How to Turn a Kitchen Furniture Into a Vanity
Converting a unique piece of kitchen furniture into a vanity adds a customized touch to your bathroom. This technique is popular among designers and homeowners and provides a one-of-a-kind design element to any bathroom decor. Look for a furniture piece that offers a functional storage area and a top to accommodate a sink and faucet. You can create your own vanity with basic do-it-yourself skills and tools.
Items Needed
- Kitchen furniture piece
- Measuring tape
- Hole saw
- Vessel sink
- Faucet
- Caulk
- Adhesive
Instructions
- Measure the space available for the vanity. Write down the maximum length, depth and height measurements for the vanity. Allow 2 inches to the length if you plan to add a granite or stone vanity top.
- Select a piece of kitchen furniture to use as a vanity. Buffets, sideboards, tables and antique cabinets work well for the conversion. Find furniture at thrift stores, antique stores, garage sales or salvage stores. Look for a design with either no drawer or a deep drawer at the top.
- Choose a sink to use on the vanity. A vessel sink requires the least amount of cutting and modifications. Placement of a drop in sink requires additional depth to accommodate the sink and plumbing. Select a faucet to complement the style of your bathroom. Notice that some faucets only need one hole for installation, others require three holes.
- Set the furniture piece in the bathroom and slide it into the space. Use a pencil to mark where the plumbing enters the back of the vanity. Place the vessel sink and faucet on top of the vanity. Make adjustments to align with plumbing. Use a pencil to mark the locations.
- Use a hole saw to cut hole in the vanity top for the faucet and vessel sink drain. Cut a hole in the back of the furniture piece for the drain and water lines. Move the vanity against the wall.
- Place the sink in position. Use adhesive to secure it to the vanity top. Mount the faucet in its location. Attach the drain and water lines to the sink and faucet. Make sure there is plenty of clearance for the plumbing. Make modifications to drawers if necessary.
- Use an “L” bracket to secure the vanity to the wall and stabilize the vanity. The “L” bracket attaches to the back of the vanity and then to a stud in the wall. Finish the project with a bead of caulk around the base of the sink and the faucet. This prevents water from seeping under the sink and faucet and damaging the furniture.