Though real antique vanities are hard to come by, there are contemporary vanities that are designed to look like antiques. While real antique vanities for both bathrooms and bedrooms can be found in antique shops and collector's bazaars, they are quite expensive.

Contemporary vanities which are made using antique craftsmanship styles employ the same quality techniques, though, and at a much lower price. The most popular antique vanities are from the Victorian era, so there are a great number of contemporary vanities with Victorian design elements. Antique vanities are generally made of solid wood, and they often include wood carvings of vines and leaves along the trim.

Contemporary vanities may not technically be able to go by the name "antique," but they include the same features. The solid wood construction of these vanities makes them durable, and contemporary vanities are also made for modern plumbing. With a seemingly antique vanity, homeowners can also revamp their whole bathroom to look like something out of another time. Some design elements that would befit a stylish antique vanity include silk curtains, tapestries and antique paintings.

Of course, the paintings can be knock-offs, just like the vanities. But that doesn't mean they're any less beautiful. Bright jewel tone colors also coordinate nicely with antique vanities, or with contemporary vanities that are made to look old. Finding an actual antique vanity like the ones on the Antique Roadshow program may be a nice but unrealistically expensive option. Having the ability to find contemporary craftsman who still creates these styles makes these desirable designs available to everyone. Whether they prefer an actual antique vanity or one of the contemporary vanities that are made to look old, homeowners have a great deal of choice. Vanity manufacturers are producing ornate and exquisite copies of antique vanities that look much like the styles of bygone eras.

The true age of a antique copy is more contemporary than antique, but it's much more practical to buy contemporary vanities that are designed to look old. Anyone thinking about renovating or updating their bathroom with antique vanity designs and styles should see what is available online. There is a wide selection of antique vanities out there. It's possible to transform a contemporary bathroom with all the modern conveniences to an old world sanctuary without spending tens of thousands of dollars at an auction. With the availability of bygone antique style at an affordable price, anyone can have the Victorian or old world bathroom they want.