In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about bathroom vanity units.
Vanity units are becoming an increasingly popular choice of furniture for the bathroom. Not only do they add style to a bathroom, they also have a lot of useful features such as storage. From style to accompanying basins, we will help you find the perfect vanity for your bathroom.
What is a vanity unit?
A vanity unit is a piece of bathroom furniture which combines a bathroom basin and storage into one neat package. Vanity units are available in a range of different styles and sizes to fit into any bathroom from cloakrooms to large family bathrooms.
A vanity unit has become an extremely popular addition to bathrooms in recent years. The right vanity unit in your space adds character, additional storage and can complement the overall style of your bathroom.
Where is the best place for a vanity unit?
Finding the perfect spot for your vanity unit is simple with a few careful considerations. First of all, think about the size of your bathroom as this will ultimately reflect the size of the vanity unit you can comfortably fit. If you’re looking to add a vanity unit to an ensuite or smaller bathroom then consider one of our more slimline units or a corner vanity, as this will help you save space. Additionally, a wall mounted vanity unit can add the illusion of more space in a smaller bathrooms as it's lifted off the floor revealing more floor space overall.
If you need more flexibility or have an awkward spot to fill, a floorstanding unit might be better suited. A vanity unit can fit nice and snug in that awkward spot underneath a window, for example, maximising all available areas in your bathroom. Finally, make sure the position you place your unit in does not cause an obstruction to the other elements of your space, such as opening the bathroom door or shower door. Before fixing your unit, check there is plenty of room to stand in front of it and open the unit doors. If you find it’s awkward, you may want to opt for a smaller sized unit.
What are vanity units made from?
Vanity units are constructed from different materials which will affect both the appearance and the price of the unit. Choosing the material your unit is made from will largely depend on the look you want to go for and any budget limitations.
Most of our vanity units are crafted from high quality engineered wood which is strong and durable yet lightweight making it much easier to install. The smooth surface of engineered wood means that a water-resistant layer can be added making it a material much better suited for the bathroom environment. It also makes it super easy to clean and offers up the chance to create more eye-catching designs and styles.
We offer a wide range of vanity units with basins along with countertop bowls made from ceramic or similar materials. Each of our basins are handpicked for quality and durability.
Types of vanity unit
In this section, we'll outline some of the most common types of vanity unit available and the benefits of each.
Floorstanding or wall hung vanity units
Vanity units are available in both freestanding and wall hung varieties. Here we’ll take a look at the differences so you can decide which is best for you.
Floorstanding vanity units
Floorstanding units, as their name suggests, sit on the floor. This means they are very easy to install and there’s no need to worry about how strong your wall is for installation. These vanity units are available in hundreds of different styles and sizes, so you can be sure you’ll find one to suit your bathroom.
Wall hung vanity units
Wall hung vanity units are mounted on the wall, which leaves the floor below them empty. This can really help your bathroom appear larger and less cluttered, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms and cloakrooms. The clear space underneath will also make cleaning your floor much easier.
Although they look great, wall hung vanity units will often be trickier to install than a floorstanding unit. As they don’t extend all the way to the floor, you may also get less storage space than a floorstanding unit of the same width.
We take a look at this type of unit in more detail in our wall hung vanity units guide.
Vanity units for small bathrooms
When your space is limited, having somewhere to store everything out of sight is essential if you want to avoid a cluttered, claustrophobic bathroom. That’s where these vanity units for small bathrooms come in.
Find lots of ideas and inspiration on storage for small bathrooms in our handy guide.
Cloakroom vanity units
If you want to fit a vanity in a smaller bathroom, the cloakroom vanity unit is for you. These are designed to be compact but give you enough space to hold the essentials your cloakroom needs such as toilet roll and cleaning products. As we’ve previously mentioned, wall hung units can help your bathroom appear much larger so installing a wall hung cloakroom vanity is ideal for making spaces feel less cluttered.
There's lots more advice on this in our tiny bathroom ideas guide.
Corner vanity units
In a cloakroom, it’s important to maximise every available space, which is where the corner vanity unit comes in. Designed to fit where two walls meet, these will slot into a space which would otherwise be underutilised and allow you to be a bit more creative when planning out your bathroom.
Combination vanity units
For people who like their furniture coordinated and sleek, a combination vanity unit is ideal. Combining a toilet, basin and storage into one compact vanity, they are perfect for smaller modern bathrooms or ensuites.
