How to Choose the Perfect Vanity Unit for Your Bathroom Size

How to Choose the Perfect Vanity Unit for Your Bathroom Size

The vanity unit is often the focal point in any bathroom design. The size and style you pick out will make or break a room’s appearance! However, the main question is how to choose the perfect vanity unit for your bathroom size. An ideal vanity unit fits your bathroom precisely, allows for other storage, and should complement the rest of your furniture. Whether you want to design a compact cloakroom or an expansive main bathroom, choosing well guarantees everything comes together for that seamless feel without compromising on functionality or durability.

In this guide, we will discuss all the aspects you need to consider when selecting a new vanity unit for your bathroom, from measuring your space and choosing the right style to material and storage options.

Table of Contents

How Do You Measure Your Bathroom Space for the Perfect Vanity Unit?

When choosing a compact vanity unit for your bathroom, you should measure the space correctly so that it fits perfectly. We understand this confusion and will bring you a step-by-step guide to help measure bathroom dimensions for the right vanity unit.

Measure the Available Floor Space

Start by measuring the available floor space of your bathroom where you want to install vanity units. Measure how much width, depth, and height is available in your desired space with a measuring tape.

measuring bathroom space for perfect vanity unit
  • Width: Take width measurements from wall to wall or from one side of the bathroom to the other at the location of the vanity installation. It can stop you from stepping on a vanity unit that is too wide for the place.
  • Depth: Measure how far the vanity can stand out from the wall without impeding walking paths or colliding with a door or bathroom fixture like a toilet or shower. Standard vanities usually vary in width between 18 to 22 inches. 
  • Height: Choose the vanity’s height wisely to provide a comfortable or convenient use. The average vanity is between 30 and 36 inches tall. Apart from that, the sink will add further height if you plan to have a countertop basin.

Check Plumbing Location

The size of your vanity units will be influenced by where the plumbing is located. Find out where the water pipes and drain are coming from, as this will affect which size vanity you get, or at least should have some adjustment in it so that they can be connected. 

If your plumbing is fixed and you’re not planning to move it, look for a vanity with suitable pipe cutouts or space.

Verify Door Swing

Ensure none of the doors will hit vanity components, like the bathroom door. Ensure sufficient clearance for the door to open without striking the vanity. These measurements will help you to select the right size and style for your vanity, keeping it appropriate with remaining bathroom elements for practical purposes and overall look.

What Is the Ideal Height for a Bathroom Vanity?

The height of a bathroom vanity comes down to the user’s preferences and what works best with your bathroom design. However, there are 2 most common heights that you will come across:

Standard Vanity Height

Normally, the standard height for the bathroom vanity is measured at 30 to 32 inches (76 to 81 cm). This height is preferred for the family or the guest and is generally best for children. While this is a great height for kids, it needs to be higher and more comfortable for adults or youths while brushing their teeth or washing their hands.

Comfort Height Vanity

Comfort height (counter height) is gaining popularity among modern bathroom designers. They are about 34-36 inches (86-91 cm) tall, similar to a kitchen countertop. Most adults will find this a good height, making it possible for you and your body to stand up straight without having too much bent over.

Which is best for You: 

Comfort-height vanities are great for a main bathroom, encourage ageing in place if applicable, and help any taller person avoid bending over whenever they use the sink.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Vanity Height

  • User Needs: Think about the heights of the primary users of the smartphone. While some people have a height of over 1.8 m, many people and children will be more comfortable with a 32-inch vanity.
  • Bathroom Type: When placing vanities in the family or guest bathrooms, it is easy to find a lower one that fits most perfectly. Comfort height vanities are usually implemented in master bathrooms.
  • Accessibility: If the vanity is being installed in an accessible bathroom for persons with disability, it should be 29-34 inches (73-86 cm) in height.

How Do You Measure the Width of Your Vanity Unit to Fit Your Bathroom?

One of the key things to check before you install your vanity unit is whether its width will fit properly in your bathroom. Here is a guide on measuring the width of your vanity unit.  

Determine the Available Wall Space

  • Measure the wall space inches or centimetres from one end to the other where the vanity will be installed using a measuring tape. 
  • If your vanity will sit between two walls, say in an alcove or niche, the measurement should be from one wall to the other. 
  • If it’s within an open area, use a measuring tape starting from one end of the vanity and getting to the next utility, such as a toilet, bathtub, or shower.

Leave Space for Comfort

  • Clearance Space: Make sure you have enough space to move comfortably around your vanity. Leave at least 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) on each side for breathing room and easier installation.
  • Door Swing & Drawers: Open all nearby doors and drawers, especially when choosing a large font style. Choose a vanity that does not block doorways and other drawers or cabinets.

