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.
Clear floor space
NKBA designers recommend a 30″ clearance between the front edge of a fixture, such as a vanity or toilet, and any other fixture or wall. The building code allows for a minimum of 21″.
One of the best ways to do that is to use silicone caulk. Another way is to use a backsplash or backer rod to ensure the vanity is flush against the wall.
Side splashes depend on the people using the vanity. If you only do handwashing then you could probably live without one. But if you splash a lot then your wall paint is going to start to peel. You only need one.
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.
If you're wondering if you should get a bathroom vanity backsplash or not, you're not alone. Many homeowners wonder the same thing. And the answer is, if you don't have a pedestal sink that sits against your bathroom wall, you'll likely benefit from having a bathroom vanity backsplash.
It isn't imperative to tile behind a vanity unit and whether or not you choose to do so depends entirely on your own preferences. Some homeowners choose to begin their bathroom updates by tiling the wall and then adding the vanity unit, simply because it suits them and it's how they would like to approach the project.
A standard bathroom cabinet overhang is about 1 to 1 1/2-inches. This slight overhang is attractive and helps protect the cabinets below the counters from spills. However, some homeowners desire a larger or smaller overhang due to the benefits each can offer.
Water control: If water collects on the surface of your countertop, it's important that the surface is as level as possible so the water can pool in place instead of spreading across the surface. That water can drip onto the floor and make the surface unexpectedly slippery.
Caulk around a cabinet bathroom vanity where the backsplash and side splash rest against the walls to provide extra protection. Also, caulk between the countertop and side splash and backsplash to prevent water from seeping in the cracks.
Instead, think about the overall size of your new bathroom and plan to install a vanity that will fit comfortably within it. Having a vanity that's too large in a smaller bathroom will make the entire room less functional and comfortable.
Small-Bathroom Vanity Placement
Placing a vanity in a corner takes advantage of every inch of floor space and also allows for storage options on two walls. A recessed cabinet installed into a sidewall is a smart way to capture space that is typically overlooked.
Standard spacing for a vanity mirror(s) is 5-10 inches from the vanity sink to the bottom of the mirror. That range of spacing allows for height considerations for who the bathroom is intended for so the mirror can be set eye level for the viewer, as well considering the overall size and shape of the mirror itself.
Yes, Vanities Should Be Attached to the Wall
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.
If the top is on a free standing vanity (no walls on either side) the top should be 2” LONGER (B) than the vanity to allow for 1” overhang on each side.
Usually, the conventional overhang of a countertop should be placed at 1 to 1 ½ inches above the cabinet. At the same time, the bared and exposed ends of a countertop should usually have a ½ inch overhang. The edges that suffice to a wall should not have any overhang to retain the fit flush to the wall.
Between splashing water and various toiletries, the wall behind your vanity can take a lot of abuse. A backsplash not only prevents any damage to the drywall, but it also provides an easy-to-clean surface when trying to scrub away spots of toothpaste or other substances that end up splattered on the wall.
When tiles are laid horizontally, and to the ceiling, the bathroom looks wider and more spacious. Compare this to a vertical laid tile, which tends to make the ceilings look taller but the space tighter.
We opted to skip grouting that 1/8″ space and instead, caulk that line between the countertop and the tile. Keeping this space is a must because as your house settles things may move around and you don't want your tile to crack.
Clearance in front of the vanity: 21" minimum, although 30" is recommended for a total of 51" from the wall.
'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. '
The standard height for a backsplash is usually 3-4 inches, but going with a higher backsplash will add elegance and a custom appearance. Consider using wall mounted fixtures with an extra high backsplash. Continuing the backsplash up the entire wall will add dramatic effect while doubling as a focal point.