As a general rule of thumb, you will want at least a 1/2" of clearance on both sides between the lip of the sink and the inside walls of the cabinet (1/4" is tight, but doable!).
The bathroom lavatory, or sink, should be placed far enough from a wall or shower wall that it's comfortable to use and easy to clean. The NKBA recommends 20″ measuring from the center of the lavatory to the wall. Code is a minimum of 15″ (with 4″from the edge of a pedestal sink to the wall).
Clearance in front of the vanity: 21" minimum, although 30" is recommended for a total of 51" from the wall.
Width of the sink is determined by how much space is available on either side of the sink. E.g., if the countertop is 22″ wide, you only have room for a 16″ sink. If the countertop is over 24″, you can install a sink that is wider (oval). Always leave 4″-6″ or more on either side.
Most sink manufacturers provide a template. Position the template so it is centered on the sink cabinet and is at least 1 1/2 inches back from the countertop's front edge. If your countertop is deeper than 24 inches, place it farther back, but not more than 4 inches.
In nearly all cases, the big answer is yes — you should attach your vanity to the wall. What's more, the vanity should be flush against the wall, with no space between the back and the wall itself. The reason for this is to hide and protect your plumbing.
Vanities are designed to rest flush against the wall because of the purpose they serve. Unless you specifically designed it to stand independent of the wall, it can be an eyesore to find a gap between the cabinet and the wall around it.
The smallest possible size for a full bath is 40 square feet. 40 square feet is the bare minimum that fits a bathtub, shower, toilet, and sink comfortably.
Lay the sink upside down on the counter. Align the mark on the sink with the one on the counter. Adjust the sink to leave 1½ inches between its back edge and the backsplash. Be sure sink is parallel with the counter's edge.
Ideally the sink should be next to the dishwasher, so dirty dishes can be easily rinsed and transferred to the dishwasher. You may also want the trash or food recycling bins to be located nearby to facilitate disposing waste during food preparation or when clearing dishes.
Traditionally the sink was installed below a window to provide a view when washing up but if you prefer to let a dishwasher take the strain, save the view for somewhere you'll linger longer, like the main prep area or a breakfast bar.
No, a bathroom vanity does not need to be attached to a wall. However, there are some benefits to doing so. For one, it can help to prevent the vanity from tipping over.
Small-Bathroom Vanity Placement
A recessed cabinet installed into a sidewall is a smart way to capture space that is typically overlooked. Offsetting the sink in the vanity is a clever option for creating a larger area of open counter space.
Freestanding vanities are a logical choice when you're remodeling a bathroom. Installation is easier than a suspended vanity, because it's not necessary to provide structural support to the vanity. It is important, however, to secure the vanity to the wall so it doesn't move once the plumbing is connected.
Tiny Bathroom Corner Vanity
If you have a tiny bathroom, you'll like this small corner sink vanity. For rooms where there's only space for a toilet and vanity, you'll find this is the perfect option for making the most of this room.
Plumbing supply lines for sinks are usually located on the rear wall under the sink or on the side of the cabinet wall under the sink, though sometimes they're routed through the floor directly under the sink in the center of the vanity or cabinet. Any of these locations is acceptable.
Before installing your bathroom fixtures, keep this general tip in mind: big fixtures, such as toilets, bathtubs, showers, and vanities, should be placed at least 30" apart from each other, a wall, or another feature.
Bathroom sink units do not necessarily need to be attached to a wall, although wall hung vanity units are the most popular type available. And, in smaller bathroom areas, space might mean that a wall mounted bathroom sink unit is the only style that will fit.
'A mirror or mirrored wall could be used behind the vanity to add visual depth, as well as a waterproof solution,' says Rob. 'Or you can avoid a backsplash altogether by using a washstand with one already built-in.
However, there are no hard and fast rules that say a kitchen sink should or shouldn't be centered under a window; if a kitchen island is part of your remodel plans, you may prefer to cite one in close proximity to a stove or grill.
All four designers concur that, if you have the room, a second sink is always advisable. The biggest reason cited was that food prep and cleanup can be assigned their own designated areas.
There are pros and cons to centered and offset drains. But to sum up, we recommend offset drains for small and busy kitchens, and centered drains for larger sinks and quick renovation projects.