Determine Your Desired Vanity Width

Vanities are available in different standard dimensions when it comes to width. Make good use of the measurements and get a width that will allow the usage of the space without overcrowding the bathroom. Common sizes include:

Single Sink Vanities: 24 inches, 30 inches, 36 inches, 48 inches.

Double Sink Vanities: 60 inches, 72 inches

These steps will help you determine the proper width specifications for your bathroom vanity so that movement is easy and overcrowding is avoided.

How Do You Choose the Right Depth for Your Bathroom Vanity

Selecting the correct thickness of vanity units is also a significant design concern for creating the best-use area. The following steps are useful in making the appropriate decision to choose the right depth for your vanity. 

Understand Standard Vanity Depths

Most bathroom vanities are of standard depth of 18 to 24 inches or 45 to 61 centimetres deep. If you have limited space and a small narrow bathroom, some slim or basic vanities begin at twelve inches deep (30 cm).

  • Standard Depth: 18 to 24 inches (45 to 61 cm)
  • Shallow depth (for small spaces): 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm)

Consider Bathroom Size and Layout

Bathroom layout and size are other important factors in determining the width of vanity units.

  • Small Bathrooms or Powder Rooms: Shallow vanities between 12 and 18 inches in Depth are considered appropriate where the floor area is congested. They assist in opening up more circulation space while offering required storage and counter space.
  • Larger Bathrooms: In a large bathroom, it is possible to use a larger vanity depth (20 to 24 inches) for a visual increase in the storage area and the countertop.

Storage Needs

Advanced kinds of vanity are much larger, which means they offer more shelves, which is very useful if a lot of space is required for washing accessories, detergents, or linens. You can select a cabinet depth of 20 to 24 inches for extra storage.

Tip: Some shallow vanities include agent shelves or pull-out drawers, which can make a lot of difference if storage space is limited in the room.

Opt for Custom Depth if Needed

If you have an odd shape in the bathroom, or your vanity has been designed to fit a particular area, then it’s recommended that you have a vanity with a non-standard depth. It can also guarantee the blended installation of varied designs in the intended bathroom area.

  • Small bathrooms: Avoid deep vanities and go for shallow ones 12 to 18 inches thick.
  • Average bathrooms: Adhere to usual depths (18–24 inches).
  • Maximise space: A vanity’s depth must also be chosen to open up sufficient space ahead of it to allow people to pass freely and conveniently use other fixtures in the bathroom.

What Type of Vanity Unit Should You Choose Based on Your Bathroom Size?

Choosing the most appropriate type of vanity unit for a bathroom directly affects the space’s design and functionality. Around this, it will be possible to look closely at the size of the bathroom that you have first to define the most suitable style to adopt. Selecting an appropriate vanity type enhances the appearance and utility of any bathroom. Consider the toilet size when selecting the most suitable one in the bathroom. 

Here’s a breakdown of bathroom sizes to help you decide:

Small Bathrooms or Cloakrooms

If you intend to install a vanity unit in cloakrooms or any tiny bathrooms, you would prefer a piece that offers functionality without taking up so much space.

  • Recommended Size: A 400mm vanity unit or 500mm vanity unit is good for a small bathroom, and if specification is required, then anything between 400mm and 450mm is fine.
  • Style: Opt for built-in or wall-mounted vanity units to avoid obstructing the floor area of the bathroom space, and the inclusion of mirrors in the bathroom also makes the space look bigger. These units serve the purpose of storage while not over-imposing in a room. Modular wash basins installed in compact baths are suitable and functionally aesthetic.
  • Example: The 400mm Vanity Unit with a ceramic basin was designed for such spaces because it only takes up the necessary space and provides storage.

Medium-Sized Bathrooms

Medium-sized bathrooms have greater freedom when it comes to design and dimensions.

  • Recommended Size: A 500mm vanity unit or 600mm vanity unit is ideal for medium-sized bathrooms.
  • Style: It is versatile and available in wall-mount versions and floor-standing types of cabinets if required. A 600mm Grey Vanity Unit with a large working surface and modern design fits the purpose specifically because it offers storage and space.

Large Bathrooms

Larger bathrooms can allow for bigger and even more extravagant designs.

  • Recommended Size: A single basement from 1000mm to 1200mm is suitable for luxury bathrooms.
  • Style: Double sink vanity units are more common for the large bathroom or bathroom that more than one person will use. Besides, additional shelves in these units add value and a sense of luxury to the interior of a bathroom.

