Flyleft - It's finished with beeswax because that was the architect/GC's plan all along. I had expected it to be stainless steel (when he said a steel shelf I just naturally assumed SS) and my husband, somehow, thought it would be finished in wood. By the time we had realized our misconceptions, it was already cut and installed, and it's not like it wasn't as promised. . .anyway, it is fine though not what i would go for with full knowledge. I like the function of it though - handy for putthing things down while you are doing bathroom things in the bathroom, like contacts, makeup, teethbrushing, etc. - not that putting things ALL THE WAY down on the counter would be the end of the world either. Now that you ask, though, I remember - didn't like the beeswax coating as it was (it was liquid beeswax and never did stop being greasy) so they recoated it with a spray poly. Looks the same as the beeswax did, though. Kulagal - I do like the Silestone leather finish, though I wouldn't say it really looks like leather. It gives it more of a stone look though - kinda concrete-y. Because it is dark and matte, it does show greasy fingerprints and coffe cup rings such but only until you wipe it off. No problems so far with any staining or anything like that. I would say the color is more of a dark brownish-grey - pretty much dark grey with a little brown in it. We found a sample for it at Lowe's so you could probably check it out there. (Oh - little tip - the samples are nice and square and simple, and make wonderful coasters to keep those coffee cup rings off the counter. . .but since they match the counter you don't really notice them sitting there, which keeps the counter uncluttered, and I like a nice bare counter whenever possible. So grab a couple samples in your color while you are there. . .)

Thank you for the EXACT details of how to order that exact configuration of drawers as a sink base. When I went to IKEA they showed me how to use their computer program (which I've played with at home, it's really fun)but no one said there were any options for cabinets other than those on display. I'm so ridiculously psyched about this! I can't wait to show my husband. Our bathroom reno was originally supposed to be major but once the quotes came in it got progressively tinier and we are now leaving the existing tile (but getting it professionally cleaned and regrouted), leaving the existing floor plan (but putting in a new bigger window to let more light and air in). Instead of a stone or quartz countertop we're using laminate or butcher block. Instead of custom cabs it's IKEA. Believe it or not, I think I'm gonna be just as happy with this more minor reno. Sometimes the problem with spending a ton of money on something is that it's a let down when you are not delighted with every single thing. Your bathroom just came out so beautifully! If ours looks half as good I'll be happy.

I can see the pictures if I copy and paste each link into the browser, but it's not an "album" so it's not possible to just paste one pic and then browse the album. From what I've seen we'd very much like these pics. Please try a free account in photobucket or similar or maybe someone here knows why it isn't working. The second post (II) just shows up as red circles. - Jim

You're both right: I can't sacrifice function for form on this one. This is the mirror where I'll be doing makeup, so good lighting is a must. There is a window next to the vanity so that will help in some situations, and probably make it worse (lots of light on one side, none on the other) in other situations. Does anyone have a feel for what sort of wattage is good to shoot for in this application? Stacey I seem to remember that your lights are 60w and I know you're unhappy with them, so I guess something over that for sure. I feel like I'm spinning my wheels here. I remember thinking about this when I bought those sconces originally and I was happy that they were 120 watts. That seems like ages ago, but it was probably only two months ago. My brain is just fried with all the facts, figures and dimensions I've been carrying around in that I have forgotten some of the basics. OK, so new priority list for the new pendants: 1. bright (? watts), 2. not a colored shade (a blue face can't be good for makeup application, 3. style. Please keep the good points and suggestions coming!