What is a Vanity Cabinet?

What Does a Vanity Cabinet Include?

At its core, a vanity cabinet does three things: it holds the sink in place, hides the plumbing behind closed doors or panels, and provides storage for everything from spare towels to hair dryers and toiletries.

Most vanity cabinets include a benchtop or countertop, which may be a separate piece sitting on top of the cabinet base. The sink itself can be integrated into the benchtop, mounted underneath it (undermount), or sit on top as a vessel bowl. Each option significantly changes the look of the vanity, so it’s worth thinking through before you commit.

Key Summary

A vanity cabinet is a unit that houses the sink, storage and bench space in the bathroom. They are customisable and available in many configurations, colours and sizes.

Vanity vs Vanity Cabinet – Is There a Difference?

Technically, yes – though the terms are used interchangeably in most conversations.

A vanity typically refers to the complete bathroom area: the base cabinet, benchtop, sink, mirror, and sometimes lighting. A vanity cabinet is more specifically the base storage unit that holds everything up.

In practice, most people (including most suppliers and tradespeople) use “vanity” to refer to the whole setup. If you’re working with a designer or cabinet maker, it’s worth clarifying exactly what’s included in any quote.

Types of Vanity Cabinets

The main distinction is how the cabinet is mounted:

• Floor-mounted (built-in) – Fixed to the wall and floor. Maximum storage, very stable, suits most bathroom sizes.
• Floating (wall-mounted) – Fixed to the wall only, with open floor space beneath. Makes smaller bathrooms feel larger and easier to clean around.
• Freestanding – Sits independently, like a piece of furniture. Works well with larger bathrooms or double-sink layouts.
• Pedestal – A slim, freestanding unit with minimal storage. Best for small powder rooms where storage isn’t a priority.

For ensuite bathrooms where space is often tighter, floating vanities are a popular choice. Our ensuite renovations team can help you work out what suits your layout.

What to Look for When Choosing One

Size

As a general guide, a single-sink vanity works well up to around 1,200–1,500mm wide. A double-sink setup typically needs at least 1,500mm to feel comfortable. Standard height sits between 800–900mm, though comfort height (closer to 900mm) is increasingly popular.

Material

Bathrooms are humid environments, so material choice matters. Moisture-resistant options include PVC-wrapped cabinets, solid timber treated for wet areas, and high-pressure laminate. Solid untreated timber isn’t recommended for bathrooms with showers in the same space, as it can warp or crack over time.

Configuration

Drawers tend to be more practical than doors for day-to-day use, particularly for cosmetics, razors, and small items. A combination of drawers and door storage usually works best. You can also opt for some open shelving if you want display space.

Style

Flat panel, shaker, V-groove, gloss, matte – there’s no shortage of options. The vanity is usually the focal point of the bathroom, so it’s worth making sure the door style and finish align with the overall design direction.

Our bathroom cabinet makers build custom vanity cabinets to exact dimensions, which makes a significant difference in bathrooms that aren’t a standard size or shape.

Why a Custom Vanity Cabinet is Worth Considering

Off-the-shelf vanities come in fixed sizes and limited configurations. A custom-built vanity, on the other hand, is made specifically for your space. You choose the dimensions, internal layout, finish, and hardware. For bathrooms with alcoves, angled walls, or limited floor space, a custom unit often uses the available space far more effectively.

The same applies to wardrobes and laundry storage – our wardrobe cabinet makers take the same approach across the whole home.

Thinking about a Bathroom Renovation?

If you’re planning a bathroom update and want help working through vanity options, our team handles the whole process – from initial design through to installation and project management.

Get in touch with our bathroom renovations team to book a consultation at one of our Melbourne showrooms.

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