Why Are Wall-Mounted Vanities Ideal for Small Bathrooms?

wall-mounted vanity unit

Wall-mounted vanities are ideal for small bathrooms for several reasons:

Space Saving Design

Fixing vanities against the wall means that the floor space can be optimised in other ways, such as storage. Against a wall, the perception of the available space is greater, and all of this can be achieved by having a small bathroom. It also makes the bathroom expansive as the facility or space below the vanity causes the bathroom to be less enclosed.

Increased Floor Accessibility

Since the floor area beneath the vanity will be open, it is easier to manage cleaning and sanitation. These vanities assist in creating a compact washstand with additional shelves, making it easy to clean a small bathroom because wall-mounted vanities take up the whole floor space; thus, no dust and dirt will gather in the corners of the bathroom.

Sleek, Modern Aesthetic

Floating vanities, also called wall-hung vanities, offer simple designs with smooth lines, which is appropriate for contemporary-themed washrooms. This aspect works well in giving a modern appearance, which is preferred since complex furniture in a room will overshadow the rest. 

Customisable Height

Wall-mounted vanities are height adjustable according to the user’s desires or requirements. This flexibility creates effectiveness in small bathrooms as a person can place the vanity in the best position depending on the bathroom layout or perception.

Optimised Storage

However, like most built-in vanities, these wall-mounted vanities are comparatively small but still have enough compartments. Some have added drawer or cabinet units to organise some items neatly with little space consumption. It may be possible to keep the place as free from interference as possible to make the best out of every small bathroom.

When Should You Choose a Freestanding Vanity for Your Bathroom?

freestanding vanity unit

Freestanding vanity cabinets are very beneficial when selecting the perfect fit for your bathroom. The following are some cases where a freestanding vanity would be the best choice for a bathroom cabinet.

Limited Space

A freestanding vanity is ideal for a small bathroom with little floor space, mostly because it can be very compact. Wall-mounted vanities can help get the most out of the space without cluttering up a room, and they come in standard and bespoke widths with slimline options for areas like cloakrooms and small en-suites.

Easy Installation

Wall-mounted vanities are, by far, more cumbersome to install than freestanding vanities. Unlike the wall-mounted vanities, they do not need as much reinforcement because they sit directly on the floor. This makes them ideal for do-it-yourself bathroom remodels or in old houses where the walls cannot hold the weight of a wall mount unit.

Traditional or Classic Style Preference

For people who love traditional or period styles or older-styled homes, a freestanding vanity looks better than a contemporary wall-hung vanity. The look of furniture with legs or pedestal structures provides a traditional look that can also be suitable for more conservative house decoration themes.

Extra Storage Needs

In many cases, freestanding vanities have more shelves with accumulated cabinets or drawers that reach the floor. Extra storage can be important in a family bathroom or a bathroom that more than one person uses, considering space for toiletries, cleaning supplies, and even towels.

Rental or Temporary Bathrooms

Freestanding vanities are useful for rental houses or any application where one desires a degree of versatility. Wall-mounted units do not have to be affixed to the floor, which makes them more transportable, and if you wish to change the look of your bathroom, you do not have to worry about getting deep into construction since these units are fairly easy to install.

How Can a Corner Vanity Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms?

A corner vanity is a correct decision for using the space of a small bathroom to the greatest advantage. Here’s how it can help make the most of limited room:

corner vanity unit

Image: Corner Vanity Unit

Opens Up Floor Space

When you place the vanity into the corner, you have more space on the floor, which can be widely used. It contributes towards fostering a more positive feel in the room, in terms of movement, not to mention the general circulation of human traffic. You will still have space in the other compartments or more floor space for movement on small guest bathroom sinks.

Compact Design

Corner vanities are generally smaller than standard vanities but are perfect for packing lots of storage into a small space and not taking over the room. Although they are corner pieces, many corner vanities have a sink, cabinet, and countertop space.

Increases Storage

Corner vanities, as the name suggests, are compact in design, yet they usually have shelves, drawers, or even cabinets installed on them. It lets you put away your shampoos, soaps, other bathroom accessories, and towels concisely and cleanly that is out of sight so that your small bathroom does not look like a mess.

Improves Traffic Flow

Therefore, arranging the vanity in the corner will make the bathroom visually spacious and free-flowing, especially in the middle of the room. It is most useful when there is a lack of space or the bathroom is of an irregular shape; this saves space. As the vanity is cleared out, there is more space around other installations, such as a toilet or a shower.

What Is the Best Style of Vanity Unit for Your Bathroom?

