March 2019 - Our Thoughts

Check Out the Exciting Products in the Robern Uplift Tech Line!

Robern has long been associated with providing some of the most luxurious, upscale bathroom products available on the market. As we’ve noted in previous articles, one of the best examples of this comes from the new Uplift Tech medicine cabinet line.

Building on the design principles first introduced with the company’s Uplift cabinets, core features such as USB charging ports, innovative handle and door design, and lighted options make the Uplift Tech line a truly versatile option that fits well in almost any modern bathroom.

Perhaps the most distinctive element of a Uplift Tech medicine cabinet is the door, which opens vertically and holds in position, rather than swinging outward like a standard medicine cabinet door. This feature not only offers a stylish alternative for your bathroom; it also helps you conserve space with a more convenient opening mechanism.

A wide range of sizes and available features ensures that there is an Uplift Tech cabinet perfectly suited for your needs, no matter which bathroom you are currently thinking of upgrading. Here is a closer look at the models currently available in this line through Kitchen & Bath Authority.

Robern UC24276FPNE0N Uplift Tech 24 Inch Non-Lit, Non-Electric Cabinet: The smallest and least expensive of the Uplift Tech models, the UC24276FPNE0N is designed with urban spaces in mind. After all, just because you have limited space, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on great style and functionality.

This cabinet size is available exclusively in a non-electric package. However, it still utilizes high-quality materials to deliver great functionality. A mirrored interior ensures that opening the door won’t eliminate your ability to check your reflection. Three adjustable glass shelves, as well as optional glass storage bins, make it easy to customize your bathroom storage as needed.

For further customization in installation, this cabinet can be surface mounted, recessed, or semi-recessed, ensuring that it can fit almost anywhere.

Robern UC30276FPNE0N Uplift Tech 30 Inch Non-Lit, Non-Electric Cabinet: If you have a little more space available for a medicine cabinet, the UC30276FPNE0N cabinet offers a convenient — though still affordable — upgrade. You won’t find special lighting or electrical features in this cabinet, but you will find a host of minor improvements over its smaller counterpart.

Most notably, this model offers six adjustable glass shelves. One-inch adjustable increments give you plenty of options for configuring the cabinet’s interior. As with all other Uplift Tech models, this cabinet utilizes durable anodized aluminum and glass materials to prevents rust and corrosion. The glass has been salt spray tested to ensure that it meets the ASTM Standard.

Stylish and functional, this cabinet is well-suited for the rigors of daily bathroom use.

Robern UC30276FPNE2N Uplift Tech 30 Inch Non-Lit Cabinet With Electric: The smallest Uplift Tech model to feature electrical integration highlights just how much of a difference these upgrades can make.

This electric cabinet model features an E2 Electric column. This column includes two USB ports in addition to three 120VAC power outlets. This setup is perfect for charging an electric razor, providing power to a hair dryer, or even recharging your smartphone.

The UC30276FPNE2N cabinet also features a lighted mirrored interior. The interior lighting turns on and off automatically based on whether the door is open or closed. A warm, low-wattage light makes it easier to find bathroom essentials when the room is still dark.

Robern UC30276FPNE4N Uplift Tech 30 Inch Non-Lit Cabinet With Electric, Night Light and Defogger: You don’t have to upgrade all the way to a model with perimeter lighting to enjoy some of the most exciting features available from an Uplift Tech cabinet. The addition of a night light and defogger make the UC30276FPNE4N a great option for your bathroom.

The Uplift Tech night light can be programmed in 12 hour increments, providing a soft light to illuminate the bathroom. This feature is perfect for guiding your steps on a midnight bathroom trip or making it easier to find items in the medicine cabinet.

This cabinet’s defogging tech ensures that you can enjoy a clear reflection the moment you get out of the shower. The Uplift Tech defogger utilizes a 45-minute timer, and is activated with a simple button press. No need to wait for steam to clear out before you can see your reflection.

Robern UC30276RP3E2N Uplift Tech 30 Inch Perimeter Light Cabinet With Electric: The combination of perimeter lighting and electrical connectivity makes the UC30276RP3E2N the part of an ideal setup for getting ready in the morning.

The perimeter lighting on Uplift Tech medicine cabinets utilizes energy efficient LEDs to create a warm, relaxing tone. This LED setup is perfect for task lighting, with flicker-free dimming options allowing you to adjust the lighting from full capacity down to a mere one percent. The system’s standard dimmer works flawlessly with your home’s existing wiring, making it easy to find the perfect brightness for any task.

Robern UC30276RP3E4N Uplift Tech 30 Inch Perimeter Light Cabinet With Electric, Night Light and Defogger: For those who want every feature the Uplift Tech line has to offer but are still relatively constrained with their available space, the UC30276RP3E4N medicine cabinet is the perfect option.

With this Uplift Tech medicine cabinet, you get all the features that make this line a true revolution in bathroom design. Adjustable perimeter lighting, cantilever shelving with adjustable glass shelves, an E4 electric column featuring USB ports and 120VAC outlets, a night light, and a mirror defogger result in a cabinet that is both stylish and functional.

With the addition of a surface mounting kit or semi-recessed kit, you can install this medicine cabinet in any configuration you desire and still enjoy a great look.

Robern UC36276FPNE2N Uplift Tech 36 Inch Non-Lit Cabinet With Electric: With a width of 36 inches, the UC3627FPNE2N is ideally suited for those who want a little extra mirror space in their bathroom. As with other Uplift Tech Electric models, this cabinet utilizes two USB outlets and three 120VAC outlets so you can power your items.

Another key attribute of this and other Uplift Tech models is its modular design. With the assistance of a ganging kit, you can link multiple medicine cabinets together to further expand bathroom functionality. This option is great for creating a “his and hers” medicine cabinet setup, giving you and your partner the ability to adjust your bathroom storage as you see fit.

Robern UC36276FPNE4N Uplift Tech 36 Inch Non-Lit Cabinet With Electric, Night Light and Defogger: The 36-inch line of Uplift Tech cabinets gets a few extra upgrades with the UC36276FPNE4N model, with a night light and defogger making this cabinet perfect for either a master suite or a child’s bathroom.

