How to Choose a Bathroom Vanity
From sizing to installation, here's what to know before you buy.
From mounting types and materials to style and size, we provide tips on how to choose a bathroom vanity that is perfect for your bathroom. Follow our step-by-step guide below.
Step 1: Choose Single vs Double Vanity
Step 2: Choose a Mounting Type
Step 3: Choose the Materials
Step 4: Choose a Style
Important Considerations
Maintenance
Step 1: Choose Single vs Double Vanity
When choosing a vanity, start by deciding whether you want a single vanity or a double vanity.
Single: Compatible with all mounting types, this is the most common configuration and is ideal for small spaces. Single-sink vanities typically range from 18" – 42" in width, but you can find some as wide as 60".
Double: Compatible with both wall-mounted and freestanding styles, this option is best for shared bathrooms. Double-sink vanities range from 48" – 72" in width.
With three main mounting types, it's easy to choose one that suits your installation preferences.
Freestanding: Freestanding vanities are the most popular vanity style. Although they are always secured to the wall for stability, most of their weight rests on legs that sit on the floor. This allows for more space for cabinets and drawers, maximizing storage beneath the sink.
Floating/Wall-Mounted: Mounted directly to the wall with open space underneath, this sleek floating style makes your bathroom look bigger and can be adjusted to accommodate easily raised or lowered to whatever height is most comfortable.
Corner: This space-saving style is best for smaller bathrooms and 90° corners, offering storage and a flexible room layout.
Step 3: Choose the Materials
While vanities are available in many different materials, these are the most popular materials for both countertops and bases.
Countertops
Ceramic: A durable and easy-to-clean option, ceramic is a great choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance countertop. Available in a wide range of styles and colors, ceramic adapts to any space. Ceramic-top vanities are naturally moisture-resistant. However, they should be sealed periodically to keep them from getting damaged.
Stone: Natural stone offers a luxurious and elegant touch. From granite to marble, there are many available options, each with a unique look. While stone countertops can be a large investment, they are extremely durable and stain-resistant. Just be sure to polish stone regularly to keep it looking its best.
Glass: For a sleek and modern feel, glass countertops are a perfect choice. Glass is reasonably easy to install and has excellent stain-resistance. Make sure you use non-scratch cleaners and towels when you clean it to keep that polished shine!
Plastic: Also referred to as laminate or acrylic, plastic is the most budget-friendly option for vanity countertops. It’s durable, low maintenance, easy to install, and is available in a huge variety of designs. If the surface is scratched, you can use a fine-grade sandpaper to buff it out.
Wood: Wood can add a welcoming and rustic aesthetic to your bathroom. Pair a wooden countertop with a metal base for an industrial look, or go all-natural with a wood top and base. Wood will need to be sealed regularly to prevent water damage and warping.
Base Materials
Wood: Wood is the most common material for vanity bases. Wood vanity bases come in a wide variety of styles to match the aesthetic of your bathroom – from classic to contemporary. They are often painted or stained, and then treated with a sealant that makes them acceptable for wet environments. With solid wood, particleboard, medium-density fiberboard, and plywood options, you’ll easily find a wood vanity base that fits in your budget.
Metal: Typically made from stainless steel, metal vanities are naturally waterproof and add a sleek style to any bathroom. Though stainless steel is prone to showing smudges and fingerprints, the material is incredibly durable and well-suited for damp environments.
Step 4: Choose a Style
When choosing a vanity for your bathroom, style is another key component to keep in mind. Features, such as sink type or cabinet details, can help you decide which style works best with your bathroom. For timeless spaces, traditional-style vanities are often made of wood and incorporate classic elements like carved cabinetry. Sleek, modern-style vanities feature clean lines, smooth textures, and minimal hardware to complement contemporary bathrooms.
Sink Styles
Undermount: As the most common sink style, undermount sinks are installed beneath the cut-out in the countertop. These sinks are easy to clean and maximize counter space.
Drop-In: Drop-in sinks are installed on top of the countertop from above. Because these sinks are dropped into the cut-out, they feature a raised lip that holds them in place.
Vessel: This type of sink is bowl-shaped and sits atop the countertop. Vessel sinks are easy to install and give your bathroom a fresh, modern look.
Integrated: These vanities are designed with a sink built into the countertop for one seamless piece. Because the sink material matches the countertop material, integrated sink vanities add a cohesive element to your bathroom.
Tip!
For more info about the different bathroom sink styles, check out our guide Types of Bathroom Sinks.
Important Considerations
In addition to mounting type and vanity material, there are a few more factors to consider when choosing the right vanity for your bathroom.
Size
It is crucial to find a vanity that fits in your space. Read our guide Vanity Dimensions: How to Find the Size for You for step-by-step instructions for calculating your ideal bathroom vanity. In addition to measuring the overall dimensions of the vanity, measure the depth and width of its interior spaces, such as drawers or cabinets, to make sure it offers you the right amount of storage.
We also recommend measuring your front door, hallways, stairways, and any interior doorways that lead to where you will be placing your vanity. This will streamline the delivery process and ensure that the new vanity can reach its destination.
Storage
Storage is another key consideration when choosing a bathroom vanity. Think about where you plan on placing the new vanity. An en suite off of the primary bedroom may require more storage than a powder room. If you're replacing the vanity in a busy bathroom, opt for a vanity with plenty of drawers or shelves to make sure everything has its place. For a guest bathroom that doesn't get much use, you'll only need enough space to store cleaning supplies and extra toiletries.
Plumbing Access
Most vanities have an open back or hole to accommodate plumbing. If the vanity doesn't include one, it is necessary to add one during installation. To confirm, check the Specifications tab under "Finished Back" on the vanity’s product page.
Additionally, make sure to check the product description closely to see if the vanity includes a P-trap. The P-trap is a waste water pipe with a U-shaped bend that prevents noxious gases and helps catch small items that might go down the drain.
Included Attachments
Many vanities come equipped with hardware and necessary attachments, like a sink and faucet, but we recommend checking the Product Description to confirm. If you’re buying these items separately, take stock of your vanity’s measurements and mounting specifications, like the number of faucet holes in the countertop.
Available Collections
Some vanities are a part of a larger collection with matching fixtures, like mirrors and lighting. If a vanity has coordinating fixtures, those products can be found in the "Shop This Collection" section at the bottom of the vanity's product page. However, we have a huge variety of mirrors, vanity lighting, sinks, faucets, and much more to choose from.
Backsplash
Combine form and function with a beautiful backsplash that complements your new vanity.
With plenty of tile designs to choose from, the backsplash protects the wall behind the vanity and enhances the overall appearance of the bathroom. Backsplashes are added after the vanity has been installed, so make sure to factor both the size of the vanity and the backsplash when taking measurements of the space.
To keep your vanity looking its best, follow these super easy maintenance tips.
What You Will Need:
- Cleaning product
- Cloth
- Liquid soap
Step 1: Clear the Area
Make sure there’s nothing on top of your vanity to make cleaning easier.
Step 2: Find a Cleaning Product
Check that the cleaning product you have is safe to use with your vanity-top material. Using the wrong type of cleaner could stain or scratch your vanity.
Step 3: Wipe Down Area
Use your cleaner to wipe down the vanity and scrub lightly. Rinse off the surface and allow to dry. Use liquid soap to eliminate any grime on a soap dish, which will also help keep your vanity top cleaner.
Tip!
If your vanity base hardware is looking dull, remove them with a screwdriver, place them in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Use an old toothbrush to scrub any grime off. Rinse well and install them back into the vanity.