They can also be used to create space for a larger bath or shower. Combination vanity units are available with the toilet on either side, allowing you to choose one which matches your preferred location or current plumbing setup.
Double basin vanity units
If you’re looking for the most luxurious and grand vanity you can find, look no further than the double basin vanity unit. These units include space for two basins, which makes them ideal for couples who want a separate sink or for families who just want some extra space.
There's growing love for the his and her bathrooms trend in recent months as people recreate those movie moments at home.
Double basin vanity units are available in a great range of styles and colours in both freestanding and wall hung varieties. Although they can be found in smaller sizes, they are generally suited to larger bathrooms.
Take a closer look at our full range of double vanity units.
Countertop basin vanity units
With a countertop basin vanity unit, the basin will sit on top of the unit rather than being built in. The countertop style gives you a modern, minimalist look and many of these units give you the opportunity to choose your own basin. Countertop basins come in both floorstanding and wall mounted varieties and are also available with 2 basins.
If you love this idea for your bathroom, have a read of our guide on countertop basin vanity units.
How much do vanity units cost?
The cost of a vanity unit will depend upon the brand, size, style and materials. It’s worth noting that traditional vanity units can sometimes be more intricate in design and so cost a little more also. However, you can expect to pay around £250 - £400 for an average sized unit that will fit most bathroom spaces. For larger or double units you can expect to pay around £500 to £800, and for ensuite or cloakroom vanitys, you will be able to pick one of these up for as little as £120. Costs will also vary if you have a basin included in the vanity or if you need to purchase a separate countertop bowl.
Installation costs will depend upon the scope of work involved. For example, if you are installing a vanity unit with a basin for the first time, therefore removing your existing basin and pedestal, or if you are changing from a single to a double basin design, there may need to be additional building and or plumbing work carried out which will increase costs. Similarly, if you have opted to go for a combination vanity unit, there may be extra considerations with the toilet, such as installing a hidden cistern. For a straight swap of a vanity unit, you may well be able to do this yourself or if you feel more comfortable using a professional, this should only take 1-2 hours to do and cost around £100-£130.
Vanity unit sizes & dimensions
Vanity units are available in a variety of different heights and widths. The dimensions you choose will depend on the size of your bathroom and how much you need to store but the average height of a vanity unit is around 650mm.
Your choices will obviously depend on the size of your bathroom or the area with which you have to fill. However, there are two main dimensions to consider when choosing a vanity unit. First the height of the unit. There are plenty of slimline, yet tall options to use from like this: Erin 500mm Floorstanding Vanity Unit & Basin featuring an inset basin and sitting flush to the wall with ample storage underneath. These are particularly good for filling those under used areas in the bathroom with a functional piece of furniture but also streamlines your basin area and opens up space for other features and bathroom accessories you might not have considered before.
Secondly, you might be more interested in a wall mounted, wider option which still provides ample storage but lifts the unit off the floor adding a stylish touch and opening the room up more. We particularly love this: Harbour Origin 900mm Wall Mounted Vanity Unit & Basin which makes a real statement out of your basin area with handy drawers for all those makeup or morning essentials.
More traditional units will tend to be wider, floorstanding designs such as this: Butler & Rose Catherine Traditional 800mm Floorstanding Vanity Unit with Basin so will undoubtedly take up more floor space than some of the modern alternatives. It is worth noting as these will generally be suited to bigger spaces. If traditional is your thing and you have a smaller space, there are options! Take a look at the: Butler & Rose Catherine 600mm Floorstanding Vanity Unit with Country Oak-Effect Countertop for a countertop version or the Burlington Guild 620mm Floorstanding Vanity Unit & Basin for the fitted basin style.
How high should a vanity unit be?
The standard height for a vanity unit is usually between 500mm and 900mm but there are of course plenty of options above and below this range. The ideal height of your vanity unit will depend on a few factors, such as who will be using it and the size of the bathroom it is going to be in.
A key consideration before you buy should be the height ranges in your household as you want to make sure that any children are able to reach the basin comfortably but you also don’t want to make it too low so that adults or teenagers are having to stoop to use it properly. It can also look a little awkward and out of place if it’s fitted too high or too low.
How to fit a vanity unit
The best thing you can do when fitting a vanity unit is planning and preparation as it will make the job a lot easier to carry out and leave you with less problems later on. Fitting a vanity unit can be a fairly simple job to complete by yourself as long as the design of the unit and the space it’s going into is relatively straightforward. There are times when calling a professional to help will be the best solution, especially if there is extra building or plumbing work to be carried out.
