Why use a floating vanity?

Author: Lenore Trantow  |  Last update: Monday, August 7, 2023

It makes your bathroom look bigger.
Floating the vanity means the flooring can extend all the way to the wall, which instantly makes a bathroom appear more spacious. And a wall-hung vanity creates more usable space for stashing pieces like a wastebasket or a scale. A little foot room under the sink goes a long way.

What is the point of a floating vanity?

Because they are raised above the floor, floating vanities make bathrooms look larger and help lighten the space, making them a great option for smaller baths and powder rooms. Light is able to bounce off the floor below, which makes the space feel more expansive.

Are floating vanities practical?

Easier to Organize and Clean - Unlike having a base or edges from a freestanding bathroom vanity, cleaning and organizing your bathroom will be much easier and more practical.

Should floating vanity go wall to 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.

How sturdy is a floating vanity?

The wall hung units are not designed to support the full weight of a person, no matter how big or small they may be. This is extremely dangerous because floating vanities tend to have less support than cabinet options.

The Pros & Cons of Floating Vanities

Do floating vanities need extra support?

Support Substructure - This is the most important aspect of the floating vanity. It will not be possible to provide the support necessary for a floating vanity without a significant structure providing the foundation. We recommend that any floating vanity application is mounted directly into a structural wall.

How much weight can a floating vanity support?

Floating Bath Vanity Hold:

On average, a floating bath vanity can typically hold between 100 to 300 pounds of weight.

Do floating vanities make a bathroom look bigger?

More floor space makes a small bathroom appear larger, and an effective way to achieve this is by installing illusion-inducing fixtures like a floating vanity or a pedestal sink. A floating vanity doesn't sit on the ground; it attaches to the wall (so it seems to float in space).

Should you tile behind a floating vanity?

It is not essential to tile behind a wall hung bathroom vanity unit, but it is possible to do if that lines up with your personal preferences. Many would-be renovators will prefer to begin upgrading their bathroom by first tiling the wall before adding a bathroom vanity unit to complete the look.

How high should floating vanity be off the floor?

Even with that flexibility, floating vanities are typically installed with a 34” or 36” counter height. The increased height adds to the effect of the “floating” visual more than a lower 30” or 32” cabinet.

What do you put under a floating vanity?

Floating Vanity Storage

To boost its storage capabilities, consider installing a shelf directly underneath the vanity to hold extra towels and baskets for smaller items. Or simply place large baskets on the floor below the vanity to quickly add storage.

Why do people want double vanities?

Deciding Between Single and Double Vanities. Double bathroom vanities with tops offer all the benefits of a vanity times two, providing space for two individuals to get ready each morning, less stress about sharing the bathroom, and more convenience and flexibility overall.

Can you put granite on a floating vanity?

For many years, granite has been the number one choice for our customers choosing to remodel their bathrooms. It's an especially popular choice for floating vanities, being as granite gives the room a modern feel and a sleek look.

How much space should be between floating vanity and wall?

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″.

What is the best placement for a vanity?

If a window is available, position the vanity nearby to capitalize on natural light. If you're relying on artificial light, install fixtures on either side of the mirror—this will illuminate your face more effectively than overhead lighting alone.

Can you sit on a floating vanity?

Yes, for most normal weight (<100kgs) kids, who sit evenly and steadily on the countertop, not just a little on the edge. Of course, it is better that children don't sit on the floating vanity at all.

Is it OK to not have a backsplash on bathroom vanity?

There are many dangers of having a bathroom vanity without a backsplash. Some include: Wall and paint damage: Water can seep and sit behind your bathroom sink. And, even if you used waterproof paint, you'll still have issues and damage can occur with constant water contact.

Should vanity go on top of flooring?

Generally, flooring contractors prefer that the cabinets go in first so that there is less possibility of the floor getting scratched. Cabinet installers like the floor to be in place so that the cutting and dust from the floor installation will not damage the vanity.

What kind of vanity makes bathroom look bigger?

Replace the Bathroom Vanity Cabinet

For maximum room, replace your vanity cabinet with a cantilevered countertop or with a pedestal sink. Pedestal sinks can be self-installed and cost between $150 and $400. While pedestal sinks give you more floor space, keep in mind that your countertop space will shrink.

Is it better to have bathroom vanity lights facing up or down?

Installation. Most vanity lights can be mounted with lights pointed up or down. Remember to mount the fixture with the lights pointed up for ambient lighting and pointed down for task lighting.

What is the most popular bathroom vanity size?

For a single vanity, the most popular widths are 24", 30", 36", 48", and for double vanities the most popular widths are 60" and 72", but start at 48". The standard depth of a vanity is typically around 20", but narrower options are available. The standard vanity height is 32", but ranges from 30" – 36".

Does bathroom vanity need overhang?

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.

Can a vanity be too big for a bathroom?

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.

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