Are bathroom vanities and kitchen cabinets the same?

Author: Roscoe Glover DVM  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Kitchen cabinets tend to be larger in all three dimensions compared to bathroom cabinets. That's because kitchen cabinets are often used for storing large objects such as pots and pans, as well as woks, slow cookers and other rarely used cooking equipment. Usually, the bathroom tends to have more limited floor space.

What is the difference between a vanity and a kitchen cabinet?

The biggest difference lies in their height and depth. Kitchen cabinets typically measure around 35 inches (without the top), whereas vanity cabinets measure around 29-30 inches (without the top). When it comes to depth, kitchen cabinets are usually around 23 inches and vanity cabinets around 21 inches.

Can I use a kitchen cabinet as a bathroom vanity?

While you can use kitchen cabinets in the bathroom, you'd better be prepared for a lot of work. For example, you'll need to remove any drawers in the kitchen cabinet to make room for under-sink plumbing.

Are bathroom cabinets the same as kitchen cabinets?

While standard kitchen cabinets are 24” deep, bathroom cabinets clock in at 21” deep. This means kitchen cabinets offer more storage space. Additionally, bathroom cabinets are generally shorter than kitchen cabinets, about 31” tall compared to 34 1/2” cabinets in the kitchen.

What is the difference between bathroom vanity and bathroom cabinet?

Let's take a closer look at each. All bathroom cabinets topped with a sink are considered vanities. However, if you have extra bathroom cabinets that aren't attached to any sink and are just used for storage, these aren't considered vanities. A vanity is used not only or storage, but also to hide exposed plumbing.

Why are bathroom vanities lower than kitchen cabinets?

Why are bathroom vanities lower than kitchen cabinets?

Bathroom base cabinets and vanities are typically lower than kitchen countertops because they are designed for tasks done seated or when bending at the waist, such as applying makeup or shaving.

Why are bathroom vanities shorter than kitchen cabinets?

Having a slightly shorter cabinet makes it easier to use without hurting your back or bumping your face against the sides of the sink.

How to modify kitchen cabinet to bathroom vanity?

  1. Step 1: Remove Top. Unscrew the top of the cabinet and remove it from the frame. ...
  2. Step 2: Reinforce Frame. ...
  3. Step 3: Cut Subtop. ...
  4. Step 4: Remove Back of Cabinet. ...
  5. Step 5: Reinforce the New Frame. ...
  6. Step 6: Remove Original Support Beams. ...
  7. Step 7: Attach Subtop. ...
  8. Step 8: Cut and Modify Drawers.

What is another name for bathroom cabinet?

In truth, all bathroom cabinets topped with a sink are considered vanities, but not all bathroom vanities are considered cabinets. Notice that we said, "topped with sink?" If you have a set of bathroom cabinets that are used for extra storage, and aren't connected to a sink, the term vanity would not apply.

What do you call the cabinet in the bathroom?

The general term for the different units that house the sink/s, storage and surrounding bench space in the bathroom. Sometimes, vanity also refers to a wider vanity area in the bathroom that includes above the sink and hardware such as mirrors, lighting and separate tap fixtures. Not all vanities are cabinets!

Is it cheaper to build a vanity or buy one?

Typically a custom vanity costs about twice as much as a prefab vanity because there are more subcontractors involved in making and putting the vanity together.

Can I use Ikea kitchen cabinets in my bathroom?

Once again proving that Ikea kitchen cabinets are a great solution for bathroom storage, this renovation used bases from the Sektion line to create a blend of drawers (large and small) and spacious cabinets.

Can a wood cabinet go in a bathroom?

Consider these popular wood types for your bathroom cabinets: Hard maple: Maple hardwood is water-resistant, giving your cabinets a stylish off-white to light brown look that can resist humidity. Cherry: Cherry is a durable hardwood that resists shrinking and warping, making it a durable choice for bathroom cabinets.

What is considered a kitchen cabinet?

Kitchen cabinets are the built-in furniture installed in many kitchens for storage of food, cooking equipment, and often silverware and dishes for table service. Appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens are often integrated into kitchen cabinetry.

Can you make any cabinet a vanity?

Turns out, crafting your own vanity out of a storage cabinet, console or even a dresser is surprisingly easy and a great way to go to get the look you're after at a price point you can afford.

What is the kitchen cabinet with sink called?

A sink base cabinet is a cabinet that has been built to support or include a sink. The size and dimensions of the sink base cabinet typically depends on the size of the sink that is installed into it. Sink base cabinets are traditionally installed in bathrooms, kitchens and wet-bars.

Why are bathroom cabinets called vanities?

What we call a vanity today was originally called a “toilet table.” In fact, there are records of Thomas Chippendale (a renowned London cabinetmaker) making a “toylet table” in 1762. Over the next century, the popular term became “dressing table” and then eventually “vanity table.”

What are vanities called?

The vanity table has been dubbed many titles throughout its history including: toilet table, dressing stand, dressing table, and vanity.

What are bathroom accessories called?

Bathroom furniture related to the transportation of water are commonly referred to as 'plumbing fixtures', whilst bathroom-specific components, like vanity units, are frequently called 'bathroom fixtures'.

Can you put a sink in any base cabinet?

Consider the size of the sink. The base cabinet should be wide enough to accommodate the sink, with additional space on either side for plumbing and dish soap. It should also be deep enough to prevent water from spilling out onto the floor. Think about the type of material you want the cabinet to be made of.

How can I update my existing vanity?

  1. Clean It Up. Wipe down the vanity with a damp cloth and allow it to dry completely. ...
  2. Remove Hardware. Using the appropriate screwdriver, remove all door and drawer pulls from the vanity. ...
  3. Sand It. ...
  4. Prime It. ...
  5. Paint. ...
  6. Distress the Edges. ...
  7. Attach Doors, Drawers and Hardware. ...
  8. Replace Faucet.

Are kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets the same height?

Usually, the bathroom tends to have more limited floor space. The standard height for kitchen cabinets is 34 inches high. Bathroom cabinets come in a little shorter, typically at 31 inches. These cabinets are also shallower, with a standard depth of 21 inches, versus 24 inches for kitchen models.

What is the trend height of a bathroom vanity now?

With the most common design being a top-mount or under-mount sink, that means most vanities will be measured to the surface of the countertop. Standard bathroom vanity height starts at 32” and goes up to 36”, with 34” typically leaning towards the new universal average.

Should vanity and medicine cabinet be same size?

Typically, your medicine cabinet should be narrower or the same width as the vanity. To determine the height, measure the distance between your lights and faucet. Choose a medicine cabinet size that provides clearance above the faucet and below the lights.

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