The Allure of an Antique Vanity – Maurice& Furnishings – Jupiter

Add Style to Your Bathroom With an Antique Vanity

 

What is it about an antique vanity in the bathroom especially that makes it so incredibly alluring? Bathrooms long ago were furnished entirely by the hands of highly trained and skilled artisans who understood the value of art, beauty and quality materials. This was before the modern assembly line came to dominate all aspects of production and made everything take on a similar look. Many people are now considering an antique vanity now when remodeling or renovating their bathrooms.

Antique furniture certainly creates a one of a kind majestic style bathroom. Both true antiques and many reproductions are available for remodelers, but is an antique vanity right for your style of home?

Most bathroom and home designers believe the vanity is the focal point of a bathroom. It should grab your attention and capture your imagination, leaving an indelible imprint in your mind’s eye. When you walk into a room that has an antique vanity in it, you should get the feeling like you are traveling back to a time when all furnishings were constructed by hand for that genuine sense of regal-ness that is all too often missing now from modern processed items.

Antique Vanity Challenges

 

There can be several challenges in designing a bathroom around an antique.
Obviously everything else in the bathroom should also fit the period (Victorian, for example) and the design style. Knobs, handles and drawer pulls must be appropriate for the original design of the furniture. Fixtures and fittings must also match.

The surface material must be a natural material (marble or stone) to match the period of the antique.
Ideally a claw foot tub is chosen, and if there is a shower area this must also fit with the design of the vanity. The shower should be hand-held and the curtain ideally suspended from a circular rod surrounding the entire tub with rungs to match.

An antique vanity will be made of a natural wood. Typically, these were built of oak, walnut, pine, cherry and mahogany. One of the most attractive characteristics of the antique is the warmth of the natural wood. No two vanities will ever be exactly alike.

Antique Vanity Reproductions or Custom Made

 

One alternative is the reproduction of an antique vanity. A wide array of styles and sizes are available from most dealers. It is possible for you to shop for the style you want in the wood finish of your choice and with the surface material you prefer.

Or, if you are inventive and use your own ideas and personal flourishes you could create your own unique custom made antique vanity which will surely make the most interesting conversation piece out of your bathroom!

Although it is possible to find antique vanity reproductions in real mahogany, cherry, walnut or other natural woods, most reproductions are made of maple and a finish is applied to create the appearance of more expensive woods. The work of a high quality cabinet maker will be difficult to distinguish from the true antique visually.

The two most important differences between the antique vanity and the reproduction will be price and ability to endure the humidity in a bathroom. A reproduction has the advantage of chemical treatment to prevent damage by heat and humidity. It is also possible to apply modern sealers to marble and other stone or to use an artificial marble for the surface.

Shopping for the Perfect Antique Vanity

 

There are many sources for a true antique vanity or for a piece of furniture adaptable for this purpose. Some, for example, use dressers or “dressing tables.”

The true antique vanity or other antique furniture can be found in antique stores, salvage stores or from remodelers who remove them from old homes before they are demolished. Occasionally, it is also possible to find useful pieces of furniture from old hotels when they remodel.

Choosing to remodel your bathroom around an antique vanity will result in a finished room that is attractive, warm and inviting.

An antique custom or reproduction can be used in any home style to add a special and distinct allure. If you are renovating a historic home, you will certainly want to include an antique vanity to add to your home’s most exceptional appeal.

Stop by our gorgeous showroom in Jupiter today! Or contact us at (561) 747-4539.

 

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