15 Fun DIY Bathroom Vanity Ideas and Quick Weekend Projects

Look, we both know your bathroom vanity has seen better days. That particle board monstrosity from 2003 isn’t exactly screaming “design icon,” and honestly, neither is your wallet after getting those contractor quotes.

But here’s the thing – transforming your bathroom vanity yourself isn’t just doable, it’s actually fun when you pick the right project.

I’ve built, rebuilt, and completely botched enough vanities to know what works and what’ll have you crying into your toolbox at 2 AM.

These 15 projects range from “I can knock this out during Saturday’s game” to “maybe clear the whole weekend,” but none of them require a construction degree or selling a kidney.

Rustic Wooden Vanity with Open Shelves

Nothing beats the warmth of real wood in a bathroom, especially when you’re going for that cabin-in-the-woods vibe without actually living in the woods. This project starts with reclaimed barn wood or weathered lumber – though honestly, you can fake the aged look with some stain and sandpaper if you’re not into dumpster diving.

The beauty of open shelving? You skip the nightmare of installing drawer slides. I learned this the hard way after spending six hours trying to align cabinet doors perfectly, only to realize they still looked wonky. With open shelves, you just mount your brackets, slap on some wood planks, and call it rustic charm.

Here’s what makes this project a weekend winner:

• No complex joinery required – pocket screws are your friend
• Natural imperfections in the wood become design features
• Storage baskets hide the mess while maintaining the aesthetic
• Total cost usually under $200 if you source smart

Pro tip: seal that wood properly, or you’ll be dealing with water damage faster than you can say “Pinterest fail.” Three coats of polyurethane minimum – trust me on this one.

Floating Modern Vanity with LED Lighting

Want to make your tiny bathroom look twice its size? Float that vanity and add some LED strips underneath. The floating effect creates visual space, while the lighting makes everything look like it belongs in a fancy hotel.

Installing a floating vanity sounds intimidating, but it’s basically just finding the studs and using heavy-duty wall brackets. The real game-changer here is the LED lighting – get the waterproof strips with a remote control, and suddenly you’re living in 2024 instead of 1994.

The installation breaks down like this:

• Mark your studs (use an actual stud finder, not the knocking method)
• Install a sturdy ledger board for support
• Mount your vanity cabinet to the ledger
• Run LED strips along the bottom edge
• Connect to a dimmer switch for maximum ambiance

I added motion-sensor LEDs to mine, and now my midnight bathroom trips don’t involve stubbed toes or blinding overhead lights. Sometimes it’s the small victories, right?

Vintage Cabinet Turned Vanity

Got an old dresser gathering dust in the garage? Congratulations, you’ve got yourself a vanity waiting to happen. Converting vintage furniture into bathroom vanities is like upcycling on steroids – you get unique style points while keeping perfectly good furniture out of landfills.

The trickiest part involves cutting holes for plumbing, which sounds scarier than it actually is. A good hole saw kit and some patience will get you through it. Just measure twice, cut once, and maybe have a beer ready for when you inevitably measure wrong the first time anyway.

Essential steps for the conversion:

• Remove drawers that’ll interfere with plumbing
• Cut precise holes for pipes using a hole saw
• Seal all wood surfaces with waterproof finish
• Add a vessel sink for easier installation
• Reinforce the top if using heavy countertop material

My first attempt involved a 1960s sideboard that looked amazing for about three months before the water damage kicked in. Lesson learned: waterproofing isn’t optional, it’s mandatory.

Also Read: 15 Inspiring Double Sink Bathroom Vanity Ideas and DIY Tricks

Minimalist Concrete Vanity with Storage

Concrete vanities scream “I’m an adult who has their life together,” even if you’re eating cereal for dinner most nights. The industrial look works surprisingly well in bathrooms, and DIY concrete is way more forgiving than you’d think.

You’ll build a simple frame, pour concrete into a mold, and wait. That’s literally it. The hardest part is being patient enough to let it cure properly – rushing this process guarantees cracks and tears. FYI, concrete gets heavy fast, so recruit a friend unless you enjoy hernias.

Here’s your concrete game plan:

• Build a melamine mold (it releases easily)
• Mix concrete with reinforcing fibers
• Pour in layers to avoid air bubbles
• Let cure for at least 48 hours
• Sand and seal with concrete sealer

The storage underneath can be as simple as open cubbies or as complex as soft-close drawers. I went simple because, honestly, who needs another complicated project?

Reclaimed Pallet Vanity with Natural Finish

Before you roll your eyes at another pallet project, hear me out. Free wood is free wood, and pallets can actually look incredible when you put in minimal effort. Plus, you’re basically saving the planet one vanity at a time.

Finding good pallets is key – skip the ones that smell like chemicals or look like they’ve been through a war. Heat-treated pallets marked with “HT” are your safest bet. Once you’ve got your materials, it’s just disassembly, sanding, and reassembly in vanity form.

