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A little moulding and a deep burgundy paint color transformed an existing IKEA bathroom vanity from plain and modern-looking to a more vintage-style focal point. In a bathroom makeover featured by Apartment Therapy on October 5, 2026, homeowner and interior designer Chloë Rideout and her husband, Joe, kept their IKEA HEMNES / ORRSJÖN vanity and matching medicine cabinet, then refreshed the room with trim, paint, and a few carefully chosen accents.
What changed in the bathroom
The bathroom is in the couple’s 1835 rowhome, described in the feature as a condo; no city or state is given. Before the redo, it had white walls, gray floors, and a white IKEA HEMNES / ORRSJÖN vanity with a matching medicine cabinet. Rideout liked the storage but wanted a less generic, more vintage feel.
The couple painted the walls Benjamin Moore Seapearl and the vanity Benjamin Moore New London Burgundy. They kept the original vanity and medicine cabinet, changing their appearance with decorative trim rather than replacing them. A vintage wool rug, shower curtain, gold picture frames, and new hardware helped bring color and vintage character into the room.
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The upgrade was a small-scale moulding detail added to flat surfaces. Rideout said they used small band moulding from The Home Depot and miter shears to cut it for the vanity’s drawer fronts. They glued the pieces in place and clamped them while the adhesive dried, keeping the moulding straight. They also glued moulding to the top fascia of the medicine cabinets.
#1 Best Overall
- Modern Matte Vanity: This vanity showcases a crisp matte white finish with clean lines. Its sealed base keeps dust out, while the ergonomic 3-inch toe-kick enhances comfort legroom during use. Crafted from FSC-Certified durable engineered wood, it delivers lasting performance while seamlessly blending traditional elegance with contemporary style.
- Smart Storage System: The vanity features a soft-close door with adjustable hinges, offering a spacious cabinet interior. It includes one shallow drawer and one deep drawer, each equipped with smooth-gliding rails for quiet, effortless operation. This versatile layout maximizes capacity while seamlessly adapting to compact bathroom environments.
- Premium Ceramic Sink: Crafted with high-temperature firing technology, this integrated ceramic sink features a smooth surface with a non-porous glazed finish that resists stains and buildup, requiring only simple wiping for daily care. The sink includes three 4-inch center-set faucet holes (faucet not included) and a overflow channel.
- 30" Vanity for Standard Bathrooms: Measuring a standardized 30" W x 18" D x 34" H, this vanity is a compact yet stylish solution perfect for smaller spaces. It features a comfortable 34" height to reduce back strain. It unites structural integrity and thoughtful design to deliver lasting performance in modern bathrooms.
- Easy Assembly: This bathroom vanity ships in one package and requires self-installation. We have prepared detailed, step-by-step instructions for you, and all components and hardware are clearly numbered, allowing you to easily complete the installation in 1-2 hours (Faucet, mirror and drain not included).
The trim gave the flat-front IKEA pieces a more custom look, while the burgundy paint unified the new details with the rest of the makeover. The feature documents this one project; it does not report independent testing of the method or specify a particular adhesive or paint-preparation system.
Other updates—and what stayed
The couple removed an old cabinet above the toilet and installed a Ballard Designs Apothicaire cabinet. They also added a Hinkley Kline bath bar in Heritage Brass and mother-of-pearl brass cabinet pulls from Knobco on Etsy.
Rank #2
- Stable & Space-Saving Design: Tired of wobbly vanities ruining your bathroom vibe? This small bathroom vanity with sink (a reliable bathroom sink cabinet) features solid wood adjustable legs for uneven floors and carved 3D feet for vintage charm. The multi-function rod tames clutter—towels/tissues within reach, no messy counters.
- One-Piece Ceramic Sink: Frustrated by moldy sink seams? Our vanity with sink boasts a seamless ceramic basin (no gaps!) that’s stain/scratch-resistant. Wipe clean in seconds to keep your bathroom vanity fresh—hygiene dead ends are a thing of the past for this bathroom sink vanity.
- Ample Versatile Storage: Annoyed by disorganized bathroom essentials? This single bathroom vanity with sink includes a soft-close cabinet (adjustable shelf), flip-top, and dual-depth drawers. Neatly store towels, toiletries, and cosmetics—your small bathroom vanity stays tidy, everything easy to grab.
- Durable Long-Lasting Build: Worried about short-lived furniture? This bathroom sink cabinet uses FSC-certified wood, premium MDF, and P2-grade engineered wood—moisture-resistant and sturdy. Built to last, your bathroom vanity with sink stays reliable for years, no frequent replacements needed.
- Easy Assembly Process: Dreading complicated setup? This small bathroom vanity comes with numbered parts and clear step-by-step instructions. Assemble quickly without stress—your functional single bathroom vanity with sink is ready to use in no time, no pro skills required.
Not every element changed. Rideout said she would have chosen different tile and did not love the jetted tub, but budget and time were constraints. She also disliked the contemporary chrome plumbing fixtures, yet kept them because they coordinated with the vanity drain system and replacing them would have been too costly.