The night light is housed within the bottom handle of the medicine cabinet, ensuring that this additional feature doesn’t clutter up the cabinet’s clean look. A small, subtle button enables users to turn the light on or off without interfering with the system’s timed program.

Similarly, the defogging device is controlled with the push of a button. The cabinet utilizes a subtle LED indicator light so you know when this feature has been activated. The use of a built-in 45-minute timer ensures that it will shut off automatically if you forget to turn this feature off yourself.

Robern UC36276RP3E2N Uplift Tech 36 Inch Perimeter Light Cabinet With Electric: The combination of perimeter lighting and an E2 electric column greatly enhances the functionality of the UC36276RP3E2N Uplift Tech cabinet. A mirrored interior and adjustable shelving ensure that you won’t have any trouble getting through your morning routine.

The use of LED lights for the cabinet’s perimeter task lighting greatly enhances the energy efficiency of this medicine cabinet. The LED lighting has an estimated lifespan of 53,000 hours — or over 6 years of continuous lighting. Needless to say, these long-lasting bulbs won’t need to be replaced for quite a while.

Robern UC36276RP3E4N Uplift Tech 36 Inch Perimeter Light Cabinet With Electric, Night Light and Defogger: An E4 Electric column, defogging technology, perimeter lighting, and a night light combine to ensure that the UC36276RP3E4N medicine cabinet delivers the maximum in modern features.

This medicine cabinet’s functionality is further enhanced by its impressive durability. Uplift Tech medicine cabinets are built with glass and rust-free anodized aluminum to ensure that they will stand up to the rigors of damp, humid environments. Uplift Tech cabinets are ETL/UL Certified so you can have confidence that they will provide safe, reliable performance in damp conditions.

With this strong background, you can have confidence that your Uplift Tech cabinet is built to stand the test of time.

Robern UC48276FPNE2N Uplift Tech 48 Inch Non-Lit Cabinet With Electric: If you have a larger bathroom counter space, you’ll want a larger medicine cabinet to go with it — and the UC48276FPNE2N fits the bill. At 48 inches wide, this medicine cabinet’s adjustable cantilever shelving is sure to provide plenty of storage space for your bathroom essentials.

Of course, Uplift Tech cabinets are about much more than functionality. They also aim to bring a distinctive modern style to your bathroom. This is one area where you shouldn’t have to compromise, even if your bathroom layout requires that you use a surface mount or semi-recessed installation.

To give your cabinet a complete look in any installation style, side kits and top and bottom kits are available for non-recessed installations. These easy to install kits give your cabinet a stylish finished look on all visible surfaces.

Robern UC48276FPNE4N Uplift Tech 48 Inch Non-Lit Cabinet With Electric, Night Light and Defogger: Added features like a night light and defogger further enhance the convenience that comes from having a medicine cabinet with a fully functional electric column. However, many of the best features of an Uplift Tech cabinet are also the most simple.

This cabinet line’s vertical opening door is the perfect example of how Robern seeks to innovate in the bathroom space. Because the door opens up instead of out, it is easier for recessed cabinets to be installed behind the faucet. The door is further enhanced with a position-hold system that locks the door in place until you need to close it again.

A comfortable handle allows you to open the door with as few as two fingers, ensuring that you won’t smudge the mirror as you lift the door into position.

Robern UC48276RP3E2N Uplift Tech 48 Inch Perimeter Light Cabinet With Electric: The adjustable perimeter lighting featured in the UC48276RP3E2N is perfectly suited for matching your various bathroom activities. This lighting can also enhance the unique finish you choose for your Uplift Tech medicine cabinet.

While Robern Uplift Tech medicine cabinets come with a standard handle finish of anodized aluminum, additional options allow you to match with other fixtures and finishes in your bathroom. Other finish options include matte black, chrome, matte gold, and polished nickel. With five distinct finishes to choose from, you’ll have no trouble coordinating with the rest of your bathroom decor to create a unified look.

Robern UC48276RP3E4N Uplift Tech 48 Inch Perimeter Light Cabinet With Electric, Night Light and Defogger: As the largest model in the Uplift Tech line that also includes all available high-tech features, the UC48276RP3E4N creates the ultimate bathroom experience. The large rectangular mirror allows multiple people to check their reflection at the same time.

While you can certainly use the cabinet’s built-in control options for the perimeter lighting, defogger, and night light, a versatile design allows for even greater adaptation to your lifestyle. Each of these components can be hardwired your residential electrical supply. This allows the night light and defogger to be operated with standard power switches. The task lighting can also be controlled through residential dimmers.

Such versatility defines the entire mindset behind the Uplift Tech line. With the ability to choose the size and features in the configuration that best fits your need, you will enjoy the ultimate in style and functionality.

Find the Right Model

One thing that becomes clear with this overview of the Uplift Tech line is that there are plenty of options available. So how can you determine which model will be the best fit for your bathroom?

Perhaps the best attributes to consider are your bathroom’s size and layout, as well as how you plan to use the bathroom. Start by carefully measuring the bathroom wall above the countertop/sink so you know how much space is available.

If you are replacing an old medicine cabinet, it may be easiest to simply measure its dimensions and choose a replacement with the same width (for reference, all Uplift Tech cabinets are 27 inches tall and 7 and 1/8 inches deep).

It may also be helpful to measure the width of your bathroom countertop so you can select a cabinet size that will be a good match.

Your bathroom habits can also help you determine which features are a must-have. For example, a child’s bathroom could especially benefit from a night light — something that some adults may find unnecessary. If your bathroom already has quality ventilation that keeps fogged mirrors from becoming a problem, a defogger may not be necessary, either.

Ultimately, it is up to you to determine which features are must-haves and which ones you can do without. One thing is certain, however: the addition of an electrical column can streamline any morning routine, whether you need to use a hair dryer or simply wish to use your phone to listen to your favorite playlist.

