Choosing a bathroom vanity is about more than finding the right size and color. The right vanity should fit your space, work with your plumbing, provide the storage you need, and suit the way you use your bathroom every day.
This guide covers the main decisions to make before ordering. For detailed dimensions and clearances, see our Bathroom Measuring Guide →→.
Browse all sections 10 topics
- 1. Start With How You Use Your Bathroom
- 2. Choose the Right Vanity Size
- 3. Choose Between Floating and Freestanding
- 4. Choose Legs or a Toe-Kick
- 5. Select the Sink Configuration
- 6. Choose Storage That Fits What You Actually Use
- 7. Understand the Construction Quality
- 8. Make Sure the Vanity Works With Your Plumbing
- 9. Know Exactly What Comes With Your Vanity
- 10. Choose the Finish and Style
1. Start With How You Use Your Bathroom
Before choosing a style, think about how the vanity needs to function. Consider the following:
- How many people regularly use the bathroom
- How much storage you need
- Whether you prefer more countertop space or more sinks
- Whether you need room for makeup, hair tools, or skin-care products
- Whether you are replacing an existing vanity or remodeling the entire bathroom
- A powder room may only need a compact vanity with basic storage, while a primary bathroom may benefit from double sinks, larger drawers, and more everyday storage.
2. Choose the Right Vanity Size
Bathroom vanities range from compact sizes for powder rooms to 72", 80” or even 84" options for primary bathrooms. The vanity should feel proportional to the room while leaving comfortable space around doors, showers, toilets, and walkways. Detailed measuring instructions are covered in our Bathroom Measuring Guide →→.
Don't Forget the Delivery Path
Fabubath vanities come pre-built and assembled — including large sizes such as 72", 80”, and 84" vanities. A vanity may fit perfectly in the bathroom but still be difficult or impossible to move through the home. Before ordering, check:
- Entry and interior doors
- Hallways
- Staircases and landings
- Tight corners
- Bathroom doorway
3. Choose Between Floating and Freestanding
| Floating Vanity | Freestanding Vanity | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Clean and contemporary | Furniture-style or built-in |
| Floor | Visible underneath | Depends on legs or toe-kick |
| Visual effect | Lighter and more open | More substantial |
| Height | Installation height can usually be adjusted | Height is determined by the vanity |
| Cleaning | Easy floor access | Depends on bottom style |
Floating vanities create an open, contemporary look and can make a smaller bathroom feel less crowded.
Freestanding vanities feel more grounded and are available with either decorative legs or a toe-kick.
4. Choose Legs or a Toe-Kick
For freestanding vanities, the bottom design affects both appearance and maintenance.
| Vanity With Legs | Vanity With Toe-Kick |
|---|---|
| More furniture-like appearance | More built-in appearance |
| Visually lighter | More substantial look |
| Flooring is visible underneath | Helps conceal flooring underneath |
| Requires cleaning underneath | Less cleaning underneath |
| Best when flooring continues cleanly below the vanity | Helpful when existing flooring is not being replaced |
5. Select the Sink Configuration
Single Sink
A single sink generally provides more uninterrupted countertop space and may allow for more storage. A wide vanity does not automatically need two sinks. A 60" single vanity, for example, can provide generous space for toiletries, makeup, or hair tools.
Double Sink
Double sinks are convenient when two people regularly use the bathroom at the same time. They are especially popular in primary bathrooms, but the second sink reduces countertop and storage space.
