Bathroom vanities come in various materials, styles, and sizes, allowing you to add storage beneath sinks and complement the decor of your space. Choosing a bathroom vanity is mostly a matter of personal taste, but considering a few key factors will help you find one that you’ll be happy with for years to come.
Among these key factors, bathroom size is one of the most important because a vanity needs to fit inside the square footage without making it tough to use the room or making the room feel cramped.
Keep reading to learn what else to look for when selecting a vanity cabinet for a bathroom renovation or remodel. Plus, check out a number of top picks suited to different types of bathrooms, which are also among the best available on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Water Creation Madison 30-Inch Modern White Vanity
- RUNNER-UP: Eclife 24-Inch White Bathroom Vanity Cabinet
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Eclife 16-Inch Bathroom Vanity With Sink Combo
- UPGRADE PICK: Hampton Harbor 45-Inch by 22-Inch Bath Vanity
- BEST CONTEMPORARY: Latitude Run Leftbank 24-Inch Bathroom Vanity
- BEST FOR SMALL SPACES: Eclife 14-Inch Bathroom Vanity Sink Cabinet Combo
- BEST MIDCENTURY: Modway Render Walnut Grain Vanity With Ceramic Basin
- BEST MODERN: Andover Mills Rossi 36-Inch Single Bathroom Vanity
- BEST CORNER VANITY: Charlton Home Wilhoite 24-Inch Single Vanity Set
How We Chose the Best Bathroom Vanities
When selecting the best bathroom vanities for this lineup, we researched dozens of models in various price ranges and sizes. We weren’t as focused on brand as we were on functional style, quality materials, and an assortment of vanities that would suit virtually any budget.
We looked at space-saving features, such as narrow cabinets and wall-mounted options, and we also considered larger units that would suit more spacious bathrooms. Since everyone has their own opinion about what looks good, we included different styles to suit many tastes. As we narrowed our selections, we tried to include something for everyone, so we chose large dual-sink models as well as compact units.
Our Top Picks
The bathroom vanity serves as a washing station and a storage area, so it’s important to keep the household’s needs in mind when choosing one. The following models, selected for style, durability, and value, suit a variety of bathroom situations.
Photo: lowes.com
The clean lines of the Water Creation Madison vanity, combined with a lustrous white marble vanity top and sink, provide a classic look that will be right at home in many bathrooms. The cabinet is crafted from hardwood and finished with a semi-gloss surface to resist water and moisture damage. It is 33 inches tall by 30 inches wide by 21 inches deep (from the front of the cabinet to the back).
The integrated single-sink vanity has been predrilled for an 8-inch widespread faucet (faucet not included). The cabinet base includes two doors that come with soft-close hinges and one interior shelf. The Madison vanity is suitable for a small to midsize bathroom and is available in multiple color options, from monarch blue to cashmere gray.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 33 inches tall by 30 inches wide by 21 inches deep
- Cabinet doors: 2
- Materials: Hardwood cabinet, Carrara marble top
Pros
- Clean lines complement many bathroom styles
- 1-piece vanity-top-and-sink combo can be easier to clean
- Cleaning requires wiping down with a damp cloth
- 5 color options available: pure white, cashmere gray, monarch blue, espresso, glacial green
Cons
- Assembly and plumbing required; may take more than 1 set of hands
Get the Water Creation bathroom vanity at Lowe’s (with mirror) or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
The Eclife bathroom vanity combines a modern console-type vanity cabinet with a trendy vessel sink on top. The cabinet, which is made from engineered wood, also features two pullout drawers beneath the cabinet area. The cabinet doors come with frosted-glass insets that offer a touch of translucence while still disguising the contents within.
The single-sink vanity’s cabinet measures 32 inches tall by 24 inches wide by 20 inches deep. The integrated sink has a standard one-hole center-set chrome lever faucet, but it does not come with all the plumbing components. Assembly and plumbing are required.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 32 inches tall by 24 inches wide by 20 inches deep
- Cabinet doors: 2
- Materials: Engineered wood, porcelain basin, zinc-alloy handle
Pros
- Vessel sink leaves extra space in cabinet for bathroom and medical supplies
- White vanity fits with many decor styles
- A 27.5-inch-long by 20-inch-wide mirror is included with purchase
Cons
- Assembly and plumbing required; may take more than 1 set of hands to install
Get the Eclife 24-inch bathroom vanity at Amazon or Wayfair (vessel sink included).
Photo: amazon.com
For a small bath and an equally tight budget, consider this Eclife bathroom vanity. It’s an inexpensive unit that is 20.3 inches tall by 16 inches wide by 9.8 inches deep—and it can be installed at nearly any height desired. As a wall-mount model, it leaves floor space free for other uses, making it well suited for small bathrooms.
