Bathroom Vanity Units Buying Guide: What to Look For

Selecting the best vanity unit for your bathroom may be challenging, especially with so many available options varying in size, style, material, and cost. From complete bathroom remodeling to simply making a functional upgrade, a well-selected bathroom vanity can instantly improve the look and functionality of your bathroom. But the decisions are many — wall-mounted or floor-standing, single or double sink, cloakroom or full-sized, it can be challenging to know what will be the best fit for your space.

This guide is here to help. We’ll take you through what you need to know to buy a vanity unit, including the various types, how to pick the correct size and material, design tips, ideas on placement, and even how to keep it all clean. Whether you are installing a small cloakroom or upgrading a large family bathroom, this guide will help you make a confident, well-thought-out decision that is both practical and stylish.

What’s a Bathroom Vanity Unit? 

A bathroom vanity combines sink and storage as one total structural fixture. Designed around your sink, the cabinet provides a practical way to keep your toiletries and beauty products tucked neatly. Most bathroom vanities come with a cabinet or a set of drawers, a sensible use of space under the sink. 

These are available in various styles, sizes, and designs to fit different bathrooms. These come in sleek, contemporary, and traditional designs. Whether you are searching for a small and simple model for a guest bathroom or looking for something significant, sophisticated, and opulent that will transform the appearance of a master bath, a vanity unit is made to suit your needs. 

Why Choose a Vanity Unit? (Benefits and Purpose)

A vanity unit is a versatile and essential piece, even within the smallest bathroom setting. Every bathroom requires a vanity unit, as they can arrange the items and make the space into a stylish and practical retreat. Here’s why it’s a necessity for the bathroom: 

Maximized Storage Space

One of the best things about bathroom vanity units is the extra storage that they give you. Equipped with shelves, drawers, and cabinets, they provide a sensible way to store toiletries, cleaning products, cosmetics, and more. This lets you keep items out of sight, making the bathroom look less cluttered.

Space-Saving Solution

Vanity units can also do wonders for tiny bathrooms, as they are essential to make every inch count. For example, wall-hung and corner vanity units leave more floor space visible, creating a sense of space and airiness. These units also make cleaning easier by allowing room underneath.

Aesthetic and Design Impact

Vanity units are not just practical but also play a significant role in your bathroom’s look and design. Offered in various designs, materials, and finishes, they reflect your space's sleek and contemporary look. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek and modern look or looking for a classic and rustic-inspired look, there’s a vanity unit that fits your design style. 

Various Types of Vanity Units (Installation Options)

While choosing a vanity unit, unit type and installation must be considered to suit your bathroom’s layout, style, and space needs. These are some of the most common types: 

Floor-Standing Vanity Units 

As the name suggests, floor-standing vanity units stand directly on the floor and incorporate a basin or countertop into the structure. This combination construction ensures a sleek appearance with the most excellent stability possible and ample storage. These are ideal for anyone who leans toward a more classic look or needs lots of cabinet or drawer storage. They’re perfect for medium-to-large bathrooms and are particularly versatile in terms of the design styles they work in.

Wall-Mounted Vanity Units 

Wall-hung vanity units are optimal for a contemporary, minimalist style. These units save precious floor space when space is at a premium, offering you a spacious feel without cluttering anything. The raised design also keeps the floor clean as there are no legs or bases to catch dirt. Wall-mounted models are available in different sizes & are ideal for minimalist, contemporary bathrooms.

Countertop Vanity Units

These vanity units have a piece of vanity top with an integrated sink and an open bottom with no shelves or drawers available. These models have convertible designs that fit the decor in any bathroom and provide extra counter space for toiletries or decorative items. Countertop models are stylish and come in wood, stone, and ceramic constructions. They're an excellent option for those with a larger surface area in their bathroom.

Countertop Vanity Units

These vanity units have a piece of vanity top with an integrated sink and an open bottom with no shelves or drawers available. These models have convertible designs that fit the decor in any bathroom and provide extra counter space for toiletries or decorative items. Countertop models are stylish and come in wood, stone, and ceramic constructions. They're an excellent option for those with a larger surface area in their bathroom. 

Corner Vanity Units

These vanities are designed to make the most of used space and are usually fitted to the corner of a restroom. These are perfect choices for smaller or oddly shaped bathrooms, allowing you to maximize space without sacrificing storage. Corner units are frequently available in small-scale sizes that provide just the right amount of storage without congesting the floor. 

Double Sink Vanity Units

These are perfect for people who share their bathroom space. For instance, two or more household members do their morning routine; these units become popular. Double sink vanity units come with two sinks, so you don't have to compromise on space. These are bigger units and are ideal for big bathrooms. Double sink vanity units can also provide counter space and storage space when two people need to use the bathroom simultaneously. 

