Design a Delightful Bathroom with Antique Bathroom Vanities

An antique bathroom vanity can easily become the focal point of the whole room, beautifying not only its outward appearance, but enhancing its entire personality and character as well. Available in an endless variety of distinct wood designs, each uniquely different from the other but all adding an unmistakable air of charm and appeal, antique bathroom vanities are the finishing touch that somehow make the room far more comfortable yet elegant at the same time.

The sheer allure of antique bathroom vanities is an intriguing one as the history they represent coupled with the fine craftsmanship of days gone by is simply unrivaled. An antique bath vanity, created a hundred years ago or more, was made during a time when wood was the supreme material of choice and plastic was neither invented nor needed. There were no assembly lines and each and every piece was carefully created with a sense of great pride. Although many quality copies have been made throughout the years, nothing quite compares with an authentic antique vanity for the bathroom.

Antique bathroom vanities, like all types of antique furniture, are categorized according to their style or period and many can be rare collectibles that are rather expensive but worth their price for the most avid of collectors. The Renaissance era is a popular one for antique vanities as this period is characterized by ornate scrolls and arabesque carvings, while the Gothic period is easily identified by vivid, pointed lines and usually grandiose designs. Or, if lighter woods such as oak are more your style, pieces from the Early Colonial period with their simple, yet sturdy designs would probably be a better choice.

Many antique bath vanities made of fine woods like teak, sandalwood, and mahogany, while expensive, can create a stunning and majestic feel while offering years and years of regular use. Oak was the wood of choice prior to the 1700s, with walnut, maple, and cherry wood becoming popular thereafter.

Undeniably beautiful, antique vanities made from mahogany with gorgeous tops made from marble are equally as durable as they are visually appealing, a must-have quality for pieces in frequently used areas of the home. However, if a genuine antique vanity made of mahogany wood is out of your price range you may want to consider a more practical alternative such as an antique reproduction.

Traditional old world designs reminiscent of the Edwardian or Victorian eras are recreated to appeal to a variety of tastes and styles, and the unparalleled elegance of the Louis the XIV period is reproduced in high quality pieces that would be suitable for any size room. Reproductions can give your bathroom a quaint, charming look, one of opulent elegance, or if you prefer, something more along the lines of a folksy, rustic feel that lends warmth and creates an inviting aura throughout the room.

Shopping for antique bath vanities can be quite an enjoyable experience as you'll be sure to come across many different elegant and interesting pieces, but only if you know of the best places to look. If you're looking for personalized service and authenticity, shops and storefronts that specialize in antique vanities and similar older, quality pieces of wood furniture would be the smartest place to start.

But, if price is more of a concern, flea markets and antique fairs or dealers may be a better option for finding just the right piece to complete your bathroom. Auction houses can also be ideal for buying a reasonably priced antique vanity for your home as you'll save money by not paying the mark-up prices common of most smaller shops, and many auctions also offer guarantees.

Before actually buying an authentic antique bath vanity you will want to take plenty of time to learn as much as you can about the piece including important information such as the year it was manufactured, the name of the manufacturer, the type of hardware used in construction, and if possible, who the previous owners were.

Knowing some of this information will be helpful if you want to know if antique vanities were restored or when and how they were refurnished, also giving you a better idea as to their overall condition. Of course, visually inspecting both systematically and meticulously is always the surest way of assessing the quality of an antique bathroom vanity. Look for apparent signs of damage or other visible indications that an immediate restoration will be necessary.

When determining if a piece is an authentic antique, remember that nicks and small marks in the wood are common in genuine antique bathroom vanities as prior to the year 1860, all wood had to be hand cut, inevitably leaving behind tiny and completely unique imperfections. And, the original finishes used on the earliest of pieces will include milk, wax, and oil paints as lacquers and varnishes, like wood-cutting machines, also weren't yet invented until around the mid 1800s.

Whatever type of antique bathroom vanity you ultimately decide upon for your home, be sure you've taken the time to find that one perfect piece that will enhance the beauty of the room while giving you years of quality usage.