When it comes to upgrading your bathroom, selecting the right vanity is key. A high-quality vanity not only elevates the aesthetic but also serves as a functional piece that will be used every day.
I recently decided to go with the ARIEL bath vanity, and after several months of use, I’m excited to share my personal experience.
Why I Chose ARIEL Bath Vanity?
After much research, I decided to purchase my ARIEL bath vanity from a reputable online home improvement store. ARIEL offers a range of beautiful vanities, and the solid wood construction and Carrara white marble countertop of this model instantly stood out to me.
I was looking for a vanity that combined both style and durability, and ARIEL seemed to deliver on both fronts.
You can easily find ARIEL bath vanities through major retailers like Home Depot or Lowe’s, but I found the best deals online. Make sure to compare prices, as some sites offer bundled deals with mirrors or faucets, and others might have free shipping.
- First Impressions
The moment the vanity arrived, I was impressed with the packaging. It was carefully wrapped and delivered on a pallet, minimizing the chance of damage during transportation. Once unwrapped, the solid wood construction really made an impression.
It felt sturdy and well-built, which is essential when you’re investing in a long-term piece for your bathroom.
The espresso color of the vanity complemented the Carrara marble countertop beautifully. The marble, with its 1.5-inch edge and matching backsplash, instantly added a sense of luxury to the room.
As someone who appreciates both form and function, this was the perfect balance. The pre-drilled holes for the widespread faucets were convenient, making installation smoother.
Pros of The ARIEL Bath Vanity
Let’s talk about what really makes this vanity a winner:
- High-Quality Materials: The vanity is made from solid wood, which is a step above many vanities in a similar price range. Many competing brands use MDF or particleboard, which doesn’t hold up nearly as well over time. The Carrara marble countertop was another selling point for me. Marble is timeless, and this one feels substantial with its thicker edge. The seamless integration of the porcelain sink adds to the vanity’s overall high-end look.
- Ample Storage: One of the key features I love about the ARIEL vanity is the storage. It has plenty of drawer space, which is essential in a bathroom that’s used by multiple people. Even the smaller drawers are surprisingly roomy. I can easily organize all my toiletries, cleaning supplies, and even extra towels. The deep bottom drawers provide storage for bulkier items like hairdryers or spare toilet paper.
- Sophisticated Design: The design of the vanity is sleek and modern. It fits perfectly in a contemporary or transitional bathroom. The espresso wood finish gives it a warm, sophisticated look without feeling overly traditional. Paired with the marble, it brings an upscale feel to my bathroom that instantly elevates the space. The vanity mirror that came with the set really completes the polished look.
- Perfect Height: The height of the vanity is ideal. At first, I was concerned it might be too tall, but it’s perfect for both adults and teenagers in my home. The countertop is just the right height for daily tasks like brushing your teeth or washing your hands.
Cons of ARIEL Bath Vanity To Consider
While I’m overall thrilled with the vanity, there are a couple of small issues worth noting:
- Logo Placement: One minor design flaw that bugged me initially was the placement of the logo on the sink. It’s right at the front and center, which can sometimes give the appearance of a smudge. Although my teenager doesn’t even notice it, I find myself wiping the sink more often, thinking there’s something to clean.
- Visible Seam on the Marble: The marble countertop is thick and luxurious, but there is a visible seam along the edge. While it’s not a deal-breaker (and seems to be common even in high-end vanities), I feel like this is something that could potentially be improved for an even sleeker appearance. That said, it’s not something that stands out unless you’re really looking for it.
Maintenance Tips For ARIEL Bath Vanity
A vanity with a marble countertop requires a bit of maintenance to keep it looking pristine. Here’s what I’ve found works best to maintain the ARIEL bath vanity:
- Sealing the Marble: Marble is a porous material, meaning it can absorb liquids and potentially stain. To prevent this, I applied a marble sealant shortly after installation. Sealing helps protect the surface from spills, which is essential in a bathroom where water, soap, and other products are constantly in use.
- Regular Cleaning: To maintain the vanity’s shine, I wipe down the marble surface daily with a mild, non-acidic cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, as these can damage the marble’s finish over time. A simple mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish soap works wonders for keeping it clean and free from streaks.
