I initially planned to use for towels and toilet paper

  18 answers
  • You won't be able to return that vanity for another one since they cut a hole in it. My suggestion is to cut a think piece of plywood to fit the hole they made. Stain it to match and then add baskets for your towels and toilet paper. A basket in front will hid it.

    • Me Me on Apr 13, 2021

      Paint the pipe and surrounding wall. Add your baskets, etc.

  • Judy in Canton. Judy in Canton. on Apr 10, 2021

    Purchase a piece of vinyl flooring - they come in many styles and colors- and cut it to fil on the floor of cabinet. It will be easier to clean and still leave access to the shut off valve.

  • Hb Hb on Apr 10, 2021

    grab yourself some matching wood , make a 3 sided box just big enough to fit around the cut hole and the drain and goes all the way to the back wall ., Slide it in place and then use either side of the 3 sided box to store incidentals , towels maybe or if you like some kind of bathroom themed ornaments.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Apr 10, 2021

    All are good suggestions, such an awful job they did to it, so sorry. My thought would be to remove the bottom shelf (the part with the hole in it), if at all possible, and reconstruct a new one that fits better. It would have a "U" shaped opening that is not a gaping ragged hole.

    Or more cheaply, put in a tension rod with a small curtain to cover the damage.

  • William William on Apr 10, 2021

    All they needed was to cut a 3" slot for the P trap and fabricate a three sided box like Hb suggests. What you can do is just fabricate a three sided box to cover the P trap. Anither option, Like Redcatcec suggests with a little DIY, is get a shelf or plywood to fit the space, measure and cut the slot for the P trap and slide on top of the existing shelf. Stain it as close to the vanity color. Then make a three sided box to cover the P trap. I once had to cut a slot in the back of a vanity drawer and fabrcate a three sided box cause the P trap was in the way.

  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Apr 10, 2021

    If adding a box to the vanity isn't what you had in mind the first thought I had was a shallow wicker basket that could sit in front, hide the plumbing and provide some storage.

  • Buy some thin MDF and cut to fit in a U shape

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Apr 11, 2021

    Hello. I would suggest cutting a piece of wood, carpeting or even fabric covered foam board to make a new bottom base for this eyesore.

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Apr 11, 2021

    your question has posted several times be sure to look at the answers provided for you

  • Dee Dee on Apr 11, 2021

    If you cannot make a 3 sided box, which would be the ideal way to hide this area. Get a basket, and put it in front of the pipes. You can even add 2 more baskets for your towels and t paper to the sides.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Apr 12, 2021

    So sorry he did this to you. Make sure to leave bad reviews with a few photos so others are warned. You could try and replace the entire shelf as suggest and just cut a "U" to allow for the pipe. Since you are going to use for large and light weight items, ask if he has the piece he cut out so you could put a piece of it back in. If not, you could piece something same thickness to cover part of the gap. I think someone suggesting flooring, if you have some of what matches left over, that would be great or go with some fun design.

  • Annie Annie on Apr 12, 2021

    I would remove the self and build a new shelf that is in two pieces and make it easily removable. Looks like they made quite a mess....

  • Paint the pipe and use the things you planned on storing in the shelf to hide the pipe, towels and stuff

  • Deb K Deb K on Apr 13, 2021

    Hi Melissa, here are a few ideas for you to check out,


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  • Maria Maria on Apr 07, 2024

    Ran into a somewhat similar snag with my bathroom reno. We had this sleek floating vanity that ended up clashing with the plumbing setup, and like you, I didn't want to lose storage space or compromise the look. I got some advice from a local plumber. Ended up going with a custom slim decorative panel that matched the vanity to conceal the pipes, offering a clean look without sacrificing too much space. Plus, it was removable for access to the plumbing if needed.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Apr 07, 2024

    To be honest, The plumber/contractor mad a pigs ear of the shelf when they cut it to be able to fit the vanity! That being said, I guess you could add another shelf below the existing shelf to both hide and give additional storage and then fit a pelmet or curtain wire and curtain across underneath to hide it!

  • Dee Dee on Apr 12, 2024

    You can make a 3 sided box, or buy an under the counter tray from Amazon. Personally, I would go to local thrift stores and look for a pretty basket or even a set of baskets to place around the pipe.