Types of Bathroom Vanities

There are three types of bathroom vanities:

• Freestanding bathroom vanities are the most common. 
• Floating bathroom vanities have a modern feel and hang on the wall.
• Corner bathroom vanities make the most of unused space in any size bath

Bathroom vanities come in these popular decorating styles:

• Modern or contemporary vanities have sleek cabinetry, symmetrical elements, unique curves and monochromatic colors 
• Traditional vanities often have furniture-style cabinets, decorative trim, ornate molding and subdued color schemes
• Casual vanities have a natural, relaxed and uncomplicated aesthetic
• Farmhouse or rustic vanities are known for artisan looks, warm wood grains and aged finishes
• Eclectic bath vanities combine an unexpected blend of textures, patterns and colors 

Tip: Find more bathroom vanity ideas and installation tips here.

• Veneers give the same look as wood but are less expensive and come in a variety of colors and finishes
• Solid woods like oak, maple and cherry are beautiful, durable and can be stained or dyed to a desired finish or tone
• Laminates are made out of long-lasting, low maintenence synthetic materials

Vanity countertops are available in a wide variety of colors and textures.

• Cast polymers feature cultured marble, onyx and  granite designs that resist stains and are easy to clean but not repair
• Ceramic tile is durable, easy to clean, moisture-resistant and requires periodic sealing 
• Solid-surface materials are highly durable, water-resistant composites that require a sturdy base and professional installation
• Natural stone slabs or tiles of granite, marble or other natural stone are stain-resistant, highly durable, easy to clean and should be polished regularly 
• Engineered stone or quartz composite have the look of stone but are more durable and resist stains, mildew and bacteria
• Laminate is the most economical, low maintenance option but scratches and chips cannot be repaired 

Below are the most common bathroom vanity cabinets.

• Furniture-style vanities are known for intricate carvings, distinctive hardware and rich finishes 
  Frameless or Euro vanities have doors that hang directly on the side of the cabinet 
• Framed vanities have doors that hang on the front of a box-like frame

Different vanity storage options include:

• Doors and drawers for keeping extra toiletries and towels handy and hidden
• Tilt-down drawers as space-saving storage solution for bathroom supplies
• Open shelves that work equally well as extra storage and a display area

How much space you have will determine the bathroom vanity dimensions you will need. Plus, consider ease of use when choosing your vanity height. You should be able to use the sink without reaching up or bending too much. 

• Standard vanity widths are 24-inches, 30-inches, 36-inches, 48-inches, 60-inches and 72-inches
• A bathroom vanity depth ranges from 17-inches to 24-inches, so choose a depth that leaves room for you to move around easily
• Most vanities have a height from 31-inches to 35.5-inches

Tip: Taller users may prefer opting for one of the comfort height bathroom vanities which are 35 1/4 – 36-inches tall. 

•  Under-mount sinks attach to the underside of the countertop and are suitable for solid-surface or natural stone countertop
•  Self-rimming sinks or surface-mount sinks rest on the top of the counter and are the easiest sink to install
•  Integral sinks are formed from the same materials as the countertop to create a clean, custom look
•  Vessel sinks or deck-mounted sinks have a sink basin that sits on top of the countertop
•  Console sinks are a table-like fixture with ornamental legs or brackets and resemble a small vanity table

Tip: Single sink vanities are ideal for small bathrooms, but larger baths may work better with two single vanities instead of one double vanity.