The single-sink vanity’s cabinet is made from engineered wood and features a single cabinet for storage. The durable integrated sink is made of stone powder and resin and comes with a one-hole center-set chrome lever faucet. The drain assembly is also included, but you will want to arrange for plumbing to hook up the water supply and drain.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 20.3 inches tall by 16 inches wide by 9.8 inches deep
- Cabinet doors: 1
- Materials: Engineered wood, stainless steel
Pros
- Compact for small spaces like powder rooms and other small bathroom spaces
- Sink, faucet, and drain included with purchase for ease of installation
- Cabinet integrated for space-saving and additional storage
Cons
- Installing on wall, plumbing, and assembly required
Get the Eclife 16-inch bathroom vanity at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Photo: homedepot.com
Add a dash of design and a good deal of storage with the Hampton Harbor bath vanity that features a satiny-smooth exterior finish in a rich sequoia tone. Made from high-quality medium-density fiberboard (MDF), the vanity base features two center doors and eight drawers on smooth-glide pulls. Drawers and cabinets come with chrome knobs. The cabinet measures 35.5 inches tall by 45 inches wide by 22 inches deep, making this single-sink vanity well suited to larger bathrooms. Its classic tones will complement a variety of decor styles.
The black granite top features a contrasting white granite sink, and it comes predrilled for an 8-inch three-hole faucet (faucet not included). There’s ample space on either side of the tap to hold cups, hand towels, or other bathroom essentials.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 35.5 inches tall by 45 inches wide by 22 inches deep
- Cabinet doors: 2
- Materials: Poplar, MDF, granite
Pros
- Ample storage integrated into the design; 2 cabinets and 8 drawers
- Rich sequoia-toned finish is traditional
- Wipes clean easily with a damp cloth or dusting tool
Cons
- Faucet and drain assembly not included
- Assembly and installation required
Get the Hampton Harbor bathroom vanity at The Home Depot.
Photo: wayfair.com
With its sleek black cabinet, striking glass-vessel sink, and lever faucet, the Latitude Run Leftbank bathroom vanity aims to add a contemporary look to a bathroom. The cabinet is made of wood and comes with a black finish that resists water and is easy to wipe clean. The included vessel sink is made from glass with a lustrous turquoise surface. The cabinet top is also made from solid glass. A 29.5-inch-long by 7-inch-wide mirror completes the set.
The cabinet features soft-closing and adjustable hinges, and below the cabinet are two drawers for extra storage. The vanity measures 34 inches tall by 24 inches wide by 22 inches deep. The vessel sink adds 5.1 inches to the height. A drain assembly and plumbing to install the faucet and drain are included. Some assembly and installation are required.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 34 inches tall by 24 inches wide by 22 inches deep
- Cabinet doors: 2
- Materials: Solid and manufactured wood, glass, chrome
Pros
- Sleek look for contemporary styling and smaller bathrooms
- Vessel sink, faucet, drain assembly, and mirror included with purchase
- Wipes clean easily with glass cleaner and a damp cloth
Cons
- Assembly and installation (including plumbing) required
Get the Latitude Run bathroom vanity at Wayfair.
Photo: amazon.com
To make a small bathroom big on style, check out the Eclife bathroom vanity. The sleek black cabinet is just 32 inches tall by 13.25 inches wide by 20.25 inches deep, making it well suited for narrow spaces. There’s a front full-length cabinet door with two shelves inside. One shelf is adjustable. A modern stainless steel-cabinet pull is included, and soft-close door hinges prevent the cabinet door from slamming.
The narrow vanity comes with a flared 16.25-inch white ceramic-vessel sink that adds 4.75 inches to the base height (other sink styles may be available). The sink has a one-hole center-set chrome faucet. The cabinet is made from engineered wood and features a smooth black painted finish that resists moisture and can be wiped clean.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 32 inches tall by 13.25 inches wide by 20.25 inches deep
- Cabinet doors: 1
- Materials: Engineered wood, zinc-alloy handle,
Pros
- Space-saving design fits narrow areas and small bathrooms
- Complements most bathroom styles; comes in a variety of colorways
- Wipes clean with a damp cloth or a dusting tool
- Vessel sink, faucet, and drain assembly included with purchase
Cons
- Assembly and plumbing are required; may require multiple people to install
Get the Eclife 14-inch bathroom vanity at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Those looking to add midcentury-modern appeal to the bathroom might go for this Modway Render vanity. It features an attractive horizontal slat-front design reminiscent of the iconic architectural influences that dominated in the U.S. from the 1930s to the 1960s. The cabinet includes an integrated (drop-in) white ceramic sink that will accept an 8-inch center-set faucet (not included).
