Hot tips on affordable mid century compatible bathroom vanities?

Question

hi folks- I have a 1966 build bathroom which is very twee and all original except for the 1980’s vanity which doesn’t fit in the space (one door doesn’t open as there isn’t enough clearance 🤦 the white of the cabinet has discoloured…and the sink has cracks in it that are spreading.

I’m 54 and this is the first place I’ve owned so am getting shocked by how much a basic daggy replacement vanity costs.

I’d love to keep it in period but suspect that’s very improbable. Does anyone have any ideas about where to get a reasonable quality vanity that would be neutral or inkeeping with era? Are such things ever salvaged in revovations.

The bunning ones sadly seem to be largely similar to this in that they are very contemporary or eighties looking.

thx. New to this kind of quest so really appreciate insights from those that have switched this kind of thing out several times.

twocutekelpies · Answer

Hi @toby8

Not sure how handy you are but I wonder if you could "retro" fit out the cabinet you have providing the cabinet itself is in good condition. Sliding doors were very common in the 60s and would solve your clearance issue. Bunnings stocks sliding door tracks that take up 5mm doors, remove the hinged doors and nail the track in place.  You can buy a new top separately to replace your cracking sink. For something "in period" you could use thin ply for the doors and paint both them and the cabinet to suit.

If you (or someone you know) is very handy, it wouldn't be too hard to make an angled cabinet like below to really fit in. Bunnings also has angled legs similar to below.

Cheers

Shelley

(images from retrorenovation.com)

Dave-1 · Answer

Good Afternoon @toby8

Now tahts a very nice retro bathroom :) I cant think of anything modern that fits that retro style tho. :/

However :)

Recyled yards in your area will definently have sinks, tho not sure if they really had old style vanities. Mmmm

I would keep an eye out on Facebook market place as well. Just search for retro sinks and Facebook algorithm will do its job for you in the background, goole will also do that :)

I know there are recycle yards (Large ones) in Canberra, Melbourne and for sure Sydney but as yet havnt found one :/ Perth had a huge one just North of the city. You may need to to fiddle around to match the style of sink to a retro cabinet (second hand shops for the old school cabinet) and then modify it to hold the sink.

Dave

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @toby8,

If you can't find a Bathroom Vanity within our range that fits the style and price range you are looking for, then you might have to look at second hand options through things like salvage yards, op shops, or tip shops.

Otherwise, you might like to build something yourself like @Banyoabode did with their Tasmanian Oak bathroom vanity, or upcycle something like @EdithHobbs did with her Small bathroom vanity upcycle.

If you can't find something premade, getting creative might be the way to go.

Allow me to tag @Nailbag, @twocutekelpies, @prettyliving and @Dave-1 to see if they have any ideas.

Jacob