Choosing a bathroom vanity means weighing up more than its appearance. The proportions affect how comfortably you move through the room, the storage determines what stays on the bench, and the materials influence how much care it needs.
I like to use the vanity to introduce warmth and character through timber grain, colour or an unexpected shape. But I resolve the practical details first, from drawer clearance to the finished basin height, so the design feels as good to use as it looks.
This guide takes you through those decisions for your bathroom renovation, with advice on sizing, storage and the benefits and drawbacks of different styles and materials.
START WITH THE WAY YOU LIVE
Before comparing designs, think about who uses the bathroom and what they need within reach. A powder room may only require space for hand soap and spare toilet rolls, while a shared family bathroom needs to accommodate toiletries, hair appliances and everyone's morning routine.
I suggest taking stock of what you currently store, including anything that ends up on the bench because it doesn't have a proper place. This gives you a clearer brief than choosing a cabinet and hoping everything will fit. Set a budget for the complete installation too. The advertised price may exclude the benchtop, basin or tapware, while changes to plumbing and wall reinforcement can add to the final cost.
Image Source: Newport Residence designed by Five Foot One Design and styled by Kerrie-Ann Jones.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT VANITY SIZE
A vanity should leave enough room to move comfortably between the basin, shower and toilet. Start with your floor plan, marking door swings, shower screens and existing plumbing. Then use masking tape to mark the proposed cabinet footprint on the floor, allowing for drawers and doors to open.
Common vanity widths include 600, 750, 900 and 1,200mm. Depths of around 450-500mm are typical, although a shallower design can help in a narrow room. Check the basin and storage remain usable.
For height, around 850-900mm to the basin rim is a useful starting point. An above-counter bowl adds height, so the benchtop needs to sit lower to keep the finished basin comfortable. Confirm the basin before setting the installation height.
Where possible, I aim for around 900mm of clear space in front of the vanity. These dimensions are planning guides rather than universal requirements; your designer and installer should check the layout for your household, particularly if accessibility is a consideration.
Image Source: Bunyula Residence designed by Habitat Housing and styled by Kerrie-Ann Jones.
COMPARE THE DIFFERENT VANITY TYPES
Wall-hung vanities leave the floor visible beneath the cabinet, helping a compact bathroom feel more open and making cleaning easier. Some designs have less storage than floor-standing alternatives, though, and the wall needs suitable structural support. Confirm this with your builder before the walls are finished.
Freestanding vanities can offer generous storage and a more substantial, furniture-like appearance. Legged designs can echo furniture elsewhere in your home. Check access for cleaning underneath and avoid narrow gaps beside the cabinet that will be difficult to reach.
A double vanity is useful when two people regularly get ready at the same time. However, the second basin takes up bench and cabinet space and adds plumbing costs. In smaller ensuites, I often favour one basin with generous bench space.
Ready-made vanities usually offer better value, with set sizes and finishes to choose from. Custom joinery gives you more control over proportions and storage, particularly in awkward alcoves, but generally costs more and requires a longer lead time.
Image Source: Monroe Residence designed by Parker Studio and styled by Kerrie-Ann Jones.
PLAN YOUR BATHROOM STORAGE
I often favour drawers because they make it easier to see and reach everyday items. Shallow compartments suit makeup and smaller toiletries, while deeper drawers can hold bottles and hair appliances. Check usable internal space: plumbing can significantly reduce drawer capacity.
Cupboards work well for taller supplies, especially with adjustable shelves. Open shelving can soften the appearance of a cabinet and provide space for towels, but it also leaves the contents exposed to dust and splashes. Prioritise enclosed storage if clutter is an issue.
Before ordering, ask to see the internal layout and check it against the items you plan to store. Soft-close fittings are useful, but they won't compensate for a drawer your hairdryer doesn't fit into.
CHOOSE YOUR CABINET MATERIALS
The cabinet finish determines much of the vanity's appearance, while the construction underneath influences how it handles moisture. Ask about both. Bathroom-suitable substrates and properly sealed edges and cut-outs are essential; moisture-resistant board can still swell if water gets into it. Good ventilation and wiping up standing water help protect the cabinet over time.
Solid timber introduces natural grain and warmth, which I love alongside stone and tile. It can be expensive and may expand or contract with humidity, so suitable construction and protective finishes matter.
Image Source: Newport Residence designed by Five Foot One Design and styled by Kerrie-Ann Jones.
Timber veneer gives you a layer of real timber over a board substrate. It offers genuine grain without solid timber throughout, although the thin surface can be difficult to repair if damaged. Check the finish and edge sealing carefully.
Laminate is a practical, often more affordable option, available in solid colours and timber-look finishes. It suits busy bathrooms, but chipped edges and damaged surfaces can be difficult to restore. It can free up budget for tiles or lighting.
Image Source: Mosman Residence designed by Sequence Studio and styled by Kerrie-Ann Jones.
