A bathroom vanity has a lot to do. It needs to fit comfortably within the room, give you enough storage and work with the way you use your bathroom every day.
If you’re renovating for the first time, it can be difficult to know where to start. Size matters, but so do the layout of the room, who uses it and what you actually need to store.
Here’s what to consider before choosing your vanity.
1. Start with your bathroom size and layout
Before comparing vanity styles, measure the space you have available.
Start with the width of the wall where the vanity will sit, then look at what surrounds it. A vanity may technically fit the wall but still leave the bathroom feeling cramped or make drawers awkward to use.
Check:
- Available wall width
- Clearance for drawers and cupboard doors
- Distance from the toilet and shower
- Shower screen and bathroom door openings
- How much room you'll have to comfortably move around
If you already have your bathroom plans, use them to check these measurements before ordering.
What size bathroom vanity should you choose?
There isn’t one standard vanity size that works for every bathroom. The right width depends on your available wall space, bathroom layout and how much storage and benchtop space you need.
A smaller vanity can make sense in a powder room, compact bathroom or ensuite. Where space allows, a wider vanity gives you more options for storage, basin placement and usable benchtop area.
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2. Think about what you actually need to store
It’s worth looking at what currently lives in your bathroom before deciding on a vanity configuration.
Everyday toiletries, skincare, hair products, towels, toilet paper and cleaning products all need somewhere to go. A family bathroom will usually need considerably more storage than a powder room, while two people sharing an ensuite may benefit from having their own drawers or storage areas.
Think about what you want within easy reach and what you’d prefer to keep off the benchtop.
Are drawers or cupboards better in a bathroom vanity?
Both can work well, but they suit different storage needs.
Drawers make everyday products easy to see and reach. They can be particularly useful for smaller toiletries, skincare, makeup and hair products.
Cupboards give you more flexible vertical space and can work well for taller bottles, cleaning products or larger items.
If you need a bit of both, look for a vanity that combines drawers and cupboard storage.
3. Consider who uses the bathroom
Your routine can help narrow down your vanity options surprisingly quickly.
For a family bathroom, storage will usually be a priority. Think about how many people need to keep their things in the room and whether separate drawers would make everyday use easier.
For a shared ensuite, consider whether you regularly get ready at the same time. A wider vanity or double basin may be worthwhile if you do.
For a powder room, storage requirements are generally much smaller. That gives you more freedom to prioritise a compact footprint or a particular vanity style.
4. Single or double basin vanity?
A double basin might sound like the obvious choice for a shared bathroom, but it depends on how you actually use the space.
When does a double basin make sense?
A double basin vanity can be useful when two people regularly need the bathroom at the same time, particularly in a shared ensuite.
You’ll need enough vanity width for both basins to sit comfortably, along with the required tapware and storage underneath.
When is a single basin better?
Keeping one basin gives you more clear benchtop space, even on a wider vanity.
If two people rarely use the basin at exactly the same time, that extra bench space may be more useful day to day than a second basin.
5. Wall-hung or floor-standing vanity?
This decision affects both the look of the bathroom and how the space works.
Wall-hung vanities
A wall-hung vanity sits above the floor rather than extending all the way down.
Keeping the floor visible underneath can help a compact bathroom feel more open, and it also makes the floor underneath easier to access for cleaning.
The installation height can also be selected to suit the space and users.
Floor-standing vanities
A floor-standing vanity extends down to the floor and can provide a more substantial presence in the room.
Depending on the design, it can also offer additional internal storage, making it worth considering when storage capacity is high on your list.
6. Don't forget about benchtop space
Storage isn't only about what goes inside the vanity.
Think about what normally sits on top: hand soap, toothbrushes, skincare, hair tools or products you use while getting ready.
Basin size and position will affect how much clear benchtop space you have. This is particularly worth considering when deciding between one basin and two.
If you like keeping most things tucked away, internal storage may matter more. If you regularly use the benchtop while getting ready, leave yourself enough usable surface area.
Check the vanity before you buy
Before ordering, run through the practical details one more time:
- Does the vanity fit the available wall space?
- Can drawers and doors open properly?
- Is there enough clearance around the toilet and shower?
- Does the storage suit what you actually keep in the bathroom?
- Is one basin enough, or will two make your routine easier?
- Do you have enough benchtop space?
- Does the plumbing work with the vanity configuration you've chosen?
Once those questions are answered, comparing styles, colours and finishes becomes much easier.
