With endless bathroom vanity options to choose from, it can often take time to narrow down your preferred vanity and make a final decision. Do you want a fairly inconspicuous vanity that won’t take attention away from other bathroom features, or are you looking for more of a statement piece? This is just one of the questions you must ask yourself before deciding.
To help with your search for a new vanity, we’ve explored some of the most popular bathroom vanity styles and found their best qualities and what bathrooms they suit best.
Summary
Choosing the perfect bathroom vanity depends on your space, style preferences, and storage needs. From modern floating vanities to classic cabinet styles, each vanity type offers unique benefits suited to different bathroom sizes, layouts, and aesthetics. If you have a big bathroom, you're in luck and you can choose from many different types of vanities. The most popular are double vanities, which provide a luxurious feel and extra storage space. If you have a small bathroom, it's important to choose a vanity that maximizes space without overwhelming the room. Floating vanities, pedestal sinks, and compact cabinet vanities are smart choices for tight spaces.
Popular Types of Bathroom Vanities
1. Floating vanity
A floating bathroom vanity, also commonly referred to as a wall-mounted vanity, has no direct connection to the floor and is instead fastened to the wall. This leaves the vanity with a gap between the bottom of the cabinets and the floor as if floating in mid-air.
Pros:
Installing a floating vanity will not only provide a sleek and modern look to your bathroom, but it will also bring with it plenty of storage options. With the cabinets raised above the ground, you can store things like stepping stools or extra towels underneath and out of the way.
Cons:
Requires strong wall support and professional installation, which can increase costs and time. This will usually need to be done by a professional to ensure that it is safely and securely mounted to the wall.
2. Vessel vanity
A vessel vanity is where the sink sits atop the countertop of a floor-mounted cabinet. A vessel vanity will also have a specialty faucet and drainage system to accommodate the raised sink.
Pros:
Unlike many other vanity options, a vessel vanity can be used in practically any style of bathroom, whether traditional, modern, or contemporary. You will also love the extra storage a vessel vanity provides due to the sink sitting on the vanity top and not taking up space in the cabinets.
Cons:
Something to consider with a vessel sink is that it will require extra cleaning. Both the interior and exterior of the sink will need cleaning, as well as the extra countertop space.
3. Cabinet vanity
The most common single-sink bathroom vanity on this list is the cabinet vanity. It consists of box cabinets similar to what you would see in your kitchen, with a sink and countertop mounted on top.
Pros:
This is one of the more versatile single-sink vanity styles and can be customized to fit just about any bathroom design. A cabinet vanity will support most sinks and can range in different sizes and materials. This allows it to be used in small and sizeable master bathrooms. As for storage, the bathroom vanity cabinet provides plenty of space to keep your bathroom accessories tucked away. Most cabinet vanities will consist of several draws and at least one cabinet.
Cons:
Since cabinet vanities rest on the floor, they do take up more room compared to floating vanities or pedestal sinks.
4. Double vanity
A double vanity is where two sinks are installed into the cabinetry allowing two people to use the vanity simultaneously. For that reason, double vanities are often seen in master ensuites and larger shared bathrooms.To make room for the two sinks, the body of double sink bathroom vanities will often extend longer than your average bath vanity.
Pros:
They provide ample storage space to hide away any of your bathroom essentials.
Cons:
It requires more wall and floor space, which may not be suitable for smaller bathrooms.
5. Pedestal vanity
A pedestal, or freestanding vanity, is a floor-mounted vanity with a sink basin and a stand. This minimalist vanity style is great when remodeling on a budget, and can still make a great focal point in your bathroom.
Pros:
A pedestal vanity can most often be found in older homes or bathrooms with a small space available. A pedestal vanity is as wide as the sink, meaning it can fit in just about any bathroom space, making it perfect for half baths or powder rooms.
Cons:
The major downside to a pedestal sink is that you will have to find somewhere else to store your toiletries and other bathroom products. Most pedestal vanities provide zero storage space with a bar and soap; your toothbrush is about everything they can handle.
6. Under-mount vanity
An under-mount vanity is where the sink is built directly into the vanity base. Most of the sink is concealed below the countertop, providing a smooth and seamless look. This is one of the more modern bathroom vanities seen in many new builds or remodels.
Pros:
Installing an under-mount sink will emphasize your other bathroom features, such as the countertop and faucet. Make sure to choose an aesthetically pleasing countertop sturdy enough to hold the sink's weight.
Cons:
While having the sink built into the vanity does provide you with more usable counter space, it will also eat into your storage space.
You may have to go for one of the more expensive high-quality countertop materials, but trust us – it’s worth it.
What Bathroom Vanity Does Your Home Need?
It is difficult to say that one vanity is better than another simply because they all bring something different to your bathroom. This is why only some vanity styles are appropriate for some bathroom styles.
For example, while a double vanity may be perfect for a spacious master bathroom, it just isn’t a feasible option for some smaller bathrooms. Then there’s a pedestal sink, which is ideal for a half bath but doesn’t have the storage capabilities to be installed in a larger shared bathroom.
To make sure that you choose the right bathroom vanity, consider the size and style of the bathroom you want to create, the amount of storage you require, and its functionality.
FAQ:
The best type of vanity for your bathroom depends on your available space and personal needs. For small bathrooms or powder rooms, a pedestal or floating vanity helps maximize space. For larger or shared bathrooms, a cabinet or double vanity offers more storage and functionality. If you're aiming for a modern or luxurious look, a vessel or under-mount vanity can add style and elegance.
It depends on how they’re classified. By installation type, they can be freestanding and wall-mounted. By the number of sinks, they can be classified as single or double vanities. If we look at design and materials, a wide range of styles and finishes are available.
Solid wood and high-grade plywood are the most durable. They withstand moisture well when properly sealed and offer long-lasting performance.
Current trends focus on spa-like design, soft colors, and functionality. Popular features include natural wood finishes, floating vanities for a sleek look, and built-in storage to reduce clutter.
White is considered the most timeless bathroom vanity color. It works with every design style, from modern to traditional, farmhouse, and minimalist. It gives an impression of cleanliness, which is ideal for bathrooms.
A basic 60-inch bathroom vanity costs around $1,100 regardless of whether it’s wall-mounted or floor-mounted. The difference lies in the installation cost. Installing a floor-mounted vanity typically costs about $100, while installing a wall-mounted vanity ranges from $210 to $280.
Laura Madrigal is the Home Design Specialist at Fixr.com, dedicated to identifying and analyzing significant changes within residential design. She is the author of leading trends reports on interior design, kitchen, and bathroom, and her insights have been featured in publications like Realtor and the New York Post.