How To Turn An IKEA Cabinet Into The Cutest Cottage-Core Bathroom Vanity

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When it comes to budget-friendly bathroom makeovers, creativity always wins. With a little ingenuity, do-it-yourself enthusiasts can turn an IKEA cabinet into a cottage-core bathroom vanity. Whether you need a custom cabinet for an odd space or you're looking to save some money, IKEA cabinet hacks let you create exactly the look you want. With the right paint colors, fixtures, and decor, you can achieve authentic cottage-core appeal that feels cozy and whimsical, with just the right amount of rustic charm for your space.

There are pros and cons of buying home decor from IKEA, but one of the biggest advantages is how versatile and modular the base cabinets are. DIYers use IKEA cabinets to hack everything from coffee stations to stunning kitchen hutches, and with costs as low as $84 for a 30-inch kitchen base cabinet, the SEKTION and METOD systems are affordable choices for a DIY bathroom vanity. Even if you have to combine units of different sizes, you'll still be saving hundreds of dollars over purchasing a store-bought cottage-core vanity.

Since kitchen cabinets are slightly taller and wider than bathroom vanities, you may have to cut yours down to size before assembling the pieces. Kitchen cabinets, which are usually 24 inches deep and 34 inches tall, are typically larger than bathroom vanities, which are usually 21 inches deep and 31 inches tall. Ultimately, the size of your cabinet needs to match the countertop, sink, and faucet you choose to go with it. 

The size of your bathroom vanity isn't as important as how it's finished for cottage-core designs. To achieve this charming, rural aesthetic, essential features like the countertop play important roles. Combine rustic countertop materials, such as butcher block, reclaimed wood, or natural stone, with a ceramic or metal sink, vintage-style drawer pulls, and an old-fashioned faucet, and you've completed the look.

Sinks are one of the key elements in any bathroom, but in cottage-core, they take center stage. From copper vessels to ceramic apron sinks, there are many options to pair with antique-style faucets, such as a two-handle Kingston Heritage Kitchen Faucet or a unique wall-mounted faucet. When placing your sink in a modified IKEA cabinet, you may need to add extra support, especially for apron sinks. Be sure to factor in the weight of the water when calculating how much your sink weighs.

Painting both your bathroom and vanity in natural, muted colors from the cottage-core palette sets the tone, helping details like vintage-style drawer pulls and floral vanity skirts stand out. As far as IKEA hacks for savvy DIYers go, a cottage-core bathroom vanity is a perfect example of how you can turn an ordinary piece of furniture into something special with a few clever upgrades. With a little planning and ingenuity, you can save money while putting a more personal touch on your home renovations.