Other Installation Considerations

If you are replacing a pre-existing medicine cabinet, the installation of a Robern Uplift Tech cabinet will likely be much easier. However, the inclusion of key electrical features can add a new dimension to this bathroom upgrade. Be mindful of whether you will need to enlist the help of an electrician to ensure that the new cabinet is safely and properly wired (especially if connecting it to light switches).

When installing a brand new cabinet, you will need to be aware of the space behind the wall. Checking for obstructions such as pipes or electrical wire could very well determine if your new cabinet should be surface-mounted or can be recessed in the wall. Locating studs will also be important in facilitating the installation of your new Robern Uplift Tech cabinet.

Make Your Pick!

The bathroom may not be the first place you think of when planning to make technology-infused upgrades to your home, but as the Robern Uplift Tech lineup reveals, there’s no reason why this part of the house should be left behind.

With an innovative vertical-opening design, key electrical upgrades, and a classy modern style, a Robern Uplift Tech medicine cabinet is sure to be a dynamic statement piece of your new and improved bathroom.

Here at Kitchen & Bath Authority, we make it easier than ever for you to upgrade your bathrooms with this exciting lineup. We offer Robern Uplift Tech cabinets at deep discounts with free shipping and no tax to help you save on these exciting products.

Now you have all the details — it’s time to make your pick! We look forward to helping you transform your bathroom like never before.

What to Look For in a Modern Bathroom Vanity

As we’ve previously written, a bathroom vanity is one of the most important elements of your bathroom design. Creating an attractive space for the sink that also provides a much-needed storage area will go a long way in improving the overall functionality of your bathroom. Whether in the master bathroom or a hallway half-bath, the right vanity can have a significant impact.

But a bathroom vanity should be about more than just functionality. Despite being one of the smallest rooms in the house, the bathroom is also one of the most frequently used. Because of this, whether you are planning on staying in your house for many years to come or making renovations to increase your property value for a future home sale, stylish amenities are key to creating an inviting atmosphere.

While features like a luxury shower head can make a big difference for these goals, one of the best upgrades you can make is installing a modern bathroom vanity.

Understanding ‘Modern’ Furniture

Of course, before you start looking into modern bathroom vanities, it probably helps to understand just what is meant by “modern” furniture design. This design trend first appeared in the late 19th century. Modernism marked a direct departure from the ornate and intricate furniture that had been produced in the past. Instead, artisans began to focus on emphasizing functionality with a more minimalist design.

Several societal changes played a role in this design shift, the most notable being the factory production techniques introduced by the Industrial Revolution, as well as desire to create quality furniture that was more affordable for the general public. A minimalist design was easier to mass-produce.

A key consideration in modern and contemporary furniture design is functionality. It isn’t enough for a piece of furniture to look good. It also needs to conform to the user’s needs. This ultimately affects everything from the dimensions of the piece to the way doors and other features are integrated into the overall design.

As part of this minimalist approach, modern furniture designers further sought to separate themselves from the past by focusing on a clean, streamlined look. The basic idea was that the piece reflected the present and future, rather than attempting to connect with the past.

New trends in modernism bloomed after World War II, when industrialization became even more prominent and new manufacturing techniques allowed designers to utilize metals and other materials in their designs.

Modernism has continued to evolve over time, and many of the earlier modern styles that were introduced decades ago remain extremely popular today. Just consider the resurgence of “midcentury modern,” which evokes styles first introduced in the 1950s!

Furniture that is designed today is often referred to as “contemporary” rather than modern, because it combines the modern values of minimalism and functionality with some of the design trends that are currently popular in the world at large. Contemporary trends often differ from country to country based on the unique design influences in each area.

With their simple, smooth designs, modern and contemporary furniture helps create an uncluttered look in any room — a great attribute for pieces like vanities, which are already meant to help you better organize your bathroom.

What Defines a ‘Modern’ Vanity?

So what makes a bathroom vanity modern or contemporary? Being manufactured in the year 2019 isn’t enough. After all, many individuals still desire a more traditional look, and many bathroom vanities are still made that evoke these classic designs. Despite being produced today, their look hardly qualifies as modern or contemporary.

It can sometimes be difficult for homeowners to figure out what defines the look of a modern or contemporary bathroom vanity. What makes the selection process even more confusing is that the terms “modern” and “contemporary” are not always viewed as interchangeable.

Tonya Lee of The Spruce gives some great examples of the similarities and differences that define modern and contemporary furniture, including bathroom vanities.

She writes: “Both styles tend to favor simple, uncluttered spaces with smooth, clean lines and artistic flair. This imparts a comfortable and calming feeling in a room that is very inviting. Neither style prefers ornate designs or heavy elements. Contemporary spaces can, however, bend this rule frequently as the trends change… They each tend to gravitate toward reflective surfaces such as exposed metals and glass. You will also find plenty of exposed wood in both styles, from structural beams to raw wood end tables with metal bases.”

However, modern and contemporary furniture pieces also have some noteworthy differences. As an example of this, Lee notes, “Modern pieces of decor tend to have a function, whereas contemporary pieces may concentrate more on the form itself…Modern design favors strong lines, while the contemporary style loves curves.”

Generally speaking, modern bathroom vanities reflect design trends that were introduced between the 1920s and the 1960s. Contemporary bathroom vanities will utilize newer design trends from the 1970s to today.

Key Features of Modern and Contemporary Design

Clean lines and a minimalist look are a key component of most modern and contemporary bathroom vanities. For example, you won’t find intricate carvings adorning the vanity’s drawers and doors. Instead, you should expect smooth, flat surfaces. A modern bathroom vanity will utilize straight, hard edges, while contemporary vanities are more likely to feature a curved design. Geometric shapes are especially popular.

For materials, it is most common for modern bathroom vanities to use a wood veneer with an acrylic countertop, though marble or other stone materials are sometimes used for the countertop as well.

Those interested in a bold, unique look for their bathroom can also find other materials among modern bathroom vanity selections. For example, the Chans Furniture 504GC Austell 32 Inch Gold Mirrored Bathroom Sink Vanity uses a mirror veneer with an antique gold finish. Not only does this create a refined, upscale appearance, but the integration of mirrors can help your bathroom feel more spacious.