The following instructions are to fit a standard floorstanding unit with inset basin.
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Once you have removed your existing basin or vanity unit, take stock of the pipework and fixtures that are in the area you are using to ensure they do not need any maintenance work.
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Build the cabinet (skip this step if you have purchased a pre-built option) and place the basin in position
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Measure the width and depth of the unit and also the height of the board at the back which is usually half the height of the cabinet. The space above this is what’s called the utility space to provide easy access for attaching pipework etc. Most units should already have this but you may need to cut it yourself.
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Next measure the area where it will go and cut out any skirting boards if needed to ensure it will sit flush to the wall. Ensure the space is adequate for the size of the unit. Consider if there is enough space to open the unit doors and also that it’s a safe distance from the toilet. There is mixed advice about the recommended distance that this should be but ideally over 500mm is best.
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Place the basin waste and trap and measure how much pipe extension you’ll need from the floor. Place your taps and make sure the existing piping will easily attach. Keep any pipe fitting within that utility space so that it’s easy to access in the future.
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Now you’re ready to attach the pipes and fix it to the wall. Remove the waste, taps and basin before fitting the cabinet. With a floorstanding unit, you can use glue and fixant to keep it in place and secure. A wall mounted unit is a little trickier as you’ll need to install wall studs first and you may need to drill holes in the unit for the screws. You can also use a spirit level to ensure it’s level before securely fitting.
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If your unit has a countertop and you are fixing a countertop bowl, you’ll still need to measure all the pipework before you fix it to the wall. There will be a waste hole in the countertop which when the basin is in position will still be accessible from the back of the unit.
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It’s easier to fix your taps and sink waste in place before mounting your sink. You can use a bead of gripper along the inside ledge of the unit to help secure the basin. Then you can access the back of the unit via the drawers and attach the water pipes and the trap for completion.
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Finally, check the taps and drain are working correctly and that there are no leaks, before applying sealant to fill any gaps around the unit, basin and the wall.
How much does it cost to install a vanity unit?
Fitting a vanity unit is not likely to cost you much to install providing you have all the necessary tools. You’ll want to make sure you have all the necessary pipework fittings and check you don’t need to buy an extension. You’ll also want to have some good quality sealant and fixing glue, as well as some plumber’s mate for attaching the waste to the sink. Providing you have all the necessary tools, this could cost you between £50-£100 or less.
A plumber will probably charge between £100-£130 to install a standard unit which doesn’t require too much additional work.
Vanity unit colours
There are lots of colours to choose from and here at Drench we have handpicked a decadent selection of vanity units so you’ll find it easy to match one with your design vision.
Browse by vanity unit colour to easily locate the colour you need. We have everything from the latest on trent colour palettes to more traditional colours like white, grey and black. If you’re still craving Barbie pink, there’s plenty to choose from or if more moody blues is your style, you’ll find plenty of inspiration!
Vanity unit styles
Similarly, with styles you'll be spoilt for choice as we have plenty to suit all tastes, Whether you're looking for a wall mounted or floorstanding fixture, we can help. We also have lots of modern and contemporary designs as well as lots of traditional bathroom furniture and vanity units.
If you're loving the black bathroom trend, we have lots of advice to help with designing a black bathroom.
Using a vanity unit for storage
A vanity unit is the perfect accessory for storage and can really help keep your bathroom uncluttered, neat and tidy - a recipe for a healthy mind and wellbeing.
They are perfect for storing away all those bathroom essentials, keeping loo rolls and cleaning supplies out of sight, as well as offering a great place to store makeup, shaving tools and other personal care items.
How to choose a vanity unit
When deciding which vanity to install in your bathroom, you’ll need to take into account a number of factors..
Size
It’s very important to consider the different sizes available before buying your vanity unit. Make sure to measure your space and then refer to the filters on the category pages to highlight the dimensions that will be suitable for your bathroom.
Luckily, vanity units are designed for all types of bathrooms so if you are looking for one to fit a smaller bathroom, there will be lots of choice.
Appearance
Our vanity units are available in an extensive selection of finishes and colours. From classic finishes like wood and white to more modern navy or even concrete, there will be something to suit whether you have a modern or traditional bathroom.
Shop bathroom vanity units
Now you know everything you need to know about vanity units, it's time to find the perfect one for your home. Take a look at our wide selection of vanity units and find the perfect tap to match.
