Bathroom Vanity Unit Buying Guide: Tips for Choosing the Perfect Basin Vanity

A bathroom vanity unit is more than just a piece of furniture, it’s a statement in your bathroom design. Whether you're updating your current bathroom or embarking on a new renovation project, choosing the right vanity unit is essential to creating a space that is both functional and beautiful. The perfect vanity unit combines storage with style, elevating the look and feel of the entire room.

Whether you’re a homeowner, DIY enthusiast, or an interior designer, this guide will walk you through the essential factors you need to consider when buying a bathroom vanity unit. From different types of vanity units and sizes to colours and installation tips, we’ve got everything you need to make an informed decision:

1. Why a Bathroom Vanity Unit is Essential
2. What are the Different Types of Bathroom Vanity Units?
3. What Size Vanity Unit Should I Choose?
4. Vanity Unit Styles and Aesthetics
5. What Colour Vanity Unit Should I Choose?
6. Drawers vs. Doors: Which is Better for Your Vanity Unit?
7. How to Install A Bathroom Vanity Unit
8. How Much will a Bathroom Vanity unit cost?
9. Conclusion

1. Why a Bathroom Vanity Unit is Essential

A bathroom vanity unit is a critical component in any bathroom design. Not only does it contain your basin and conceal plumbing, but it also provides vital storage space to keep toiletries, towels, and other essentials neatly tucked away. Choosing the right unit will help you create a space that is both organised and visually appealing.

A vanity unit also serves as a focal point, anchoring the overall style and feel of your bathroom. Therefore, investing time in selecting the right one is crucial for achieving a balanced and well-coordinated look.

2. What are the Different Types of Bathroom Vanity Units?

There are various types of bathroom vanity units to choose from, each designed to fit different spaces, styles, and requirements. Here are some of the most popular options:

Wall Hung Vanity Units

Wall mounted, or floating, vanity units are attached directly to the wall, leaving space beneath them. These units are ideal for modern and minimalist bathrooms, creating a streamlined look and freeing up floor space. They make smaller bathrooms feel more spacious and are easier to clean around. Keep in mind that wall-mounted vanities may require reinforced walls for proper installation.

Best for: Modern, minimalist bathrooms, small spaces

Freestanding Vanity Units

Freestanding vanity units are versatile and traditional, making them a popular choice for all types of bathrooms. They sit directly on the floor, offer ample storage and are usually easier to install. With styles ranging from contemporary to classic, freestanding units work equally well in smaller or larger bathrooms where you want to make a statement.

Best for: Traditional bathrooms, family bathrooms

Cloakroom Vanity Units

Cloakroom vanity units are compact and space-efficient, perfect for small bathrooms, en-suites, or cloakrooms. These units are narrower and shallower than standard vanities but still provide essential storage. They are an ideal solution for making the most of limited space in compact bathrooms.

Best for: Cloakrooms, small bathrooms, guest bathrooms

Combination Vanity Units

Combination vanity units integrate a basin and toilet into a single run of furniture. Smaller combination units of around 1000mm wide are ideal for small bathrooms, such as en-suites, where space is at a premium. Large combination units (of around 1500mm) can be used in big bathroom spaces to provide lots of luxurious storage.

Best for: En-suites, modern family bathrooms

Double Vanity Units

Double vanity units are perfect for larger bathrooms, family bathrooms, or master en-suites. These units feature two sinks, allowing two people to use the vanity simultaneously. With ample storage and counter space, double vanities are both practical and luxurious, making them a popular choice for busy households.

Best for: Large bathrooms, master bathrooms, family bathrooms

Countertop Vanity Units

Countertop vanity units feature a basin that sits on top of the counter, rather than being recessed into the unit. This design creates a high-end, designer look and is often found in contemporary or spa-inspired bathrooms. Countertop basins come in a variety of shapes and materials, from sleek modern designs to more traditional bowl styles.

Best for: Luxury bathrooms, contemporary designs, spa-like bathrooms

Corner Vanity Units

Corner vanity units are specifically designed to fit snugly into a corner, making them perfect for small or awkwardly shaped bathrooms. These units help maximise space without sacrificing storage or style.