A vanity unit for a bathroom is purchased based on your need and the vanity styles you want in your room. A few trending vanity unit designs are as follows, with design features that make them look like aesthetic choices for your bathroom. 

Freestanding Vanity Units

Freestanding is one of the most popular types of vanity units. They are placed directly on the floor, so they are simple to relocate and adjust easily if needed. Freestanding vanity units are specially equipped with sufficient shelving, mainly shelves, and drawers; thus, the freestanding units are appropriate for spacious bathrooms or for those people who have to store a lot.

  • Best for: Any architectural and design concept of a bathroom: traditional, vintage, eclectic, and owners who require more storage space.
  • Advantages: Easier to install, have more capacities, and many kinds of models, from modern to traditional.
  • Considerations: It may occupy a larger area on the floor, which may lead to a feeling of the cramped space characteristic of small bathrooms.

Wall-Mounted Vanity Units

It is also referred to as floating vanities in that they are installed directly onto the wall, creating a floor Beneath the structure. While this type of style makes the interior modern and minimalist, and the use of light colours makes a small bathroom look larger. In addition, floating vanities also offer the chance to clean the area beneath more easily.

  • Best for: Contemporary or sleek designs of bathroom; compact bathrooms.
  • Advantages: It can also save the floor space a sleek look, but keeping the area beneath it clean is also easy.
  • Considerations: The walls need reinforcement and might need more than the freestanding units.

Corner Vanity Units

Corner vanity units are furniture built in the corner of the bathroom to fit small or complicated-shaped bathrooms. It uses the corner space with a small yet practical product design. Corner vanities have extra shelving, which keeps your bathroom neat.

  • Best for small bathrooms, guest washrooms, and bedroom washrooms.
  • Advantages: Small and can be placed in unused everyday or occasional storage spaces.
  • Considerations: It is generally characterised by offering less counter space and storage space than the other styles.

Double Sink Vanity Units

A double sink vanity is an innovative design plan, especially for a master with a family or couple intending to use the bathroom. These units feature two sinks, make it possible for several people to access a particular unit simultaneously. They also offer large working surfaces and shelving facilities, which are useful in their application.

  • Best for: Large bathrooms, or in cases where two persons are using the shower simultaneously, families.
  • Advantages: Flexibility in storage, additional countertop space, and it can be used concurrently by many people.
  • Considerations: It uses more floor space and plumbing and is less suitable for use in small bathrooms.

Vessel Sink Vanity Units

A vessel sink vanity with a basin that is not a hollow sink in the counter but is located on top of it. This style gives a strongly expressed accent, and it will suit correctly the contemporary or spa design of a bathroom. Vessel sinks can be made from any material, such as glass, stone, or ceramic, that can be shaped in any way.

  • Best for: Modern or like a touch of a spa.
  • Advantages: It looks great, stylish, and unique, is easy to fit, and looks more up-to-date than older boards.
  • Considerations: Food particles may be gross and seen to be set on the outside of dishes placed on the outside and edges of the counter.

How to Choose the Right Style for Your Bathroom?

Deciding on what style suits your bathroom best is easy, but it may take some thinking to find the perfect match of vanities for your bathroom, which is why we have enumerated some points that you should keep in mind in choosing the right style for vanities. You can select one that will best suit the kind of storage you will have, how big your area is, and what kind of design is suitable for your house. 

  • Consider the Size of Your Bathroom
  • Match Your Bathroom’s Aesthetic 
  • Think About Functionality
  • Budget Considerations

Should You Choose a Contemporary Vanity for Your Bathroom?

Choosing a contemporary vanity can be wise, but you should consider a few characteristics, including your desire, the layout of the washroom, and your conception of the room’s remaining appearance. 

Contemporary vanity unit

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide if a contemporary vanity is right for your bathroom:

Sleek and Modern Aesthetic

If you are fond of a simple and orderly appearance, love minimalism, and want your bathroom design to seem as modern as possible,  this type of vanities may suit your liking. Some of the recent trends are the absence of knobs and handles in drawers, giving a glossy finish to bathroom furniture, and long and streamlined furniture that will not clutter the bathroom area. They are suitable for gaining a classy, sleek look that can suit practically every interior design layout.

Enhance Small Spaces

Contemporary vanity units are stylish and beautifully designed, with convenience incorporated within the specific unit and designed to fit beautifully within the bathroom or any cloakroom. When considering a small bathroom washstand, a viable contemporary vanity unit might be a fashionable and efficient reply that only takes up a little space.