Those going for a truly minimalist design can even find metal wall-mounted vanities that create an industrial aesthetic.

Color is another area where modern and contemporary bathroom vanities distinguish themselves from traditional designs. While lighter wood-grain style veneers are still plentiful, you are more likely to find colors like silver gray, pearl white, or even bolder blacks and blues.

Modern bathroom vanities may use a more streamlined design, but they don’t skimp on quality and durability. These vanities are designed to withstand exposure to water and moisture. Even those that use a wood veneer incorporate special waterproofing to prevent water damage and ensure lasting performance.

Is a Modern Bathroom Vanity Right For You?

There is no denying that a modern bathroom vanity can offer a distinctive look for your bathroom. But is it the best fit for your home? If you plan on upgrading to a modern vanity, you will likely want to consider making other changes to your bathroom. Otherwise, your new layout may come out as a mishmash of styles rather than a cohesive whole.

In addition to selecting the vanity itself, you will also need to consider the look of your medicine cabinets, the tub/shower space, and the flooring, wall coverings, and lighting. You may also need to select a new sink and faucet, as not all bathroom vanities come with this hardware.

To get the most from your upgrade to a modern bathroom, you should carefully consider how the bathroom vanity will pair with the rest of these features. Depending on the current layout of your bathroom, you may also need to upgrade other amenities to ensure a consistent look.

The good news is that even if you do need to make additional upgrades, modern design’s focus on functionality and minimalism helps keep costs from getting out of hand. Of course, the look will be even more effective if you already use modern design elements in other parts of the home.

The good news, however, is that with so many styles of modern bathroom vanities available, finding a model that blends well with your current decor likely won’t be as hard as you think. It is a relatively low-cost upgrade that can make a big difference in how you perceive your bathroom.

Sizing Your Modern Bathroom Vanity

As with a traditional bathroom vanity, there are several factors beyond style that you need to consider to ensure that a new vanity is a good fit. Start by considering the vanity’s height, width, and depth. After all, with the wrong dimensions, a vanity may not even fit into your current space.

Traditionally, bathroom vanities stood at about 30 inches high. Over time, however, people have become taller, which means that these shorter vanities aren’t always as comfortable. Because of this, many modern vanities stand up to 36 inches tall. However, you should also consider the position of mirrors and medicine cabinets when determining which height would be best for your bathroom.

The width and depth of your modern bathroom vanity will have a direct impact on foot traffic. Bathroom vanity widths can range from a mere 24 inches to larger double vanities that are up to 80 inches wide. These larger vanities typically have two sinks instead of one.

Bathroom vanity depths can range from 17 to 24 inches, with deeper models offering more storage space. However, you shouldn’t merely consider the depth of the vanity itself. You should also account for how much space will be used when opening doors and drawers. You don’t want a drawer to hit into the wall or another bathroom fixture!

A good rule of thumb is to start by measuring the dimensions of your current bathroom vanity. Quite often, this will serve as a good guideline to help you determine which dimensions will work well in your bathroom.

When in doubt, err toward a modern bathroom vanity that closely matches the dimensions of the model you’ll be replacing. A vanity that is too big may not even fit within the available floor space. On the other hand, a vanity that is too small likely will not provide adequate storage space.

If you are purchasing a modern bathroom vanity for a brand-new bathroom, take measurements of the room and plan out where the vanity and other design elements will be placed. You will also need to consider the location of plumbing hookups when determining the best placement for your vanity and sink.

Modern Vanity Varieties

As with traditional bathroom vanities, there are several design options available with modern styles. For modern bathroom vanities, the most common options are wall-mounted vanities and free-standing vanities.

Wall-mounted vanities are mounted directly to the wall, leaving open floor space underneath the sink and vanity area. The lack of legs or a toe kick further enhances the minimalist design that is emphasized in most modern and contemporary design.

Wall-mounted vanities are especially popular in smaller bathrooms. Because they do not extend all the way to the floor, they actually help the bathroom feel larger by creating more open space. This can also make it easier to effectively clean the floors in your bathroom. The ability to mount the vanity at different heights can also make it better suited for those with accessibility issues.

If you are considering a wall-mounted vanity, keep in mind that the installation process can be more complicated, as the wall will often require special framing and reinforcement. This could involve the installation of a steel carrier or specialized bracing. The added work will likely increase the timetable and total expenses for the installation.

Free-standing vanities are more often associated with traditional bathroom vanities, but are still quite common among modern designs. Modern free-standing vanities are frequently designed to imitate a dresser or other furniture piece to set them apart from the standard vanity look.

Installation of a free-standing vanity is typically much easier, as it is set in the desired location and then held in place by plumbing and caulk. Free-standing vanities also typically offer more storage than their wall-mounted counterparts. Many modern free-standing vanities utilize a mix of concealed drawers and open shelving to create a sleek look.

Free-standing vanities can also support more weight than a wall-standing vanity. Though the items you store within the vanity’s drawers may not add up to much, this added weight capacity is important to consider if you have small children who might climb on the countertop.

Finally, a smaller bathroom may benefit from a pedestal vanity. These fixtures are sometimes simply referred to as pedestal sinks, as they are a combination of a sink and base and generally don’t include any added shelving.

Though traditional pedestal vanities are usually made from porcelain, modern and contemporary designs offer a few additional options. For example, the Fresca Ovale 24 Inch Modern Glass Bathroom Vanity features a tempered glass countertop and sink and a stainless steel base.

Modern pedestal vanities also incorporate additional features for added functionality, such as a towel bar. Some modern pedestal vanities also include pull-out drawers so that you can still have some storage space, even in a tiny bathroom.

What Do You Need?

When selecting a modern bathroom vanity, finding a style that appeals to you is a great place to start. But this shouldn’t be the be-all end-all of your selection process. Account for other vital attributes, such as how much floor space is available in your bathroom and how much storage you will need for towels, toilet paper, and other items.

By accounting for these factors as you pick out a modern bathroom vanity, you will find the options that deliver both the modern style and timeless functionality that you need.

