If you're in the process of remodeling a master or guest bathroom, you've probably thought about replacing the vanity. A new vanity can completely change the look of a bathroom, introducing new design features and opening or closing part of the room. Regardless of how big or small your bathroom is, vanity tops tend to come in standard sizes.
Traditionally, the standard height of a bathroom vanity is 30 to 32 inches (76 to 81 cm). However, as new designs and styles catch on, this range has expanded and you can now build vanities of the height you require. However, before ordering a custom vanity, you should take the time to consider how tall it really should be.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about vanity tops, how tall they are and what to consider before installing a vanity top that goes against traditional standards.
Standard sizes for bathroom vanities
Before you buy and install a new vanity, consider how much space you have to work and the size of the vanity. The only way to be sure it will fit your bathroom is to get the height, width and depth measurements of the vanity before installing it.
Bathroom vanity HEIGHT
Traditionally, there hasn't been much difference in the height of bathroom vanities. For most of the 20th century, chests of drawers were between 30 and 32 inches (76–81 cm) high.
This height is ideal for people of average height or families with children. Reach the counter without having to bend down or tiptoe.
WIDE bathroom vanity
There are no standard widths for bathroom furniture. The width depends on how much space you have in the bathroom and whether you want a single or double sink.
Most vanities are between 24 and 72 inches (61 and 83 cm) wide, giving you plenty of choice. If you want a vanity narrower or wider than these dimensions, you may need to order to your liking:
- Player for a single sink– On average, single sink bathroom furniture is between 30 and 48 inches (76 and 122 cm) wide. While they don't take up as much space as a double vanity, this can be an issue if you need more storage. For this reason, single sinks are typically reserved for smaller bathrooms, such as a guest or children's bathroom. For more details seeWhat is the perfect sink size for my vanity?
- Player for double sinks– Double vanities average between 60 and 72 inches (152.5 and 183 cm) wide. Double sinks offer a lot more cabinet space, making them the ideal addition to a master bathroom in a family home. Two people can share the washbasin at the same time without getting in each other's way. However, you need more space in the bathroom if you want a double sink.
Bathroom vanity DEPTH
The last thing you need to measure is the depth of a potential new bathroom vanity. Almost all bathroom vanities have storage space for extra toiletries, cleaning supplies, and towels. While that extra closet space is a guaranteed benefit, if you're short on space, you need to find a shallower vanity that fits your space.
Most modern vanities with attached cabinets are about 17 to 24 inches (43 to 61 cm) deep.
If you want more counter space or more storage space, you can ask for a deeper vanity.
Why are bathroom vanities traditionally so low?
If you're taller than average, you've probably wondered why bathroom vanities are so low.
While it's frustrating to bend down just to wash your hands, remember that not everyone can find vanities as low as you can. It all depends on how your height compares to the average height of Americans 100 years ago.
Over the last century, Americans have gained access to better nutrition and health care and allowed our bodies to do the same grow fasterand higher than before.
On average, American men are 3 inches (7.5 cm) taller today than they were 100 years ago, while women have grown an additional 3.5 inches (9 cm) over the same period.
As Americans have grown, interior design hasn't kept up. Many bathroom vanities today may seem short simply because they were designed for the height of our grandparents and great-grandparents. Children and the elderly would probably argue that dressers are the perfect height.
However, if you want a higher bathroom vanity, we recommend investing in a comfortable vanity.
Comfort vanities, averaging about 36 inches (91.5 cm) in height, are slightly taller than the shorter standard bathroom vanities, which are 30 inches (76 cm) in height.
Bathroom vanities for tall people
If you are taller than average, a standard vanity height may be too short for your comfort.
If you are taller than 183 cm, a 30 inch (76 cm) vanity is likely to sit below your waist, forcing you to bend down to use the sink. You might want to find a larger bathroom vanity instead.
Although the average bathroom vanity height is 81 cm, you should look for larger "comfort height vanities" that are around 91.5 cm high. This extra height brings the counter right above your waist, so you don't have to bend down to wash your hands or use the sink. If you're not sure what height is best for you, grab a tape measure and go to your kitchen.
Use the kitchen counter as a reference point
Why the kitchen?
Well, if you have no problem chopping vegetables on the kitchen counter, then the height of the bathroom vanity should match the height of the kitchen counter.
If your kitchen counter is a little short for you, measure the height of your kitchen counter. Next, measure the height from the counter to the top of your hip bones. Add up the two numbers and that will tell you what vanity height you need.
Are there any codes for the height of the bathroom vanity?
There is currently no legal requirement for how high a bathroom vanity should be, but the National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends a wide range of heights from 32 inches (81 cm) to 43 inches (109 cm) to accommodate a wide range of people become.
If you have concerns about state building codes, you can find more information about the requirements for each US state. Here. You can find a state guide for each local building code.
Types of vanities and how to measure them
Bathroom furniture should perfectly combine storage space, utility and style. Finding the right vanity for your bathroom can take time, but you'll appreciate the end result when you find the right balance.
Before you settle for anything mediocre, check out these popular trends that are both stylish and functional:
floating players
Floating vanities are typically installed about 81 cm (32 in) off the floor. They're a modern trend known for their flexible yet elegant aesthetic. As the name suggests, floating vanities are mounted on the wall, giving the impression that they are floating in mid-air.
Depending on your space requirements, you can find variants with or without cabinets, as well as stone, porcelain, wood, and composite styles.
ship vanities
Ship vanity tops are similar to traditional vanity tops in every way, except for the sink. Rather than being built into the countertop, vessel vanities have a bowl-shaped sink that sits above the countertop.
When measuring a vanity, the main countertop is typically about 32 inches (81 cm) off the floor. However, the vessel's sink adds another 5 inches (12.7 cm) of height.
Discover some absolutelymagnificent ship is sinkingin this post
open shelf
If you prefer the rustic look of a farmhouse bathroom, we recommend installing a vanity with open shelves.
Instead of enclosing closet drawers, you can create the illusion of more space in your bathroom by adding open shelving for towels, toiletries, and other bathroom essentials. (But if you have dresser drawers, be sure to check out our foolproof strategy forHow to keep bathroom drawers organized.)
Open shelving is especially useful in smaller bathrooms where space is limited.
How to add height to an existing bathroom vanity
If you're not ready to invest in a whole new vanity but are tired of bending down to wash your hands, you might want to raise your existing vanity a few inches.
What size bathroom vanity will you get?
A new vanity can liven up your bathroom and create a whole new aesthetic. Before you buy a new vanity, consider how big the cabinet needs to be and whether you want a countertop that's higher than normal.
Standard vanities are approximately 30 to 32 inches (76 to 81 cm) tall, but you can find larger comfortable models or order a custom vanity to your specifications.
For more information on how to find the right size bathroom vanity for your space and how to align a vanity mirror and light fixtures, click hereThe complete guide to bathroom vanity sizes.
file8 tips for choosing the perfect bathroom vanityfor all of our most helpful resources on the subject.
Note: If you're about to remodel a bathroom, be sure to get mineSave a big $$$ cheat sheet. He has design tricks that can literally save you thousands of dollars on your project.
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