Types of Materials and Finishes

Contemporary vanities are available in various finishes and materials, including wood veneers, high-gloss lacquer, and matte. In this style, there are many ways that you have an opportunity to pick from, depending on your preference. If you have a modern style and desire a polished white look or a more traditional style and prefer a wood grain textured look, then it is easy to coordinate with your bathroom.

Long-Term Value

The current and newest trends in bathroom styling often provide a neutral, timeless look, which might contribute to the home upgrading viability in the future of a contemporary style vanity. Some consumers are drawn to a minimalist, multipurpose room, and many homeowners may find it a suitable option to install a modern bathroom if they plan on selling their house soon.

Easy Maintenance

Contemporary vanities have sleek surfaces that are easier to wipe than the complex designs of traditional units. It is advantageous, especially if you want low-maintenance products when fixing the bathroom.

Contemporary vanities are perfect and excellent choices for anyone who wants a practical, slick, and sleek look in a bathroom. Laminate flooring is versatile and flexible in its design and may be used to upgrade the appearance of your home. But ensure that it fits your bathroom in terms of size, colour, and the direction in which you want your bathroom renovation done.

Is a Traditional Vanity Unit Right for Your Bathroom?

Thus, whether the traditional vanity unit will be the best solution for your bathroom depends on how you feel about the design, your overall home aesthetic, and how you want your bathroom to be utilised. There is nothing wrong with basic antique vanities; however, they are not for everyone. 

Let’s know some facts about whether traditional vanities are a good choice for you or not:

Works Best in Larger Spaces

Traditional vanities, in particular, are larger forms of vanity that are a part of the older design traditions than the modern ones. These can be carved legs, additional shelf space, and a broad cabinet, which may cause bathroom congestion; for those with a big bathroom or even a main bathroom, a traditional vanity can act as an elaborate centrepiece and simultaneously serve the purpose. 

Enhanced Storage Options

As you will note, traditional vanities usually employ a design incorporating numerous storage features. If you want something that can provide more shelves and drawers for towels, toiletries, and other items for the bathroom, many of the traditional units can provide that. 

Durable and High-Quality Materials

Most of the traditional vanities are built from various quality finishes like natural wood, natural stones, and quality hardware. In terms of durability, it’s worth knowing that many of the traditional styles of vanities should hold up. Their craftsmanship makes it possible for them to wear these daily and look like they possess the charm of antiques.

Low Maintenance or High Maintenance?

Traditional style vanities may be more difficult to maintain, based on the type of material used, than modern chic vanities. Wood may fade away and hence need almost constant protection from water-related calamities, while stone may show some signs of dullness and, as such, may need to be sealed. 

The traditional vanity unit is ideal if you are drawn to classic design, have enough space for the unit in the bathroom, and wish your bathroom to be comfy and timeless. It is best installed in large bathrooms or homes with a more classic design. But if your bathroom goes more toward the modern/minimalistic look, a traditional vanity will probably look out of place. Below, think about how it will fit aesthetically into the larger home architecture. 

How Can Rustic Vanity Units Add Warmth to Your Bathroom Design?

Modern and contemporary furniture pieces of rustic vanity units are perfect for giving your bathroom a beautiful, warm appeal. They look natural, warmly textured, and classically styled, making comfortable, visually pleasing, and intrinsically practical accommodations. 

Natural Materials Bring Earthy Warmth

Rustic vanity timber units are normally rough and scratch-proof to offer that country feel that people like to embrace in houses, and they mostly comprise woods, stones, and metals. These materials have dense textures and colourful appearances, which warm the mood and relate to nature. Not shiny and smooth like in most contemporary styles, rubbles of rustic vanities embody the rawness of materials that give your bathroom a very earthy touch.

  • Wood Elements: Considered timbers in a chic rustic vanity or natural reclaimed timber grains, knots, and natural colour vary. Wood immediately eliminates the severity that most bathrooms reflect through materiality like tiles or mirrors, thus making them more friendly.
  • Stone Countertops: Natural stone or stone-look countertops fit perfectly with the wood of a rustic vanity by introducing natural, earthy colours and rough texture. Granite qu, Artz, or slate: The stone countertops feel warm and inviting to the design.

Earthy Color Palette

Generally, rustic vanities are designs with warm, earthy undertone hues such as rich browns, soft grey, and muted green, developing a comfortable ambience. These natural tones are extremely suitable for bathrooms as the main idea is to relax and refresh. Low-intensity light combinations and colours can help create your bathroom’s relaxing feel.

Blends Well with Modern or Industrial Designs

Rustic vanities often make good focal points for bold or plain-looking bathroom interiors that reduce the harshness of an ultra-modern, or commercial look. This design balances old and new, fresh and welcoming, so to speak, where you mix the aesthetic look with a highly stylish design.