Painted cabinetry, including two-pack finishes, offers colour flexibility and suits profiled doors. It may cost more and can chip with knocks. Ask how damage would be repaired.
COMPARE BATHROOM VANITY BENCHTOPS
Choose a benchtop that suits your cleaning habits. If minimal upkeep matters, make that a priority.
Natural stone offers individual veining and variation, but marble, granite and quartzite have different care requirements. Marble can stain and react to acidic products, creating dull etch marks. Sealing helps reduce absorption; it doesn't prevent etching. Ask the supplier about the particular slab, including sealing, cleaning and support requirements.
Image Source: Noosa Residence designed by CLO Studios and styled by Kerrie-Ann Jones.
Porcelain slab tops provide strong stain and scratch resistance without routine sealing. Stone-look designs offer simpler maintenance than many natural stones. Exposed edges can chip with impact, so fabrication and edge detailing deserve attention.
Acrylic solid surface is non-porous and can be made into an integrated basin and benchtop. Minor scratches may be refinished, but repairability varies; hot styling tools can cause damage. Follow the manufacturer's care instructions.
Integrated ceramic tops are easy to clean and often cost-effective, with the basin formed into the surface. The trade-offs are limited sizes and the possibility of chips or cracks from impact. Concrete allows custom forms and a distinctive finish, but requires suitable sealing and support and can develop stains or hairline cracks.
Be careful with older advice recommending engineered quartz. Australia has banned engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs that meet the regulated definition. Resin-free porcelain and sintered stone are excluded. Ask the supplier to confirm that the exact product you select is compliant.
Image Source: Brisbane Residence designed by Tom Mark Henry and styled by Kerrie-Ann Jones.
COORDINATE YOUR BASIN AND TAPWARE
Choose the basin, benchtop and tapware together. An above-counter bowl introduces shape and colour but needs cleaning around its base. An undermount basin makes wiping the bench easier, although it requires a compatible top and takes up space inside the cabinet. Also compare inset and integrated options.
Have your plumber check the spout reach, basin depth and where the water stream will land to help minimise splashing. Wall-mounted taps need their position resolved before the wall is closed up. Plan the mirror and lighting at the same time so the vanity area works as a whole.
TEST YOUR FINISHES TOGETHER
Bring cabinet, benchtop and tile samples into the bathroom and compare them in natural and artificial light. Pay attention to the colours within each material, including the background tones and veining in your stone. A muted green vein might inspire olive cabinetry, while pink or earthy brown tones could lead you towards soft clay walls or warm timber.
I use these connections to bring the palette together. You don’t need to repeat the exact shade; choosing a related colour gives the materials something in common while allowing each surface its own character. If your stone has warm, creamy tones, for example, compare it with warmer whites for your tiles and walls, as a cool white may look stark alongside it.
Once you’re happy with the combination, confirm the vanity’s dimensions, inclusions, plumbing access and lead time, then pass the final product specifications to your installer.
Image Source: By The Bay Residence designed and styled by Kerrie-Ann Jones.
READY TO CREATE A BATHROOM YOU'LL LOVE?
Choosing a vanity becomes easier once you know what the room needs. Get the proportions and storage right, then select materials and finishes you'll enjoy using every day.
For more practical advice to help plan your renovation, download my free bathroom guide. If you'd like more hands-on support, book a 1:1 interior design consultation to work through your layout, vanity, tiles and finishes with me. Or get in touch to discuss a full bathroom design package, including layouts, specifications and sourcing.
FAQ: CHOOSING A BATHROOM VANITY
What size vanity suits a small bathroom?
A 600mm-wide or shallow-depth vanity may suit, depending on the layout. Check basin usability, storage and drawer clearance. Wall-hung designs can help by leaving more floor visible.
What is the best height for a bathroom vanity?
Around 850-900mm to the basin rim is a useful starting point. Lower the benchtop to allow for an above-counter bowl, and adjust the final height for the people using it.
What is the best material for a bathroom vanity?
Bathroom-suitable laminate cabinetry with sealed edges and a porcelain or ceramic top is a practical combination. Timber and natural stone offer different textures and variation but require more specific care.
Are floating vanities better than freestanding vanities?
Floating vanities expose more floor and make mopping easier. Freestanding designs can offer more storage. Compare the actual dimensions, internal layouts and installation requirements before choosing.
Are drawers or cupboards better for vanity storage?
Drawers make smaller items easier to reach; cupboards suit taller supplies. Check the usable space around plumbing and choose a combination that accommodates your toiletries and appliances.
Can you use timber in a bathroom vanity?
Yes, with bathroom-appropriate construction, finishes and ventilation. Wipe up standing water and check the supplier's warranty. An ordinary timber furniture piece may need substantial adaptation before it can be used as a vanity.
Do you have any more tips for bathroom renovations?
Yes, you can download my free bathroom guide here which includes costs to expect in 2026, layouts, materials, key dimensions and the details that make a bathroom work well.