The Modway Render, which is made of MDF and wood, is 32.5 inches tall by 23.5 inches wide by 18.5 inches deep. It features two doors with soft-close hinges that open to reveal adjustable storage shelves. The entire cabinet has an attractive walnut-tone finish.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 32.5 inches tall by 23.5 inches wide by 18.5 inches deep
- Cabinet doors: 2
- Materials: MDF, particleboard, ceramic basin
Pros
- Trendy, midcentury-modern appeal adds an eye-catching touch to a bathroom space
- Drop-in white ceramic sink included with purchase
- Built-in 2-door cabinet with soft-close feature to prevent injuries
Cons
- Faucets and drain assembly not included
- Assembly and installation required; may be tricky for first timers
Get the Modway bathroom vanity at Amazon, The Home Depot (black counter), Overstock, or Homethreads.
Photo: wayfair.com
Coming fully assembled and with a sleek Carrara marble top, the Andover Mills Rossi single bathroom vanity can be a modern addition to a powder room or guest bath. Available in seven colorways, this pick has three side drawers with handles and a spacious cupboard for ample storage space, all made with solid and engineered wood.
As for functionality, this vanity has an oval-shaped porcelain under-mount sink with three predrilled faucet holes for buyers to install their own hardware, and the open-back design of the unit makes installing necessary plumbing a cinch.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 35 inches tall by 36 inches wide by 21.5 inches deep
- Cabinet doors: 2
- Materials: Engineered and solid wood
Pros
- Carrara marble countertop is durable and predrilled for faucet holes
- Ample colorways offered to match many different bathroom fixtures
- 3 drawers and large cupboard for ample storage space; ideal for families
- Oval-shaped porcelain sink provides plenty of space for cleaning and washing hands
Cons
- Sink hardware not included with purchase; needs to be bought separately
- Heavy and may be tricky for 1 person to install
Get the Andover Mills bathroom vanity at Wayfair.
Photo: wayfair.com
Small bathrooms shouldn’t have to skimp on style. With the Wilhoite vanity from Charlton Home, buyers can have a functional corner sink that also looks great. The Wilhoite features a gracefully bowed front that provides room to store essentials in the double-door cabinet at the unit’s base. The top features a trendy white stone top paired with a classic white ceramic under-mount sink. The Wilhoite comes in white and may be available in other colors.
The vanity is 34.5 inches tall by 24 inches wide (at the widest point) by 24 inches deep. The top comes predrilled to fit a widespread 8-inch faucet (faucet not included).
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 34.5 inches tall by 24 inches wide by 24 inches deep
- Cabinet doors: 2
- Materials: Solid wood, MDF, and stone
Pros
- Modern stone top is eye-catching; adds a unique look to a kitchen space
- Fits in a corner to save space in powder rooms or smaller bathrooms
- Under-mount sink included with purchase
- Available in gray, navy blue, taupe, vintage light blue, and white
Cons
- Faucet and mounting bracket not included
- Assembly and installation required; may be tricky for first timers
Get the Charlton Home bathroom vanity at Wayfair.
What to Consider When Choosing a Bathroom Vanity
The main consideration when it comes to choosing a bathroom vanity is the people who will be using it the most. Are there sleek modernists or more traditional types? Will there be loads of supplies to stow or are there minimalists with just a few products? Are family members pint-size or full-grown adults? Once shoppers have a solid sense of the users and their needs, it will be easier to select the size, style, and material of the ideal vanity.
Size and Available Space
In terms of construction standards, very few regulations apply to vanities, so a lot of variation exists. Still, a few basic guidelines will help create a bathroom that looks good and functions well. In general, cabinet-type vanities can be as narrow as 18 inches wide for a single-bowl model and up to 72 inches wide, or more, for a double-sink or double bathroom vanity. Countertop height ranges from 30 to about 36 inches. Standard depth is about 21 inches, but that also varies depending on style.
When choosing a vanity width, consider the commode. Vanities are usually located next to a toilet, and the general rule—and often a local code—is to position the toilet so its center is no closer than 15 inches on either side to a wall or vanity. Keep this space requirement in mind when selecting a vanity.
Exceptions apply to bathrooms compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The countertop height on an ADA vanity should be no taller than 34 inches above the floor, and the vanity should feature a roll-under space at least 27 inches tall (measured from the floor) by 32 inches wide to allow those in wheelchairs to use the sink. For this reason, wall-mounted vanities (see below under the Styles heading for more details) are desirable options in ADA bathrooms.
Storage Features
Most bathroom vanities come with a combination of drawers and cabinets for stowing such items as cleaning supplies, grooming products, and other bathroom essentials, thereby minimizing clutter. Bear in mind that available storage may be somewhat limited since the space beneath the sink usually houses the bottom of the bowl and the drainpipes.
