Comprehensive Buying Guide to Freestanding Vanity Units

A vanity unit is probably the most in-trend bathroom fixture, adding style, opulence, and direly-needed storage space to the room. Even though vanities come in various designs and shapes, freestanding vanity units remain the most prevalent fixture for an average bathroom.

However, a floor standing vanity unit isn't just about visual appeal. When buying one for your bathroom, consider all the practicalities that make it suitable for your bathroom.

Unlike most home furniture, vanity units are a permanent fixture for every bathroom since they are fastened against the wall. It is necessary to be more vigilant while buying a vanity unit that aligns with and amplifies the outlook of your bathroom.

The right vanity should also offer sufficient storage capacity to fulfill your needs. This guide is designed to educate you about a free-standing vanity unit, including the material quality, size and dimensions, and common design issues to make an informed purchase decision.

At Royal Bathrooms, we have a wide variety of free-standing vanities to suit every taste and requirement. This section introduces our most popular ranges - Turin, Elena, Cesar, Milan, Marbella, and Modena - highlighting their unique design elements and practical features.

We have created a comprehensive comparison guide that will help you to make a decision. You will find a comparison that outlines the key differences between different ranges like Turin, Elena, Cesar, Milan, Marbella, and Modena ranges. The chart showcases information about various factors like size, finish, basin type design, and style in vanity units, providing a visual representation to help you make the right choice.

As someone shopping for bathroom fixtures for the first time, selecting the right floor-standing vanity unit can be challenging. Besides finding the right style in the vanity unit to match your bathroom's decor, you must pay attention to other elements like material vanity unit size, type, and cabinet layout to get the perfect fit.

On the outlook, vanity units come in small, medium, and large size labels but they are of different sizes in terms of width, height, and depth. So, instead of picking randomly, determine your bathroom's available space and designated layout plan.

To give you a perspective, the most compact vanities come as small as 400mm x 540mm (width and height), making them an appropriate solution for congested bathrooms. But if you have a spacious en-suite, you can look for bigger fixtures equipped with dual sinks ranging from 1200mm x 620mm.

Likewise, you should also consider the shape and layout of a free standing vanity before buying. It plays a vital role in their accessibility, installation, and maintenance in the future.

Floor-standing vanities offer a wide range of vanity unit material options in terms of colors and finishes. But only a few meet the description when it comes to quality and durability. You don't want to pick a vanity that looks elegant on the outside but has defective construction material on the inside.Floor-standing vanities offer a wide range of vanity unit material options in terms of colors and finishes. But only a few meet the description when it comes to quality and durability. You don't want to pick a vanity that looks elegant on the outside but has defective construction material on the inside.

If you want a vanity that survives the humid conditions of a bathroom, make sure it's built from MFC (melamine-faced chipboard). Compared to solid wood and MDF boards, MFC is more cost-effective. The material is not entirely waterproof, so don't leave your vanity wet after a shower session. 

Like the furniture part, vanity basins also come in different colors, materials, and finishes. Out of all material options, ceramic countertop sinks provide the sleekest and most contemporary outlook. The high-gloss finish makes them a suitable contender for traditional and modern bathrooms.

You can also go ahead and read our “countertop basin buying guide” to find the right countertop for you.

While regular cleaning is necessary for vanity unit maintenance, you may need to go above and beyond to increase the lifespan of your bathroom vanity unit. Everyone wants their countertops squeaky clean and cabinets as good as new, but hot steamy showers constantly threaten their looks and longevity. 

Extensive exposure to moisture not only deteriorates the cabinets but also allows bacteria and fungi to thrive in nooks and crannies. Here are 3 tips to help you maintain them for a longer period:

• Wipe your countertop and cabinets regularly using a clean cloth.
• Disinfect the countertop sink with quality cleaning solutions every week.
• Scrub the countertop sink and cabinets inside out for a thorough cleanup and keep them organized for easier inspection.

If you want to make your bathroom's interior stand out and appeal to visitors at first glance, you need to be a little creative while choosing the fixtures. A coordinated and coherent look is key to aesthetic bathroom decor. Therefore, consider your bathroom's overall look and feel to make an informed decision.

The best part about floor standing vanity units is that they get along with both traditional and modern interiors. To create a classic vintage outlook, couple your vanity with similar accessories and mixed hardware metal. But if you want a contemporary-styled interior with less clutter, use minimal accessories and fixtures with a sleek texture and sharp lines.

Whether you're replacing an older vanity unit or installing a new one from scratch, hiring a professional to handle the job is recommended. From prepping the space and identifying the right angle to fitting the vanity and connecting water lines. Thus, installing a free-standing vanity unit is a complete project. 

However, if you have adequate experience and the right equipment to back it up, here’s a step-by-step vanity unit installation guide to make your process easier. 

1. Prepare the space: Make sure the area where you plan to mount your vanity unit is clean and clear of debris or obstructions.
2. Measure and Mark the Selected area: Use a measuring tape to determine the exact location where you want to place the vanity unit. Make sure to leave sufficient space to move around the bathroom. Mark the spots where the vanity unit will be installed.
3. Install the Faucet and Drain: Before mounting the vanity unit against the wall, install the faucet on top and connect the drain pipe. This will make it easier to connect the water supply lines afterward.
4. Assemble the Vanity unit: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to assemble the vanity unit. This typically involves attaching the legs or base to the cabinet and mounting the countertop sink.
5. Connect the Plumbing lines: Connect the plumbing outlets to the faucet and drain on the vanity. Use plumbing tape or putty for a tighter seal.
6. Secure the Vanity unit: Once you make sure the vanity is set at the right angle against the wall, tighten the screws to secure it in place.
7. Seal around the sink: After you mount the countertop on the cabinets, use silicone caulk to seal around the edge of the sink for a tighter fitting and to prevent water leakage.

Vanity units have completely replaced their traditional counterparts - pedestal wash basins. These modern fixtures provide storage space and add a focal point to the room.

Given their growing popularity, floor standing vanities feature an extensive range of vanity unit sizes, styles, shapes, and to suit distinctive bathroom layouts. If you want yours to stand out and enhance the look and feel of the bathroom, consult this instruction manual from start to end.