Bathroom Vanity by Size
Before you purchase a bathroom vanity, it’s important to measure your space. Here are several key factors to keep in mind.
- Leave enough room for door openings (entry and shower) and trim. Every space is different, so open the doors and drawers on the vanity before measuring it against the dimensions of your bathroom. You’ll want to ensure the vanity won’t be too big or disrupt the flow of traffic.
- Keep in mind existing features, such as mirrors, electrical switches and outlets.
- Check your plumbing location. This could determine the width of your vanity. Moving plumbing will increase costs.
- For standard building code compliance, allow at least 18 inches from the cabinet edge to the center of the toilet.
Next, measure your space to determine the bathroom vanity dimensions. Take into account your storage needs and who’ll use the vanity. The standard countertop height is 31 inches, but it’s really a matter of personal preference. Taller adults may want a higher countertop, while shorter models work better for small children.
- Width: 12 to 84 inches; The standard bathroom cabinet sizes are 24, 30, 36, 48 and 60 inches.
- Height: The standard bathroom vanity height is between 31 to 35-1/2 inches
- Depth: The standard bathroom vanity depth is between 17 to 24 inches.
If you’re purchasing a vanity without a top, you’ll also need to measure for the countertop. For bath vanity dimensions, measure the width and depth of the vanity cabinet. The vanity top should be 1 inch wider and 1 inch deeper than the vanity cabinet.
Be sure to include allowances for fillers, if you plan to use them. A filler (or filler strip) is a piece of wood used next to a vanity to close any gap between the vanity and wall.
Watch our DIY Basics video: How to Use a Tape Measure.
Bathroom Vanity Styles
When you're selecting a vanity, it's a good idea to think about your home and the type of style you prefer. Do you prefer a more traditional or transitional aesthetic? Or are you hoping to go modern or modern farmhouse? Whichever style you go with, we have many types of bathroom cabinets or vanities to choose from. Before you get started, there are a couple of considerations that you'll need to keep in mind.
Tops
First, you'll need to decide if you’d like to purchase a vanity with or without a top. There are advantages and disadvantages to either choice.
Bathroom Vanities with Tops
Here are the pros and cons for purchasing bathroom vanities with tops.
- It's usually less expensive to purchase a vanity that already includes the top and sink.
- Vanities with tops come pre-drilled and assembled, so it's a relatively easy do-it-yourself project. Not having to use a contractor saves you money that could be used elsewhere in the renovation.
Cons
- Your material options are more limited because a vanity combo doesn't allow you to select the top of your choice.
Bathroom Vanities without Tops
Here are the pros and cons for purchasing bathroom vanities without tops or a bathroom vanity without a sink.
- If you enjoy the design process and want to create a custom look for your bathroom, a vanity without a top is a great idea. Some of the best materials for a bathroom vanity include marble or quartz for modern or transitional bathrooms. Concrete would make a sleek addition to an industrial or modern space. Vitreous china brings a clean look with a modest price tag.
- Buying a vanity without a top also means that you have the freedom to select a sink. The choices are endless. Select simple undermount sinks to show off your new custom countertop or choose from other standout sinks like a farmhouse, modern vessel or a stunning copper or brass sink.
Cons
- Creating a custom look often comes at a more expensive price, so you'll have to weigh your options when refreshing or renovating your bathroom.
- Unless you have some advanced DIY skills, it's recommended that a contractor install the vanity, top and sink, which would also incur an additional cost.
Vanity Types
There are two types of bathroom vanities: freestanding and built-in options. Freestanding vanities are good for small spaces and come in many styles. Built-in vanities are better for larger spaces and typically offer more countertop space and storage. Here are some other types to keep in mind when buying a bathroom vanity.
Floating Vanities
Modern or smaller bathrooms will benefit from having a floating vanity. These wall mounted vanities don’t have legs and appear to be floating, making a bathroom feel more spacious.
Corner Vanities
Corner vanities work well in tiny bathrooms, powder rooms or bathrooms with an awkward layout. They take up very little room and come in traditional and modern styles. Because they’re so small, they offer little countertop space, so keep that in mind when making a selection.
