When it comes to color choices in the bathroom, white is preferred for most elements except one: the vanity. In this area, more homeowners choose wood over white, according to Houzz research. A wood vanity is a great way to add a generous amount of warmth to what otherwise is often a space filled with cold, hard surfaces like tile and countertops. Playing with various wood species and stains can create a light and airy look or a dark and moody feel. Here, design and construction professionals share the details on the wood vanities they included in eight bathrooms.
M. Swabb Interior Design
1. Alder With a Warm Oak Stain
Designer: Maegan Swabb of M. Swabb Interior Design
Location: Ramona, California
Size: 64 square feet (6 square meters); 8 by 8 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The home had a heavy Tuscan style when we began, but our client envisioned a more tranquil, modern aesthetic that still felt at home in the mountain estates,” designer Maegan Swabb says. “To achieve this, we incorporated organic materials and drew inspiration from the surrounding natural landscape.”
The firm uses Houzz Pro business software for “all of our accounting and client communication.”
Vanity features. “The custom vanity was constructed from alder wood and we selected a warm oak stain,” Swabb says. “It’s an oversized vanity with tons of storage.”
Other special features. “We used a vinyl textural wall covering to add warmth to the space, quartz countertops to add an organic modern touch, brass-toned hardware for balance.”
Designer tip. “We utilized every inch of this space, from the overall square feet to scaling the walls, which just make the harmony of the room feel so much more intriguing, functional and elevated,” Swabb says.
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Morgan Design Studio
2. White Oak With a Clear Satin Finish
Designers: Maddy DeVries and Ashley Walsh of Morgan Design Studio
Location: Salt Lake City
Size: 75 square feet (7 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “Our clients purchased their midcentury house with appreciation for its charm while knowing it had some quirks that would need to be addressed before they could make it their home,” designer Maddy DeVries says. “They wanted to embrace the midcentury aesthetic while also nodding to Scandinavian design, as they were drawn to natural materials and color palettes. One of the biggest pain points of the house was their primary bathroom. We all agreed it made the most sense to move the closet into the bedroom and expand the shower to take up the entire right side of the bathroom.”
Vanity features. “The vanity was designed to suit the client’s storage needs and fabricated locally in Utah,” designer Ashley Walsh says. “It’s 6 feet long with two sinks and is made of white oak with a clear satin finish. The clients prefer drawers for storage so they can pull them out to see their products rather than dealing with shelves within a cabinet. When designing, we took note of their largest product and designed accordingly. The drawers are 14 inches high, whereas many prefabricated vanity drawers are 12 inches at most. The top center drawer doesn’t interfere with the sink locations, so we included a power strip for charging electric toothbrushes to allow for a clear surface area.”
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Morgan Design Studio
Other special features. “We wanted to incorporate color without the bathroom feeling overwhelmingly colorful or bold,” Walsh says. “After all, the goal was to nod to Scandinavian design. Our solution was to use a terra-cotta-toned tile with subtle variation so that it still felt neutral while complementing the terrazzo flooring beautifully. We also stopped the color halfway up the wall and tiled the remainder with an off-white to balance it out.”
Designer tip. “Save money on vanity hardware but splurge on utilitarian hardware,” Walsh says. “It can be tempting to purchase the expensive cabinet pulls and knobs, but it can add up quickly, and we often find there’s an option that works just as well for significantly less. A distinctive towel hook makes a lasting impression, with endless possibilities to add charm and personality into your space.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “This bathroom in particular was originally designed with a curbless shower in mind, but after demolition, our contractors informed us that this wouldn’t be feasible,” DeVries says. “Fortunately, since the curbless design was primarily an aesthetic choice, we were able to adapt by incorporating a curb crafted from the same terrazzo tile as the floor, maintaining the space’s cohesive look.”
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Matthew Craig Interiors
3. Rift Oak With a Custom Stain
Designer: Matthew Craig Interiors
Location: Kenmore, Washington
Size: 150 square feet (14 square meters); 10 by 15 feet
Homeowners’ request. “They wanted a neutral space that felt relaxing and peaceful,” designer Matthew Craig says.
Craig uses Houzz Pro business software for his billing, proposals and invoices.
Vanity features. “The vanity was designed by me and is made of rift oak,” Craig says. “We applied a custom stain and the drawers include electrical outlets.” The countertops are white quartz.
Matthew Craig Interiors
Other special features. “We used a large-format tile of porcelain for both the walls of the shower and the floors,” Craig says. “The large-format tile not only looks more contemporary but also limits the amount of grout lines. The walls received a custom mural with a watercolor feel. The mural continues from the bedroom.”
Designer tip. “Hiding outlets in the vanity drawers keeps everything looking clean and clutter-free,” Craig says.
Project photos: Andrew Giammarco
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4. White Oak With a Wipeable Matte Finish
Designer: Jenny Guggenheim of Guggenheim Architecture + Design Studio
General contractor: JDL DevelopmentLocation: Portland, Oregon
Size: 145 square feet (13 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The second level of this home has the most stunning view of a beautiful treed park,” designer Jenny Guggenheim says. “We knew from the beginning that we needed to position the soaking tub with a view of this space.”
Vanity features. “We utilized white oak with a wipeable matte finish on all primary cabinetry in this project,” Guggenheim says. “This particular species keeps the storage-heavy areas visually light and soft. The cabinetry is fully custom and expansive in this space, and we felt the lighter tone was a huge advantage in keeping it visually appealing. “
Other special features. “We selected natural stone for both the flooring and countertops to complement the deep green shower tile, which is handmade by Heath,” Guggenheim says. “It was important to us that the shower feel like a jewel box and the rest of the space feel soft and bright.”
