What is a Vanity Cabinet and How Is It Different from a Regular Bathroom Cabinet?
by Justin Hossle
Feb 25, 2024
Understanding terminology when doing home renovations can be tricky, especially when it comes down to the details in a bathroom. In this article, we’ll talk you through the particulars of vanities and bathroom furniture, and share pointers on how to choose the best vanity cabinet for your needs.
What is a vanity cabinet?
A vanity cabinet is a specific piece of furniture that has three functions: 1) to hold a wash basin/sink in place, 2) to hide plumbing lines, and 3) to offer storage. The term “vanity” and “vanity cabinet” are sometimes used interchangeably, though technically the vanity cabinet does not include the vanity top (or countertop).
A vanity cabinet is traditionally placed in a bathroom, though you may also find them in mud rooms or laundry rooms. Don’t confuse a vanity cabinet with a wet bar, as the latter would traditionally be taller - at about 36”.
While the function of hiding the plumbing and holding the sink up goes without saying, storage solutions are a welcome and often needed add-on. Drawers and cabinet doors are the traditional storage options, along with open shelving in some cases.
Most vanity cabinets are built with design features that fit a specific home decor style. Because the vanity is sometimes the only piece of furniture in a bathroom, it serves as the focal point, so be sure to choose a cabinet that fits the style of your home decor.
What is the difference between a vanity, a vanity cabinet, and a bathroom cabinet?
A vanity is defined as a “a bathroom unit consisting of a washbasin, usually set in a countertop with a cabinet beneath,” while a vanity cabinet is, as the previous definition defines, the piece that holds the vanity up. A bathroom cabinet, on the other hand, is any other cabinet-type piece of bathroom furniture. Note that a vanity alone does not necessarily include the cabinet portion, though many retailers will lump the two together.
A vanity cabinet is the furniture piece under the wash basin and the countertop that holds the two up, and will typically include storage solutions. A vanity cabinet from a custom furniture maker is typically a separate purchase than the vanity (countertop) itself, so be sure you know what you are and aren’t purchasing.
A bathroom cabinet is any piece of cabinetry in a bathroom that’s not a vanity. Linen cabinets, medicine cabinets, or standard storage cabinets would all be considered “bathroom cabinets.” One easy way to determine if what you’re looking at is a vanity cabinet or not is to look at the top of the unit. If it’s got a finished top, it’s meant to be a regular bathroom cabinet, not a vanity cabinet, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be transformed into a vanity cabinet! Transforming one is a simple DIY or contractor task!
How do I choose a good vanity?
To choose a good vanity, you’ll need to know how much storage you want, how you want to store it, if you want it to be floating or resting on legs, and what style of furniture you prefer.
Cabinet doors are the most straightforward and cost effective option for storage. They’re great for things like bathroom supplies, cleaning supplies and towels.
Drawers are a great option for grooming supplies, but they add to the cost. Additionally, while drawers can be added directly under a sink, the u-shaped drawers that are made for this purpose (to circumvent the plumbing) are often more cumbersome than they’re worth because they make the storage options very limited. A better option is to have drawers to one side with a cabinet door below the sink.
Engineered Materials are best when it comes to construction. High quality plywoods are a great choice, especially if the vanity cabinet is being placed in a bathroom with a shower. These are usually finished with a wood veneer or a paint treatment. The reason not to use solid wood is because the humidity that a shower creates causes solid wood to warp and crack.
Legs or Wall Mounted vanity cabinets are the two main options when it comes to how the unit is placed in the room. A wall mounted cabinet can be a great choice for that “floating” look but requires very strong brackets. A great time to add a wall mounted cabinet is when you’re doing a full remodel, because brackets like these can be added directly onto the studs. Vanity cabinets with legs or feet are also a great choice, so if you’re concerned about the bracket issue, don’t be afraid to select the more traditional, legged, style.
Decor Style is perhaps the most important of all the choices a consumer has to make and comes down to personal preference. Whether you’re in the market for a vanity cabinet that’s rustic, modern, or somewhere in between, be sure to find a piece that is right for you.
What is the standard size vanity for a bathroom?
The standard size for a single vanity cabinet is usually 17” - 24” deep and 30”- 32” high, based on the availability of pre-made vanity tops. The width varies and is dependent on the needs of the bathroom, with pre-made vanity top widths available from 24”-73”. The most popular widths are 24”, 30”, 36” and 48”. Custom vanity tops can also be ordered through various manufacturers, ensuring that you get the exact size you need.
If you want a pre-made vanity top (as opposed to a custom piece), the most important thing to do is to choose the vanity top before the vanity cabinet!
Height: Most vanities are 30”-32” high, including both the vanity cabinet and the vanity top. If you’re a tall person, you may want a vanity to be up to 34” high.
Depth: Standard vanity tops range from 17” - 24” deep, meaning that the cabinet will be just shy of that to allow for some overhang of the top. However, depending on the needs of your specific bathroom, you may want a vanity cabinet to be as shallow as 15”. Plan for a small overhang on the front (¼” usually), meaning the vanity top will be 19” deep while the cabinet will be 18 ¾” deep.
Width: The width of a vanity varies and is dependent on the size of the bathroom and the storage needs. When determining what width you’ll need, think about how much you plan to store inside the cabinet, how much surface area you need for items on top of the vanity, and how those two needs work with the layout of the room. Standard single vanity tops come in many widths, from as low as 18” up to 73”. Plan for a small overhang (¼” on each side) of the vanity top as well.
