Furnishing the bathroom
Dear Debbie: We have a nice old hand-me-down chest of drawers from my grandmother and were thinking of putting it in our bathroom. What do we need to know to reconfigure it to hold a sink? I would like to use a vessel sink. Thanks for any ideas. — David
Dear David: It’s a great idea to customize your bathroom with a piece of vintage furniture. It will add lots of character and you’ll have a story to tell.
There are a few points to consider. The dresser should be sturdy, preferably built with solid wood, so that it can withstand the weight of the sink and faucets.
The drawers will have to be removed and reconfigured as doors to make room for the plumbing. Think about water splashing over onto the wood top, or down the front and sides. Wood will eventually warp.
Consider adding a water-proof top such as slate or marble. If the space on the top of your dresser is an issue install taps and faucet on the wall.
Vanities tailored to look like a piece of furniture are a popular trend and respected bath companies such as Kohler have a system in place that allows you to combine a custom design with stock items. You choose the size, style, finish, storage, top, sink and accessories and they pull it all together.
Shown here, Kohler’s stylish Poplin vanities in Felt Grey allow for ample room in a master bath to prepare for the day. The Margaux sink faucet and lever handles gleam in Vibrant Polished Nickel, the same finish on the Purist wall sconces. www.kohler.com, tailored vanities.