Best for: Small bathrooms, en-suites, guest bathrooms

3. What Size Vanity Unit Should I Choose?

The size of your vanity unit is critical to its functionality and fit within your bathroom. Choosing the wrong size can disrupt the flow of your space, making the room feel either cramped or inefficient. Here’s how to get it right:

Measure Your Space

Before selecting a vanity unit, carefully measure the available space. Take into account not just the vanity’s footprint, but also the space needed to move around it comfortably and to open drawers or cabinet doors fully. Make sure there’s at least 750mm of space in front of the vanity for easy access. The standard depth of a vanity unit is 400 - 500mm, if space is an issue then consider units with a reduced depth of 250 - 350mm.

Basin Size

The size of the basin is another important consideration. Larger basins are ideal for family bathrooms, while smaller sinks are perfect for compact en-suites or cloakrooms. If you have a larger space, consider a double sink for added convenience.

4. Vanity Unit Styles and Aesthetics

Your vanity unit plays a significant role in the overall design of your bathroom. Whether you’re looking for a sleek modern aesthetic, a warm rustic vibe, or a timeless traditional feel, your vanity should complement the broader style of your bathroom.

Modern and Minimalist

For a modern bathroom, opt for wall-mounted or floating vanity units with clean lines, seamless surfaces, and neutral tones. Handleless designs, integrated sinks, and materials like glass or polished stone can elevate the minimalist look.

Best for: Sleek, contemporary bathrooms with a clean, uncluttered feel.

Traditional and Classic

Freestanding units with intricate details like shaker-style doors or turned legs are ideal for traditional bathrooms. Pair them with classic marble or granite countertops and vintage-inspired handles for a timeless look.

Best for: Bathrooms with classic or vintage-inspired decor.

Rustic and Natural

For a warm, rustic aesthetic, choose a wood-finish vanity with visible grain or distressed details. Paired with bronze or matte black handles, these units bring a cosy, nature-inspired vibe to the space.

Best for: Scandinavian, rustic, or farmhouse-style bathrooms.

5. What Colour Vanity Unit Should I Choose?

The colour of your vanity unit plays a crucial role in setting the tone of your bathroom. Choosing the right colour will depend on the overall style you want to achieve and the size of your space. Here are some popular options to consider:

White Vanity Units

White is a classic choice for bathroom vanities. It creates a fresh, clean look and helps make smaller spaces feel larger and brighter. White vanities work well in modern, minimalist designs but can also suit more traditional styles when paired with ornate details or a marble countertop.

Grey Vanity Units

Grey is a versatile and sophisticated colour that works in both contemporary and classic bathroom designs. Lighter shades of grey are perfect for creating a soft, neutral look, while darker greys can add a dramatic touch. Grey vanities pair beautifully with natural stone countertops and can be enhanced with black or brass handles for a modern twist.

Black Vanity Units

Black is bold and elegant, making it a great choice for adding a touch of drama to your bathroom. Black vanities can be used as statement pieces in modern or industrial designs. To keep the look balanced, pair black vanity units with lighter countertops and brass / gold brassware for a luxurious finish.

Blue and Green Vanity Units

Blue and green vanity units add a pop of colour and a touch of personality to any bathroom. Light blue or mint green vanities are ideal for coastal or cottage-style designs, while deep navy or forest green can create a rich, sophisticated look. Both work well with different coloured handles, but we love the classic combination of blue with black and green with brass.

Wood Finish Vanity Units

Wood finish vanities add warmth and texture to the bathroom, creating a natural, inviting feel. Light oak finishes are ideal for Scandinavian themed designs, darker woods will give more of a luxury vibe. Consider black brassware or handles for light oak finishes as they provide an ideal contrast.

Handle Colour Considerations

Choosing the right handle colour is just as important as selecting the colour of your vanity. If you have opted for a brassware colour scheme, make sure your vanity unit handles are coordinated to match. Handles can either blend seamlessly with your vanity or provide a striking contrast that elevates the overall design. Here’s a quick guide to matching handles with vanity colours:

• Chrome handles: Best for white, grey, or blue vanities for a sleek, modern look.
• Brushed Brass or Gold Handles: Perfect for black, blue, or green vanities to add a touch of luxury.
• Matt Black Handles: Ideal for light-coloured vanities or wood-finish units for a bold, contemporary style.
• Bronze or Antique Brass Handles: Great for traditional or rustic designs, complementing darker vanities or wood tones.