  • Modern-Rustic Fusion: When a rustic vanity is used, adding modern fixtures such as a modern faucet or a modern-looking mirror will ensure elegance. Mixing the contemporary finish of a shiny and seamless surface with the raw edges of a rock, for instance, can make your bathroom intimate and interesting.
  • Industrial-Rustic Combo: Using a rustic vanity and vintage metal fixtures makes the room look incredibly cool and organic at the same time. Where industrial design is harsh, especially due to the imperfections, the simplicity of the rustic vanity compensates for this by being natural.

Creates a Cozy Retreat-Like Atmosphere

With the rustic vanity, a bathroom can easily be turned into a comfortable corner of the house. Ways to incorporate Rustic. Whether a homeowner redesigns a master bath or a powder room, adding rustic accents can easily bring the ambience of a cabin retreat or countryside spa. Neutral colours, wooden elements, and warm light will help you transform your bathroom into a SPA zone.

  • Spa-Like Experience: Although rustic vanities can be absorbing and dramatic in plain themes, particularly when teamed with soft fluffy towels, plants, and warm lighting, they can help make your bathroom look and feel like a spa, the kind of place that is perfect for a weary body after a long day at work.
  • Nature-Inspired Design: Using wood and stone to bring in boxes maintains a nature-inspired bathroom, which can instantly make your bathroom feel rejuvenating. Such a connection to nature can provide some warm comfort in the room or area or even build up a sensation of serenity in a room.

How Much Storage Space Do You Need in Your Vanity Unit?

When choosing what type of vanity storage you need in the Vanity unit, you must consider some factors such as the size of the bathroom, the size and type of storage, and the items that will be stored. These tips will help you decide the ideal storage space for your vanity units.

Consider Your Bathroom Size

The size of the bathroom will determine how much storage capacity you get within the vanity unit. It could be necessary for the homeowner to go for some minimal storage solutions, especially when the bathroom is small or a powder room. If your bathroom is large, then there is more freedom to select a vanity that can provide many shelves.

  • Small Bathrooms: When space is an issue, a wall-mounted or a small vanity unit would be handy. The floor space would not be fully utilised, but adequate storage solutions for daily necessities would be afforded. You can opt for vanities that have additional structures like drawers, and shelves on the above-stated cases.
  • Larger Bathrooms: For a more spacious bathroom, you can opt for a double sink or even a great free-standing unit with more compartments and storage. It may be helpful for large families because everyone gets their shelves.

Types of Storage

Most of the vanities are apparent from their classification and indicate the different storage options through which you can decide your required extent.

  • Drawers: Shelves pull out here, perfect for arranging small items like makeup, shaving implements, and daily use items. Deep drawers can also accommodate larger equipment, such as hair dryers or linens. To ensure that drawers are easy to open and close And provide easier access to the items stored in them, you have to look for soft-close drawers.
  • Cabinets: More extensive compartments are suitable for storing things such as cleaning items, large containers, or even additional hygiene products. Roll-out shelves on cabinets are useful to optimise the available space.
  • Open Shelves: Some have open shelves that allow one to display trinkets or keep baskets for towels and toiletries, as shown below. These can be useful ornamentation. However, they provide fewer hidden storage compartments than the other options.
  • Pull-out Organizers: Certain contemporary vanities include pull-out organisers or trays within cabinets that provide a way to properly store items that are ordinarily buried in the cabinet’s farthest reaches.

Do You Need Hidden or Display Storage?

The kind of storage preferred would determine how much space is required for the same. Some people like all their items to be hidden, while others prefer the storage spaces to be partially hidden and others completely open.

  • Hidden Storage: If you prefer a clean-looking bathroom, focus on a vanity with as many drawers and cabinets as possible. It is especially great if you have several products, such as shampoos, conditioners, or detergents, that you wish to avoid having in the open area.
  • Display Storage: If you love showcasing such things as decorative towels, fancy soaps, or even greens, consider a vanity with an open shelf or a cupboard with a glass door. These can make your bathroom more personal to serve its purpose and offer more storage space.

Which Is Better for Your Bathroom Vanity: Drawers or Doors?

When choosing between drawers and doors to store your items in your bathroom vanity, each has benefits to suit the users’ wants. Some pros and cons may help you find the right choice for your bathroom

ProsDrawersDoors
Arranged StorageOrganise toiletries and cosmetics, the cabinet keeps these items clean and readily accessibleAccommodate bigger items like extra luggage of toilet papers, cleaning items or a bin. 
Easy AccessDrawers seem more transparent than shelves and prevent your premium things from getting lost at the back.Doors are preferable for vanities with large plumbing spaces that occupy much room. 
Efficient Use of SpaceDrawers are established from the floor to the ceiling to cover as much length as possible.Baskets can be added to enhance storage efficiency.  
CustomisableModern design vanities come with an added choice for designing and installing drawers.Simple Aesthetics tend to look neater depending on designs that may be traditional or modern.

