All advice / Design and finishes
The vanity sets the tone
The vanity is usually the largest piece of furniture in a bathroom. It anchors the room visually and practically — it holds the basin, the tapware, the mirror and most of the storage. Getting the vanity right sets the tone for the rest of the design.
Choosing a vanity is not just a style decision. Size, mounting, material, storage and basin type all affect how the room works day to day.
Wall-hung vs freestanding
A wall-hung vanity is mounted to the wall with no legs touching the floor. It makes the room feel larger because you can see the floor underneath. It also makes cleaning easier — a mop slides under without moving anything.
The trade-off: a wall-hung vanity needs solid backing in the wall to carry the weight. If the wall is plasterboard on timber studs, blocking must be installed during the renovation. A wall-hung vanity also has less depth for plumbing, so the waste and water lines need to be positioned carefully.
A freestanding vanity sits on the floor like a piece of furniture. It is simpler to install and does not need wall reinforcement. It can feel more grounded and substantial in a larger room. The downside is that it collects dust and moisture where it meets the floor.
Size and proportion
The vanity should suit the room, not dominate it. In a small bathroom, a 600 to 750 millimetre vanity leaves room for the toilet and shower without crowding the space. In a larger bathroom or an ensuite, a 900 to 1,200 millimetre vanity gives more benchtop space and storage.
A double vanity (1,200 millimetres or wider) suits a shared bathroom or master ensuite where two people use the room at the same time. It reduces morning congestion but needs a room wide enough to carry it without blocking the door swing or the shower entry.
Depth matters too. A standard vanity is 450 to 500 millimetres deep. A compact vanity for a powder room or small bathroom may be 350 to 400 millimetres. Shallower vanities free up floor space but hold less.
Basin types
An undermount basin sits below the benchtop. It gives a clean edge, is easy to wipe down and suits stone or engineered-stone tops. An above-counter basin sits on top of the vanity. It adds height and makes a visual statement, but the exposed sides collect dust and the bench height is higher.
An integrated basin is moulded as one piece with the benchtop. It is the easiest to clean — no seam, no edge, no join. It works well in compact vanities and is common in laminate and polymarble units.
A semi-recessed basin sits partly inside the vanity and partly above it. It gives a shallower cabinet while keeping a full-size basin. It suits narrow rooms where depth is limited.
Material and benchtop
Engineered stone is the most common benchtop choice in bathroom renovations. It resists stains, scratches and moisture better than natural stone and comes in a wide range of colours. Natural stone — marble, granite, travertine — adds character but needs sealing and is more porous.
Timber vanity cabinets bring warmth to a tiled room. They suit warm neutral schemes and pair well with brushed brass or brushed nickel fittings. Ensure the timber is sealed or finished for wet-area use — raw timber in a bathroom will not last.
Laminate and polyurethane cabinets are moisture-resistant and cost-effective. They suit a budget or mid-range renovation and are available in a range of colours and textures.
Storage
Drawers are more practical than doors in a vanity. They let you see everything at once, reach items at the back and use the full depth of the cabinet. A two-drawer vanity with an internal divider handles most bathroom storage needs.
A mirrored shaving cabinet above the vanity adds storage without adding floor footprint. It is especially useful in compact bathrooms where the vanity is small.
If the household shares the bathroom, plan storage for multiple sets of toiletries. A single drawer shared between two people fills up fast.
How ETR helps with vanity selection
The vanity is part of the selections process during planning, before site work starts. The on-site measure confirms the room dimensions, the plumbing positions and the wall structure. The written quote names the vanity type, size and material so the scope and price are clear.
ETR's packages start from $18,000 for a Basic renovation. A free on-site measure anywhere in Sydney is the right starting point.
Frequently asked questions
Is a wall-hung vanity better than a freestanding one?
A wall-hung vanity makes the room feel larger and is easier to clean under. It needs solid backing in the wall. A freestanding vanity is simpler to install and can feel more substantial. The right choice depends on the room size, the wall structure and the look you want.
What size vanity do I need for a small bathroom?
A 600 to 750 millimetre vanity suits most small bathrooms. It leaves room for the toilet and shower without crowding the space. A compact vanity with a shallower depth (350 to 400 mm) frees up even more floor area.
What is the best vanity benchtop material for a bathroom?
Engineered stone is the most practical choice for most renovations. It resists stains, scratches and moisture, and comes in a wide range of colours. Natural stone adds character but needs sealing. Laminate and polymarble are cost-effective alternatives.
Should I choose an undermount or above-counter basin?
An undermount basin gives a clean edge and is easy to wipe. An above-counter basin makes a visual statement but collects dust and raises the bench height. An integrated basin — moulded as one piece with the benchtop — is the easiest to clean.
How much storage should a bathroom vanity have?
A two-drawer vanity with an internal divider handles most needs. Add a mirrored shaving cabinet above for extra storage without taking floor space. If the bathroom is shared, plan for storage for multiple sets of toiletries.