Designer tip. “Prioritize the view if you have one,” Guggenheim says. “Don’t be afraid to add window coverings if privacy is an issue.”
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Schloegel Design Remodel
5. Walnut With a Natural Stain
Designers: Lindsay Brungardt and Leslie Hatfield of Schloegel Design Remodel
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Size: 73½ square feet (6.8 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “Our clients had just one full bathroom in their home, and their dream was to transform their bedroom into a true primary suite by adding a full bathroom,” designer Lindsay Brungardt says. “They envisioned a space that was not only functional but also elegant, featuring a roomy layout, a vanity with ample storage and a design that honored the charm and character of their 1920s home.”
Vanity features. “The vanity, crafted in a furniture-style design, features rich walnut with a natural stain,” Brungardt says. “Its inset cabinetry beautifully reflects the era of the 1920s home, adding a timeless charm. To create cohesion, the species and style were chosen to match the kitchen island, which we remodeled simultaneously. Though compact, the vanity provides excellent storage with two functional drawer stacks and a central cabinet, maximizing organization. The furniture-style construction elevates the design, creating an open and airy feel that enhances the sense of space in the bathroom.”
Other special features. “The shower is a true centerpiece, showcasing antique blue tile walls paired with classic hexagonal floor tiles and a built-in bench for comfort,” Brungardt says. “Gold plumbing fixtures add a striking contrast, creating a touch of luxury that complements the blue tiles beautifully. A thoughtful design detail is the placement of the shower handle near the glass door, allowing the client to turn the water on and let it warm up without stepping inside — a small touch that adds big convenience.”
Designer tip. “The half wall paired with a glass panel next to the vanity creates a clever balance of openness and privacy,” Brungardt says. “This design not only makes the bathroom feel more spacious but also adds privacy in the shower. It’s an excellent solution for smaller bathrooms, maximizing light and flow while still providing subtle division.”
Schloegel Design Remodel
“Uh-oh” moment. “While the vanity’s placement was an easy decision, the location of the mirror presented a challenge,” Brungardt says. “Removing the front-facing window wasn’t an option, as preserving the character of this classic Tudor home was essential. However, this left us with a mirror directly in front of the window — a design dilemma we had to solve. Rather than compromising the natural light or opting for a nonfunctional ‘dummy’ window, we took a creative design risk. We suspended the mirror from the ceiling, positioning it directly in front of the window, and flanked it with pendant lights for symmetry and style. This bold choice not only maintains the flow of natural light — arguably the best light — but also creates a striking visual statement.”
Vanity: Shiloh, WW Wood Products
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Joey Snow Design Co.
6. Rift White Oak With a Natural Stain
Designer: Joey Snow DesignLocation: Carlsbad, California
Size: 144 square feet (13 square meters); 12 by 12 feet
Homeowners’ request. “Our clients bought this home with the intention for it to be their forever home,” designer Joey Snow says. “Their vision was to have their primary bathroom be a space that felt like a serene, spa-like experience, an environment where they could unwind and rejuvenate. They wanted the room to reflect a coastal, organic aesthetic, incorporating natural elements and textures.”
Snow uses Houzz Pro business software to help manage her projects. “It’s a massive procurement software for us,” she says.
Vanity features. “The vanity is made out of solid rift white oak with a natural stain that really shows off the essence of the white oak,” Snow says. “We also included a reeded detail on the top drawers to give the vanity more texture. We topped it with an Aterra Blanca quartz countertop to give it a clean, timeless feel. It is a custom-made vanity with our hybrid cabinet design that meets the functionality of an overlay but has the timeless feel of inset cabinets.”
Joey Snow Design Co.
Other special features. Benjamin Moore White Dove wall paint. Unlacquered brass lights. Limestone flooring. Easy-to-clean porcelain shower tile.
Designer tip. “Taking the shower glass and tile to the ceiling instantly elevates a space.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “We originally sourced a fluted travertine for the shower and, due to its inconsistent nature and the lighting in the room, the variation was not complementary to the space,” Snow says. “We quickly pivoted to this beautiful fluted porcelain. It turned out to be a good mistake, as the clients loved it so much better.”
Radiant Homes
7. Rift-Cut White Oak With a Pecan Stain
Designer: Stephany Stattman of Sanctuary Interiors
Builder: Cody Mandigo of Radiant Homes
Location: Denver
Size: 168 square feet (16 square meters); 12 by 14 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner envisioned a vibrant yet tranquil retreat that perfectly balanced functionality and aesthetics,” builder Cody Mandigo says. “Their goal was to create a space that served as a zen escape from the chaos of daily life, incorporating soothing colors, natural materials and personalized decor reflective of their style. Overall, the theme revolved around ‘calm modernity,’ combining contemporary design with elements that evoke serenity.”
Vanity features. Rift-cut white oak in a pecan stain.
Other special features. Deep blue marble backsplash and flooring tile set in a herringbone pattern. “The choice of the chevron pattern not only adds a dynamic visual interest but also infuses an element of modern elegance into the space,” Mandigo says. “The large-format tiles contribute to a sense of spaciousness, allowing the patterns to shine without overwhelming the area.”
Tile: Deep Blue marble, 4 by 16 inches, Arizona Tile
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CKF Co.
8. White Oak
Designer: Tanya Anderson of CKFLocation: Omaha, Nebraska
Size: 144 square feet (13 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. This bathroom is part of a new-build home.
Vanity features. White oak with full-height door and drawer storage. Countertop tower cabinet with stacked double doors, the lower of which features a glass panel front. A separate makeup counter mimics the look of the vanity. The countertops are durable polished white quartz.
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