Styles
For aesthetic appeal, a vanity is usually chosen to complement the bathroom and blend in rather than stand out or become its sole focal point. Style also relates to the amount of storage, available floor space, and overall bathroom design. Standard design includes centering a mirror over the vanity and placing vanity lighting above or on either side of the mirror. There are several basic styles from which to choose:
- Wall-mount: Sometimes called floating vanities, wall-mounted models attach to the framing members in the wall and do not touch the floor. These offer a clean look, are well suited to ADA bathrooms, and are space-savers in bathrooms where floor space is at a premium.
- Corner: Popular in small bathrooms, corner vanities take up minimal space yet offer a bit of storage. Corner vanities often provide less countertop space and suit small sink bowls. However, the placement of a vanity mirror can be tricky.
- Pedestal wrap: Pedestal sinks are trendy and give a bathroom a clean look, but they offer no storage space, so those who value maxing out storage spaces may view them as a missed opportunity. Rather than replacing the entire sink, consider a pedestal-wrap vanity that fits around the pedestal.
- Console: This type of vanity offers cabinet and/or drawer storage just below the sink and also features an open bottom shelf to place, for instance, folded towels or a decoration, such as a plant or a basket.
- Freestanding: A current trend in bathrooms is to create a vanity from a repurposed item, such as an antique washstand, a vintage dresser, or even something as unique as a cabinet that once held a treadle sewing machine. A freestanding vanity can be made from virtually anything that will support a sink.
Cabinet and Countertop Materials
The main consideration when choosing materials for a bathroom vanity is often moisture resistance. Bathrooms are one of the most humid areas in the home, and there’s bound to be some outright splashing as well, so the cabinet needs to be able to withstand moisture. In addition to the cabinet, factor in the countertop and hardware.
- Solid wood: High-end vanities often feature solid wood that’s either painted or stained. This material option is usually pricier than other materials.
- Plywood: Popular plywood (laminated sheets of wood veneers) is more affordable than solid wood yet just as durable. It’s usually painted rather than stained.
- MDF: MDF, one of the most affordable cabinet materials, contains wood fibers compressed with resin. Also known as engineered wood, the material offers a smooth surface, but it must be sealed or it may warp and delaminate (swell).
- Stone: Granite, marble, and quartz make attractive, highly moisture-resistant countertops, but they’re fairly pricey options.
- Tile: Ceramic tile is a standard for custom vanity countertops and more budget-friendly than stone. It resists water damage nearly as well.
- Acrylic: Often referred to as “solid surface,” acrylic vanity tops often come with integrated sinks molded right into the countertop. They’re durable and water-resistant, but some types are prone to staining.
- Hardware: For a cohesive look in the bath, ensure that hinges, knobs, and drawer pulls complement the faucets on the sink, shower, and tub.
Sinks and Faucets
The sink is the centerpiece of a bathroom vanity, and several types are available. The counter space and size of the vanity help determine the choice.
- Drop-in: The most common type of sink, a drop-in model fits in a hole in the top of the countertop. It features a rim that sits directly on the countertop.
- Under mount: Rather than setting into a hole in the countertop, an under-mount sink is attached from underneath for a sleeker look.
- Vessel: A relatively new option that raises the height of the sink bowl, the vessel sink sits on top of the counter surface. Vessel sinks are well suited to small vanities and repurposed freestanding vanities.
- Integrated: Found chiefly in acrylic, ceramic, and porcelain sinks, integrated sinks are sink-and-countertop combos molded from a single piece of material. These are the most water-resistant options since no seams exist between the countertop and the sink bowl that could lead to leaking.
- Faucets: A wide variety of faucets are available in chrome, brushed nickel, copper, and other materials. For a uniform look, try matching the sink faucet to the tub and shower faucets.
Ease of Installation
Installing a new bathroom vanity is not always a simple endeavor. For a safe and sturdy installation, the vanity is usually attached to the wall studs for added stability and to prevent it from moving or toppling forward. The back panel can also be delivered without any plumbing holes, which then need to be drilled according to the specific plumbing configuration.
Less-experienced DIYers often consider hiring a professional for a hassle-free and safe installation. That said, most bathroom vanity purchases come with detailed installation instructions if shoppers do decide to tackle it themselves.
FAQs
Those unfamiliar with bathroom design and fixture installation may want a bit more information about bathroom vanities. Read on for answers to some common questions about these products.
Q. How do I install a bathroom vanity?
A wall-mounted vanity is attached to the wall studs for stability. Then, water-supply and drain lines are connected to the faucet and the sink drain, respectively. Complete installation instructions are typically included with a vanity purchase.
Q. What is the standard height and depth of a bathroom vanity?
The standard height typically ranges between 30 and 36 inches, and the expected depth is around 21 inches. There are no hard-and-fast rules, however, because building codes do not regulate vanity sizes.
Q. Does a bathroom vanity need a backsplash?
A backsplash will help keep water from the wall behind, but it’s not a necessity. Some integrated acrylic sink tops come with attached backsplashes, but most models don’t include one. If desired, a backsplash can be added as part of the bathroom design.
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