Creating Calm with Timber: The Beauty of a Bespoke Wooden Vanity
There’s something quietly grounding about timber. In a space so often filled with cool tiles, polished metals, and porcelain, a handcrafted timber bathroom vanity adds warmth, texture, and soul. It’s not just a design choice — it’s an invitation to slow down. A call back to nature. And in many ways, a reflection of how we want our homes to feel: peaceful, personal, and enduring.
At Bombora Custom Furniture, we believe a timber vanity should be more than just a fixture — it should be a centerpiece. Something functional, yes, but also deeply beautiful. Whether you’re designing a sanctuary-like ensuite or revamping a compact powder room, a wooden vanity can ground the space with character and craftsmanship.
Why Timber Works So Well in the Bathroom
Timber has a natural presence that feels both timeless and contemporary. Its texture softens the edges of hard, utilitarian bathroom surfaces, introducing a sense of warmth and organic beauty that instantly elevates the room.
Each timber species brings its own colour, grain, and story — from the golden hues of Victorian Ash to the rich, earthy tones of recycled Messmate. These variations ensure that no two timber vanities are ever alike, giving your space a one-of-a-kind touch that can’t be replicated by mass-produced furniture.
In a room designed for ritual and renewal, timber provides a subtle luxury. It’s tactile. Honest. And when it’s handcrafted from sustainable, locally sourced wood, it speaks to a deeper respect for the environment — and for the way things are made.
Designed to Fit You
Too often, choosing a bathroom vanity means compromising — on size, on style, or on internal layout. But your bathroom should work around you, not the other way around.
That’s why every Bombora timber vanity is custom built. You’re not choosing from a template — you’re designing something from the ground up. From the overall dimensions to the type of timber, the configuration of drawers and doors, and even the internal shelving, every detail is made to suit your space and your daily routines.
Maybe you need drawers for makeup and grooming tools, a deep cavity for plumbing, or storage that’s tailored for baskets and linen. We collaborate closely with you to bring it all together — blending form and function with craftsmanship.
Solid Timber or Melamine Internals — What’s Right for You?
While the exterior of your timber vanity showcases the beauty of natural wood, what’s on the inside matters too. We offer two options for the internal structures of our vanities: solid timber and melamine, both designed to suit different needs, aesthetic preferances and budgets.
Solid Timber Internals
For those who love a truly authentic experience, solid timber interiors offer a seamless flow of material and design. This choice is ideal if you value tactile consistency and natural beauty, even behind closed drawers. It's durable, repairable, and speaks to a purist’s appreciation for wood. And with regular maintenance, it holds up beautifully to the rigours of bathroom life and is the ultimate in luxury.
White Melamine Internals
If you're after a more cost-effective solution without sacrificing exterior aesthetics, melamine interiors provide practicality and simplicity. They’re moisture-resistant, easy to clean, and ideal for busy households or investment properties. And from the outside? You’ll never know the difference — because the handcrafted timber shell is still the star of the show.
Selecting the Right Timber Species
Choosing your timber is about more than just colour — it’s about feel, finish, and personality. We work with a variety of sustainably sourced Australian timbers, each with its own charm:
Recycled Messmate – Rich and characterful, with varied tones and beautiful grain patterns. Perfect for those who love depth and individuality.
Tasmanian Oak – A lighter, more uniform option. It brings a clean, contemporary look and pairs well with soft-toned tiles and stone.
Blackbutt – A honey-toned hardwood known for its durability and strength. It brings a calming golden hue to any space.
American Oak – Timeless and elegant, with a soft and consistent grain that works beautifully in both modern and traditional interiors.
We’re happy to guide you through samples and options in person, so you can feel and see the difference for yourself.
Floating or Freestanding? Finding Your Style
There’s a growing trend toward floating vanities — mounted off the ground for a light, airy look. Floating designs can make a small bathroom feel more spacious and offer a sleek, modern aesthetic. They also make cleaning the floor a breeze.
But freestanding vanities have their own timeless appeal. They can feel more substantial and sculptural, grounding the space with their form. Some clients even opt for a vanity with exposed legs or a bench-style design, adding a furniture-like presence that feels at home in a heritage or country-style setting.
Either way, your wooden vanity becomes a defining feature — a piece of functional art.
Styling Your Timber Vanity
Styling a timber vanity is about contrast and cohesion. Here are a few ways to make it sing:
Pair with natural stone – A stone basin or benchtop can create a beautiful interplay of textures.
Choose soft matte tapware – Brushed brass, black, or gunmetal finishes complement the warmth of timber.
Play with tiles – Glossy, square tiles or handcrafted ceramic mosaics can elevate the overall feel.
Add greenery – A simple indoor plant can enhance the organic vibe.
Include lighting – A pendant or wall sconce above your vanity draws focus and creates ambiance.
Sustainability and Local Craftsmanship
As a small, family-run business based in Torquay, we take great pride in our sustainable practices. All of our timber is responsibly sourced — often recycled — and we make each piece by hand in our coastal workshop.
Sustainability isn’t just about materials. It’s also about creating furniture that lasts — built to be repaired, refinished, and cherished for years (or generations) to come. In a world of fast furniture, we take the slow route, crafting with purpose and care.
Maintaining Your Timber Vanity
Timber is a living material, and with a little care, it can age beautifully. We recommend applying a maintenance wax every few months to keep the surface sealed and hydrated. Wipe up any water spills promptly, and avoid harsh chemicals — gentle, natural cleaners are all you need.
Think of it like caring for a timber dining table: a little love goes a long way.
Real Homes, Real Stories
Some of our favourite projects have involved clients building their dream homes or giving new life to an existing space. One client, an artist in the Otways, came to us wanting a vanity that felt like part of the forest outside her window. We built a floating recycled Messmate unit with a raw edge and hand-carved drawer fronts — echoing the lines of the surrounding trees.
Another couple in Melbourne’s inner suburbs requested a compact timber vanity for their narrow ensuite. The solution? A slimline American Oak design with seamless drawers and integrated handles, proving that even small spaces can be elevated with the right design.
Come See for Yourself
We know how important it is to touch and see natural materials before you commit. That’s why we welcome you to visit our Torquay showroom and workshop, where you can explore our work, chat with our team, and feel the quality of our craftsmanship firsthand.
We’re not just creating vanities — we’re helping shape homes that reflect the people who live in them.
Let's Talk About Your Project
Whether you're renovating, building new, or simply dreaming for now — we'd love to hear your ideas. Tell us about your space, your style, and what you’re envisioning. We’ll guide you through timber choices, layout ideas, and design options that work in harmony with your life.
From the first sketch to the final polish, your timber bathroom vanity will be made with care, character, and intention.