Remodeling Tips: Choosing A Properly Sized Bathroom Vanity

What Size Bathroom Vanity Do You Need?

Whether you're choosing a refrigerator for the kitchen, a couch for the family room or bathroom vanity for your master bath remodeling, when it comes to interior design, proportion matters. There are a number of factors that go into choosing the right bathroom vanity, and size is important. 

Seamless mornings start with the right bathroom vanity size and design. Will you be getting ready for work in the morning with your significant other? You might opt for a double sink vanity. If you have a smaller bathroom, a single sink vanity with storage might be the right choice. 

Your bathroom is one of the most frequently used areas of your home so you'll want your vanity not only to be functional but also to reflect your personal style. Fortunately, when it comes to bathroom vanities, you have plenty of sizes and design options to meet your needs, from slender pedestals to luxurious double sink vanities with plenty of elbow room for your and your spouse in the morning.

So how do you know what size bathroom vanity is right for you? Here are a few tips to help guide you in making this important remodeling decision.

This ensuite has two separate vanities with plenty of floor space in between.

This ensuite has two separate vanities with plenty of floor space in between.

First Consideration, How Big Is Your Bathroom?

The size of your bathroom will be the primary consideration when choosing a vanity. If you have a smaller bathroom, you may be forced to choose a pedestal sink, or a small, single-sink vanity. This is common for powder rooms where you might not need the storage space or smaller guest bathrooms that only see occasional use.

However, just because you might have limited space doesn't mean that you can't have elegance and style! Many options are functional and beautiful. Whether you choose a simple modern pedestal sink or a hanging vanity that can give the illusion of more space while still offering plenty of storage, there are options to fit every taste and style.

However, if you do have a larger space for your bathroom, you have some other elements to consider when choosing the perfect bathroom vanity.

How Will The Bathroom Be Used? 

This hallway kids bathroom has room for a double vanity with two bowls.

This hallway kids bathroom has room for a double vanity with two bowls.

For most powder rooms and many small bathrooms, a single sink vanity is a perfect choice. However, if you frequently have two people using the space at the same time, for example, your master bath in the morning, it might make more sense to have a larger double sink bathroom vanity. If you and your spouse are getting ready for work together in the morning, two sinks are simply more convenient. If you have kids and they need to get ready for school together in the morning, a double vanity sink might be the best choice for your guest bathroom as well.

The benefits of a double sink bathroom vanity are pretty obvious; multiple people can get ready together without inconveniencing each other. However, if you have limited space, you may need to sacrifice on counter space for the extra sink. While you may be sacrificing counter space, you do make up for it with additional storage space under the countertop. Double-sink bathroom vanities are available that have extra cabinets and drawers, so everyone using the space has plenty of storage!

Bathroom Vanity Countertop Size

Another consideration when sizing your bathroom vanity is your countertop needs. If plenty of counter space is a requirement, you may want to consider a larger single-sink vanity. Typically it will have ample counter space on either side of a center sink. If you use your bathroom for applying makeup, fixing your hair, or other daily beauty rituals, you'll probably enjoy the extra space.

This can be a great option if you have two people sharing the space, but don't have the plumbing for a double-sink vanity. You'll both have counter space for necessary items and space to get ready in the morning!

Consider Your Storage Needs

This modestly sized ensuite doesn’t have a lot of room for a vanity, but the style makes up for the single-bowl layout.

This modestly sized ensuite doesn’t have a lot of room for a vanity, but the style makes up for the single-bowl layout.

In the bathroom storage is an important consideration. The vanity, for many of us, is where we store our daily care items, but it's also where you keep cleaning supplies, extra toilet paper, even extra towels. So if you have these items, you'll probably need the extra storage.

If your vanity space is limited, you can supplement storage with open shelves or a hanging cabinet. Floating shelves can be used to hold cotton balls, swabs, and a wall-mounted medicine cabinet can hold hygiene items like facial scrub, or toothpaste. Different storage options can help you to maximize storage if you don't have much space under the vanity top.

Choosing the Perfect Bathroom Vanity

Once you've looked at the four elements above, you'll have effectively narrowed down your choices. Most likely, you've got a pretty good idea of the size and style of bathroom vanity you'd like. Working with your designer or design-build contractor can help to narrow your aesthetic choices. 

Choosing the right bathroom vanity can not only provide you with function, but it can also become the visual focus of your entire design! If you're considering a bathroom upgrade or a full remodeling, and you live in greater Madison, give the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call. Our expert design team can help you to define your needs and offer their expertise and knowledge to help you design your dream bathroom, including help you to find the perfect bathroom vanity. Click here to schedule an appointment.

Additional Information On Bathroom Design