Here at Kitchen & Bath Authority, we have a wide selection of contemporary and modern bathroom vanities to suit almost any home. Whether you need a quick upgrade for your guest bathroom or you are planning extensive renovations for the master suite, our stylish vanities are sure to deliver the right look.

Need a lot of storage space? The Avanity Allie 37 Inch Vanity Combo in Twilight Gray with Gold Trim and White Quartz Top features a large open shelf underneath the standard pull-out drawers so you have room for bulkier items.

When you don’t need quite as much storage room, wall-mounted vanities like the Duravit Happy D.2 24-5/8 x 18-7/8 Inch Vanity Unit is the perfect companion to a stylish Duravit washbasin, creating a weightless appearance that helps your bathroom feel more open. Models like the Kubebath Bliss 36 Inch Nature Wood Wall Mount Modern Bathroom Vanity use a natural wood finish to evoke a luxurious, spa-like atmosphere.

Conclusion

No matter what kind of modern bathroom vanity you’re looking for, you can count on Kitchen & Bath Authority to offer vanities from the most popular brands at unbeatable prices, with great discounts and free shipping available on many products.

Check out our full selection of modern and contemporary bathroom vanities today, and we’re confident that you will find the right match to help you transform your bathroom.

What to Consider When Choosing Bathroom Vanities

To maximize your bathroom space, consider bathroom vanities instead of a standalone sink. While standalone sinks offer a clean, minimalist design, they limit storage space for towels, toilet paper, and other essentials. If you prefer a minimalist industrial look, a standalone sink may suit you. However, a bathroom vanity can enhance your bathroom’s overall aesthetic appeal and provide necessary storage.

Because of this, most homeowners choose to install a vanity. Choosing the right bathroom vanity is essential for managing your storage and style needs when building or remodeling a bathroom. Here is a closer look at what you should consider when planning for a new vanity installation.

Who Will Use It?

Unsurprisingly, perhaps the first thing you will want to consider when selecting a bathroom vanity is who will be using it on a daily basis. After all, you and your spouse will generally have different bathroom needs than your children. And what may be needed for the master bathroom would likely be considered an unnecessary extra feature for a hallway half-bathroom.

Consider your daily routine and lifestyle to help you better understand which factors should be a top priority. If multiple people typically need to use the vanity area at the same time, you will likely want an installation with multiple sinks (if the bathroom has space for it). Bathrooms that are used for applying makeup and doing hair will often benefit from more counter space and storage areas for working with needed supplies.

On the other hand, a bathroom that is only used when guests come to visit or when all the other bathrooms in the house are occupied probably won’t need as much storage or counter space. By considering who uses each bathroom and how, you can better plan vanity installations throughout the house.

Types of Bathroom Vanities for Your Bathroom Remodel

When remodeling your bathroom, selecting the right vanity plays a crucial role in style and functionality. With various vanity styles available, understanding the different types can help you choose the perfect fit for your bathroom design. Most bathroom vanities fall into one of three main categories: cabinet-style, wall-mounted, and pedestal vanities.

Cabinet-Style Vanities

Cabinet-style vanities, often called free-standing vanities, resemble traditional cabinets with a legged furniture design. They offer spacious storage drawers and can match the decor in other parts of your home. Since they connect directly to the plumbing, moving them after installation requires adjusting plumbing hookups. These vanities don’t mount against the wall or floor, giving them a furniture-like appearance. Many cabinet-style vanities include open-air shelving, concealed compartments, and drawers, providing varied bathroom storage solutions and visual appeal.

Wall-Mounted Vanities

Wall-mounted vanities provide a streamlined and airy look, making them popular in modern bathroom designs. They mount directly to the wall, leaving space between the vanity’s bottom and the floor. This creates a more open layout. Some homeowners use this area for additional storage or to enhance the spacious feel of the bathroom. Wall-mounted vanities don’t have to include cabinets; many people choose this style to gain more counter space around the sink without needing extra storage underneath.

Pedestal Vanities

A pedestal vanity is essentially a free-standing sink with a sleek pedestal base, offering minimal storage space. They suit half-bathrooms or guest bathrooms where space is limited. Pedestal vanities make it easier to move around the bathroom due to their compact design. If you need extra storage, consider adding adjacent shelves or a recessed medicine cabinet. Console sinks, a variant of the pedestal vanity, provide a middle ground by adding storage features like a towel bar or a single open shelf.

When planning your bathroom remodel, consider the unique features of each vanity style. Most homeowners choose different types of bathroom vanities for different bathrooms in their home. Pedestal vanities may suit guest bathrooms or half-bathrooms, while cabinet-style or wall-mounted vanities are typically the best options for a master bathroom. Selecting the right vanity enhances both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your bathroom, contributing to a successful bathroom renovation.

Bathroom Vanity Design Considerations

Selecting a new bathroom vanity involves more than choosing the type of vanity. Consider your preferred sink type and the materials you want to use. These factors influence which vanity suits your bathroom and affect the final design.

Types of Bathroom Sinks

There are four main types of sink installations for bathroom vanities:

Undermount Sinks: They install beneath the vanity counter, creating a smooth, seamless countertop.
Drop-In Sinks: They mount on top of the counter. The basin is inset, but the edges create a small ‘lip’ around it.
Integrated Sinks: Part of the countertop itself, forming a single continuous piece without separate sink and counter.
Vessel Sinks: Sit on top of the counter like a bowl and come in several shapes.

Choose a sink type based on your style preferences and how much usable counter space you need. If you require a lot of counter space for your daily routine, an undermount or integrated sink is ideal. If counter space isn’t a concern, a stylish vessel sink can be a great choice.

Choosing the Best Materials for Your Bathroom Vanity

The materials you choose for the vanity base, hardware, countertop, and sink directly impact your bathroom vanity’s appearance and functionality. Though wood is the most common choice for the vanity base, different finishes can create dramatically different styles. Manufacturers typically make countertops and sinks from ceramic or marble. They can match or contrast based on your desired look.

Be mindful of how your selected materials will stand up to normal wear and tear, as well as unique bathroom hazards like exposure to water and humidity, spilled makeup supplies, or harsh cleaning products. Many homeowners select laminate or wood veneers for their cabinet base. At the very least, a waterproof finish should be a top priority.