Cloakroom Vanity Units 

A cloakroom vanity unit is ideal for small spaces like powder rooms and guest bathrooms. These vary in size, materials, and finishes and are made to tuck into a small space while providing plenty of storage and style. They are often wall-mounted and ideal for giving you the impression of a bigger bathroom, with the space needed to keep your bathroom items.

Bathroom Suites Vanity Unit 

Vanity unit suites incorporate a matching vanity unit and a back-to-wall (BTW) for a seamless finish. These matching sets are specifically made for your bathroom design, so you can enjoy a fresh design that matches the rest of the bathroom décor! Perfect for contemporary bathrooms, suites give everything a fitted look for a clutter-free finish. They are ideal for those who want a consistent, clean look while adding functionality to their bathroom.  

Vanity Units for Small Bathrooms

Small bathrooms need space-saving designs if you want to keep everything in order. Wall-mounted vanity units create an open, spacious feel, while corner vanity units use complex spaces without cluttering the room. A cloakroom vanity unit is the perfect solution for adding storage in a compact guest bathroom, without creating a congested appeal. Floor-standing vanity units and countertop basins work well in smaller bathrooms, allowing flexibility when positioning them and providing contemporary style. Vanity bathroom suites are an extremely popular choice for bathrooms where space is at a premium, and they combine a basin unit with a matching back-to-wall toilet for a unique and space-saving design. 

Vanity Units for Large Bathrooms 

In bigger bathrooms, you have more freedom to choose. And with plenty of room to play around, wider options with extra storage, double vanity units, and larger countertops come into play. Not only do these vanity units enhance functionality, but they also make a bold statement. From classic freestanding to luxurious and bespoke units, larger vanity units can be customized to suit your design preferences while offering ample room for all your bathroom essentials, linens, toiletries, and other items. This type of style can be very effective in family bathrooms or master ensembles where multiple members of the family need comfort and practicality without feeling crowded. 

Select the Right-Sized Vanity Unit for Your Space

This comparison chart shares the varying features and best usage of all vanity units to let you pick the one that makes the most sense for your bathroom layout and available storage.

Considerations When Selecting Bathroom Vanity Units 

The vanity unit is one of the most prominent and one of the most used features in a bathroom. Situated just after the shower or tub, it’s bound to be a natural focal point that sets the room's tone while serving practical purposes. Selecting the proper unit is all about balancing style, size, and function, and how it fits with the rest of your interior. 

Vanity units combine two key elements: the basin and the storage cabinet. The basin is practical for all your day-to-day needs, while the cabinet will give you much-needed storage space and help you define your bathroom's look. Both units must be chosen carefully, individually, and as a combined unit.

Before going into the planning process, it's essential to understand the four key elements that influence the selection of a bathroom vanity. 

Scale & Dimensions 

The size of the vanity should feel proportional to the size of your bathroom. Too big can make the space look cramped, too small might compromise its functionality. Consider how it sits alongside other elements such as doors, fittings, and walkways. 

Materials: Basin & Cabinet

The basin must be tough and water resistant — ceramic and stone are popular because they are robust and easy to clean. The cabinet should withstand moisture while adding value to the overall look. Commonly used materials include ceramic, stone for the basin, and treated wood, laminates, or MDF with protective coverings for the cabinet. Always ensure that the chosen materials can withstand the test of time. 

Structure & Installation

Some vanities are free-standing, and some are anchored to the wall. A floor-standing unit provides a more grounded feel and more storage. A wall-mounted vanity creates a more modern look and feel while saving floor space. Furthermore, free free-standing vanity is perfect for large or master bathrooms.

Style & Aesthetic

From sleek and modern to vintage or industrial, the vanity is often the focal point in the bathroom design. The unit's design, finish, and color will also be important for the overall look you are trying to achieve – be that bold and contemporary or calm and classic. 

Steps to Plan the Perfect Bathroom Vanity Unit

Once you understand the basic criteria, follow these steps to ensure your chosen vanity fits your space, needs, and style perfectly.  

Understand Your Bathroom Layout

Begin by sketching your bathroom roughly to scale. Indicate the position of walls, doors, windows, WC and any existing fittings. This visual plan lets you determine where the vanity unit will fit without clashing with the floor movement, plumbing, or light switches. And it helps determine if there’s space for a double unit, with outlets for lighting or appliances. 

Pick The Proper Size & Set-up

Decide between a single or double vanity to suit your space and the number of people using it. Standard single vanities range from 400mm to 900mm, while doubles usually start at 1200mm and go up to 1800mm. Keep the counter height comfortable—ideally between 750mm and 900mm—and leave enough depth (around 450-500 mm) for practical use. 

Please note: These sizes are approximate and may vary from design to design and their installation types. 