6. Drawers vs. Doors: Which is Better for Your Vanity Unit?

One of the key decisions when choosing a bathroom vanity unit is whether you want drawers, doors, or a combination of both. Each option has its pros and cons, depending on your storage needs, bathroom layout, and personal preferences. Here's a breakdown of the benefits of both options:

Drawers: Easy Organisation and Access

Drawers are a popular choice for vanity units because they provide easy access to your bathroom essentials. With drawers, everything is within reach and visible, so you don’t have to dig through a cluttered cabinet to find what you need. Here are some of the main advantages of choosing drawers:

• Organisation: Drawers are great for keeping smaller items like toiletries, makeup, and grooming tools organised. Many vanity units come with dividers or sections to help you keep things tidy.
• Accessibility: Drawers offer easy access to all items, even those stored at the back. Unlike cabinets with doors, where items can get lost or hard to reach, drawers allow you to pull everything out with ease.
• Space Maximisation: Deep drawers can hold bulkier items like hair dryers, cleaning supplies, and towels. The top drawer of a vanity unit will often feature a cut-out to accommodate the plumbing pipework.

Doors: Ample Storage for Larger Items

Vanities with doors provide a more traditional storage solution, often offering larger, open cabinet spaces. These are particularly useful if you need to store bigger items like cleaning supplies, bins, or extra towels. Here's why doors might be the better choice for you:

• Larger Storage: The open space behind doors is perfect for storing larger items like toilet paper, bath towels, or cleaning products. Unlike drawers, which are often divided, cabinets with doors give you more flexibility for storing taller or bulkier items.
• Classic Look: Door-front cabinets are a traditional choice and can enhance the look of a more classic or vintage-style bathroom. They often come in a variety of designs, including panelled or shaker-style doors, that fit well with traditional or rustic décor.
• Cost-Effective: Vanities with doors tend to be more affordable than those with multiple drawers, as they require less hardware and design complexity.

Combination of Drawers and Doors: Best of Both Worlds

Many bathroom vanity units feature a combination of drawers and doors to give you the best of both worlds. You can use drawers to store smaller items and doors for larger objects, making this option highly versatile. A vanity with both drawers and doors allows you to maximise your storage space while keeping things organised and accessible.

7. How to Install A Bathroom Vanity Unit

Installing a vanity unit can range from a straightforward DIY project to a more complex task requiring professional assistance, depending on the type of unit and your bathroom’s plumbing. Here are some key points to consider during installation:

Plumbing Compatibility

Before selecting a vanity unit, ensure that it aligns with your current plumbing layout. Some vanities may require adjustments to your existing plumbing, especially wall-mounted or countertop units. If you’re not comfortable with plumbing, it’s best to consult a professional to ensure the installation goes smoothly.

Wall Mounted vs. Freestanding Installation

Wall hung vanities require secure wall support, as they must be properly anchored to hold the unit's weight. Freestanding vanity units are easier to install and simply sit on the floor, making them a better option for a DIY project (though some basins may still require bolting to the wall for extra support).

Height and Accessibility

Freestanding vanity units come in standard heights of around 820-850mm, depending on the height of the chosen basin. For wall hung units, replicate this same height for standard installation or consider raising it to around 900mm for taller individuals. If accessibility is a priority, opt for lower units or consider custom designs that accommodate wheelchair use or children.

8. How Much will a Bathroom Vanity unit cost?

When choosing a bathroom vanity unit, it’s important to keep your budget in mind. Vanity units come in a wide range of prices, depending on the materials, size, and complexity of the design. A small cloakroom vanity unit will start at around £100, a large luxury double vanity unit will start from around £500 (costs will go up with size and design options).

Solid wood or stone countertops will be more expensive than MDF or laminate alternatives. If you’re on a budget, consider vanities with a veneer finish or composite materials that mimic natural stone or wood. 

How much does it cost to install a bathroom vanity unit?

Wall-mounted or custom units are often more difficult to install so require professional installation, which adds to the overall cost. Freestanding units, however, are generally easier to install and can save you on installation fees if you opt for a DIY approach. Taps are also an important consideration for the installation cost. A deck mounted tap is much quicker and easier to fit than wall mounted taps that require new plumbing and making good of walls.

If you are just replacing a vanity unit, like-for-like, it shouldn’t really take much longer than half a day so will cost around £150-200, but it will depend on what else is being done and how much work is involved in the installation environment.

Conclusion

Selecting the perfect bathroom vanity unit involves balancing style, functionality, and budget. Whether you're working with a small en-suite, designing a luxurious master bathroom, or updating a guest cloakroom, there’s a vanity unit to suit your space and style. Consider the different types of units, colour options, storage solutions, and installation requirements to find the ideal piece for your home.