Bathroom Vanities with Seating Provide Style and Extra Space

A bathroom vanity with integrated seating provides the best of both worlds--stylish storage and extra sitting area. This elegant yet highly functional addition transforms an ordinary vanity into a comfortable spot for relaxation or beauty routines. With the right vanity and seating combo, you can create a spa-like oasis in your own home.

Unlike a typical vanity, a vanity with seating invites you to take your time primping, reading, or simply unwinding. The seating offers a place to perch when blowdrying hair, tweezing brows, or applying makeup. Seniors and those with disabilities find the seating provides a welcome resting spot. And you gain discreet storage space by choosing a vanity with a bench including built-in drawers or cubbies.

Benefits of Bathroom Vanities with Seating

A bathroom vanity with seating provides a surprising number of benefits beyond just extra sitting space:

• Convenient place for makeup, grooming, and hair styling routines
• Comfortable seating for seniors or those with disabilities
• Extra storage space in the vanity bench or stool
• Elegant focal point in bathroom decor
• Relaxing space for spa-like pampering

Having a dedicated seating area transforms your daily beauty ritual. You can comfortably apply makeup without crouching over the sink or balancing precariously on the edge of the bathtub. The seating provides a stable spot for tweezing eyebrows, styling hair, or performing other primping tasks.

For seniors or those with disabilities, the seating allows a restful place to catch your breath or regain strength between standing tasks. The seat conveniently doubles as a dressing perch when getting ready.

Many vanity benches or stools include handy hidden storage. Lift the seat to access capacious drawers perfect for stowing extra towels, toiletries, and beauty supplies. Some bench styles feature open cubby storage to corrall items like rolled towels, bins of cotton balls, or stacked washcloths.

The seating area becomes an elegant focal point in the decor. Tufted, scalloped, or skirted bench seats complement traditional bathroom styles. Simple contemporary stools pair well with modern vanities. The seating finishes the look while adding real functionality.

Finally, the vanity seating lets you indulge in spa-like pampering right at home. Light a candle, put on a mask, and relax on the bench with a glass of wine or book. It provides a little respite from busy days.

Popular Styles of Bathroom Vanities with Seated Areas

Vanity benches and stools come in an array of styles to match any decor. Consider these popular options when selecting seating:

• Traditional vanities with tufted bench
• Transitional vanities with padded stool
• Contemporary vanities with modern bench
• Double vanities with seating in between
• Corner vanities with L-shaped bench

A tufted bench padded with button accents pairs beautifully with traditional clawfoot or antique-inspired vanities. The classic buttoned bench exudes old-world charm. Skirted bases maintain the vintage vibe while hiding drawer storage.

For a versatile transitional look, try a vanity with a padded round-top stool. The soft stool cushions offer comfort along with the clean-lined silhouette. Choose bonded leather or linen in soothing neutral hues.

Contemporary vanities shine with simple streamlined benches or square stools. Look for sleek benches with polished metal bases and crisp upholstery. Angled legs and open-frame stools lend airy appeal. Lucite and acrylic stools add modern flair.

Double vanities call for a bench or stool centered between the two sinks. This makes smart use of the middle space.Floating benches work nicely here. Or opt for his and hers stools in different styles tailored to each user.

Tuck a corner vanity with L-shaped seating neatly into an unused area. The wraparound bench utilizes every inch. Choose a triangular stool for even more niche appeal. A corner vanity opens up new layout options.

Choosing the Right Vanity and Seating

When selecting a vanity with seating, consider the size and configuration of your bathroom as well as your needs. Keep these tips in mind:

• Consider bathroom dimensions and layout
• Select comfortable, durable seating material
• Match vanity and seating colors and finishes
• Allow proper clearance for legs and knees
• Choose storage or no storage based on needs

First, look at the size and floorplan of your bathroom. Measure to make sure the vanity and seating combo fits the space without feeling too bulky. Allow enough clearance around and in front of the vanity for opening drawers and doors.

Also consider plumbing locations to select single or double vanity configurations. Corner vanities work well in small or awkward bathrooms. Just be sure to allow accessible pathways to the toilet and shower.

Select durable, easy-care seating materials like leather, vinyl, or stain-resistant fabrics. Tufted upholstery offers classic styling while acrylic and plastic stools provide modern options. Comfort is key--be sure to sit-test any contoured stools.

Choose vanity and seating finishes that coordinate. Matching wood stains, paint colors, and hardware finishes create a cohesive look. Contrasting stool finishes can complement the vanity rather than compete.

Check that the bench or stool height allows you to comfortably rest your feet on the floor. Legs shouldn't dangle awkwardly. Nor should your knees bump uncomfortably into the vanity underside.

Finally, decide if integrated storage suits your needs. Drawers or open shelves provide excellent hiding spots for toiletries and bath linens. Or maximize legroom with seating sans storage space.

Seating Options and Placement

From standalone stools to undermount benches, seating choices are diverse. Consider functionality and placement as well:

• Freestanding stools or benches
• Vanity stools attached to the counter
• Undermount drawers for hidden storage
• Backless stools for flexibility
• Movable vs fixed benches or stools

Freestanding stools tuck neatly beneath a vanity when not in use. Look for a stool height that aligns with the vanity's countertop for easy seated use. Freestanding benches can float elegantly in front of a vanity.

Attached upholstered stools mount to the side or center of a vanity countertop. These offer casual seating without taking up floor space. Consider saddle-style, round top, or geometric stools.

Maximize hidden storage with a vanity bench or stool with lift-up seat revealing capacious drawers inside. These seats seamlessly blend in without revealing their secret stashes.

Backless stools provide flexible seating that tucks out of the way against the wall when not needed. Round rattan or woven stools work well here. Lucite and acrylic options have minimal profiles.

Movable stools or benches can slide against the vanity or be pulled out as needed. Look for lightweight yet stable seats with rubber feet that won't damage floors. Permanently placed benches integrate as part of the vanity itself.

Use these creative ideas to fashion a functionally chic vanity seating vignette:

• Add cushions or towel to bench for comfort
• Incorporate seating into overall bathroom theme
• Use baskets or trays for organizing bench storage
• Floating vanities create illusion of more space
• Lighting highlights vanity and seating area