How to Choose the Perfect Hutch for Your Bathroom Vanity

Adding a hutch to your bathroom vanity is a great way to increase storage and display space in your bathroom. With their combination of cabinets, shelves, and drawers, hutches provide the perfect spot to neatly organize toiletries, towels, decor and more. But not all hutches are created equal. The style, size and configuration you choose should be based on your specific vanity, bathroom layout and needs.

We'll look at measuring your existing space properly, choosing between single vs double vanities, the most popular hutch styles and sizes, materials and finishes and extra features like lighting and storage accessories. With these tips, you'll be able to confidently shop for a hutch that seamlessly matches your vanity while maximizing your bathroom's storage and style.

Measure Your Bathroom and Vanity

The first step in your hutch selection process is taking some measurements. You need to measure both the overall dimensions of your bathroom as well as your existing or planned vanity size.

For the bathroom, make note of the length and width. Also measure any doors and windows and how far they open into the room. All these factors will impact where you can place a hutch without impeding sink access or traffic flow.

Then measure the width, height and depth of the vanity the hutch will sit on top of. Make sure to measure across the top surface where the hutch will make contact. The ideal hutch width should match the vanity top exactly to create one unified look.

Having these measurements will allow you to shop for a hutch that fits properly within your bathroom's footprint and pairs perfectly with your vanity width.

Consider Traffic Flow

Assess where the main traffic flows through your bathroom when determining hutch placement. You don't want the hutch to end up blocking the doorway or constricting foot space around the vanity.

Also look at the clearance between the vanity and toilet or shower/tub. A hutch should not impact access to these other fixtures.

Account for Doors and Windows

Note how any doors or windows open and close in your bathroom. You'll want to avoid placing a hutch in their swing radius. Also consider handles that jut out and may hit a hutch placed too close to the door.

For windows, be aware of sills, cranks and locks that may affect hutch clearance.

Decide on Single or Double Sink Vanity

Another factor that will guide your hutch selection is whether you have a single or double sink vanity. While you can pair a hutch with either vanity type, the configuration may vary.

Single Sink Vanities

For single sink vanities, one large hutch is the most common pairing. The hutch width matches the vanity top and provides ample storage and display space.

Freestanding vanities can support wider hutches since they don't have wall clearance limitations. A 72 inch double door hutch adds dramatic style.

Double Sink Vanities

With double sink vanities, you have a few hutch configuration options:

• A single large hutch spanning the full vanity width.
• Two separate hutches, one paired with each sink.
• A bridge hutch joining two hutches.

The single hutch creates visual impact and continuity. However, the split hutch approach leaves a gap in the middle, allowing easier access to both sinks.

A bridge hutch bridges that gap while also providing storage. The bridge may consist of open shelving or more enclosed cabinet space.

Pick a Hutch Style

Now that bathroom and vanity measurements are accounted for, you can start exploring hutch style options. There are a few main hutch styles to consider:

Tower Hutches

Tower hutches feature stacked cabinets and shelves, creating a tall, vertical storage unit. They typically have a narrower footprint. The upper cabinets often include glass doors for display purposes.

Bridge Hutches

As mentioned above, bridge hutches literally bridge the gap between two hutches or sinks. They help connect the vanity area into one cohesive space.

Wall-Mounted Hutches

Wall mounted hutches attach directly to the wall, freeing up counter space on top of the vanity. They can mount above single or double vanities. The arm lengths determine hutch depth.

Contemporary vs Traditional Style

Along with configuration, hutches come in contemporary and traditional looks. Contemporary options feature clean lines and often have open shelves and glass doors. Traditional hutches have more ornate details like raised panels and crown molding.

Open, Closed and Display Storage

Hutches offer a mix of open, closed and display storage. For display, glass door cabinets show off decorative items. Enclosed cabinets hide away clutter. Open shelves provide easy access.

Select Ideal Hutch Dimensions

With an understanding of your space and preferred hutch style, now consider sizing. You want to choose a hutch width that pairs seamlessly with your vanity width. But height and depth also impact functionality.

Standard Widths

Common hutch widths include:

• 24 inches
• 30 inches
• 36 inches
• 48 inches
• 60 inches
• 72 inches

Custom or special order hutches outside standard sizes are also an option if needed.

