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When my parents decided to renovate their primary bathroom, they assigned me the task of choosing the best vanity for the space. How hard could it be? All I’d have to do is take a few measurements, pick a style, browse a few sites, and voila—surely, I’d be done in no time. Boy, was I wrong. There were so many questions I ended up needing to answer. Single or double? Floating or freestanding? Sink or no sink included? And are backsplashes really necessary?
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Flooded with options, I set out to educate myself on all the different sizes, styles, accessories, and materials associated with the best bathroom vanities. Part of it involved decrypting all the fun acronyms you might come across while shopping for one—such as MDF, which stands for medium-density fiberboard (a type of engineered wood that’s often used to make furniture). Then there’s UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code) and CUPC (Canadian Uniform Plumbing Code), which indicate products are up to U.S. and Canadian national standards for safe and sanitary plumbing. Another oft-mentioned certification comes from BIFMA (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association)—a nonprofit, standards-setting organization that operates under the American National Standards Institute (ANSI, for short).
If you’re feeling just as lost as I did when I first set out to pinpoint the perfect bathroom vanity, don’t fret—here’s every factor you need to consider before you buy. And if you’re curious which option I landed on, keep scrolling: It’s the first on this list!
Dimensions: When it comes to shopping for a bathroom vanity, size is key. Start by figuring out the amount of room you have to work with. Make sure you have enough space to freely open all vanity doors and drawers, and that the unit won’t get in the way of other installations, like your toilet or tub. (Always triple-check your measurements—the last thing you want is to receive a vanity that checks all the boxes, but fits poorly into your space.) Note: Vanities are listed by width, not height—so if your bathroom is on the smaller end, limit your search to units under 36 inches wide.
Purpose: Depending on the type of bathroom you’re working on, you can focus on finding a vanity designed to accommodate a specific function. If it’s going to sit in your primary bathroom and serve as your main spot for getting ready, you might want a unit with a built-in makeup station—or at the very least, an extra-wide countertop to rest all your tools and appliances. For a tiny powder room or cloakroom, however, a petite console with decorative open shelving might be more ideal.
Configuration: For more spacious bathrooms, think about whether you want one or two basins. If you live alone, opt for a single vessel with additional countertop space for all your stuff—but if you and your partner are constantly bumping elbows while trying to brush your teeth, it might be wise to invest in a pair of sinks. Also consider whether you prefer a vanity that’s freestanding (resting on a solid base or legs) or floating (wall-mounted, with no legs). Freestanding builds tend to offer more storage space, while floating units allow you to control the height of the vanity, making it more wheelchair accessible (and easier to configure for a kid’s bath).
Design: What type of atmosphere are you trying to create? Bathroom vanities can seamlessly blend into a space, or be used to make a statement. For a traditional look, browse options with classic silhouettes and elegant finishes. For a more modern feel, gravitate toward sleek models with smooth surfaces and simple lines. And for something in between, go for a transitional-style unit that’s timeless and versatile. Then choose a sink that exudes the same vibe.
Talk about the total package! This versatile unit comes with all the bells and whistles—from a drawer organizer and a makeup counter to a decorative backsplash and four outlets in each cabinet (electrical and USB, so your curling iron will never have to fight with your toothbrush charger). The durable countertop is made of silestone, which is easy to maintain and extremely resistant to water, scratches, and stains. And the solid-surface sinks are seamlessly integrated, which minimizes the chances of trapping dirt, mold, and mildew.
Material: Wood and Silestone. Dimensions: 96.5 x 23.5 x 36.3 inches. Number of Sinks: 2. Design: Traditional. Type: Freestanding.
Buy Now on Home Depot: $5,813
For a look that’s effortless, edgy, and airy all at once, invest in this modern mix of wood, metal, and concrete. The contract-grade build boasts an oversize counter top with ample room for your soap, toothbrush holder, and other essentials. And the cement layer is covered in a moisture-resistant lacquer, so it won’t easily get water damaged.
Material: Acacia wood, bronze, and cement. Dimensions: 36 x 22 x 33 inches. Number of Sinks: 1. Design: Industrial. Type: Freestanding.
