How to Style an Open Vanity With Trim Kits

An open vanity can be a unique addition to a bathroom — even if it presents some decorating challenges in the room. An open vanity or console can make a small bathroom feel larger and create a sense of airiness in the space. It also gives the homeowner a plethora of design opportunities.

The open shelves can be a canvas for showing off the homeowner’s personality with a combination of decorative features and functional bathroom necessities. Open vanities add a contemporary touch to the room compared to bulky traditional pieces that stretch from wall to wall and all the way down to the floor. Homeowners who prefer a DIY approach may even enjoy building their own open vanity or repurposing existing pieces by removing doors to free the shelves inside.

Challenges of Decorating an Open Vanity

Learning how to live with an open vanity is a learning curve for homeowners who like to have everything put away and out of sight. This is especially true if the open vanity is in the home’s primary bathroom or in a space that doesn’t have alternative storage options. There may be no choice but to leave all the homeowner’s belongings out in the open, creating what can easily turn into an unsightly and unorganized mess.

The obvious option for styling an open vanity is carefully choosing your storage system. You may place baskets or boxes on the shelves to hold styling tools, toiletries, and personal items. You can add plants to the shelves for a touch of greenery and texture., not to mention interest. Storage containers add a pop of color that may complement or contrast the piece itself and the rest of the bathroom.

Sometimes Less Is More When Decorating a Room

Styling an open vanity doesn’t always mean filling the shelves with towels, plants, and decorative pieces. In fact, that approach can take away some of the charms of the open vanity — filled shelves can be cluttered shelves that look messy and uninviting. The less-is-more approach can create a peaceful space, but you may not like the look of plastic PVC pipes protruding from the wall beneath the vanity. Have no fear; you can install a trim kit to give the room an entirely new look.

Decorating With a Trim Kit

A trim kit includes drainpipes, flanges, and supply flex lines to hide the PVC pipes generally used for bathroom plumbing. The pieces of the trim kit replace the pieces originally in the room. This gives it a professional look and ties the plumbing together with the fixtures in the rest of the room. In addition, it can add an industrial or vintage element to the room that highlights the charm of the space.

Installing a trim kit is a fairly simple process that most homeowners can do on their own as long as they have the right tools for the job, including Teflon tape, a wrench, and a bucket. Simply unscrew and detach the existing pipes and replace them with the pieces from the trim kit. It can take some time to make sure the new pieces line up correctly, but most people can complete this project in an afternoon.

1. Go for a bold look.

For many homeowners, the bathroom is a personal sanctuary — a space where they prepare for and escape from the pressures of the day. However, it’s also a functional room, and there’s no need to hide it. With a trim kit, you can turn the sink into a focal point in the room. Choose an eye-catching finish that contrasts with the wall color or the vanity. Think matte black against a white wall and white vanity or polished brass paired with a deep red or green wall and vanity.

2. Complement the rest of the fixtures.

When choosing a trim kit, look for one that coordinates with the rest of the fixtures in the room. This may mean selecting one in the same finish as the faucet, handles, and tub fixtures. Or, you may choose a finish that pairs well with the rest, like brushed nickel and matte black. Keeping the same finish throughout the room can tone down the look of the open vanity and give the room a sense of cohesion that underscores the ambiance.

3. Show off the pipes.

Trim kits turn the pipes into decorative pieces you can show off instead of hiding behind the vanity. Instead of cluttering the open shelves with stacks of folded towels and baskets filled with styling tools and toiletries, leave the shelves clear so everyone can see the pipes underneath. This adds a touch of an industrial look and works well in several décor styles, including minimalistic and vintage. You may even decide to carry the exposed plumbing look over to the rest of the bathroom.

4. Consider the counter and sink measurements.

The counter and sink depth can affect your plans for exposed pipes in the bathroom. You may find that it does not leave enough room to fully show off the trim kit. This doesn’t matter when the plumbing stays hidden behind a cabinet door. In that case, you may need to lift the vanity — an option that can work to your advantage since it adds even more open space to the area. Another One option is switching out the sink. Instead of a traditional drop-in sink, you may decide to install a vessel sink that sits on top of the vanity. This option has the added bonus of giving you even more storage space below the counter.

Shop Kingston Brass for Trim Kits and Accessories

At Kingston Brass, we carry trim kits in a variety of finishes, so you’re able to coordinate all the fixtures in your bathroom. Whether you like the muted look of satin and brushed finishes or bright and shiny polished metals, you can find a selection of trim kits to install in your bathroom for an instant makeover.