Downsides You Should Know About Outdated Glossy Black Vanities

A bathroom vanity is a very personal piece of furniture: It's where you wash your hands, keep all your toiletries and skincare products, and get yourself ready to start the day. Therefore, it's important that your vanity stays clean and welcoming with an appealing aesthetic that you will be happy to see day after day. There is plenty of room for creativity when it comes to decorating a vanity, but there are still some finishes you'll want to stay away from to keep the space looking good in the long run. Whether you choose a single or a double vanity for your space, you should avoid the downsides of an outdated, glossy black finish.

Extremely shiny black surfaces may create a lot of visual interest, but that interest won't necessarily be positive. The intense look of glossy black vanities is out of style, and not practical for a space that sees a lot of spills and messes. High-gloss surfaces are easily scuffed and susceptible to fingerprints and water stains, while the black color will make any imperfections stand out. Instead of glossy black, try one of these bathroom vanity ideas that will elevate your space. Glossy or black finishes are fine on their own, but the combination is difficult to maintain.

Fortunately for those who like their bathroom to have a bit of flair, there are other design choices that can achieve a similarly dramatic look to glossy black finishes. Even just installing a black vanity that is slightly less shiny, such as one with a satin finish, can create more visual interest and will be easier to keep clean. You can also try out our tips to transform a shiny finish into a matte finish. One more subtle way to incorporate striking dark colors into your bathroom is to only paint other smaller sections black, like the backsplash or molding, or to use black fixtures and cabinet handles. Then, use complementary neutral tones for the vanity itself.

If you're ready to move on from a moody black vanity, it's time to consider other finish options that will look better and be easier to maintain. For the cabinets, neutral tones like grey or beige and wood stains are classics for a reason, and can go well with any other decorations you choose. Vivid colors like dark blue or green can also create a modern aesthetic. When finishing the countertops, go for white or pastel shades that will look crisp and clean, and that won't make any imperfections look super obvious.