Natwerk Designs

Best Depth of Bathroom Vanity?

I am custom designing our new modern bathroom's vanity. Our old 80's style vanity was 21" deep (from the front to the wall). I have seen some between 18" and 24" deep. What are the advantages of going deeper or shallower? I am thinking since it is a smaller bathroom, a shallower vanity might make it look more spacious. If it matters, it will be a floating vanity as well with minimal solidity (more "airy" and see-through than normal I guess you could say). Opinions? GO!

Public Comments

1. It's all about the space you have. A standard vanity is around 21-22". There is really nothing to gain by popping it out to 24", unless you need the room for a vessel sink, or special faucet.
2. Floating vanities are great looking. You are *customizing* your vanity, meaning do not worry about average depths..create what works in that space. If your sink and taps fit, then depth will not matter. You can consider off set taps (off to one side), or coming out from the wall instead of the standard behind the sink saving some space too.
3. Personally, if I've got the physical space I install the largest vanity I can fit. Think about it: 90% of the time your spend in a bathroom involves the vanity area. Yeah, a compact one may "look nice" but in reality people cover the surface with grooming and personal items that they need to use, from the rechargeable toothbrush and contact lens case to hairbrushes, Kleenex box, soap dispenser, make-up caddies, etc. The bathroom in my last house was long and narrow but I fit a 60" x 24" vanity in it, with a single sink bowl and 3 double outlets in the backsplash. It was like paradise to have all that space to keep things handy. Just my opinion, but I think too many people design their bathrooms for looks rather than functionality. We have busy lives -- let's create spaces that are useful and efficient for the way we actually live, not to look like a photo in a magazine spread.
4. The size of your vanity depends on the size of the sink bowl so it looks cohesively proportionate. You know how kitchen farm sinks come to the edge and over the front of the counter top? Well, there are bathroom vanity sinks similar to that style. The advantage of this type of apron front sink is that the top surface can be the standard 21", however, the bottom cabinet can have less depth as the front of the sink. Thereby taking up less space, giving the illusion of more room. This may be an option for you to consider.