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What the makeover cost
Apartment Therapy reported an approximate project budget of $1,000. The feature does not itemize that figure, so it should be treated as the couple’s reported overall budget—not a verified current cost or a price for any individual product. Product availability and prices may also change.
Rank #3
- Classic White Vanity: Featuring a clean white finish with matte black handles, this vanity presents a classic look that coordinates with any bath decors. Adjustable legs ensure stable placement on uneven floors. Crafted from FSC-Certified quality engineered wood, it achieves a harmonious balance of aesthetics and durability.
- Optimized Bathroom Storage: This cabinet features two U-shaped drawers with smooth soft-close glides. The 10.5-inch-high open storage shelf keeps items visible and easily accessible, perfect for towels, shampoo, and tissue. This well-planned storage solution helps maintain an organized, clutter-free bathroom.
- Premium Ceramic Sink: Crafted with high-temperature firing technology, this integrated ceramic sink features a smooth, non-porous glazed finish that resists stains and buildup for easy maintenance, along with three 4-inch center-set faucet holes (faucet not included) and an overflow channel.
- 36" Comfort Vanity: Measuring a standard size (36" W × 18.3" D × 34" H), this vanity fits seamlessly into most bathroom layouts. The ergonomic 34" height is designed to minimize back strain during daily use. It unites structural integrity and thoughtful design to deliver lasting performance in many bathrooms.
- Easy Assembly: This bathroom vanity ships in one package and requires self-installation. We have prepared detailed, step-by-step instructions for you, and all components and hardware are clearly numbered, allowing you to easily complete the installation in 1-2 hours (Faucet, mirror, and drain not included).
What makes the transformation useful to note
The makeover shows how the existing vanity can remain the foundation of a bathroom update: a trim detail changed its visual character, and paint supplied the strongest color shift. The couple also made selective changes rather than treating the room as an all-or-nothing renovation, leaving the tile, tub, and chrome fixtures in place when time and budget made replacement impractical.
Rideout’s takeaway was that color need not default to blue or sage green: “It’s OK to embrace color, and not everything has to be another shade of blue or sage green!” She added, “Bring on the pinks and purples.” Read the original feature for the complete makeover and Rideout’s comments: Apartment Therapy’s bathroom makeover feature.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Timeless White Vanity: Featuring a clean white finish and recessed panels, this transitional vanity blends seamlessly into your existing bath space. Brushed nickel hardware provides a luxe finishing touch while the recessed toe-kick brings you closer to the sink. Crafted from FSC-Certified long-lasting engineered wood, it showcases its quality and style.
- Practical Compact Storage: Featuring one U-shaped drawer (more storage space than tip-out drawer) and two soft-close doors, this vanity makes the most of its compact form. The three-level adjustable shelf maximizes storage for items of various sizes. This well-planned storage solution helps maintain an organized, clutter-free bathroom.
- Premium Ceramic Sink: This sink is engineered in a one-piece, high-density construction. Its seamless, non-porous glazed surface helps resist dirt and buildup for easy cleaning. The deeply curved basin minimizes water splash-out, while the 4-inch center-set faucet hole (faucet not included) and overflow channel provide added safety and convenience.
- Vanity for Standard Bathrooms: With a standard 30" width and 18.3" depth, this vanity fits seamlessly into most bathroom layouts like apartments, condos, and guest or master bathrooms. The 34-inch height is ergonomically designed to help reduce back strain, promoting a comfortable posture with less bending during daily use.
- Hassle-Free Assembly: This product ships in a single package, so you won't need to track multiple deliveries or wait for other boxes. We offer step-by-step instructions, clearly labeled parts and a video tutorial for installing drawer slides, allowing you to complete the setup efficiently and without confusion.
Rank #4
- Luxurious Modern Aesthetic & Premium Construction: Transform your space with this stunning 36in bathroom vanity with sink. The entire cabinet is crafted from FSC‑certified wood for reliable sturdiness and long-lasting durability. Its deep black finish is beautifully contrasted by sleek gold metal handles, creating a contemporary focal point that elevates the entire bathroom decor
- Premium Seamless SMC Surface: Experience the ideal blend of style and durability with our upgraded all-in-one SMC sink and countertop. This 36 bathroom vanity with sink offers the sleek look of stone without the weight or fragility, providing a seamless surface that resists stains and is incredibly easy to wipe clean
- Whisper-Quiet Soft-Close Storage: This 36 inch black bathroom vanity with sink offers peace and quiet with full-extension drawers and cabinet doors featuring soft-close hinges. The cabinet includes an adjustable shelf to accommodate items of all sizes, while the three drawers are ideal for organizing daily toiletries
- Thoughtful Built-in Toilet Paper Holder: Designed for real life, this 36 inch black vanity with sink features a convenient metal toilet paper holder on the side—keeping essentials within easy reach without cluttering the counter space
- Practical & Easy to Install: Featuring a freestanding design for flexible placement, this 36 vanity with sink and countertop is suitable for master bathrooms, guest bathrooms, and powder rooms. All necessary hardware is included for straightforward installation, ideal for daily home renovation projects
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
