Bathroom vanity dimensions: a sizing guide for 2024

The first thing people usually ask themselves when thinking about a bathroom vanity purchase is “What size bathroom vanity should I get?”. It seems like a straightforward question to answer but there are more factors that contribute to the final decision than you ordinarily might think. To get your bathroom vanity dimensions right, all of these need to be fully considered before your final decision is made.

To start, it helps to have a firm idea of what a bathroom vanity actually is. By definition, a bathroom vanity is a countertop facing a mirror. That definition leaves a lot of scope for variation which is precisely what exists in terms of choices available. You can literally find anything from standard bathroom sink/mirror combos to glamorous, free-standing units featuring light fixtures and built-in storage space.

More elaborate vanities like these give you even more options for customising your space. You have a wide range of finishes, colours, variations in cabinet handles and hinges, coloured lighting - the list goes on.

Related article: 7 of the best bathroom vanities in Australia in 2024

Since there are so many different styles of vanities, there are no set rules for standard bathroom vanity sizes. Vanity width is where the biggest variance tends to be in terms of overall dimensions. That being said, there are some more popular sizes that have emerged over time.

Some common vanity sizes (width dimension) include:

• 60 cm
• 76 cm
• 91 cm
• 121 cm

Bathroom vanity standard height ranges between 82 cm and 91 cm.

There are some standardised dimensions for sinks and basins as well. Most vanity basins range from 50 cm to 58 cm, with 53 cm being the most common depth.

When you're thinking about the size of the vanity, it's important to think about all of the people that will be using it. If you're designing a bathroom space that kids will be using, for instance, you might want to err on the shorter side so that everyone can reach the bathroom taps with ease.

Bathroom vanities can also feature more than one basin, at which point, they become double vanities, ideal for busy couples or families with competing bathroom schedules.

Double sink vanities tend to run between 152 cm and 182 cm in width. Dimensions for vanity height and depth are typically similar to that of single bathroom vanities.

This being the case, they do take a significant amount of floor space within a bathroom but this also means they have extra storage capacity too. The practical benefits of this, along with the fact that different members of the household can use it together almost always means the larger size is worth it.

At the other end of the scale, there are also vanities available for small bathrooms, typically in apartments or ensuites. These are great space-saving options that do the job without consuming floor space so precious in such situations.

Small bathroom vanities can get as narrow as 30 cm of this particular type though most tend to be around the 40 cm - 50 cm mark. Compared to standard bathroom vanities that start at around 60 cm in width, you can quickly see how much space you’re able to save.

This leaves you extra room for other features in your bathroom that you may be less inclined to compromise on with respect to size like a bath tub or shower.

Related article: Renovating small bathrooms - The dos and donts

Bathroom vanity size is impacted by the type or style of vanity you go for.

For example, a console vanity is on the more smaller side of the scale. They have narrow vanity tops and an unattached mirror. Their shelves are typically open increasing the overall visual sense of space.

Corner vanities are another example of a smaller vanity unit, excellent for smaller guest bathrooms and powder rooms. Neatly tucked into a corner, they maximise otherwise unused space in a bathroom.

A floating vanity (or wall hung vanities) are yet another space-saving option, though typically more in the visual sense as they themselves can still be rather large. This is because they are wall mounted vanities that are usually raised between 20 cm - 30 cm off the ground. This empty space creates an illusion of space making it seem bigger than it actually is.

A vessel sink vanity is often around 76 to 91cm in height, 61 to 122 cm in width and 51 to 61 cm in depth.

Last but not least, freestanding are traditionally large and lavish. They can be as extravagant and ornate as you like, with ample bench space and customisable mirror and lighting configurations to match.

A crucial factor that determines the size of your vanity is the amount of space you have taking into account the distance to other bathroom features.

For example, it’s recommended that your vanity be at least 45 cm away from your toilet. This is for both practical purposes and hygiene considerations.

You’ll also ideally want at least 75cm of free space in front of your vanity too before you bump into any other feature like a bath tub, towel rail or wall for smaller bathrooms. This will give you a comfortable amount of space to use the bathroom vanity freely and for others to get past too if they need to.

A bathroom vanity only works if the surrounding environment is taken into account so be sure to accommodate these measurements too before making your choice.

Related article: 11 different styles and types of bathroom vanities

A good bathroom vanity isn’t necessarily the biggest or the smallest but the one that is sized appropriately to the space. Done well, it will look like it naturally belongs, functioning in a way that adds value whenever you need to use it. Luckily its a fairly straightforward outcome to achieve, especially when you know what to look out for and the products you have to choose from.

Browse a range of stylish bathroom vanities from Australia's top suppliers on ArchiPro