Bathroom Vanity Sizing Tips

Refreshing the look of any bathroom in your home can be as easy as changing out the bathroom vanity. Determine the right size vanity for a small powder room, a grand master bathroom, and everything in between when you follow these bathroom vanity sizing tips. Answering a couple of quick questions will help you find the bathroom vanities that make the best choice for your space.

Measuring Your Space for A Bathroom Vanity

Before you can determine the proper vanity for your space, you have to determine just how much room you have to accommodate the new piece in your bathroom. Before you start shopping for a vanity, take careful measurements of the room you’ve designated for the bathroom vanity, making sure to consider width, depth, and height.

Initial Considerations

• Where is your plumbing located? 
• Will the plumbing connections be easy, or will they obstruct the full use of the vanity? 
• How much space do you have available? 
• Is your bathroom narrow, wide, or open? 
• What are the space restrictions you need to consider, such as the swing radius of doors? 

When you take a few minutes to consider these questions, you’ll be better equipped to narrow down the many options to the vanity that will best suit the needs of your space while providing the look you want.

Choosing A Vanity Width

The first consideration is what vanity width will suit the space. This is one of the most important measurements because it will determine whether or not the vanity will fit into the floorplan of your bathroom. The width of the area you have won’t just help you narrow down the search for the perfect vanity, it will also help you decide whether you can fit a single or double vanity into the room. Keep in mind that the vanity countertop typically extends beyond the vanity itself, so allow for an extra ½ inch to 1 inch on each side.

Single Vanities

The standard vanity size for single vanities is between 36 and 48 inches wide, making them a fantastic option for guest bathrooms and powder rooms. When you have an especially small bathroom design, there are even wall-mounted vanities designed to free up valuable floor space.

Double Vanities

When you have extra room, opt for twice the functionality with a double vanity. Double vanities measure between 60 and 72 inches in length, depending on how much counter space you need on either side of the sinks.

Tip: If your bathroom isn’t already plumbed for a double vanity, you may need to call in a plumber to provide the necessary hook-ups to accommodate that extra sink.

Choosing the Best Height for Your Bathroom Vanity

Vanities come in a range of different heights. Choosing the right one really depends on what type of bathroom you’re decorating.

Master Bathroom Vanity – 36 Inches High

Create a grand master bathroom with ample storage by opting for 36-inch-high bathroom vanities. This height is the traditional height of kitchen cabinets, making them a lot more comfortable than the standard vanity size of 30-inch-high bathroom vanities from decades past.v

Guest Bathroom Vanity – 32 to 34 Inches High

When you’re outfitting a guest bathroom, you want to create a space that’s comfortable for children and adults alike. Get the best of both worlds by looking for bathroom vanities that range in height between 32 and 34 inches.

Kids’ Bathroom Vanity – 30 Inches High

Keep it short and accessible for your little ones. A bathroom vanity that’s appropriately sized for them will help them wash their hands and brush their teeth while still being tall enough for any adults that use the same bathroom. There are even some vanity designs with pull-out step stools.

Making Your Final Vanity Selection

The vanity is the cabinetry supporting countertops and sink. Some vanities are purchased with sinks and countertops already paired, while others allow for you to mix and match your favorites. Once you know the size you can accommodate, it’s time to make a final vanity selection. Before you choose the vanity you’ll feature in your bathroom, there are a couple of last-minute factors to keep in mind.

Consider Vanity Storage

Once you know the right size vanity for your space, it’s time to consider the different storage solutions each design offers. Vanities can provide a combination of drawers, cabinets, shelves, and special features designed to enhance your daily routine. Think about the items you need to store and choose a vanity with the right combination of concealed and exposed storage.

Pair the Vanity with a Countertop

Cap off your new vanity with a countertop that adds a layer of style and plenty of additional storage for all your everyday essentials. Choose a countertop just large enough for soap and a couple of items or choose a long countertop that provides a recessed area to sit at to apply your makeup.

Select a Sink Style 

Whether you’re purchasing a bathroom vanity with sink included or a bathroom vanity without a sink, you need to determine what style of sink best suits the needs of the room. With the vanity itself selected, consider what type of sink you’ll feature. Bathroom vanities with undermount sinks and vessel sinks are among the most popular options, but each one offers a very different look.

Introduce Plumbing Fixtures

The faucet and knobs you introduce to your vanity design act as the jewelry to complete your new vanity. The brands, finishes, and collections you feature in the other parts of the bathroom can help guide you toward the best bathroom faucets for your remodel. There are even bathroom sink and faucet combos available to ensure the ideal match.

Install Bathroom Vanity Lights

Get a clear view of your daily routine when you introduce new bathroom vanity lights to your new vanity design. Coordinate your vanity lighting with shower, closet, and water closet lighting solutions, as well.

Final Sizing Tips

Once you think you’ve made your final vanity selections, take a second to consider all the small details one more time, such as: 

• Make sure the vanity allows all passageways and doors to be used without obstruction. 
• Make sure there’s enough room for all vanity drawers and doors to open properly. 
• Make sure the vanity will not block access to the other storage areas in the bathroom, such as linen closets. 
• Make sure the cabinet hardware you add to the vanity won’t hit other items in the room or prevent doors and drawers from opening properly. 
• Ensure there’s enough floor space remaining for proper movement throughout the bathroom. 

When you take the time to space-plan properly, it’s easy to choose bathroom furnishings and fixtures that fit the space and provide the look you love.