Consider faucets and backsplashes when selecting a bathroom vanity design, especially since these features are often sold separately. Generally, choose a faucet that matches the overall aesthetic of the vanity. A backsplash is optional but can serve as a great extension of the countertop when matching materials are selected, while also protecting the walls from water damage.

Plumbing Considerations for Bathroom Vanity Installation

While design considerations are important for achieving your desired bathroom look, you must also consider how much space is actually available for a vanity installation. To save money during the remodeling process, account for your bathroom’s current layout to minimize the need for major alterations.

Start by examining the current plumbing setup in your bathroom. Moving the location of your plumbing hookups is possible but can be extremely costly and time-consuming. Most homeowners are better off using the existing plumbing. Standard plumbing layouts typically suit floor-mounted or pedestal vanities. Unless you already have a wall-mounted vanity, you may need to adjust plumbing hookups to fit everything properly.

The location of your plumbing hookups also affects where back openings need to be placed in your vanity. Though most vanities have pre-cut openings as part of their design, make sure that the location of your hookups won’t require you to cut new openings.

Measuring Space for Your Bathroom Vanity

In addition to plumbing considerations, you need to measure how much space is actually available in the bathroom. For example, if you wish to have two sinks installed in the vanity, your counter will need to be at least 48 inches wide. Otherwise, you won’t have enough usable counter space. If the bathroom doesn’t have enough floor space for a vanity of that width, you’ll have to opt for a single-sink vanity instead.

Consider the vanity’s depth, as it will directly impact the walkability of the bathroom. You don’t want the vanity to be so deep that it gets in the way when you move around the room. Extra bumps can be annoying at best and dangerous during slick, humid conditions.

Vanity Placement and Proximity to Other Bathroom Features

Account for the vanity’s proximity to other bathroom features. Improper depth or placement could cause the bathroom door to hit the vanity when it swings open. A shower door that swings outward could hit a vanity that is too deep.

Similarly, you might have trouble accessing items or opening vanity drawers fully if they hit other objects in the bathroom. Be mindful of how both drawers and doors open on your vanity, as their different opening styles will impact the overall space. This is why many smaller bathrooms opt for a pedestal vanity and wall storage, rather than a larger cabinet-style vanity.

By taking measurements of the bathroom in advance, you’ll have a better idea of which vanity sizes work with your available space. If you are remodeling, you can use your current vanity as a guide in determining whether a larger or smaller vanity would be better suited to the bathroom.

Don’t forget about the height of your vanity. The vanity’s height will impact other wall features, such as mirrors and medicine cabinets. If you are only replacing an outdated medicine cabinet, select a height that doesn’t interfere with these other essential fixtures.

For bathrooms with an unusual layout, consider a specially designed corner vanity. Though these vanities only have room for one sink, they can provide greater adaptability to your design when working with a smaller space.

Adjusting Bathroom Design for Your Ideal Vanity

When conducting a full-scale bathroom remodel, consider how other design changes could make it easier to install your preferred vanity design.

For example, the shower’s layout can often hinder space in smaller bathrooms. If you want to conserve floor space for a vanity, replace a current tub/shower combo with a smaller shower stall. This is often a good choice for guest bathrooms—or even the master bathroom if you and your spouse aren’t big fans of taking baths.

You could also benefit by using a sliding shower door rather than one that swings open. Try this with the entry door for the bathroom as well. When you don’t need a large part of the floor kept clear for the door, you’ll have more space for a larger vanity.

Maximizing Storage in Small Bathrooms

You can still maximize storage opportunities even when a smaller vanity seems to be a better fit for your bathroom. Add free-standing shelves to an adjacent wall or mount larger cabinets on the walls. A recessed medicine cabinet can serve as a great storage solution for items that would otherwise be left on the countertop.

Going vertical with your bathroom storage will conserve precious floor space to keep the area from feeling cramped. This way, you’ll get the perfect level of functionality you need, even if you need a smaller vanity.

Find Your Perfect Bathroom Vanity Style

Once you’ve accounted for all the logistical elements of your bathroom vanity installation, you can focus on the most exciting part—finding a style that fits your personal tastes and the rest of your bathroom decor.

Here at Kitchen & Bath Authority, we offer a wide variety of bathroom vanity styles to match any design preference. For example, the Chans Furniture Glennville Blue Bathroom Sink Vanity features a cottage-style look complete with shutter-style doors. This charming cabinet-style vanity blends both rustic and modern design sensibilities.

If you’re looking for something with a modern touch, the wall-mounted Bellaterra Home 34-inch Single Vanity offers a stunning contemporary look with its half-round design. The minimalist look with an ebony/zebra wood finish is complemented by an open shelf and double drawers for storage.

When space is limited, the Fresca Lucido Messina 16-inch White Pedestal Sink is a stylish choice with its glossy white acrylic finish. Better still, this pedestal vanity even comes with a medicine cabinet that can be mounted directly above the sink to complete the look while ensuring you still have some storage space.

We even offer hybrid bath and makeup vanities, which take the principles of a free-standing cabinet-style vanity to create an extra-wide spa-style installation that combines two sink vanities and a central makeup vanity. These products from Direct Vanity are over 80 inches wide. They come loaded with luxurious features like a stowaway seat for the center makeup vanity, matching backsplash, and marble countertops.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Bathroom Vanity

Finding the right bathroom vanity for each bathroom in your home may feel like a lot of work. But it can make all the difference for the final look and feel of your bathroom. While you should avoid compromising on your desired style, carefully considering the layout of your bathroom and how the vanity will affect other key fixtures will prove vital for making the right selection.

As you give this process the care and attention it deserves, you’ll be able to find a vanity that perfectly fits the space, lending the right style—and the right amount of storage space—to whichever bathroom it is located in.

What You Should Know About Robern Uplift Tech Cabinets

We’ve written before about the amazing combination of luxury and functionality that you will find in any of the medicine cabinets available from Robern. But pf the many cabinet lines this luxury designer has to offer, few showcase the brand’s ability to transform your bathroom into a gorgeous, modern retreat like Uplift Tech cabinets.

