Our Furniture Expert Tells Us What To Look Out For When Buying A Vanity From A Big Box Store

Heading to a big box store for a new vanity is a great way to cut costs, relative to a trip to a specialist furniture company. However, there are some things to take into consideration before you commit to buying a pre-made piece from a major retailer. In an exclusive interview with House Digest, owner of Meble Furniture, Raf Michalowski shared his advice to anyone wanting to get a vanity on a budget without compromising quality. 

It's worth noting that Michalowski advised heading to specialists wherever possible. "In my opinion, custom-made vanities offer more flexibility in terms of design and can be tailored to fit specific spaces. If the cost isn't a major concern, I would recommend going for a custom-made vanity," he explained. However, that's not to say he's against big box stores in the event that a custom job is too expensive. "If budget is a major constraint, premade vanities from big box retailers can provide decent quality at a fraction of the cost," he said.

Even so, Michalowski cautions that there are a number of quality clues to pay attention to when going the pre-made, big box route. From heaviness to hardware, it's more than possible to score a good vanity at a chain store — you just need to know what to look for.

Speaking exclusively to House Digest, Raf Michalowski shared a handful of key factors to pay attention to when looking at a vanity in a big box store like Ikea or Target. Specifically, he advised paying close attention to weight, hardware, paint (where applicable), and tell-tale signs of damage.

In the case of traditional wooden vanities, Michalowski explained that heaviness is generally a sign of better quality. "Heavier vanities tend to be made of solid wood rather than cheaper materials, like particle board," he pointed out. He also emphasized the hardware used around the joints of the product; if it looks a little suspect, that's usually an indicator of bad manufacturing. As for the finishes of painted vanities and glass or metal options, Michalowski recommended taking a very close look at the texture. Bubbles and cracks in the former are a no-go, as are scratches or chips in the latter.   

That's still just a skin-deep assessment, though. Michalowski also advised taking a real look at just how durable and functional a vanity is before committing to it. "Don't solely rely on the visual appeal of a vanity," he cautioned. That makes sense — after all, with a vanity, you'll be opening drawers regularly, and there's always a chance of spilling makeup or beauty products by chance. Easily stained surfaces and jam-prone drawers will add frustration to your routine rather than streamline it. 

One of the benefits of going with a big box store for a new vanity is that they often have options in the open box or scratch-and-dent section. That could mean even more savings, and as Raf Michalowski exclusively told House Digest, it's not necessarily a bad idea to take a look at what's available. Once again, though, he suggested proceeding with caution. 

For one, he explained it's vital that the items — even if scratched or dented — are not beyond repair. "Go for open box or scratch-and-dent items only if the damage is minor and can easily be fixed," he advised. It's also important, he added, that all the parts are still included in the box.

Even if you think the items could be repaired, and even if all the parts are included, Michalowski concluded by sharing that asking questions is the best way to avoid making mistakes while shopping. For instance, he explained, knowing about returns on items from the open box section is incredibly important. However, that doesn't just go for the scratch-and-dent section. "Don't be afraid to ask questions about the materials used, and warranty information," he urged regarding all big box offerings. Knowledge is power, and if you're thinking of getting a pre-made vanity, it's important to go into a purchase with a super clear idea of what you're getting yourself into.