We seriously needed to update the bathroom vanity. It had been bothering me for quite a while…the bathroom was the first room we started remodeling when we moved in, and we went with a sink set from IKEA.
They don’t sell it anymore, but it was everything you needed: sink base, sinks, faucets, and a great big mirror/shelf unit, and it was really inexpensive. So that’s what we got.
I changed out the handles a while back, and while it helped, I still was dissatisfied with the look of the cabinet as a whole. So I did this:
Just adding simple trim to the front was a serious update for the vanity.
This is how it was before:
The trim was made with 1/4″ x 2″ poplar trim pieces from the home improvement store. The pieces were measured, and each end was cut at a 45-degree angle for a more professional look. The cuts were made with a small miter box.
If you have a miter saw (highly recommend this one if you’re doing small projects), that is the best and fastest way to cut the pieces. If not, a miter box makes it quicker and easier.
Make the cuts one at a time to be sure they all fit snugly. To make sure I had the proper lengths, I held each piece in its place on the vanity with double-sided tape after I cut them.
Once they were all good, I removed them one-by-one and put them back up with super-strength glue.
After applying the glue, just press hard down the board to make sure the glue is spread out and it will be a tight fit. Hold for about 30 seconds.
After gluing the trim on, caulk all the seams and corners, and then fill any holes left from previous handles or knobs.
Since this vanity is laminate, it got 2 coats of primer. Then paint. Then the handles. And now we like it much better.
The handles got moved up to fit on top of the new trim.
The trim pieces only cost $12, and the quart of paint cost $10, so it was a really inexpensive vanity update too. (The handles were purchased previously, for just a few dollars from IKEA.)
Add shaker trim to cheap bathroom vanity
Equipment
- 1/4" x 2" poplar trim pieces Measure for the lengths you need
- Miter box If not using a miter saw
Instructions
- Remove handles/pulls/knobs from your vanity.
- Measure your trim boards. The easiest way is to line up each piece where it will go on the cabinet, starting in one corner, then make a pencil mark on the back where it overhangs so you know where to cut it off. Do that for each piece now.
- Using the miter box (or a miter saw if you have one), cut the corners of each piece at a 45 degree angle.
- Use construction glue to glue each piece of trim to the face of the drawers or doors, following the instructions for your glue.
- Use wood filler to fill in any holes from the previous hardware (if applicablle).
- Using paintable caulk, put a thin bead of caulk everywhere the new trim pieces meet the door/drawer. (So, along each edge.) Dip your finger in water and smooth out the bead of caulk. Let it dry according to the package instructions.
- Prime and paint your cabinet as needed. If it's laminate, I recommend 2 coats of primer.
- Add new pulls/knobs/handles.
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