Sizing A Bathroom Vanity for a Master Bath to Tiny Powder Room

From the Powder Room to The Master Suite, Here's How to Choose the Perfect Bathroom Vanity

When you're remodeling your bathroom or building a new one from scratch, many decisions go into the process. One significant decision you'll need to make is choosing the right bathroom vanity. Along with the tub and shower, the bathroom vanity is a big purchase. And can be one of the visually defining elements of your bathroom design.

Choosing the right bathroom vanity is a process that takes careful thought and consideration. You need to consider everything from utility and functionality to size, proportion, style, and materials. 

Whether you're replacing the vanity in the powder room or renovating the guest bathroom or master. There are some steps to take as you define your needs and choose your bathroom vanity. While you'll need to do a fair amount of planning for the master bathroom if you're updating the guest bathroom or powder room you won't have to do as much planning. Take the opportunity to flex your creative muscles and go for stylish and fun without worrying about what else it has to do!

The Steps To Take When Choosing a Bathroom Vanity

When choosing the perfect bathroom vanity for your project, there are some logical steps to take to help you define your needs and narrow your selections. Remember that interior design is not only about functionality and aesthetics. To create an effective bathroom design, you'll also need to take proportion into account. 

Here are six steps to take when choosing your bathroom vanity.

1. Consider Who Will be Using the Bathroom and How They'll Use It?

a double vanity is often arranged symmetrically. this one has a tall upper unit between the two lavatories and a full height door below it in the base cabinet. this unit is about 8’ long.

The vanity you choose should take into account who will be using the bathroom and how they will use it. For example, Are you choosing a bathroom vanity for the guest bathroom that will only be used when friends or family visit, or is this the vanity for your en suite master? 

If you're remodeling your en suite for you and your partner, and you both need to get ready in the morning, you might be leaning toward a double sink. If you live alone, you probably could get by with something a little smaller.

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Will your partner do their makeup and hair at the vanity? You might want to consider adding a built-in dressing table or extra counter space to store your supplies.

2. Where is Your Plumbing Located? 

before this bathroom was remodeled, it had only a single vanity but it also had a huge, unused jetted tub. the shower was enlarged and a second master bathroom vanity was installed, utilizing the drain line from the old tub. each vanity is approximately 5’ wide.

Where your plumbing is located will dictate where your vanity will go. If you're remodeling your bathroom and taking it down to the studs, moving the plumbing is always possible. However, it also can add significant expense to your project. Where your plumbing is located will also have a say when it comes to choosing a style. For example, if your plumbing is in a typical layout, a floor-mounted vanity might be the best choice. If you are a floating vanity, it may require moving plumbing to accommodate your sink. 

3. Consider Potential Obstacles When Creating a Floor Plan

Designs can be changed. Doors and walls? Not so much! This can limit where you place your bathroom vanity. Consider these potential obstacles:

• Door Swing: if your door swings in and hits the vanity, this can be annoying.

• The Shower: Are you planning on a door or a curtain? This is another swing you need to consider.

• The Toilet: Do you want the vanity next to, in front of, or far from the toilet?

• Traffic Flow: Your vanity shouldn't impede the flow of traffic in the bathroom. This is especially true if you'll be sharing the space in the morning before work.

Once you have a rough floor plan, you can begin to narrow down the size of your bathroom vanity. 

4. Don't Forget Storage!

this powder room has a floating vanity, vessel sink, and wall-mounted faucet. it is approximately 3 feet wide. this powder room belongs to the same home as the cover photo at the top of the page.

One of the benefits of a vanity over a pedestal sink is additional storage. With a vanity, you'll have a place to put everything. Before you get excited, you'll need to look at the space and size of the bathroom vanity you chose in step 3. Depending on the space available, you may need to compromise a bit.

5. Think About The Sink

You might have spent some time thinking about the fixtures, but they're just one part of your design. You want to consider the sink vessel and how it will impact the utility and look of your vanity. With so many different styles to choose from, picking the right one can seem a little overwhelming. Think about how much counter space you need, and how much space should be allotted to the sink. Compare standard sinks with vessel, under-mount, and all-in-one styles to give you a better idea of how you want your vanity to look and function.

6. Think About Materials

In the bathroom, the vanity is going to come into contact with many different substances. Water, spilled makeup, and cleaning products are just a few. It's also going to be subject to humidity as well. That means you're going to want a vanity that can stand up to all that life will throw at it! Some materials are better suited than others. Wood veneers, laminate, and thermofoil are materials that can hold up and look good. Choose a durable top and avoid grouting that may be hard to clean later. 

Measuring For Your Bathroom Vanity

Probably the significant factors to consider are the size and proportion of your bathroom vanity in relation to your overall bathroom design. For example, a pedestal sink in a large master bathroom will look as out of place as a double vanity in a small guest bath. Your floor plan and overall available space will help you to determine the best-sized vanity for your room. 

You'll need to factor in width, depth, and height dimensions into your choice based on your bathroom's size. Don't forget to factor in existing features like mirrors, lighting, medicine cabinets, and the height requirements of the homeowners when selecting the vanity's height. In terms of depth, make sure you leave enough space so protruding corners will not impede foot traffic and movement throughout the room.

Final Considerations

Once you've gotten past the choice of a single, double, or floating vanity, the style of the bathroom vanity is the next major consideration. This is very much a personal choice. There are vanities available in every design style from traditional and transitional to contemporary. Consider your personal taste and existing home décor to help you decide.

You'll also need to consider a few other options including the finish (stained wood, or painted) the type of storage (drawers, doors, or open shelving), countertop material, sink style, and fixture type. Your design-build professional or an interior designer can help you to understand all of the options available to you.

Your bathroom vanity is an important element of your bathroom design. Taking some time to educate yourself on what's available and defining your needs can help you to make the best choice for your bathroom remodeling project.

Working with a design-build firm for your bathroom remodeling project is a great choice. If you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area and are planning a bathroom remodeling project, give the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. Their award-winning design team is ready to help you realize your creative vision and choose the perfect bathroom vanity. Call today and arrange a free consultation to discuss your upcoming project.

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 9/27/2022.