Do It Yourself Bathroom Vanity Ideas: Explore Creative and Budget-Friendly DIY Bathroom Vanity ConceptsEvelyn ThorneSep 23, 2025Table of Contents1. Repurpose Vintage Furniture2. Floating Shelf Vanity3. Upcycled Crates4. Concrete Countertop Base5. Painted Cabinet Makeover6. Open Metal Frame7. Repurposed Kitchen Island8. Ladder Side Stand Vanity9. Built-in Alcove Vanity10. Reclaimed Live Edge WoodFAQTable of Contents1. Repurpose Vintage Furniture2. Floating Shelf Vanity3. Upcycled Crates4. Concrete Countertop Base5. Painted Cabinet Makeover6. Open Metal Frame7. Repurposed Kitchen Island8. Ladder Side Stand Vanity9. Built-in Alcove Vanity10. Reclaimed Live Edge WoodFAQ10 DIY Bathroom Vanity IdeasRepurpose, upcycle, and build vanities for small spaces.Get DIY Vanity IdeasOne time, in my early design career, I built a bathroom vanity from an old sewing table because my client insisted on keeping her grandmother’s furniture. It sounded sweet, but halfway through, I realized the height was totally wrong for a sink. After some improvisation (and extra wood blocks), it turned into one of the most charming vanities I’ve ever made. That’s the magic of small spaces — they push us to think differently. So today, I’m sharing 10 DIY bathroom vanity ideas that I’ve actually tried or seen in action.1. Repurpose Vintage FurnitureThink buffet tables, antique desks, or even sewing tables. These pieces bring instant character, though you might need to adjust their height or reinforce the top. Once, I transformed a mid-century dresser into a vanity using a room planner mockup to visualize plumbing alignment before we cut anything.save pin2. Floating Shelf VanityI love the airy feel of wall-mounted shelves as vanities. Perfect for tiny bathrooms, they make cleaning easier. But you’ll need strong wall anchors and maybe a discreet bracket for stability.save pin3. Upcycled CratesStacked wooden crates can make a rustic vanity with built-in storage. Sand them well to avoid splinters, and seal against moisture.save pin4. Concrete Countertop BaseCast a simple concrete slab as a countertop, then mount it on a steel frame. It’s industrial and minimalist, but heavy — be sure your floor can take the weight.save pin5. Painted Cabinet MakeoverDon’t underestimate paint. A dull cabinet transforms with bold color and new hardware. I’ve had clients gasp at the change from beige to navy.save pin6. Open Metal FrameIdeal for modern lofts, this design uses welded steel legs and a slim wood top. I often plan these layouts in free floor plan creator software to balance proportions before fabrication.save pin7. Repurposed Kitchen IslandKitchen islands often have perfect proportions for vanities, plus extra drawers. Just add a sink cutout and seal the surface.save pin8. Ladder Side Stand VanityUse a wooden ladder as one side support, with shelving between rungs. It’s playful and functional but works best in very casual styles.save pin9. Built-in Alcove VanityIf you’re lucky to have a bathroom niche, build the vanity straight into it. Saves floor space and feels intentional. I once detailed one entirely in bamboo veneer — a sustainable, warm touch — after mocking it up in bathroom design tool previews.save pin10. Reclaimed Live Edge WoodA slab of live edge wood as the countertop can turn the vanity into a statement piece. Make sure to use marine-grade varnish to protect from moisture.save pinFAQQ1: What’s the cheapest way to make a bathroom vanity?Repurposing old furniture or using stacked crates are often the most budget-friendly options, especially if you already have materials at home.Q2: How do I waterproof a DIY vanity?Use sealants like polyurethane or marine varnish. For porous surfaces like concrete or wood, multiple coats are key.Q3: Can I install plumbing myself?Basic connections are possible with DIY skills, but for anything involving new lines or drainage changes, hire a licensed plumber.Q4: What size should a bathroom vanity be?Standard height is about 32–36 inches, but comfort and bathroom layout should guide you. Source: NKBA Bathroom Planning Guidelines.Q5: How do I avoid mold in a DIY vanity?Ensure good ventilation and use moisture-resistant materials. Regularly check for leaks and reseal as needed.Q6: Can I use kitchen cabinets as vanities?Yes! Many kitchen cabinets are the right height and depth, but you’ll need to adjust for plumbing and moisture resistance.Q7: Is a floating vanity hard to install?It requires precise wall mounting and stud location, but with proper brackets, it’s straightforward.Q8: What tools do I need for a DIY vanity project?A saw, drill, sander, and measuring tape are basics. Specific builds may require clamps, welding gear, or tile cutters.Get DIY Vanity IdeasPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.10 DIY Bathroom Vanity IdeasRepurpose, upcycle, and build vanities for small spaces.Get DIY Vanity Ideas