The vanity sets the tone of a bathroom, and it's the piece you use most. Getting the size wrong, too wide for the clearances or too small for your needs, is one of the most common remodeling regrets. Here's how to choose.
The short answer
Measure the wall, then check clearances before choosing a width. Single vanities commonly range from 24 to 48 inches wide, and double vanities generally start around 60 inches. For height, 30 to 32 inches is the older standard, and 34 to 36 inches, called comfort height, is easier on most backs. For small bathrooms, a wall-hung vanity or a shallow-depth model frees up floor space.
Common widths
| Width | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 24 inches | Powder rooms and very small baths. |
| 30 to 36 inches | Small to mid-size baths, with one sink and some storage. |
| 48 inches | Larger single-sink baths with more counter space. |
| 60 inches | The usual minimum for a double vanity or a roomy single. |
| 72 inches and up | Primary baths with double sinks and room to spare. |
Check clearances first
- Toilet: building codes require clearance around the toilet, generally at least 15 inches from its centerline to a side wall or obstruction, with clear space in front. Measure for the toilet before choosing a vanity width.
- Door and drawer swing: make sure the door and the vanity doors and drawers can open fully.
- Walkway: leave room to move in front of the vanity comfortably.
- Depth: standard vanities are about 21 inches deep. Narrow-depth models, around 16 to 18 inches, help in tight rooms.
Single or double?
Two sinks help when two people get ready at the same time, but a double sink in a narrow vanity leaves little counter space. A long single sink with generous counter and drawers often works better than a cramped double. A double vanity also means two sets of plumbing connections, so moving from one sink to two is a plumbing project. See bathroom vanities and countertops.
Floating or freestanding?
- Floating (wall-hung) vanities show the floor beneath, making a room feel larger and easy to clean. The wall needs solid blocking, which is simple to add during a remodel.
- Freestanding vanities are sturdy, usually offer more storage and are simpler to install.
- Furniture-style vanities with legs look lighter but give up some hidden storage.
Storage, outlets and lighting
Think about what you store. Deep drawers, pull-out organizers and a built-in outlet inside a drawer make a vanity more usable than extra width alone. Lighting at the sides of the mirror is more flattering than a single overhead fixture, and adding or moving a light or outlet is electrical work. In Kirkland, like-in-kind swaps of fixtures in the same location are generally exempt from permits, but new circuits or wiring need one. See bathroom remodel permits in Kirkland.
Pairing the countertop
The top is as important as the cabinet. Our quartz vs. granite comparison covers the common materials, and the overview of bathroom remodeling in Kirkland shows how a vanity fits a larger project.