A bathroom vanity is a combination of a sink, countertop, and storage cabinet that serves as a functional centerpiece in any bathroom.
When I renovated my bathroom, I discovered that a vanity does more than just hold a sink — it provides essential storage space while adding style to the room. Remember, beyond the cabinet under the sink, vanities may also include features like drawers, open shelves, built-in mirrors, or even integrated power outlets. All these make the daily routine easier.
Bathroom Vanity Core Components
When we talk about a bathroom vanity, we’re generally talking about three things:
- Sink: The sink, whether it’s a dual or single setup, is usually integral to the countertop, which extends along one or both sides. It can be fully recessed (under-mounted) or sit as an elegant bowl on the counter, which is also known as a vessel.
- Countertop: It is the flat surface on top of your bathroom cabinet where you place your sink and everyday items like toothbrushes, soap, and cosmetics.
- Cabinetry/Storage Space: Unlike standalone sinks, vanities provide valuable storage space beneath the countertop. This area typically includes cabinets and drawers for storing toiletries, cleaning supplies, and bathroom essentials.
My Tip: Styling my hair was tough without a nearby outlet. So, I picked a bathroom vanity with built-in outlets. Other handy optional features you might look for include:
- Built-in mirrors
- Integrated lighting
- Open shelves
- Organizational drawer systems
- Wall-mounted faucets or faucets built on the countertop surface
- Integrated power outlets
- Medicine cabinets
Types of Bathroom Vanities
Picking a bathroom vanity is personal — it’s about your needs and style. In my small bathroom, for instance, I went with a floating vanity that saves space. It has a sink on top (vessel) and a mirror attached above, all within reach.
Let’s break down the primary types so you can recognize a bathroom vanity from other fixtures:
- Freestanding Vanities or Floor-Mounted: Freestanding vanities, also known as traditional or standard vanities, stand alone with legs on the floor.
- Floating Vanities or Wall-Mounted: These modern vanities hang directly from the wall. This gives your bathroom a roomier feel and sprinkles in some stylish flair.
- Corner Vanities: Perfect for small bathrooms, these vanities fit neatly into corners to save space.
- Built-In Vanities: Built-in vanities are quite similar to freestanding ones, but their design is more integrated with the bathroom, so they feel like part of the room instead of separate furniture. Usually, you’ll find them stretching from one wall to another.
Need more information? Visit our guide on the Types of Bathroom Vanities.
Standard Bathroom Vanity Sizes
Bathroom vanities come in a variety of standard sizes which cater to most needs.
- Height: A comfortable height is usually between 30 and 36 inches – about the same as your kitchen counter. For accessibility, ADA-compliant options range from 28 to 34 inches.
- Depth: The typical range is 20 to 23 inches, which gives enough room for the sink and some counter area. Shallow options of 16 to 18 inches are available for small bathrooms.
- Width: Single sink vanities commonly come in 24, 30, 36, or 48 inches wide. Double sinks typically range from 48 to 72 inches, with 60 and 72 inches being the most popular choices.
Vanity Material Options
Solid wood and plywood are popular choices for bathroom vanities among homeowners, as they can be pretty sturdy.
However, I personally found great value in using MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) for both the cabinets and countertops in my bathrooms; it’s affordable and still offers durability when covered with a water-resistant finish.
Here are some of the most popular bathroom vanity materials to consider:
- Solid Wood (Base Cabinet): Natural, durable, and classic. Requires sealing against moisture and regular maintenance. Common choices include oak, maple, and cherry.
- Plywood (Base Cabinet): Engineered wood product with excellent stability and moisture resistance. More durable than MDF and less expensive than solid wood.
- Natural Stone (Countertop): A premium countertop option that includes granite, marble, and slate.
- Engineered Quartz (Countertop): Man-made stone that’s highly durable, non-porous, and maintenance-free.
Need a complete guide to bathroom vanity materials? Check out our article, “The Best Materials for a Bathroom Vanity Countertop.”
Bathroom Vanity Styles
Bathroom vanity is a broad term that can include various styles. For example, you might see console sinks on Pinterest that look more like small tables than traditional cabinet vanities. They may lack storage, but because they offer a sink and counter space, they’re still classified as bathroom vanities.
Modern
Modern is simple and clean-looking, with straight lines. It usually comes in white, black, or gray with hidden handles. They often have minimalist designs and pair well with modern lighting and simple storage solutions.
Bathroom Vanity Types: Floating vanities, wall-mounted sinks, vessel sinks
Best for: Small modern bathrooms, urban homes
Traditional
It has an elegant, timeless look with decorative wood details and ornate hardware. Often includes carved details and rich wood finishes. Provides lots of storage space with multiple drawers and cabinets.
- Bathrooms Vanity Types: Cabinet-style vanities, furniture-style pieces
- Best for: Large bathrooms, classic homes
Farmhouse
Casual yet elegant style with rich wood and distressed metal hardware. It often features apron-front sinks and natural materials. It looks great with woven baskets and rustic lighting fixtures.
Bathrooms Vanity Types: Freestanding vanities, cabinet-style units
Best for: Country homes
Console
A simple design that looks like a table with a sink on top. Usually, it has an open space below with metal legs and maybe a shelf. These are great for small bathrooms because they don’t block the view and make the room feel bigger.
Bathrooms Vanity Types: Small cabinet-style units, floating corner designs
Best for: Guest and small bathrooms
Why a Bathroom Vanity Makes Sense
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my bathroom makeover, it’s that a bathroom vanity can truly transform your space. It balances my need for storage with my desire for a clutter-free, appealing bathroom.
Choose carefully and ensure the design speaks to your style while meeting your storage needs. After all, the best vanity is the one that makes you feel at home when you start and end your day in front of it.
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Main Image Credit: Jason / Adobe Stock Free / License
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