Choose Durable Materials and Stylish Finishes

Basin Materials: Available materials include ceramic, porcelain, resin, glass, and stainless steel. Ceramic and porcelain are rugged, water-resistant, and low-maintenance, so it’s no wonder they’re the go-to options for most bathrooms. Resin creates a contemporary and seamless appearance, and glass and stainless steel add a distinctive design to more design-driven bathrooms. 

Cabinet Materials: Seek out sealed wood, veneered lumber, plywood, or MDF, all treated to resist humidity. These materials ensure long-lasting durability and come with various finishes such as matte, gloss, and woodgrain, ensuring the cabinet design can match the rest of your bathroom. 

Ensure the basin and cabinet materials are robust and complement each other, creating a cohesive and practical vanity unit.  

Choose a Basin Type that Complements Your Design

The sink you select will impact your vanity's overall look and usability. Here are the main types:

1. Integrated basin: 

This basin is built into the countertop as one combined element without assembly joints. It’s generally constructed of ceramic, resin, or solid surface materials. Ideal for wall-hung vanity units, freestanding vanity units, double basin vanity units, and cloakroom vanity units. This type of basin can be easily cleaned and maintained and free up space for your minimalist or small bathroom. 

2. Countertop Basin:

A countertop basin rests entirely on the vanity counter, resembling a bowl-shaped arrangement. It is made from different materials, including ceramics, stone, and glass. It is suitable for free-standing, wall-mounted, and double sink vanity units. This basin style brings height to the design and an eye-catching look and feel, and is perfect for the modern bathroom! 

3. Undermount Basin:

It's a simple, clean look that comes from an undermount sink -- the basin is mounted beneath the counter, allowing only the lip of the sink to show. It works well with stone, quartz, and solid surface counters. Suitable for pop-up units, free-standing, or double sink vanity units. This basin style provides a modern, luxury look and is easy to clean because there are no exposed rims. 

4. Drop-In Basin (Inset Basin):

The drop-in basin is meant to be dropped into a hole in the countertop, and the rim sits on top of the countertop. It is often constructed with porcelain. Fits for floor-standing vanity units, corner vanity units, and cloakroom vanity units. This type of basin is easy to install and can easily fit in many vanity styles, providing a traditional but functional appearance.

5. Semi-Recessed Basin:

A semi-recessed sink is just that: partially sunk into the vanity counter while the front remains above it. It is commonly formed of ceramic or resin. The is ideal for cloakroom vanity units and small wall-mounted vanity units. This basin style offers carrying capacity with no depth, perfect for shallow cabinets and counter options when full basin utility is required without the deep counters.

Select Taps to Coordinate with Vanity Unit

Taps aren’t merely for use — they play an enormous role in the overall appearance of your vanity unit. Your basin and vanity setup determines the type of faucet you choose. The most popular types of faucets are:

• Single Lever Mixer Tap: This tap blends convenience with style to unite hot and cold controls. Perfect for contemporary bathrooms and small vanity units.

• Three-Hole Mixer Tap: This includes two separate handles that control the temperature and volume of water between the mixer and spout, for conventional or larger size basins where high performance and precision are a must. 

• Tall Mixer Tap: A taller mixer tap designed for use with vessel or countertop basins, allowing adequate height for feeding your basin. 

• Pillar Taps: Traditional design featuring individual hot and cold taps. Not as common, and this works well in traditional bathrooms. 

Tap Installation Types: 

Fitting varies according to the tap type, but installation can often be completed in one of the following ways: 

• Countertop Mounted: This is installed directly on the countertop, not the basin. Ideal for vessel or countertop basins, especially on free-standing vanity units requiring extra height clearance. 

• Sink Mounted: Installed into the pre-drilled holes on the basin itself. This is a common choice with integrated, drop-in, or under-mount basins, making it suitable for floor-standing, cloakroom, wall-mounted, and double vanity units. 

• Wall Mounted: Wall-mounted taps plumbed into the wall rather than into the sink itself are sleek and minimalist. Perfect for semi-recessed or countertop basins with wall-hung or countertop vanity units. Ensure that the spout of the tap projection aligns with your basin to prevent water splashing. 

Determine Your Storage Needs

Storage is a key consideration when selecting the perfect bathroom vanity unit. A family bathroom usually needs more storage than a guest WC, so consider your everyday use and be realistic. Vanity units can also be comprised of combinations of drawers, shelves, and cabinets for a tailored experience. Features such as soft-close drawers provide you with easy, quiet access. Floating shelves installed above or around the vanity provide extra storage without taking up much space, and drawer dividers can help maintain order for smaller essentials such as toiletries, grooming tools, etc.

Match Your Vanity Unit with the Rest of the Decor

When it comes to your vanity unit, it needs to suit the design of your bathroom! A wall-mounted vanity offers a modern, streamlined look, while a vessel basin teamed with taps inspired by an antique piece complements more traditional spaces. Materials and colour can similarly affect the atmosphere —you could use dark wood finish worktops against white ceramics to make an impact, or colored laminates for a splash of fun and modernity. All elements, from basin and countertop to taps and hardware, must work together visually. 

