Your vanity is the centrepiece of your bathroom. It's where people stop when they first enter and leave the room-whether it's to fix makeup, wash hands, or check their appearance. Replacing your vanity can give your bathroom a fresh look without the cost and commitment of a complete redesign.

"Bathroom vanity" generally refers to the mirror and lighting over the sink; the sink and countertop; and the cabinetry beneath. Many vanities incorporate medicine cabinets behind mirrors; others have freestanding pedestal sinks without cabinets beneath. When buying a new bathroom vanity, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1)Style that fits your bathroom. Bathroom vanities come in many styles-from ornate antique pieces involving richly carved cabinets and gilt mirrors to sleek, modern styles with glass sinks and steel fixtures

But the vanity you choose must fit the décor of the rest of your bathroom, or it won't look quite right. You may fall in love with that richly carved Louis XVII cabinetry and marble countertop, but if the rest of your bathroom is functional tile, it won't improve the look of your room. Pick a vanity that will look good in your bathroom-or you'll need to make significant changes to make a new style fit.

2)A size that fits the room. The bathroom vanity you choose shouldn't overwhelm the bathroom-a large, ornate antique vanity set with a thick, framed mirror would definitely look out of place in a compact water closet. However, it will look equally out of place if it's too small; a sleek glass sink on a pedestal might look a bit diminutive in a vast master bedroom as well. When looking for a vanity, choose one that fits the space you have-not the space you wish you had.

3)A realistic amount of storage. If you don't have a lot of storage space elsewhere in your Bathrooms, you'll probably need that space beneath the sink. Pedestal sinks can be stunning, but they can also cut down on the space you have to keep bathroom essentials such as toilet paper and cleaning supplies. Medicine cabinets are also essential for toothbrushes, toothpastes, medications, and grooming supplies-so unless you have room for a cabinet elsewhere in your bathroom, choose a vanity that makes efficient use of space.

4)Lighting that works. Many bathroom vanities come with light fixtures over the mirrors The lighting by your vanity is important-it needs to be both bright and flattering. Frosted glass can soften bright light and give more flattering illumination. Overhead lights cast harsh shadows; sconces on either side of the mirror will make the lighting more even.

5)The right countertop. The countertop can be made of marble, stone, laminate, tile, or a wide variety of other materials. Look for a surface that's smooth, durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. Whatever material you choose, your countertop should be all one piece, free of seams and cracks that can collect dirt. In addition, look for a countertop with a backsplash so that your walls stay clean and dry.

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