Traditional Bathroom Vintage Vanity Unit - James VI

Jacobean Revival Vanity

Originally crafted in solid English oak during the 1920s–1930s, this characterful Jacobean Revival piece has spent close to a century as a traditional cabinet. We have now carefully restored and reimagined it as a distinctive under-mounted bathroom vanity, preserving the architectural detailing and aged character that made the original furniture worth saving.

Although made during the early 20th century, its design reaches much further back into English furniture history. The Jacobean Revival movement drew inspiration from the substantial, architectural furniture of the 17th century and that influence is particularly evident here. The cabinet has a wonderfully grounded appearance, with strong proportions, substantial oak construction and decorative details that give the piece its unmistakably traditional character.

Perhaps its most defining feature is the pair of panelled cupboard doors. Each is centred with a raised geometric diamond, or lozenge, moulding, a detail strongly associated with historic English cabinetry and one that gives an otherwise restrained piece a real architectural quality. The surrounding recessed panels, moulded framework and beautifully figured oak add further depth, while the shaped apron beneath flows into broad bracket feet, giving the cabinet a substantial and reassuring stance.

The original hardware was another feature we were keen to preserve. The decorative brass drop handles and escutcheons have been carefully removed, cleaned, polished and restored before being returned to the cabinet. Their aged brass tones work particularly well against the warmth of the oak, retaining an important connection to the furniture's original life rather than replacing its history with something new.

Restoration began by completely stripping the cabinet back to its natural timber. As always, the intention was not to make an old piece of furniture look newly manufactured. The variations in grain, colour and patina acquired throughout its life have been retained wherever possible, allowing the oak to continue showing its age and individuality. It has then been refinished in a light oak stain, bringing warmth and definition to the grain without making the cabinet overly dark.

To prepare the furniture for its new environment, the restored oak has been spray-finished in a clear satin lacquer, creating a durable protective surface against moisture, water dwell, steam and vapour while allowing the texture and character of the timber to remain visible beneath.

Its original configuration also lends itself particularly well to its new purpose. Behind the two panelled doors is a large central cupboard, providing generous and easily accessible storage for towels, toiletries and everyday bathroom essentials. The original upper drawer has been retained visually but fixed closed to accommodate the generous basin and associated plumbing concealed behind it. From the outside, the integrity and proportions of the original cabinet remain intact.

Above the restored oak sits a custom-cut and drilled Carrara Satinato stone worktop. Its pale surface and subtle grey movement create a beautiful contrast against the warmer timber below, while the honed finish gives the stone a softer, more understated appearance particularly well suited to antique furniture. The worktop has been completed with a traditional Ogee Bull edge profile, adding a sculpted finishing detail that complements the mouldings and architectural character of the cabinet rather than competing with them.

Set directly into the stone is a large oval undermounted ceramic basin. By positioning the basin beneath the worktop, the full beauty of the Carrara Satinato remains visible across the surface, while the generous bowl provides plenty of practical space for everyday use. The clean white ceramic also creates a natural transition between the pale stone and the warmth of the restored oak beneath.

Completing the transformation is a set of traditional three-hole taps in brushed brass, paired with a matching brushed brass pop-up waste. Their crosshead design and warm, softly aged finish sit naturally alongside the restored cabinet hardware, bringing the old and new elements of the vanity together without attempting to disguise where one era ends and another begins.

What makes this piece so appealing is the amount of its original identity that remains. The lozenge-panelled doors, figured oak, decorative hardware, substantial cupboard and shaped base all belong to the furniture's first life. Its new stone, basin and brassware have simply been introduced around those features, allowing a beautifully made piece of early 20th-century furniture to take on an entirely new purpose without losing the character it has spent almost a century acquiring.

Timeless by design. Made to outlive trends.
 

Personalisation Options

Would you prefer alternative tapware? We offer a range of options to help tailor your vanity to your space and style, please contact us to discuss available choices.

Talk to us about adding a matching stone up-stand?

Included Premium Features

This vanity includes the following premium upgrades:

Carrara Satinato Stone Worktop

Ogee Bull Stone Edging Profile

Traditional Style Three Hole Taps

Uniwaste™ Space-Saving Waterless Waste Trap (Included – Value £14.99)

To ensure maximum usable drawer space, this vanity is manufactured with a Uniwaste™ waterless waste system as standard. Its compact, low-profile design allows plumbing to fit neatly within tight spaces, making it ideal for antique furniture conversions where preserving storage is essential. The system also features an integrated silicone membrane to help prevent foul odours, backflow and negative pressure within the drainage system.

Dimensions (mm)

Width: 842mm

Depth: 549mm

Height to Worktop: 858mm

Upstand Height: N/A

Delivery

Mainland UK: included

ROI & Northern Ireland: £249.99 (please enquire)

International Delivery: Please enquire for quotation