Robern has helped homeowners redesign their bathrooms since 1968, continually offering sleek, cutting edge designs that are further enhanced by superior craftsmanship and quality. The brand’s legacy has been cemented over the years as a premiere designer of luxury bathroom cabinets, vanities, mirrors, and lighting.

First launched in 2009, the distinctive Uplift medicine cabinets have further solidified Robern’s place in the world of luxury bathroom design. Now branded as Uplift Tech, the unique design of these cabinets can completely transform your bathroom, and is something that needs to be experienced first-hand.

So what is it that makes Robern Uplift Tech cabinets so special? Here is a closer look at the features that help these bathroom medicine cabinets stand out from the rest.

Sleek Design

No matter which Robern Uplift Tech model you ultimately choose, there are key design elements that each model shares to ensure that you get an upscale bathroom experience.

It starts by ensuring that the materials used to construct these cabinets will deliver the performance you need. The glass for these medicine cabinets has been salt spray tested to ensure that it meets ASTM standards. The cabinet frame is constructed from anodized aluminum, allowing it to meet ETL/UL certification requirements for damp locations. You can have confidence that continued exposure to moist, humid conditions won’t cause warping, rusting, or other forms of material deterioration.

The most unique element of Robern Uplift Tech cabinets is their vertical opening style. These space-saving doors slide up rather than swinging out for a distinctly modern look that also enhances bathroom functionality. A lightweight anodized aluminum handle allows users to open the door with two fingers. A position-hold door-opening mechanism keeps the door locked in place while you access your bathroom items. The vertical-open doesn’t just cultivate a modern look. It also improves the overall functionality and accessibility of the cabinet.

The handle allows you to gently lift the cabinet door without touching the mirror, making it easier to keep this part of your medicine cabinet free of smudges. Each cabinet in the Robern Uplift Tech line also includes cantilever shelving with adjustable glass shelves. Adjustments at one or two-inch increments (depending on the model) make it easy to customize your storage space to better suit your needs.

Each Robern Uplift Tech cabinet also includes an interior mirror. This way, even when the door is open, you can check your reflection as you access toiletries and go through your morning routine.

Robern Uplift Tech cabinets are meant to match your available space and design preferences. The cabinets can be mounted fully recessed, semi-recessed, or as a surface mount for whichever look you prefer. Modular design options allow homeowners to gauge cabinets to install additional Robern components to their bathroom setup. Such features make it easy to customize your bathroom design to perfectly match your planned design, regardless of which Uplift Tech model you choose.

Additional Options

Not everyone wants a fully recessed cabinet, but a lack of finishing materials could keep you from attaining that luxury appearance with a surface mount or semi-recessed installation. Robern Uplift Tech side kits and top and bottom kits are ideally suited for finishing the look of your cabinet, attaching easily to the exposed areas so that the entire installation has a clean, upscale appearance.

An anodized aluminum handle comes standard with each Robern Uplift Tech cabinet. However, upgrades are available to help you better coordinate your new cabinet with the rest of your bathroom decor. Additional metal frame finishes include chrome, polished nickel, matte black, and matte gold.

Other additions can further streamline your morning routine. For example, an optional pull-out magnifying mirror is perfect for tweezing and other tasks that require a closer look. Offering 3x magnification, you won’t have to worry about squinting or getting too close to the mirror to finish your daily preparations. This mirror retracts into the cabinet when not in use, so you can maintain an uncluttered look for your bathroom.

Organizer shelves further enhance your organizational skills, such as the customizable grooming trays and bins that can be inserted in the bottom shelf of the Robern Uplift Tech cabinet. With three different sizes available, these organizer shelves make it easy to sort and store smaller items, such as tweezers, cosmetics, and medicines.

Glass bins are another organizational option available for any Robern cabinet. Ranging in size from a 3-1/4” x 3-1/4” square to 3-1/4” x 8-1/4”, the three available sizes of these glass organizing bins can serve as the perfect way to organize bathroom items while maintaining the clean, modern look of the Uplift Tech cabinet.

If you need to stay connected to the world during your bathroom routine, Robern Uplift Tech cabinets have an available TV mount kit. This will let you save counter space by mounting a television or stereo to the side of the cabinet. The add-on mount can accommodate LCD and flatscreen TVs with up to a 19-inch diagonal screen size. With this extra feature, you will never have to worry about missing the morning news or your favorite show!

Pick Your Favorite

So which Robern Uplift Tech cabinet is right for you? Here is a brief overview of the different models available in the Uplift Tech line.

Lighting and electrical options are a key facet that distinguishes different Robern Uplift Tech models. Whether you prefer a basic cabinet that doesn’t include any lighting features whatsoever, or a fully modern option that includes all the bells and whistles, there is a Robern Uplift Tech cabinet to fit your tastes and budgets.

It all starts with the Robern UC24276FPNE0N. This is the smallest cabinet in the Robern Uplift Tech lineup, with a width of 24 inches and height of 27 inches. Thanks to its compact size, this model is a popular choice for urban areas or guest bathrooms where space is at a premium. As the most affordable Uplift Tech cabinet, it does not come with any of the additional lighting or electronics features that are available in larger models.

The next available size for Robern cabinets have a width of 30 inches, as seen in the Robern UC30276FPNE2N. This cabinet introduces electrical outlets so that you have a convenient location for powering your devices. This cabinet’s E2 Electric setup offers two USB outlets and three standard electrical outlets so you can do everything from charging your cell phone to powering your hair dryer. A discreet cable management system allows you to keep wires hidden to maintain a streamlined look for your bathroom.

All Robern Uplift Tech cabinets that are 36 inches wide or larger feature some type of electrical installation. The Robern UC36276FPNE4N adds a night light and defogger system to the cabinet design. The night light emits a soft glow that makes it easier to navigate the bathroom during the night. It even features interior lighting that turns on and off based on whether the door is opened or shut. This allows you to find needed items without using room lighting. The mirror defogger that also comes with this model enables you to use the medicine cabinet’s mirror, even when steam would normally obscure your view.

