Can You Reuse Kitchen Cabinets For A Bathroom Vanity?

In the throes of a kitchen remodel, the thought occurs to you: What will happen to my old-but-durable kitchen cabinets? Or, you stumble on a beautiful find online or at a thrift store. A great idea is a relatively simple change to your bathroom by repurposing the kitchen cabinet as an updated vanity. Yes, you can do this! And, doing so is a smart way to repurpose your old kitchen cabinets and give new life to something you already own or to reuse a found item, keeping it from the landfill. You may even save a few dollars. But, you'll want to consider a few things as you plan for the change.

In the U.S., standard kitchen cabinets, not including the countertop, are 34 ½ inches high by 24 inches deep, and they come in varying widths. Bathroom vanities tend to be shallower, with finished depths between 20 and 23 inches, and heights can average between 30 and 36 inches. One reason for the size difference is the proportionally larger size of kitchens to bathrooms. A second is the need for increased storage to accommodate pans, pots, and other cooking implements.

Understanding the sizing differences can help determine whether a bulkier kitchen cabinet will work without needing size modifications. Your primary bath, for example, may be adults-only and larger than your guest bathroom. So, you may have sufficient room to add a comfort-sized vanity, like your repurposed cabinet. However, this may not be the best fit for kids and shorter adults.

As you prepare to swap cabinets, you'll want to assess your space and understand how the new vanity would fit. Following basic guidelines for choosing a bathroom vanity will help. Measure what's currently in place to understand the ramifications of switching to a more generous-sized cabinet. A crucial point to be aware of is the amount of walkable space, where a reduction could pose problems for those with accessibility issues. With the greater depth of the kitchen cabinet, your clearance around is decreased. In this case, making sure doors and drawers — including shower doors — can open freely is key.

Another point to consider before setting the larger cabinet in place is whether the additional height infringes upon the other fixtures, like outlets, mirrors, lighting, and even wall-mounted faucets, moving any of which would add cost and time to your project. Also, with the switch, you'll need to check that plumbing access is unrestricted. Otherwise, modifications will be necessary to the cabinet and possibly to your plumbing. Ensuring everything that remains in place will work with the new cabinet addition will make your transition a lot smoother.

At this stage, don't forget to consider the effect of the vanity upgrade on the rest of the room. Something you don't want to overlook is the potential that once you change one piece, you may want to consider a bigger renovation. So, if you're looking for more of an overhaul, consider these other ideas to elevate your space before you begin.

Success! Your new vanity is in place, looking fabulous. Now is the time to revisit your cabinetry layout, given the increased storage at your disposal. These five simple tips can help you organize your bathroom vanity so you start with a clean canvas and make great use of your extra space.

This is where you can have some fun without breaking the bank. Add playfulness to your bathroom by refreshing your current accessories. You may want to change out your linens and bring in a cheery bath mat. Or, add some fresh flowers in a colorful vase. And even swap out the vanity handles and pulls. Small things have a great impact and can really enliven the room.

Upcycling your old kitchen cabinets is an excellent way to minimize the effect of construction materials winding up in trash dumps. And, doing so can be budget-friendly as well. Products built to withstand the heavy use of modern living can have a new purpose with a little creativity.