Pallet vanity essentials:

• Disinfect thoroughly before bringing inside
• Sand until smooth (splinters in bathrooms = bad times)
• Use a natural oil finish to preserve the wood grain
• Add a proper countertop – pallets alone won’t cut it
• Include closed storage to balance the rustic look

My neighbor built one of these and spent maybe $50 total, mostly on hardware and finish. Makes my $800 store-bought vanity look pretty stupid in comparison :/

Two-Tone Painted Vanity with Brass Handles

Can’t decide on a paint color? Why choose? Two-tone vanities are having a moment, and for good reason – they add visual interest without going full circus. Dark bottom, light top is the classic combo, but you do you.

The key to nailing this look is proper prep work. Skip the sanding and priming, and you’ll be looking at peeling paint within months. I learned this after my first attempt looked great for exactly three weeks before resembling a molting snake.

Two-tone painting process:

• Sand everything down to bare wood or previous paint
• Prime with quality bonding primer
• Paint base color first, let dry completely
• Tape off for second color with painter’s tape
• Apply thin, even coats (patience wins here)
• Upgrade to brass hardware for instant elegance

Those $3 brass pulls from the hardware store? They’ll transform your entire vanity faster than a reality TV makeover. Just make sure they’re actual brass or brass-plated – the cheap gold-painted ones will flake faster than your New Year’s resolutions.

Also Read: 15 Eye-Catching Bathroom Vanity Lighting Ideas and Smart Choices

Compact Corner Vanity for Small Bathrooms

Got a bathroom the size of a closet? Corner vanities are your space-saving salvation. They tuck into that awkward corner while still giving you storage and style. Building one yourself means customizing it to fit your exact space, not trying to make some generic store model work.

The angle cuts might seem intimidating, but a miter saw makes them foolproof. No miter saw? Most hardware stores will cut angles for you if you ask nicely and maybe slip them a coffee.

Corner vanity construction tips:

• Measure your corner carefully – walls are rarely perfectly square
• Create a cardboard template first
• Use a corner sink to maximize counter space
• Build in vertical storage to use height
• Consider a curved front for easier navigation

I built one for my powder room, and guests always comment on how spacious it feels now. The corner that used to collect dust bunnies now holds all my bathroom essentials. Win-win.

Farmhouse Style Vanity with Barn Door Front

Barn doors on vanities? Absolutely. Sliding barn door hardware isn’t just for actual barns anymore, and it solves the eternal problem of cabinet doors that bang into walls or each other. Plus, you get instant farmhouse cred without having to milk any cows.

The hardware can get pricey if you buy the fancy stuff, but basic sliding door hardware works just as well. You’re hiding toilet paper, not securing Fort Knox. Build your door from shiplap or reclaimed wood for maximum farmhouse authenticity.

Barn door vanity features:

• Mini barn door hardware sized for cabinets
• Shiplap or beadboard door construction
• Open shelving on one side, door on the other
• Distressed paint finish for authenticity
• Black iron hardware for contrast

My sister-in-law built one of these, and I’m not gonna lie, I’m jealous. The sliding door means no more doing the bathroom shuffle when two people need to access the vanity. Pure genius.

Industrial Pipe Frame Vanity with Wooden Top

Channel your inner plumber with this one. Black iron pipes and fittings create a frame that looks like it belongs in a converted loft, even if you’re in suburban split-level heaven. The best part? No welding required – everything screws together like expensive LEGOs.

Pipes aren’t cheap, but they’re literally indestructible. This vanity will outlive you, your kids, and probably the house itself. Plus, you can add towel bars and toilet paper holders using the same pipe system for a cohesive look.

Building your pipe frame:

• Sketch your design and count every fitting needed
• Buy extra fittings (returns are your friend)
• Dry-fit everything before final assembly
• Use thread seal tape on all connections
• Top with butcher block or reclaimed wood

I spent an entire Saturday just playing with pipe configurations before settling on my final design. It’s weirdly addictive once you start. IMO, this style works best in bathrooms with subway tile or exposed brick.

Also Read: 15 Luxe Bathroom Vanity Designs Ideas and Practical Solutions

Marble Countertop Vanity on DIY Cabinet Base

Real marble on a DIY base? Why not? Remnant marble pieces from countertop shops are surprisingly affordable, and they’ll cut to size for a small fee. Your DIY cabinet base doesn’t need to be fancy – the marble does all the heavy lifting, style-wise.

Building a basic cabinet box is woodworking 101. Four sides, a bottom, some shelf pins, and you’re golden. The marble makes everything look expensive, even if your cabinet construction is, let’s say, “rustic.”

Marble vanity approach:

• Source remnants from local stone yards
• Build a reinforced cabinet base (marble is heavy)
• Use construction adhesive for mounting
• Seal marble edges properly
• Add undermount sink for seamless look

Word of warning: marble stains if you look at it wrong. Seal it religiously, or that toothpaste splatter becomes a permanent design feature.

