Welcome Back! Transforming a Dresser into a Bathroom Vanity
Repurposing with a passion!
Vanity after painting. I forgot to take a before picture.
Welcome back! Today, I want to share the story of my bathroom vanity project. With our beautiful clawfoot tub setting a historic tone in the bathroom, I felt it was essential to find a vanity that complemented its timeless charm. However, finding the perfect vanity proved challenging, as nothing seemed to match the size and style I envisioned.
That's when inspiration struck. I had previously purchased a dresser with a mirror from Wildcat Creek Emporium, intending to use it in my bedroom. The more I looked at it, the more I saw its potential as a bathroom vanity. Armed with my trusty hand sander, I set to work sanding off the old finish. I painted the dresser white and added black handles to the drawers. To highlight the beautiful grain, I decided to clear coat the top with a thick finish.
Ready for plumbing.
Finding the right sink and faucet was the next step. Thanks to Amazon, I discovered a white sink with black trim and an antique-looking black faucet that completed the look perfectly. Once we had everything set up, our favorite plumber returned to hook it all up. I did have to remove some wood from the back of the drawers to accommodate the plumbing, but it turned out beautifully, with room for baskets as storage underneath the vanity.
Finished!
The project mainly required some elbow grease, but the results were worth it. Now, I just need to decide what to do with the mirror that came with the dresser. It’s too wide to hang above the sink once the door trim is installed, but I’m sure I’ll find the perfect spot for it eventually.
My Advice for Repurposing Antiques into Vanities (and some from the internet):
Choosing the Right Piece:
Look for a sturdy antique dresser or cabinet that fits the space in your bathroom. Ensure it’s the right height and depth for a vanity .
Consider the style of the piece and how it will complement the overall design of your bathroom. Classic styles like Victorian or rustic pieces often work well .
2. Preparation and Restoration:Thoroughly clean the antique piece to remove any dirt, grime, or old paint. Use a gentle cleaner suitable for wood. I like Murphy’s.
Sand the piece to smooth out any rough areas and remove the old finish if you plan to repaint or stain it. You may have to fill cracks or crevices with wood putty.
3. Customization and Painting:
Decide whether to paint, stain, keep the natural finish or a combination . Painting can give an old piece a fresh look, while staining can highlight the natural beauty of the wood.
If painting, choose a color that complements your bathroom decor. Apply primer first, then several coats of paint, finishing with a protective sealant .
4. Cutting for Plumbing:
Measure and mark where the sink and plumbing fixtures will go. Use a jigsaw to cut out holes for the sink and plumbing pipes or a hole saw if you install a vessel sink. Take care not to damage the structural integrity of the piece.
Ensure there’s enough space for the sink bowl and faucet without compromising the drawer functionality . I had to put my faucet at the corner of the sink to have enough space.
5. Sealing and Waterproofing:
Apply a waterproof sealant to protect the wood from moisture, especially on the top surface and around any cut edges. This will prolong the life of your vanity and keep it looking good .
6. Adding Hardware and Fixtures:
Install the sink and faucet, making sure all plumbing connections are secure and leak-free.
Add new or refurbished hardware such as drawer pulls and knobs to match the overall aesthetic .
Incorporate baskets or organizers inside the drawers to keep toiletries and other items neatly stored .
Conclusion
Repurposing antiques into vanities is a rewarding project that adds character and uniqueness to your bathroom. It combines creativity, sustainability, and a touch of history, making your space truly one-of-a-kind.
What the Internet had to say:
References:
HGTV - Repurposing Old furniture into vanities
How to convert an old dresser into a vanity
Using Repurposed Furniture as a Bathroom Vanity
Stay tuned for more stories and projects as we continue to transform our log home!
