Hi ajsmama - I've been following your posts with interest because I'd like to do something similar, if I can find the right piece -- not easy. I've been looking for a while. Everything is either too shallow, too low, or too wide (for my small bathroom). Using a washstand will work out great, if you can solve the height problem. Have you considered adding legs to the vanity? They would have be rather plain to go with the style of the washstand. I saw some on Van Dykes that I think would go (stylistically speaking). I don't think it would be too difficult for a carpenter to make similar legs out of oak to match your washstand. As long as the size and tapering match the existing washstand legs and you can get a reasonable match for the stain and finish, the modifications would be nearly inconspicuous, and since the joints would be so low, I don't think that people would notice the joints even if the joint lines show. If you're planning to paint the washstand, it would be impossible to tell. The back legs wouldn't need to be tapered because they'd be totally hidden (and the back legs on your washstand are probably square anyway). If your carpenter uses dowel joints, they should be strong enough, since you won't have to move the washstand once it's installed. Here is a link that might be useful: Van Dykes - plain tapered furniture legs (paint grade)

Is the vanity in an alcove? If so, mirror the entire alcove and have the glass company cut the mirror for mounted sconces on the mirror. You could also do this if there's no adjacent walls or one wall, and you may have to. You have 38" to fit a mirror and two sconces (countertop overhangs an inch or so). I would want at least 3" between the sconce shade and mirror and the sconce and the wall, so 3" + 3" + width of sconce. I have a 24" mirror over a 36" vanity, which is a fine size for the mirror, but that leaves only 7" for a sconce between the mirror and wall. If you used a smaller than 24" mirror, the sconces might be too close together. I read that 30" - 36" is the optimal spacing for sconces. I always draw this stuff up on graph paper to check spacing and proportions.

I would use a vanity with room on each side, in case you need room for a wastebasket, toilet brush, etc. I don't know where your toilet is but I did a small vanity (24") in a guest bath that left enough room for wastebasket with standing toilet paper holder between the vanity and the toilet. I also was limited by existing plumbing; this was a gut job redo and moving the plumbing would have been costly (we're on a slab) so had to go with smaller vanity. What were people thinking all those years with pedestal sinks, when there was enough room for a vanity with storage? Been there, had to deal with them in some places we've lived.

What about allocating 42inch to each the vanity and the toilet? That wouldn't feel too big for the vanity (especially if you get a floating vanity) and you would still gain extra storage space. Or if you decide to maximize the space, with a 48" vanity you can get a taller narrower mirror or a round mirror and add wall sconces on either side to balance out the heft of the cabinet. A 36" vanity would be more affordable and would still look great though. I would nix the storage tower and opt for a larger vanity if you need the storage space. I think budget and storage needs will help you make the final decision.