Double-Sink Vanities
With a double-sink vanity, sharing is no longer an issue. Couples, siblings, roommates and others can benefit from having individual sinks. If you’re remodeling and upgrading from a single-sink vanity to a double-sink vanity, measure carefully to ensure you have enough space.
Features and Upgrades
Whether you choose a minimalist modern vanity or one with a rustic farmhouse feel, a vanity can define the look of your bathroom. Here are some other options to consider before purchasing.
Sink Type
You'll need to consider sink type when selecting a vanity. Sink shapes include round, oval, square and rectangular. The most popular types are:
Undermount Sinks: For these, the sink is mounted underneath the countertop.
Drop-In Sinks: The edges of these sinks rest on the countertop, and the base is under the counter.
Vessel Sinks: These sinks sit on top of the counter.
Wall Mounted Sinks: These sinks are mounted to the wall and can make a small bathroom feel more spacious.
Color and Finish
Vanity finishes are typically made of glass, metal or wood and come in a variety of colors including:
White and black vanities are some of the most popular, but other trending colors and finishes include navy, shades of green, light oak and rich espresso. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can paint a wood cabinet the color of your choice.
Hardware
Check the description on the vanity that you’re interested in buying. Some will already include the door and drawer hardware.
Size
Vanities come in sizes to suit any household. Small vanities work best in powder rooms or smaller bathroom. Medium vanities work well for average-size bathrooms. Large vanities work well in a primary bathroom. But you can also opt for two small vanities if children or couples want separate spaces.
Wood Type
Types can range from basic engineered wood, birch or pine to more expensive materials, such as Asian hardwood, oak, maple and more.
Upgrades
When you're searching for the perfect vanity for your bathroom, here are a few upgrades that'll add convenience and comfort.
Soft-Close Doors and Soft-Close Drawers
You'll never have to wince after a slammed door and drawer again. Soft-close doors and soft-close drawers have a special hinge that allows them to shut softly.
Integrated Electrical Outlets
These outlets are hidden in the vanity drawers. A pull-out tray contains a power bar with electrical sockets, USB ports and storage for your curling iron, straightener and hair dryer.
Adjustable Shelves
Select a vanity with shelves that can adjust to fit your needs. Add bins and baskets to place toiletries in to keep things tidy and organized underneath the sink.
ADA Compliant
If you have accessibility issues, an ADA compliant bathroom vanity is a worthwhile investment. They have openings under the sink that meet ADA guidelines for wheelchair accessibility.
Other Vanity Considerations
Coordinating Collections
To create a cohesive look, go for a vanity that’s sold with a matching bathroom mirror. The advantage of mirrored vanities for bathrooms is that they ensure a consistent aesthetic and take the guesswork out of finding separate pieces that complement one another. Custom bathroom vanities offer more flexibility and allow you to design a vanity to suit your space.
Faucets
Most vanity tops are predrilled for faucets. The most popular openings are for centerset or widespread faucets.
- Widespread Faucets: They have a spout with separate hot- and cold-water handles. When the faucet is installed, all pieces will look separate. Widespread faucets are available with 6- to 16-inch drillings for basins with predrilled 3-hole installation.
- Centerset Faucets: They’re made for basins with a 4-inch, predrilled 3-hole installation. They combine a spout and valves on a single base unit. Centerset faucets may have a single-handle mixing lever or two handles mounted on a 6-inch plate.
Storage & Accessories
Storage
Is this vanity going into a master bathroom, powder room, guest bathroom or kids bathroom? Think about your particular needs. If you use this bathroom every day, then ample storage space (including drawers and countertop space) is going to be more important to you.
If additional storage is needed, think beyond the vanity itself. There are several options to choose from that are stylish and utilitarian, including bathroom linen cabinets and bathroom wall cabinets. Consider replacing a mirror with a mirrored medicine cabinet. Bathroom medicine cabinets are an easy way to have everyday essentials at your fingertips. Medicine cabinets can be recessed or hung on the wall.
Accessories
When you're installing a vanity, it's necessary to have a bathroom backsplash or a bathroom sink side splash surrounding the space. This will ensure that your walls don't get wet or damaged. Backsplashes and side splashes often come with a vanity that has a top. For custom vanities, you may have to purchase them separately.