The largest size of Robern Uplift Tech cabinets are available in a width of 48 inches. The Robern UC48276RP3E2N does not come with a mirror defogger or night light, but it offers LED perimeter lighting that surrounds the entire length of the mirror. These energy-efficient LEDs have an estimated lifespan of 53,000 hours. The lighting itself is fully adjustable. It can even be dimmed to one percent capacity when being used as task lighting.

For those who want the ultimate bathroom setup, the Robern UC48276RP3E4N is the obvious choice. At 48 inches wide, this medicine cabinet comes fully equipped with all the features that make the Uplift Tech lineup stand out, even among Robern’s other offerings. LED perimeter lighting, a nightlight, electrical outlets, and a defogger ensure that you have everything you need for a luxurious bathroom experience.

These aren’t the only models available in the Uplift Tech lineup. For the 30-inch, 36-inch, and 48-inch medicine cabinets, electric models are available with (or without) perimeter lighting, defoggers, and night lights. This way, you can select a model that only has the features that you want/need, while still enjoying the luxurious look and unique design options that can be found with a Robern Uplift Tech cabinet.

Which Option is Best For You?

With so many models available, you might be wondering which option will be the best fit for your home. While you should certainly start by considering your own personal preferences for a new medicine cabinet, there are a few other factors that should also play a role as you decide which type of Robern Uplift Tech cabinet is right for your home.

The first factor to consider is the size and layout of your current bathroom where you plan to install the new cabinets. After all, there is a big difference between 24 and 48 inches — you don’t want to get a medicine cabinet that is too wide or too narrow for your space. A cabinet that is too narrow may look awkward or out of place in a larger bathroom unless you use modular attachments to expand the cabinet area. Of course, a cabinet that is too wide may not fit in the available wall space!

While electrical features can be a great addition to your bathroom medicine cabinet, keep in mind that this will add some extra to-do’s to the installation process. If you don’t already have a bathroom medicine cabinet with electrical features, you will likely need to hire an electrician to check out the room’s current wiring and possibly install a new line so that your Robern Uplift Tech cabinet will have the power supply necessary to operate its key amenities. Because this will increase your overall installation costs, you must plan for it as you budget for bathroom renovations.

It can also help to consider which Uplift Tech features you will actually use. For example, if you plan on installing new medicine cabinets in a child’s bathroom, an Uplift Tech cabinet that comes with a nightlight will help your child’s midnight bathroom trips seem less scary. The defogger can be especially helpful in the master bathroom, where you or your spouse may need to get ready for work quickly and don’t have time to wait for the bathroom mirror to defog on its own.

For guest bathrooms that are rarely used by family members, such extra features may not always be necessary. This is especially true of half-bathrooms, which generally only have a toilet and sink. While a medicine cabinet may be helpful in these bathrooms so you can have some extra storage space, a defogger would be completely unnecessary when there is no shower or bathtub present.

As such, you should carefully consider how you, other family members, or guests would be using the bathroom as you decide which Robern Uplift Tech cabinet is the best option. If you are remodeling multiple bathrooms, you may discover that different models are better suited for different areas.

Preparing For the Installation

Another installation factor to consider is whether you want your Robern Uplift Tech cabinet to be surface mounted, recessed, or semi-recessed. From an aesthetics standpoint, this will directly affect how far out the cabinet extends from the wall. Robert Uplift Tech cabinets project approximately 7-1/8” when surface mounted, compared to a mere 1-5/16” when fully recessed. With an almost 6-inch difference, this could greatly alter your bathroom’s appearance!

There is also a big difference between installing a surface mounted cabinet and a recessed or semi-recessed cabinet. Surface mount kits are relatively easy to install. The kits come with the mounting bars, screws, anchors, clips, and brackets needed for the installation. With a drill and a screwdriver, you can complete the entire process and mount your new cabinet relatively quickly. This can usually be accomplished by most DIY enthusiasts, and is also a great choice when you are working with a tighter budget.

For a recessed or semi-recessed cabinet, however, the installation process is much more complex. Prior to performing the installation, you must inspect the area behind the wall for obstacles such as electrical wires, vent pipes, plumbing, and load-bearing studs. Large obstacles could make a recessed cabinet installation unfeasible for certain areas or require that you hire a contractor to reroute electrical wires and other hazards.

Even if the area is clear of such obstructions, installation will still require some additional work. You will need to cut away the drywall where the cabinet will be installed. You will likely also need to remove part of a non-load-bearing stud so that you have adequate space for mounting the cabinet. Most recessed and semi-recessed cabinet installations also require that you create a wood frame using 2x4s that have been cut to length.

Several additional tools are needed for a recessed or semi-recessed installation, including drywall knives, oscillating tools, stud finders, construction adhesive, and possibly even a handsaw. If you don’t already own these tools, obtaining and learning to use this equipment could prove to be a challenge in and of itself.

Because of the complexity and potential hazards of installing a recessed or semi-recessed cabinet, most homeowners prefer to hire professional contractors to handle this part of the bathroom upgrade process. If you are remodeling the entire bathroom, new cabinet installation can (and should) be included in your overall quote. However, if you are only replacing the cabinets, you should get estimates from multiple contractors to find the best fit available.

Do More With Robern Uplift Tech

When it comes to medicine cabinets, you can stick with something basic. Or you can go for a high-end option that allows you to more fully integrate your bathroom routine with tech devices and other modern luxuries.

The great thing about the Robern Uplift Tech series is that you can get something at either end of this spectrum. However, regardless of whether you prefer something basic or want the fully modern experience, you will enjoy the distinct style, versatile performance, and durable design of the Uplift series.

Whether you want to turn your master bathroom into a luxurious getaway or simply upgrade the guest bathroom in preparation for hosting friends or family, Robern Uplift Tech cabinets will prove a great way to get the results you need.

Here at Kitchen & Bath Authority, we offer a fantastic selection of Robern Uplift Tech medicine cabinets with deep discounts you won’t find anywhere else. Choose your favorite today, and you will be one step closer to creating the bathroom of your dreams!