The Material Evolution of Vanity Units

Today, bathrooms are becoming extensions of personal style as well as being transformed into wellness zones or self-care sanctuaries. Commenting on this, Vivek Gupta, Principal Architect, Arvind Vivek and Associates, says, “Our conventional understanding of space has changed. Previously a stronghold of communal living, the Indian home, today, views personal areas, including the bathroom, as a private haven. So, the vanity is now used for more than just handwashing; it is a place for grooming and reflection. This has increased demand for materials that have a calming, intimate feel, such as cold, flawless solid surfaces or tactile surfaces.” There are quite a few driving factors that go into selecting materials for bathroom vanities – design, functionality, sustainability, and cost are just a few. However, Kharas points out that the weight of each factor is varied, depending on contexts like urban vs. rural, budget vs. luxury, etc.

“Today’s contemporary tastes favour minimalism and natural finishes, like matte woodgrain laminates and stone-look surfaces. There’s also been a rise in custom finishes, like fluted panels, matte black, and brushed brass, which has pushed demand for newer materials like engineered wood, MDF with PU coatings, and acrylics. These preferences can be attributed to the increasing consumption of global design trends through avenues like social media, design TV shows, and travel, which have opened Indians to global bathroom aesthetics, generating a demand for vanities that look not only modern but luxurious despite the size of the space. This impact has encouraged designers to explore engineered materials like HPL, PVC boards, and quartz, which offer high design flexibility at a range of price points,” observes Kharas.

Nazario Menezes, Country Manager – India and Subcontinent, Villeroy & Boch, emphasises that wood creates a sense of comfort at the vanity unit and a calm, natural atmosphere. “With its gentle tones, warm feel, and unique grain, it instantly brings a homely vibe and invites relaxation and well-being. In our Antao bathroom collection, real wood in the furniture provides this natural feeling. Personal needs and preferences are just as important as the spatial conditions. The furniture should be perfectly matched in design to the ceramic elements in the bathroom, while also being functional and sustainable.”

Gupta highlights a rise in customisation and modular vanity designs and how they influence material selection, “The one-size-fits-all strategy is outdated. Personalisation is made possible by modular designs, which necessitate material flexibility. In the projects I’ve been working on, we’ve switched from large, solid wood to engineered panels because they can be cut, sculpted, and finished in a thousand different ways, making it possible to make vanities that elegantly and precisely fit into even the most problematic places.” Despite the reigning role of aesthetics today, designers are equally focused on the vanity materials’ functionality and practical use, especially considering the high-moisture environment of Indian bathrooms. 

Elaborating on this, Kharas says, “Bathrooms are high-moisture zones, where materials must resist water, heat, and daily wear. Previously, traditional materials, like untreated wood, were prone to warping or swelling. Today, we see a shift towards PVC boards that are 100% waterproof, WPC (wood plastic composite), which is resistant to rot and pests, and marine plywood with laminate for better water tolerance. For countertops, quartz and solid surfaces have gained popularity owing to their durability. Sustainability, too, has been seeing a growing interest, especially in metro cities and among younger homeowners. I’ve had clients enquire about toxin-free materials, recycled materials or long-lasting, low-maintenance options to reduce waste.” Gupta agrees, “The conversation has moved from a whisper to a clear request. I’m seeing clients, particularly the younger generation, ask about recycled materials, low-VOC finishes, and certified sustainable wood. It’s a sign of a maturing market, where a home’s story includes its impact on the planet.”

For Megha Dave, Architect and Design Head, Drench, the idea of sustainability often translates to quality. “Clients aren’t just asking for ‘green’; they’re specifically asking for solutions to real-world problems, like incorporating faucets and showerheads with aerators and dual-flush or reduced-flush toilets. They’re also choosing high-quality, durable materials and fittings with longer warranties, as they view constant replacements as both an environmental and financial waste. Moreover, there’s been a growing inquiry into low- or no-VOC paints, sealants, and adhesives to ensure better indoor air quality, making the bathroom a healthier space.” 

Smart technology integration is another driving factor that has reshaped how designers, manufacturers, and homeowners think about vanity materials and finishes. “Beyond aesthetics, smart technology influences the core functionality, compatibility, and even construction techniques of bathroom vanities. These smart vanities may include backlit mirrors or LED strips, motion sensor lights, touch-activated surfaces, integrated de-misters in mirrors, charging ports, or even Bluetooth speakers,” shares Kharas. Ultimately, with rising disposable income and value sensitivity, people are willing to spend more as long as they receive value for their money. “There’s a demand for premium looks without any unnecessary maintenance,” adds Kharas.