Having all these features is excellent for aesthetic looks, but drawers and doors also have some cons, which you should consider before choosing the perfect vanity fit for your bathroom.

ConsDrawersDoors
Limited Storage Not designed for larger items such as tall bottles or hairdryersLimited depth without additional shelves or organisers makes it hard to keep items neat, leading to lost or messy items.
Plumbing ConstraintsPlumbing Issues limit the depth and size of the top drawers thus making the unit not very functional.Uncomfortable to stoop over to pick items at the bottom of a deep drawer.

Best for You?

Most modern vanities are split between drawers and doors so that you can enjoy both features. For context, you can have drawer spaces that will fit much-used items while having cabinet space for much less-used or less often-used items. This hybrid solution offers flexibility and makes optimum utilisation of the available space.

How Can Integrated Storage Solutions Maximize Space in a Small Bathroom?

Integrated storage ideas extend much space in the small bathroom by presenting proper angles for arranging the small bathroom items and products. Here are some ways integrated storage solutions can help:

Maximising Vertical Space

  • Wall-Mounted Cabinets: If the bathroom organisation uses the wall for cabinets, shelves, or cupboards, then the floor space is effectively utilised, which is common with small bathrooms. These may be mounted over the toilet, the wash basin, or over the big unused walls used to arrange the toiletries, among other bathroom accessories.
  • Tall Storage Units: Cupboards or shelves that do not require much width in the room can be constructed to an appropriate height of the room. They are elegant and can be used to arrange towels, belongings, or cleaning accessories without compromising the floor space.

Multifunctional Furniture

  • Storage Mirrors: Multi-purpose mirrors with attached storage shelves or cabinets simultaneously leave small items like cosmetics or toothbrushes within reach and as a mirror. They work best mounted over sink surrounds or vanities.
  • Seating with Storage: With a small bathroom, you can opt for benches or stools to store your towels, toiletries, or any other products you’ll need to clean the bathroom.

Corner Storage Solutions

  • Corner Cabinets or Shelves: You should attempt to place triangular shelves or cabinets at the corners. These are best used for placing ornaments or even little products that do not take up the main area.
  • Corner Vanity Units: Endpoints vanity units with some spot cabinets are perfect since they optimise zones that are typically wasted and, at the same time, aggregate a basin and cupboard into one piece.

Floating Shelves

Wall-mounted custom shelves over the sink, toilet, or bathtub are floating shelves that add extra storage without making floor space. These are suitable if you want to put the toiletries, towels, or other items in the room and make the room look wider.

The concept of smart storage also enhances the utilisation of vertical heights, corners, and any other place that would have remained vacant but for storage design, and all this is achieved without making the bathroom look like a storehouse. Employing integrated shelving systems, space, circular or rotating equipment, and hidden or sprung systems, all support the goal of attaining openness and functionality.

What Material Should You Choose for Your Bathroom Vanity?

Certain factors should be considered when choosing the material for bathroom vanity because they determine how strong the vanity is, how often it is used, and its overall design.  This guide will help you choose the best material for your bathroom vanity in terms of moisture resistance, style, and budget. 

MaterialPros ConsBest For
Solid WoodStrong and long-lastingCapable of absorbing moisture, can twist or swellBoth the Local and Farmhouse designs, where usability is preferred to elegance.
Natural, warm and more timeless styleNeed constant servicing and treatment with sealer     
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)Affordable

Unsuitable for areas that may be exposed to water if a sealant does not protect it.Homeowners with a limited budget who want chic and modern or contemporary style.
Smooth finishes like Furniture, able to paint or laminate.Less durable and weak and can chip on the surface or get a dent.     
PlywoodMore resistant than MDF moisture penetrationMore expensive as compared to MDF or particleboard.Moderate budgets, high moisture areas, and moderate material costs.
Strong and durableNot expensive without the option of veneer or laminate.     
LaminateHighly water-resistantNot be luxuriousCost-effective solution with several variants.
A variety of design optionschip or crack particularly in areas that are around the edges.     
low maintenance costs and simple cleaning          
Natural Stone (Marble, Granite, Quartz)Luxurious and elegant look.Costly; especially marble and graniteDeluxe bathrooms consider elegance, design and materials resistance.
Extremely hard-wearing, scrubs-resistant and heat-resistant.Require regular sealing to prevent staining and water damage     
Acrylic/GlassModern and sleek appearance.Prone to scratches.Contemporary and sleek-looking bathroom designs
Easy to clean.Glass can also be quite delicate and break or develop chipped places.     
waterproof and perfect for use in humidity          

How Can You Set a Realistic Budget for Your Bathroom Vanity Unit?

