After years of dealing with its chipped corners, I decided my old bathroom vanity had to go. Fortunately, there are numerous types of bathroom vanities to consider, including freestanding, floating, corner-mounted, and custom designs.
Choosing the right type of bathroom vanity can transform your bathroom because each type offers unique features. For instance, my old freestanding bathroom vanity was too big for my tiny bathroom. So, I chose a floating vanity instead, and now the room looks bigger and feels way more open.
1. Freestanding Vanities
Best For: Full, En Suite, Primary, Hollywood
Cost: Low to Mid
Installation Complexity: Low
Storage Capacity: Standard
These traditional bathroom vanities are common in most homes. They sit directly on the bathroom floor and provide ample storage space — think cabinets and drawers that easily house all your essential toiletries.
Plus, they’re great for renters since you can install or remove them easily without messing up your walls.
Key Features:
- Hide unsightly plumbing pipes
- Compatible with under-mount, drop-in, or vessel sinks
- Available in single or double-sink configurations
- Storage options include drawers and cabinets
- Typically made from wood, engineered wood, or MDF
- Standard height between 32 and 36 inches
- Width ranges from 24 to 72 inches for single units and up to 80 inches for double-sink versions
Do you need help deciding the best way to top your vanity cabinet? Check out our guide: The 7 Best Materials for a Bathroom Vanity Countertop.
2. Floating Vanities
Best For: Half, Full, En Suite
Cost: Mid to High
Installation Complexity: High
Storage Capacity: Limited
Floating vanities are mounted on your bathroom wall and don’t touch the floor at all. The design can make your bathroom feel more open. I noticed a difference in my small guest bath — the clean look and extra floor made a big difference. I found it easier to clean the floor under these vanities compared to freestanding models.
Special mounting brackets are required for these types of bathroom vanities. Installation is pretty straightforward, but you want to ensure they’re well anchored — especially if you lean on your vanity during your morning routine like I do.
Key Features:
- Needs solid wall backing (usually 2×6 lumber)
- Support weight between 150 to 300 pounds
- Work with both integrated and vessel sinks
- Ideal for wheelchair accessibility
- Storage options include drawers and cabinets
Want to know more about this type of vanity? Check out our guide on floating bathroom vanities.
3. Corner Vanities
Best For: Half, Full
Cost: Mid
Installation Complexity: Moderate
Storage Capacity: Limited
Corner vanities are great space savers, and I recommend them for really small bathrooms or powder rooms. They fit snugly into a corner and use an area that often goes to waste.
These vanities usually have a triangular shape, matching the right-angled corner walls. Some models also have clever design touches, such as curved fronts, which give them a softer look.
My Tip: Always measure your space carefully before picking a corner vanity. The fit needs to be spot on. And remember to consider where your plumbing pipes are; you don’t want any surprises once the vanity arrives.
Key Features:
- Can be either floor-mounted or wall-mounted
- Typically accommodate single sinks
- Often feature triangular or L-shaped designs
- Most models feature a cabinet for storage
Did you already purchase a new vanity? Learn how to install it with our guide: How to Install a Bathroom Vanity and Sink.
4. Built-In Vanities
Best For: Full, En Suite, Primary, Hollywood
Cost: High
Installation Complexity: Very High
Storage Capacity: Maximum
Bulit-in vanities blend in seamlessly with your bathroom like they’re part of the original design. These units stretch across the space, from one wall to another. Depending on how much room you have, they work with either one or two sinks.
While you can buy them ready-made, many homeowners opt for a custom-built version to achieve the perfect fit and style for their specific space and storage needs.
Key Features:
- Usually includes multiple cabinets and drawers
- Seamless integration with bathroom walls
- Can accommodate multiple sinks
- Expensive option but adds home value
Do you know which material is best for a vanity? Learn more with our guide: 6 Best Materials for a Bathroom Vanity Cabinet.
5. Pedestal Vanities
Best For: Half
Cost: Low to Mid
Installation Complexity: Low
Storage Capacity: Limited to None
While technically not a traditional type of bathroom vanity, pedestal models have evolved beyond the simple sink-on-a-stick design.
Newer pedestal vanities include small storage cabinets while maintaining their classic, space-saving profile. They’re perfect for powder rooms or small guest bathrooms where storage isn’t a priority.
Key Features:
- Small hidden storage compartments
- Slim profile for tight spaces
- Heights typically range from 32 to 36 inches
- Best suited for single-basin configurations
Do you need help removing an old vanity? Check out our guide: How to Remove a Bathroom Vanity and Sink.
6. Custom Vanities
Best For: Full, En Suite, Primary, Hollywood
Cost: Very High
Installation Complexity: Very High
Storage Capacity: Maximum
Custom vanities are the “have-it-your-way” option for bathroom design. You can design every aspect to match your needs — whether you need height for the kids’ bathroom or extra counter space for all your morning essentials.
During my renovations, I seriously considered this route for my master bathroom but decided against it when I saw the price tag.
Key Features:
- Fully customizable
- Choice of any material combination
- Can incorporate specific storage solutions
- Adaptable to unusual room layouts
- Multiple sink configurations
Find a Bathroom Remodeling Expert Near You
The perfect bathroom vanity needs to match your daily habits and space. In my remodel, I weighed all options before deciding. I picked a bathroom floating vanity because it fits nicely, makes cleaning underneath easy, and gives the illusion of a bigger bathroom.
Whether you’re into minimalistic designs or smart corner vanities that maximize space, always consider your specific needs and room dimensions when choosing the perfect type of bathroom vanity.
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Main Photo Credit: ImageFlow / Adobe Stock Free / License
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