Vanities

• A bathroom vanity is comprised of a cabinet, countertop, sink and mirror, and is the room’s center of operations. The vanity can be a self-contained cabinet with these features, or made up of separate components, including a freestanding sink, wall mirror, countertop and cabinets with shelves or drawers for storing toiletry and grooming items. Vanities are available in styles ranging from antique to modern, and made from wood, plastic and particleboard.
  
  

Sinks

• Bathroom sinks are typically inserted into vanity countertops with their tops flush with the surrounding counter. Vessel sinks sit atop the counter, similar to pump-filled wash basins that were used before the advent of indoor plumbing. Sink materials include porcelain, cast iron, stone, glass, stainless steel, copper and brass. Fixtures for sinks can set the tone for the rest of the decor. Faucets come in sleek, modern designs as well as old-fashioned gooseneck styles, and spigot handles range from single-control-lever models to ornate twist handles made from antique-finished metals and porcelain.
  
  

Cabinets

• Depending on the size and layout of the bathroom, cabinets range from small and dainty to large and practical. Tiny bathrooms often have only a wall cabinet to hold small bottles of toiletries and medicines, while larger ones have upper and lower cabinets to store towels, washcloths, toilet tissue, first-aid supplies and bulk containers of shampoo, body wash and soap.
  
  

Shelves

• Bathrooms shelves provide easy access to frequently used items. Shelves near the tub and shower store bath towels and washcloths, and those in the vanity area frequently provide space for makeup mirrors, hair dryers and styling tools. Tiered shelving units held in place by pressure bars fit into corners in the tub/shower area hold razors, hair-care products, loofah sponges and other bath products.
  
  

Accessories

• You can add many accessories to the bathroom for practical or aesthetic reasons. For extra space to dry wet towels, you can install an over-the-door towel rack that fits snugly over the top of the bathroom door so it can still be opened and closed. There are also freestanding toilet-tissue holders, electric towel warming racks and decorative countertop holders for toothbrushes or cotton swabs.