Setting up a realistic budget for your bathroom vanity relies on what type of vanity styles you want according to your needs. However, this article will discuss some key factors that involve considering the budget for vanity units.

Determine Your Overall Bathroom Budget

Your vanity unit will be just one aspect of your bathroom, so begin with understanding how much you are prepared to spend on the bathroom renovation. Usually, investing in a vanity unit costs you about 10-15% of the total budget for a bathroom renovation. For instance, if your total budget is set at £5000, the vanity cost has to fall between £500 and £750.

Analyse the Type and Style of Vanity

There are different types of vanity units (e.g., wall-mounted, freestanding, corner units), and each comes with varying price ranges:

  • Freestanding Vanity Units: Earlier and more cheaply implemented than, on the whole. Depending on size and the materials they cost from £100 to £800.
  • Wall-Mounted Vanity Units: These are stylish and elegant looking and may be slightly more expensive they sometimes have to be installed. Most of the time the prices of the tea products will vary from £ 200 to £ 1,200.

Consider Material Costs

Cost consequences are heavily dependent on the choice of the materials to be used for the construction project. The material type used on the countertops is also determinable and movable across the range, from very cheap particle board with laminate to the much more expensive solid woods or marble.

  • Particleboard and Laminate: £50-£400
  • MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard): £100-£600
  • Solid Wood: £500-£1,500
  • Stone or Marble Countertops: £300-£2,000

Size of the Vanity Unit

Another dimension that needs to be considered for setting up a budget is the size of the vanity unit. Of course, units with larger cabinet areas and double basins will be more expensive than smaller storage-capacity units with single basins. Measure your bathroom space carefully, and choose a size that fits well and aligns with your budget:

  • Small vanity units (400-600mm): £100-£600
  • Medium vanity units (600-900mm): £300-£900
  • Large vanity units (900mm and above): £600-£1,500

Additional Features and Customization

Other options could increase the price; some include soft-close drawers, interior lighting, and electrical provision. Be mindful of whether you need extra features or prefer a more straightforward design:

  • Basic Vanity Units: £100-£500
  • Premium Features (LED mirrors, custom drawers): £500-£1,500

Installation and Labour Costs

Remember to include installation costs, which may change depending on the direction of the vanity and location. Installing this type of alarm costs £100 to £400 on average. Floor-standing models may be cheaper to install because employing an extra workforce may not be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Size Vanity Unit Is Best for a Small Bathroom?

Vanities from about 18 to 24 inches in width are recommended for small bathrooms since they are light but sufficient for the space. These narrower units provide the required storage for toiletries with little bulk and little learning. For further utility, reflect on shallow-depth vanities because these vanities save floor space and ease an area’s traffic pattern in a bathroom. 

How Do You Choose the Right Vanity Color for Your Bathroom?

The vanity should fit with the rest of the bathroom’s colour scheme. Colours such as white, grey, black, and similar shades are the best as they fit into most design options, namely the modernist, classicist, and other specific options. If you want to stand out or want something with a bit more personality, then think of other darker colours, such as navy blue, forest green, or brighter pastel shades. 

Can You Replace a Vanity Without Changing the Plumbing?

Most of the time, people may decide to change a vanity because doing so can be accessible without having to shift your plumbing system, especially if the new arrangement complements the position of the pipes. This way, you wouldn’t have to worry about moving pipes around to fit different sink and faucet styles that the vanity you selected comes with. 
This makes it easy to perform the upgrade and improve the look of your bathroom without much fuss. In this case, if you decide to switch the size or other style that requires a sinking change of position, the plumbing may have to be altered.

Conclusion

It becomes essential when selecting a suitable vanity unit for a bathroom to consider size, style, and the space in which the vanity will be placed. In this case, tiny bathroom ideas are appropriate and suitable, including functional and spacious furniture like wall-hung washstands. 

When you design a medium or large bathroom, consider even larger, separate units with extra shelving and working surfaces. While planning for the shower décor, remember to blend aspects such as the design, traffic, and available space to ensure proper bathroom organisation. So when choosing a size, style and features you require, you can find a vanity that will look great and work well in your bathroom.

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