6. Choose Storage That Fits What You Actually Use
More drawers do not automatically mean better storage. Think about what you keep in the bathroom and where you would naturally want to store it. If you need considerably more storage, look for a collection with a coordinating side cabinet or linen cabinet.
| Storage Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Shallow drawers | Makeup, grooming products, toothbrushes, and smaller everyday items |
| Deep drawers | Bottles, towels, larger toiletries, and hair tools |
| Cabinet doors | Taller items and flexible storage around plumbing |
| Internal drawers | Organized storage while keeping a clean exterior design |
| Open shelving | Towels, baskets, and decorative storage |
7. Understand the Construction Quality
All Fabubath vanities are selected with long-term cabinet quality in mind. Our vanities feature:
- Solid wood construction
- Plywood cabinet boxes
- Dovetail drawer-box construction
- Soft-close drawer slides
- Soft-close hinges
- Finished interiors
- Cabinet hardware included
Solid wood and plywood provide strong cabinet construction, while dovetail joints create durable drawer boxes. Soft-close slides and hinges provide smoother everyday operation, and finished interiors give the cabinet a more complete appearance and make cleaning easier. Hardware is included with the vanity and can be changed later if you prefer another style or finish.
8. Make Sure the Vanity Works With Your Plumbing
The interior configuration of the vanity needs to accommodate the drain and water-supply lines. Pay particular attention when:
- Replacing an existing vanity without moving plumbing
- Choosing an offset sink
- Changing from one sink to two
- Choosing a vanity with drawers near the sink
- Switching to a floating vanity
- Review the vanity specifications and sink location before ordering.
- If you are keeping your existing plumbing and are unsure whether it will work, have your plumber or installer review the specifications.
9. Know Exactly What Comes With Your Vanity
Lifestyle photographs often show a complete bathroom setting, but not everything pictured is included. Before ordering, review the specifications for the exact vanity.
| Component | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Vanity cabinet | Included |
| Cabinet hardware | Included |
| Countertop | Typically included, check product specifications |
| Sink | Typically included, check product specifications |
| Backsplash | Check product specifications |
| Sidesplash | Can be purchased separately if available |
| Faucet | Not included |
| Mirror | Not included |
| Medicine cabinet | Not included |
| Side / linen cabinet | Purchased separately unless otherwise specified |
A matching backsplash comes with most stone vanity countertops, but there are exceptions. Some wall-mounted vanities do not include one, and premium acrylic tops do not have a backsplash. For help choosing countertops, sinks, backsplash options, and compatible faucets, see our Countertop & Sink Buying Guide.
10. Choose the Finish and Style
Once the functional decisions are made, choosing the finish becomes much easier.
Light finishes can make a bathroom feel brighter and more open. Natural wood tones add warmth and texture. Dark finishes create contrast and can make the vanity a stronger focal point. Painted colors such as green or blue can bring personality to an otherwise neutral bathroom. Not every finish needs to match exactly. Complementary materials and finishes often create a more layered and intentional bathroom design.
Consider how the vanity works with:
- Flooring
- Wall tile
- Countertop
- Faucet finish
- Cabinet hardware
- Mirror or medicine cabinet
- Shower hardware
- Lighting
Before You Order: Vanity Buying Checklist
✓ Vanity size works for the bathroom ✓ Delivery path fits the pre-built vanity ✓ Floating or freestanding style is confirmed ✓ Legs or toe-kick works with the existing floor ✓ Single, double, or offset sink configuration is confirmed ✓ Storage configuration fits your needs ✓ Sink location works with your plumbing ✓ Vanity construction and storage layout are reviewed ✓ Included components have been confirmed ✓ Backsplash availability has been checked ✓ Sidesplash is ordered separately if needed ✓ Finish and hardware are confirmed ✓ Product specifications have been reviewed
Visit Fabubath Showroom Before Ordering
If you're uncertain, make an appointment fo the Bath Design Consultation with the Fabubath team. We'll help you compare your space with the vanity specifications before you order. Walk-ins are accepted, appointments are recommended for more specific projects. Make an appointment for the showroom visit.
CTA button – Ask Designer
Shop Fabubath Vanity Collections →
Vanity Measuring Guide →
Vanity Installation Guide →
Countertop & Sink Buying Guide →
Frequently Asked Questions →
Need Help Measuring or Selecting the Right Layout?
Contact Fabubath with questions about product dimensions, finishes and available configurations. Confirm installation and plumbing requirements with your installer before ordering.