Mid-Century Modern Vanity with Hairpin Legs

Want that Mad Men aesthetic without the Mad Men budget? Hairpin legs instantly transform any box into mid-century magic. You can literally screw them onto almost anything and boom – instant sophistication.

The key is proportions. Go for a longer, lower profile with clean lines. Walnut or teak wood stain captures that vintage vibe, though honestly, any wood works if you commit to the aesthetic.

Mid-century vanity elements:

• Hairpin legs in brass or black
• Minimalist cabinet design
• Warm wood tones
• Integrated handles or push-to-open hardware
• Single or double vessel sinks

I made one of these for my guest bathroom, and everyone assumes I dropped serious cash on it. Nope, just $40 in hairpin legs and some strategic staining. Sometimes the simple solutions are the best solutions.

Shiplap Bathroom Vanity with Distressed Look

Shiplap isn’t just for Chip and Joanna anymore. Vertical or horizontal shiplap on your vanity adds texture and hides imperfect construction like a charm. Distress it properly, and suddenly your amateur woodworking looks intentionally rustic.

The distressing process is basically controlled destruction – sand edges, bang it with chains, stain unevenly. It’s therapeutic and hides mistakes. What’s not to love?

Shiplap vanity process:

• Install shiplap over basic cabinet frame
• Sand edges and corners for worn look
• Layer different paint colors for depth
• Distress with sandpaper and chains
• Finish with dark wax for aging effect

Ever notice how the more you try to make something look old, the newer it actually looks? Yeah, me too. The trick is knowing when to stop distressing before it looks like you went at it with a sledgehammer.

Glass Top Vanity with Painted Drawers

Glass tops show off what’s underneath, so you better make those drawers gorgeous. Tempered glass is non-negotiable here – regular glass in a bathroom is asking for a trip to the ER. But that transparency creates an airy feel perfect for small spaces.

Painting the drawers in bold colors or patterns turns them into art. Think of it as functional decoration. Just make sure your drawer contents are organized, because glass tops hide nothing.

Glass top installation:

• Order tempered glass cut to size
• Use clear mounting brackets or adhesive
• Paint drawers before installing glass
• Add LED strips under glass for glow effect
• Keep edges polished for safety

The glass top in my master bath makes cleaning a breeze. No more scrubbing around faucet bases or dealing with water stains on wood. Just Windex and done 🙂

Wall-Mounted Vanity with Floating Sink

Maximum floor space with zero footprint – that’s the wall-mounted promise. These vanities make small bathrooms feel huge and make cleaning underneath a breeze. No more getting on hands and knees to clean around vanity legs.

The installation requires solid wall mounting into studs. This isn’t the place to cheap out on anchors. When that vanity falls at 3 AM, you’ll wish you’d spent the extra $20 on proper mounting hardware.

Wall-mounted installation musts:

• Locate and mark all available studs
• Use heavy-duty brackets rated for weight
• Install blocking between studs if needed
• Double-check level before final mounting
• Consider in-wall plumbing for cleaner look

My wall-mounted vanity has survived two teenagers and a husband who thinks everything is a seat. If that’s not a testimonial for proper mounting, I don’t know what is.

Custom Tile-Covered Vanity with Open Storage

Here’s where you can really let your creative flag fly. Covering a basic vanity with tile transforms it into a one-of-a-kind showpiece. Subway tile, penny rounds, moroccan patterns – whatever floats your design boat.

The open storage keeps the look from getting too heavy. Plus, it forces you to keep things organized when everything’s on display. Those pretty baskets and containers suddenly become part of the decor.

Tile application strategy:

• Start with a solid, flat surface for tiling
• Use appropriate adhesive for bathroom moisture
• Plan your tile layout before starting
• Grout carefully and seal properly
• Balance tiled areas with open spaces

I went wild with hexagon tiles on mine, and while it took forever to align them all, the result gets more compliments than anything else in my house. Sometimes the extra effort really does pay off.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it – 15 ways to transform your bathroom without transforming your bank account into a wasteland.

Each of these projects can be tackled in a weekend (okay, maybe a long weekend for some), and none require skills you can’t learn from a YouTube video or three.

The best part about DIY vanities? They’re completely customizable to your space, style, and storage needs. That cookie-cutter vanity from the big box store might fit, but will it fit you? Probably not.

Start with the project that speaks to you most, or combine elements from different ideas to create something uniquely yours.

Just remember – proper sealing and waterproofing aren’t suggestions, they’re requirements. Water damage doesn’t care how pretty your vanity looks.

Whether you go rustic, modern, or somewhere in between, the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands beats any store-bought option.

Plus, when guests compliment your bathroom, you get to casually drop that you built it yourself. That never gets old.

Now grab your measuring tape, pick your project, and get building. Your bathroom’s been waiting for this glow-up, and honestly, so have you. Time to make it happen!