A bathroom vanity is a pretty essential piece of your bathroom's layout. Determining where your vanity lands, though, may not be as important as determining how tall your vanity is. A short vanity top may make for a sore back every morning. On the other hand, one that's too tall can make getting ready difficult for those that are on the shorter side. So how tall should the bathroom vanity be?
Tradition says 32" is a proper height for a bathroom vanity. However, trends are drifting towards more comfortable heights of 36" with custom vanities stretching to 40" or even 43".
We've done some research for more information about bathroom vanity height and the different standards for different designs. Keep reading to find out how you can achieve the best height and look in your bathroom.
How High Off The Floor Should a Floating Vanity Be?
The jury's still out on this one, but the general rule is that it depends on your vanity height. Figure out how high your total vanity is from base to sink, then adjust your height from the floor to make it a comfortable fit for you. A taller vanity will have less space between the floor and base, while a shorter vanity will allow more room under it.
Don't Leave Space for Dust Bunnies
If the space between your vanity and the floor is short, say 6 inches or less, you may want to consider modifying your vanity. Instead of a true floater, put in a deep toe kick to reduce the space where dust and dirt can collect underneath it.
This is especially important if your vanity is framed on either side by walls. A deep toe kick will prevent the mess potential while also remaining an invisible addition, for the most part. Have the toe kick installed 7-8" back from the front of the vanity, and it's likely no one will ever see it.
If you want to draw attention to the floating aspect of your vanity, strip lighting under the vanity is a neat way to add to the design and accent the space.
Other Considerations
You can't just consider your vanity height and the height you want your sink at, of course. If you're installing a vanity in new construction, you'll have more room to customize where your vanity ends up. In an older structure where power plugs and plumbing are already installed, you'll likely have to consider their placement when deciding on a vanity.
Here are easy ways to decide where to place your vanity around existing fixtures:
- Take a large sheet of paper measured out to the same height and width as your vanity.
- Tape the sheet up in your ideal spot.
- Check around the sheet and behind it, measuring for depth, to get an idea of what the vanity will cover and what it won't.
- If necessary, move the paper around until you've found a spot that will fit around the existing features. Mime brushing your teeth or washing your hands to ensure it's at a comfortable height.
- Mark around the paper on the wall, then remove the paper.
Installing a floating vanity is a great way to work around existing fixtures. This can be a challenging project for the beginner, but more seasoned DIY'ers should be able to install it themselves.
What Height Should a Bathroom Cabinet Be?
Traditional building practices have cabinet heights at around 32", give or take a bit for toe kicks and countertops. Recently, though, many contractors are starting to choose higher cabinets to make more practical bathroom furnishings with comfort height vanities.
How High is a Comfort Height Vanity?
A comfort height vanity is a vanity that reaches to around 36" high. This is the same height that kitchen counters top off at. They're referred to as 'comfort' height because most people can typically work comfortably at a countertop that's 36" high. This makes brushing your teeth and washing your hands and face easier because you don't have to bend as far to reach the sink.
Are There Other Vanity Heights Available?
Yes and no. You'll likely not find many other heights that are mass-produced. You can, however, order custom cabinets at the ideal height for you.
Why Are Some Bathroom Vanities So Short?
Traditionally bathroom vanities were kept at around 32" tall so that small children could reach the sink. A child can still reach the sink if the vanity is 36" tall, but no without the help of a step stool. And even then, toddlers and the newly potty trained will likely struggle with the height of the sink. So unless you're okay with getting calls for help a few (or a few dozen) times a day, stick with the lower heights for your children's bathrooms or guest bathrooms in your home.
Another reason for low vanity height is if someone in the home is in a wheelchair. A floating vanity with space underneath it will sometimes be chosen for a bathroom to make it more accessible for those that can't stand and reach into the sink.
Examples of Bathroom Vanities
RunFine Vanity
This is a smaller vanity that reaches to middle height of 34". It's not quite as short as the traditional 32" but might be more comfortable than the 36" for someone who is more average height.
Click here to find this vanity on Amazon.
Aria Vanity
This Aria vanity stretches to the new comfort height of 36" that's comparable to a kitchen countertop. This height allows for more comfortable use of the counter and sinks while encouraging proper posture.
Click here to find the Aria vanity on Amazon.
Kulu TR Series Vanity
At 34.75" tall, this vanity is still under the comfort height of 36" but taller than the traditional height of 32". This vanity would not be ideal for a child's bathroom but would work well in a master bath.
Click here to find this vanity on Amazon.
Design House Vanity
This vanity from Design House is a bit shorter than traditional standards at 31.5". While not a good height for adults, this vanity would be perfect for installing in a small child's bathroom.
Click here to find this vanity on Amazon.
Simpli Home Vanity
This vanity is a variation on the floating vanity as it's up off the floor. With the legs, it reaches a full 34.7" of height. This isn't quite to comfort height standards, but you'll still find a vanity this tall far more comfortable than others at 32".
Click here to find this vanity on Amazon.
Floating Vanity
This vanity is a floating, wall-mounted option that's 20" tall. A floating vanity like this one allows you to have greater flexibility with how tall your vanity ends up reaching. Leave 16" underneath the vanity to reach 36" of height or leave more if you're a taller person than the average adult.
Click here to find this floating vanity on Amazon.
Kingran Double Vanity
This vanity is a double like what you would find in most master baths. The vanity has plenty of storage options while also lifting off the floor on legs to allow for space underneath. The vanity itself is 30" high while the sink adds an extra 4.7" in height bringing it to a total of 34.7". This isn't quite the comfort height of 36," but since the main concern is reaching the sink without having to bend much, it would still be perfectly fine for the average adult.
Click here to find this vanity on Amazon.
Double Wall Mount
This wall-mounted vanity features double sinks along with the trendy floating look. At 20.5" tall, the vanity is a proper height for allowing flexibility in placement and ultimate height on the wall. The vanity itself doesn't offer a lot of storage, but the included wall mounted side cabinet solves any issues you may have.
Click here to find this vanity on Amazon.
Customize Your Bath
Finding a vanity that is a comfortable height shouldn't be a problem with today's options. A vanity should reach around 36" to be suitable for most adults in today's world with heights of 32" or so being appropriate for children's bathrooms. However, you can easily tweak your vanities to meet your specific needs by going with the floating vanity or customized options.
Now that you know all about vanity heights check out our post on what bathroom sinks are made of to complete your education!
And once you're finished planning your vanity design, check out this post, so you don't miss any of the 13 types of bathroom accessories.