Height and Depth

Tower hutches often reach 30-40 inches tall to allow ample vertical storage. Low profile options are available too though at around 20 inches. Standard depths are usually between 12 and 16 inches.

Consider the height of the vanity and any medicine cabinets or mirrors above when selecting hutch height. You want proper clearance and proportion.

Consider Material and Finish

The material and finish chosen for a hutch impact its style, durability and cost. There are many options to coordinate with your vanity.

Common Hutch Materials

• Wood - Oak, maple, cherry
• Metal and iron
• Engineered composites
• Glass
• Stone - Granite, marble

Matching or Contrasting Finishes

For a seamless look, select a hutch with the same finish or stain as the vanity. Or go for an intentional contrast like a gray washed wood hutch atop a marble vanity.

Finish Effects

Consider the style finished materials like stone, metal and wood will bring:

• Polished nickel - Sleek and contemporary
• Oil-rubbed bronze - Traditional and rustic
• Gloss lacquer - Bold and modern
• Distressed paint - Cottage and weathered

Storage and Organizational Features

When it comes to storage, more is usually better for hutches. Look for options with maximum capacity and smart organizational systems.

Drawers

Drawers offer enclosed storage that's easily accessible. Full extension drawers pull out completely for full access. Soft-close gliders prevent slamming.

Shelving

Adjustable shelves provide vertical storage scalable to various heights of items. Open shelves improve visibility of contents.

Cabinets

Base cabinets provide ample closed storage while smaller upper cabinets store smaller items up top.

Pull-Out Trays

Roll-out trays and tilt-down drawers increase storage space within cabinets.

Dividers

Dividers, compartments and organizational trays keep interiors neat.

Specialized Storage

Some hutches include slide-out jewelry trays, mirrored cosmetic storage and built-in towel bars.

Extra Hutch Features

Beyond storage, today's hutches offer extra conveniences like power options and lighting.

Integrated Lighting

Illuminate the hutch interior with integrated lighting. LED strip lights provide a soft glow. Dimming lets you set desired brightness.

Electrical Options

Built-in charging stations and power outlets on the hutch exterior provide places to power up devices.

Mirrors

Some hutches incorporate mirrored cabinets or strips for an expanded look.

Soft-Close Mechanisms

Soft-close door hinges and drawer glides prevent noisy slamming and provide a luxury feel.

Glass Shelving

Tempered glass shelves subtly show off displayed items while easy to clean.

Decorative Trims

Select hutches include upgraded accents like crown molding, fluted columns and footed bases.

Shop with Reputable Bath Brands

Quality hutches come from bathroom vanity and cabinetry brands known for skilled craftsmanship and durable materials. Here are some top manufacturers to look for:

• Ruvati
• Virtu USA
• Wyndham Collection
• Design Element
• Ronbow
• Bellaterra Home
• James Martin Furniture

Coordinating Collections

Many brands sell vanity and hutch pairings from the same collection. The matching designs ensure cohesion.

Some even offer bundled packages with the vanity and coordinating hutch together.

Set Your Budget

Setting a hutch budget helps narrow options. Keep in mind factors that increase cost include:

• Premium materials like solid wood or granite
• Larger sizing
• More storage features and accessories
• Glass doors
• Brand name prestige

However, the quality construction and durable materials of higher-end hutches make them a sound investment built to last years.

Price Ranges

General hutch price ranges are:

• Basic - $200 to $500
• Mid-range - $500 to $1,000
• High-end - $1,000 to $3,000
• Designer - $3,000+

With all these tips in mind, you now have the key information needed to select a hutch that perfectly suits your vanity, bathroom and lifestyle needs.

Start by measuring your existing setup accurately. Choose a style that fits with your bathroom's overall aesthetic - contemporary or traditional. Pick a size that matches your vanity width and consider bonus features that add functionality.

Shop with reputable brands offering quality construction and materials. And set a budget that gets you the ideal storage, style and convenience features on your wishlist.

Taking the time to find that perfect hutch will elevate your bathroom's style and organization for years to come. And who doesn't want a bathroom that's as beautiful as it is functional?