By Kerry Hale

The Ultimate Guide to Bathroom Vanity Units

  • Wednesday 13 November 2024
  • 6 minute read

A vanity unit is a stylish, functional bathroom addition, offering a sleek look and plenty of storage space. Whether you want to boost your bathroom’s design or improve the storage, a vanity unit is an ideal choice. Best of all, they come in a wide range of styles, sizes and materials, so there’s something to suit every space.

Explore our comprehensive guide to vanity units to learn about their benefits and everything you need to consider before investing in one.

What is a bathroom vanity unit?

A bathroom vanity unit is a piece of furniture that features a basin and storage space. Vanity units come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit every bathroom, whether big or small. You can use them to keep toiletries neatly stored away, helping your bathroom look less cluttered.

What are the benefits of bathroom vanity units?

Thinking about adding a vanity unit to your bathroom? Here are some of the benefits:

  • Keeps clutter out of sight: Vanity units are great for storing products out of sight and decluttering your bathroom, helping it look and feel more organised.
  • Saves space: These units save space in your bathroom by combining two key elements into one: a basin and storage. This means you can free up other areas of the room, which is particularly beneficial in smaller bathrooms.
  • Choice of designs: You’ll find a huge variety of vanity units on the market, including freestanding and wall-mounted options, making it easy to find the right design for your space.
  • Can elevate your bathroom: Vanity units can add visual appeal to your bathroom, helping it look and feel more luxurious.

Things to consider when buying a bathroom vanity unit

Before purchasing a vanity unit, there are a few key elements you’ll need to consider to ensure you choose the right design.

1. Bathroom vanity styles

When selecting your vanity unit, think about how many people will be using it, whether you want it to sit on the wall or floor, and how much space you have in your bathroom. Discover some of the top vanity unit ideas below.

Freestanding vanity units

Freestanding units sit directly on the bathroom floor and aren’t attached to a wall. They can be moved around and placed in different areas around the bathroom, making them a versatile choice. Plus, they can create a unique focal point in your bathroom and enhance its design.

Wall-hung vanity units

Wall-hung units are fixed to the wall, freeing up the space underneath and helping your bathroom appear larger. They’re ideal for smaller bathrooms where floor space may be limited.

Double vanity units

Perfect for larger bathrooms, double vanity units contain two separate basins and plenty of storage. They work well in busy shared spaces – such as family bathrooms – as they allow more than one person to use them at a time.

Toilet vanity units

Toilet vanity units are the ultimate space-saving solution, consisting of a toilet, basin and storage. They neatly conceal unsightly plumbing, enhancing the look of your bathroom. These units work well in small and large bathrooms where you may not want to install a separate sink, toilet and cabinet.

Cloakroom vanity units

Cloakroom vanity units are compact and designed to fit into cloakrooms and en-suite bathrooms. They feature an integrated basin, cloakroom toilet and storage space and offer a sleek, streamlined look.

Corner vanity units

Corner vanity units are a great way to make use of the awkward corners of the bathroom. They’re a brilliant choice for smaller bathrooms where you want to add storage but don’t necessarily have much space to do so.

2. Bathroom vanity materials and finishes

You’ll also need to think about which material you'd prefer for your new unit. Different materials have different benefits, so make sure you research beforehand and decide what’s important to you. Here are some popular options:

Laminate

Laminate is an affordable bathroom material. It can mimic other materials like stone, wood and concrete, making it a highly versatile choice. It’s also durable, water-resistant and easy to clean, but it can become damaged from excessive moisture or heat.

Marble

A marble vanity unit can make a luxurious focal point in a bathroom. One of the main benefits of marble is that it’s durable and resistant to denting. However, it does require frequent maintenance and sealing to keep it looking its best, so bear this in mind.

Concrete

Concrete vanity units are highly durable and can add a modern look to your bathroom. However, it’s important to remember that concrete is porous, so it requires regular maintenance and sealing to prevent moisture damage.

Wood

Wooden vanity units can bring a warm, rustic feel to your bathroom. Their rich tones can make the room feel cosy and welcoming, and with various shades and finishes to choose from, it’s easy to find something that suits your space. When properly cared for and sealed, a wooden vanity unit can offer ultimate durability.

3. Bathroom size

Before choosing your vanity unit, you’ll need to consider the available space in your bathroom. A vanity unit typically requires around 75cm of floor space in front of it so that you can easily move around it. Make sure to measure your bathroom accurately to assess whether you have enough room to fit your new unit. For example, a small bathroom vanity with a sink may be perfect for bathrooms that are short on space but require extra storage.

Are bathroom vanities a standard size?

The standard depth of a vanity unit is around 50cm, and the standard height is 76-92cm, but this can vary.

4. Plumbing requirements

You should also check that the plumbing lines in your bathroom are compatible with your new vanity unit. If plumbing adjustments are required, it’s best to hire a qualified plumber to carry out this task safely. This will ensure you don’t encounter any issues with the unit further down the line.

5. Vanity hardware

The hardware you choose for your vanity unit can enhance its overall aesthetic. For a streamlined look, consider matching your vanity hardware with other bathroom fittings, such as your shower head.

Explore our range of taps to find high-quality designs that will add the perfect finishing touch to your new unit.

FAQs

How much should I expect to pay for a bathroom vanity?

The cost of a bathroom vanity varies depending on factors like size, material and design features. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from £100 to over £3,000, although this can differ between suppliers.

Is it cheaper to buy or build a vanity?

Building a vanity unit can save you money and offers the flexibility to customise your design. However, if you want guaranteed quality and durability, buying a unit might be the best option. Purchasing a vanity unit can also save time and planning, as they typically come ready to assemble.

Do you need a plumber to change a vanity?

You will need to hire a qualified plumber to change a vanity if the water line needs to be replaced. If it doesn’t, a bathroom fitter will be able to take on this task.

Do you need a plumber to change a vanity?

You will need to hire a qualified plumber to change a vanity if the water line needs to be replaced. If it doesn’t, a bathroom fitter will be able to take on this task.

Head to our blog for more bathroom ideas, and browse our selection of showers and accessories to add the latest designs to your home.

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