If you want a pre-made vanity top (as opposed to a custom piece), the most important thing to do is to choose the vanity top before the vanity cabinet!
What sizes are double vanities?
A double vanity cabinet (a vanity that has two sinks) will be the same size as a single vanity when it comes to height (30”-32”) and depth (17” - 24”), but width will be dependent on the size of the space and storage needs. Typically, a double vanity is no less than 48” wide since it has to accommodate an additional sink.
How to measure for a vanity
Measuring for a vanity requires four key measurements - the existing plumbing location, the available width, and the preferred depth and height. If the space is currently empty, taping out the space with blue painters tape can give you a sense of how much room the vanity will take up.
Plumbing Location: Your vanity placement is dependent on the plumbing lines, unless you plan to hire a plumber to move them to a new location. If there is a wall, toilet or shower that is dictating the boundaries of the vanity, measure from the center of the drain line (a J shaped pipe under the sink) to the barriers (sink, wall, toilet, etc) on each side. If there’s no obstacles, then measure to the edge of the room on either side of the plumbing. Take note of both of these measurements.
Width: After knowing how wide the vanity cabinet can be, you’ll want to determine how wide it should be. Using the maximum widths measured above, and assuming the sink is directly over the plumbing pipes, find a size that allows you enough countertop storage and cabinet storage, but also allows you enough space to move around the room. Take note of the items you’ll set on the vanity and determine an appropriate width. When measuring, be sure to keep in mind your drain pipe measurements taken previously, because you’ll want the sink to be above where the water lines and drain lines are located.
Height: Measure up 30” from the ground and see if this feels like a good height for the top of the wash basin, assuming it is set at or below the vanity top height. Imagine bending over to wash your face with the water a few inches above this height. Consider 32” or 34” if you’re especially tall. Note that a vessel sink, one that sits on the vanity top, will not change the height of the vanity cabinet itself.
Depth: Measure out 17” from the wall and see how this depth affects your ability to maneuver in the bathroom, then consider options up to 24”. Additionally, imagine what items you’ll set on the vanity and take note of how much room this depth allows for. Note that a 17” deep vanity will typically allow for 15” deep drawers, whereas a 24” vanity will allow for 21” deep drawers.
If choosing to have a custom vanity cabinet made, provide all of these measurements to the contractor, including where the plumbing lines are in relation to each side of the vanity.
Vanity Cabinet Uses
Utility: The primary use of a vanity cabinet is to hold up the wash basin and countertop, as well as to conceal the plumbing lines. An alternative to a vanity cabinet is a pedestal sink, where a porcelain or wood pillar-like structure holds the sink in place and blocks view of the plumbing.
Storage: Vanity cabinets can store things like grooming accessories, bathroom supplies, cleaning supplies, or towels. Options for storage could include cabinet doors (which is the most cost effective option), drawers, open shelving, or a combination of all three. Standard vanity cabinets come in many varieties, and some furniture companies can customize the cabinets so that you get exactly what you need!
Aesthetics: A vanity cabinet will help to define the look of a room. Whether you’re going for farmhouse style or sleek mid-century modern look, the vanity cabinet can make or break the room!
Customization: Unless the pre-made sizes fit your needs perfectly, you may want to contact a custom furniture maker to have one made.
Recap
Vanities are the focal points of most bathrooms, and the term vanity is often used interchangeably with vanity cabinets, while bathroom cabinets are a different item entirely. A good vanity is subjective to the customers needs, including size, style and storage options. However, standard heights are 30” - 32” and standard depths are 17” - 24” (widths will vary). A good vanity should be made of an engineered material instead of solid wood. Measuring for a vanity is an important part of the buying process, and in doing so, you’ll get a clear picture on how much space is available and how much storage you’ll need. With a little work and thought on your part, you’ll be able to purchase a vanity cabinet that’s not only a functional item, but a piece that will define the space for you!
Frequently Asked Questions, or TL/DR
Should a vanity be made of solid wood? No. Bathroom furniture is best when made of an engineered material, like a high quality plywood, topped with a wood veneer or paint treatment.
What is the size of a standard single vanity? 30” - 32” high and 17” - 24” deep. The width can anywhere from 24” - 73”, depending on space and needs.
Does plumbing need to be centered on the vanity? No, but changing plumbing from its current location will take some work by a professional. If replacing a current vanity, aim to have the sink in the same location to the water lines and drain line.
What’s better - cabinet doors or pull out drawers? It depends on your needs. Cabinet doors are the most cost effective and are the go-to choice for directly below the sink. Drawers are very convenient for grooming supplies but will cost more than simple doors.
Do vanity tops and vanity cabinets come together? Sometimes, but not always. A vanity cabinet is usually a separate purchase from the vanity top, though some stores will sell sets that include everything. If you’re purchasing custom, be prepared to purchase your vanity cabinet from one manufacturer and the top and sink from another. In this scenario, always pick your vanity top first (if you’re going with pre-made), and have a custom craftsperson building the cabinet to the specifications of the vanity top.
Is a bathroom cabinet the same as a vanity cabinet? No. A bathroom cabinet is a cabinet that is used in a bathroom but separate from a vanity cabinet. Some retailers may mis-label these items.
Is a vanity the same thing as a vanity cabinet? Technically no, but you’ll find the two terms used interchangeably. A vanity is a washbasin with a countertop, and a vanity cabinet is a furniture pieces that holds the vanity up.