Additional Features

Strategic small touches will increase your vanity unit's utility and style. A mirrored cabinet provides hidden storage and aids grooming, while LEDs in the mirror or under wall-mounted units cast a gentle, spa-like glow. Matching towel rails or metallic accessories can combine the whole look, providing function and style.

Vanity Unit Sizes & Dimensions 

Vanity units come in different widths, heights, and depths to fit any bathroom space. Average heights range from 600mm to 850mm, depending on size. The width also varies, but generally extends from 400mm for more compact cloakroom vanities up to 1200 mm+ for double basin units.  

500mm–600mm floor-standing units are good options if you have a small bathroom and need plenty of storage, but don’t want to sacrifice premium floorspace. Another popular preference is a wall-mounted style, ranging from 600mm to 900mm in width, where the style floats above the floor and there’s less material to disrupt the view, providing a feeling of spaciousness in the room. Traditional units are wider, ranging from 800mm to more, and are generally of a floor-standing variety – great for retro charm, but they also take up more room. 

If you are looking for a minimalist look or need ample storage, choosing the right size will help you optimize the functionality of your bathroom. 

Recommended Height of a Vanity Unit

Standard vanity unit height varies from 500mm to 900mm, depending on the type and user requirements. A good medium size for most families is 850mm, suitable for adults and older children. But the height of vanity units may vary depending on the use and placement. 

• Cloakroom Units: Usually more compact, with heights around 500–600mm to suit smaller spaces.

• Wall-Mounted Units: Usually fixed higher (approximately 850-900mm from the floor to the top edge of the basin*) to accommodate the floating design and to create a more spacious feel. 

• Free-standing Floor Units: Usually, the height is between 800mm and 850mm, making it easy to use without scratching your back, and lots of space underneath the sink.

• Tall vanity units: These can be up to 900mm in height and come with storage drawers or cupboards, with a countertop basin or an integrated basin on top.

• Double vanity units: Typically range from 1200-1400mm in width and 850mm in height; these are perfect for master bathrooms.

Always consider who will use the unit most frequently when deciding the height. A low vanity can cause discomfort, while too high might not be accessible for younger users. Finding the right mix can improve daily comfort and function.

Where to Position Your Vanity Unit

The positioning of your vanity unit plays an essential role in functionality and design. Ideally, it needs to be close to all the plumbing lines to avoid expensive adjustments. The ideal location for a vanity unit is against a wall, where a mirror can be placed above it, and you can comfortably brush your teeth or prepare for the day in front of the basin. 

And try not to place it against a window, as this won’t leave you much room for a mirror. Make sure, especially in smaller bathrooms, that the unit's design does not obstruct a door, whether the door to the main bathroom or a shower enclosure, to allow easy movement. Consider corner or wall-mounted vanity units for compact spaces, which help save floor space and provide storage and functionality. 

Cost of a Vanity Unit 

The prices of vanity units significantly depend on their size, material, and design style. Typically, you can expect to pay between £200 and £400 for a standard-sized model appropriate for most bathrooms. Compact units for cloakrooms or ensuites can begin at around £100-200, whereas larger or double basin units often cost between £500 and £800. Luxury units may cost between £700 to £1000, depending on their features, materials, and finishes. 

If a countertop basin isn't included, you'll have to consider the additional expense of the bowl. The installation costs vary based on the complexity—simply replacing a current unit might be easy and priced at about £100–£130, but altering plumbing layouts, converting from a pedestal to a vanity, or incorporating units with hidden cisterns can considerably raise labor costs. 

How to Maintain Your Vanity Unit

To ensure your vanity unit looks new and lasts longer, clean it regularly with a damp cloth and non-abrasive cleaning solution. Do not use heavy-duty cleaners specifically near joints. Wipe spills immediately for painted and wooden surfaces to prevent discoloration or water damage.  

Inspect hinges, drawer runners, and tap seals are in good working order. If your unit comes with countertop basin, ensure the area around the basin is sealed and dried after use to avoid water marks or swelling. Open the bathroom properly to minimize the humidity that might preserve the vanity's and the hardware's life. 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right bathroom vanity doesn’t have to be difficult if you think about it a bit. Begin by considering your space: How large is your bathroom, and what is it physically capable of handling without becoming cramped? Then consider who’s using it. Is this a bustling family bathroom or a serene guest bathroom? How much storage you will require and how durable the materials should be will help you determine if you want single or double sinks. 

Because bathrooms hold a lot of moisture, they must be carefully planned to withstand the test of time. And, of course, style matters, too — your vanity should fit with your overall look, whether you want something modern, classic, or cozy. Some of these considerations will help you search for a vanity that looks good and works even better.