Buy Now on Pottery Barn: $2,499
This versatile bathroom vanity epitomizes midcentury modern design, with its tapered legs and clean, ergonomic lines. Featuring a thin plywood back panel that makes it easy to install, the contract-grade product can accommodate a variety of faucets and comes in four different metal finishes that won’t corrode. Plus, it’s Greenguard Gold certified (meaning it’s been tested for over 10,000 harmful chemicals). Top it with an optional Carrara marble slab for a more refined look.
Material: Eucalyptus wood, engineered wood, acacia veneer. Dimensions: 24 x 22 x 36 inches; 31.5 x 22 x 36 inches; 49 x 22 x 36 inches. Number of Sinks: 1. Design: Midcentury modern. Type: Freestanding.
Buy Now on West Elm: From $830 to $1,099
Renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, Italian brand Devon&Devon delivers swoon-worthy pieces that are meticulously handcrafted in Florence. This grand console, a nod to America’s Jazz Age, showcases a gorgeous marble top and elegantly curved doors covered in antiqued aluminum, giving it a rich, glamorous look.
Material: Manufactured wood and marble. Dimensions: 71.5 x 21.6 x 38.11 inches. Number of Sinks: 2. Design: Art Deco. Type: Freestanding.
If you’re looking for a bathroom vanity with plenty of space for all your toiletries (and then some), this classic number fits the bill. Available in 23 different color combos (the dark blue with gold trim is my personal favorite), the two-sink vanity boasts a pair of spacious cabinets on top of nine functional drawers, including a double-depth lower drawer—so it’s easy to keep everything organized.
Material: High-grade solid wood, plywood, MDF, and cultured marble. Dimensions: 22 x 84 x 35 inches. Number of Sinks: 2. Design: Transitional. Type: Freestanding.
Buy Now on Bed Bath and Beyond: $2,047
Made of durable mango wood that’s sustainably sourced, this minimalist model is responsibly manufactured in a Fair Trade Certified factory (which requires fair and safe labor practices). Delivered pre-assembled, the simple silhouette features a granite top with a built-in ceramic sink. Bonus: With every purchase of the eco-conscious product, Pottery Barn will plant a tree.
Material: Mango wood, MDF, black granite, and aluminum. Dimensions: 50 x 22 x 33 inches. Number of Sinks: 1. Design: Rustic modern. Type: Freestanding.
Buy Now on Pottery Barn: $2,499
Add a dash of elegance to any small bath with this fresh corner vanity. Made of solid wood and topped with Carrara marble, the tiny-but-mighty unit conveniently comes with a built-in backsplash and ceramic basin—not to mention, it arrives fully assembled.
Material: Wood and marble. Dimensions: 34.5 x 23 x 32 inches. Number of Sinks: 1. Design: Modern. Type: Freestanding.
Buy Now on Home Depot: $1,399
If you’re looking for a stylish unit with a small footprint—but also plenty of storage space—this little gem from West Elm is just the thing. Available in five different widths and two bold hues, it’s fitted with a quick-to-clean resin top, rustproof hardware, and a built-in sink that’s UPC certified (meaning it meets the standards of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, which ensures plumbing products are safe for consumers and the environment).
Material: MDF, resin, and aluminum. Dimensions: 24 x 19 x 34 inches; 30 x 19 x 34 inches; 36 x 22 x 34 inches; 42 x 22 x 34 inches; 48 x 22 x 34 inches. Number of Sinks: 1. Design: Transitional. Type: Freestanding.
Buy Now on West Elm: $999
Upscale yet down-to-earth, this double vanity is crafted out of solid walnut—one of the toughest and most enduring types of wood. The contemporary build features a four-inch-thick marble top (Calacatta or Carrara), soft-close drawers, open shelving, and a porcelain sink. And you can choose between nine different drawer-pull finishes, from oil-rubbed bronze and aged brass to polished nickel and chrome.
Material: Solid wood and marble. Dimensions: 60.125 x 24 x 37 inches. Number of Sinks: 2. Design: Modern. Type: Freestanding.
Instantly make your bath feel more spacious with a floating vanity (i.e., no legs). Wall-mounted units offer more control over the height of the console, making it more wheelchair accessible. This easy-to-maintain model touts two glossy white ceramic sinks and four soft-close drawers—perfect for any Zen space.
Material: Manufactured wood and marble. Dimensions: 71.5 x 20.47 x 27.7 inches. Number of Sinks: 2. Design: Contemporary. Type: Mounted.
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