- Protect the Wood: While the wood is solid and durable, I still make sure to wipe up any water that splashes onto the vanity as soon as possible. Excess moisture can cause warping or discoloration over time, so it’s important to keep the wood dry. Occasional dusting and wiping with a damp cloth are enough to keep the wood looking fresh.
Comparison With Other Brands
Before I made my final decision to purchase the ARIEL bath vanity, I researched several other well-known vanity brands, including James Martin Vanities, Teodor Vanities, and Virtu USA. Each brand brings its own strengths to the table, but ultimately, ARIEL stood out to me for a variety of reasons.
- ARIEL Vs. James Martin Vanities
James Martin Vanities is a popular luxury brand known for its elegant designs and high-quality materials. They offer a wide range of styles, from modern to more traditional looks, and their attention to detail is impressive.
However, James Martin vanities tend to come with a significantly higher price tag. While their designs are undeniably stunning, I found that the extra cost often went into aesthetics rather than functionality.
In comparison, ARIEL focuses on both style and practicality. While James Martin excels in luxurious touches, ARIEL offers solid wood construction and a marble countertop at a much more affordable price point.
The ARIEL vanity includes more storage options, which is a huge plus for busy bathrooms. Unless you’re going for a more opulent look and are willing to spend extra, ARIEL gives you better overall value.
- ARIEL Vs. Virtu USA
Virtu USA is another solid contender in the vanity market. They are known for producing high-quality vanities with features similar to ARIEL, including solid wood construction and marble countertops.
The difference between Virtu USA and ARIEL largely comes down to pricing. Virtu USA tends to be more expensive, even for models with similar features.
In terms of storage, ARIEL vanities often offer more drawers and better organizational options. Virtu USA may win in terms of certain design elements, but when you compare price and functionality, ARIEL comes out ahead.
The slight increase in price for Virtu USA doesn’t seem to justify a significant improvement in quality or functionality, making ARIEL the more budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality.
- ARIEL Vs. Teodor Vanities
Teodor Vanities is known for their modern, minimalist designs and sleek finishes. If you’re after a super contemporary look, Teodor might catch your eye. However, Teodor often uses MDF or particleboard for their cabinets, which doesn’t hold up as well over time as solid wood.
In contrast, ARIEL vanities are made from solid wood, ensuring durability and longevity. While Teodor might have an edge when it comes to ultra-modern designs, ARIEL strikes a better balance between a classic, sophisticated look and durable construction.
The marble countertop that comes with ARIEL also gives it an upscale feel that many Teodor vanities lack, especially considering Teodor’s focus on simplicity and minimalism. If durability and long-term use are important to you, ARIEL has the advantage here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There are several excellent vanity brands on the market, but ARIEL stands out for its combination of quality and affordability. Brands like Virtu USA and James Martin Vanities also offer high-end options, but ARIEL provides a great balance between price, quality, and functionality.
The ideal size of a bathroom vanity depends on the space available in your bathroom. Typically, a 36-inch vanity is a good choice for smaller bathrooms, while larger bathrooms can accommodate vanities that are 48 inches or more. The ARIEL vanity I purchased was 60 inches, which worked perfectly in my space, offering plenty of counter space and storage.
Building a bathroom vanity can sometimes be cheaper if you have the right skills and tools, but for most people, buying a pre-made vanity is a more practical and cost-effective option. The quality of materials, like solid wood and marble, would be hard to replicate at home without specialized equipment, so purchasing a vanity like the ARIEL is often worth the investment.
The average depth of a bathroom vanity ranges from 18 to 21 inches. The ARIEL vanity I chose is 21.5 inches deep, offering enough space for storage without taking up too much floor area.
Final Thoughts: Is ARIEL the Right Choice for You?
Overall, I’m really happy with the ARIEL bath vanity. The solid wood construction, marble countertop, and ample storage space make it a fantastic investment for a bathroom renovation.
It holds up well to daily use, looks elegant, and offers plenty of functionality. While there are a couple of minor design flaws, they aren’t enough to take away from the overall quality and value of this vanity.
If you’re in the market for a stylish and practical vanity that won’t break the bank, ARIEL is a solid choice. You can purchase it from online home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s, or find it on e-commerce sites that often offer deals with free shipping.