By Justine Olivier
Without a doubt, the bathroom is considered a place of serenity. One cannot overlook the value of the room’s aesthetic appeal, of which the choice of vanity and countertop plays an integral part.
While style is important, it is also important to remember that function and size are imperative. The years have seen a vast improvement in style and design of vanities and countertops. A simple centre shelf running through the middle of the unit has replaced the old fashioned shelves and drawer units. Drop-in wash basins and countertop wash basins are popular. Vanities and countertops are available in a host of fascinating materials. Granite and marble are currently the most popular materials. Falling into the high-end market, granite is extremely durable and easy to maintain. Marble comes in a wide variety of colours and styles, it is water and scratchproof, but the lighter colours are easily stained with products like red wine.
Corian, Caesarstone and Technostone are perfect for an environment such as the bathroom as they are impervious to spills, they are exceptionally durable and extremely trendy. While being a little on the expensive side, these stones are easy to clean and maintain and promise a lifetime of functionality. A classy tile countertop can be custom-made to any specifications. Easy to clean, maintenance-free, highly durable and stain-resistant – tile countertops are ideally suited to the bathroom. It is important to ensure that the tile counters are sealed to avoid harmful bacteria creeping in.
Plastic laminates have become extremely popular. Available in a wide variety of finishes, plastic laminates are relatively inexpensive. It is easy to clean and long-lasting. It is important to consider however, that scratching may occur if plastic laminates are not properly looked after.
Bathroom vanities and countertops definitely add a bit of flavour and style to the bathroom. Numerous materials provide an array of options for adding a touch of panache to any bathroom.
