Designing your new bathroom brings with it a lot of considerations. As modern style takes over and more people are looking to create a relaxing space for their home, floating bathroom vanities come up in discussion. These unique vanities look great because they are unlike anything else out there. They also provide storage while still making the space appear larger since they’re off the floor.
There are many things to appreciate about floating vanities, but there is also a lot to learn for first-timers. In this guide, we’ll cover all the details about floating vanities, including when to use them, installation considerations, pros and cons, and more.
48 Inch Floating Bathroom Vanity in Oak
What Is a Floating Vanity?
A floating vanity is a unit mounted on the wall but does not touch the floor, creating the look of floating in the space. These cabinets come in all sizes and styles and can be installed at the perfect height for any need. They also are available in a range of materials, including laminate, wood, and more, allowing you to match materials and create a welcoming and modern space.
Like all vanities, floating vanities are available in rustic, modern, contemporary, and even farmhouse and distressed designs. This can add to the visual appeal and ensure that your vanity matches your design aesthetic, even if you want to install a more modern floating vanity. You will find all styles to choose from, but first, let’s talk a little more about these vanities and what they offer.
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60 Inch Floating Vanity Double Sink in Blue
Advantages of Floating Vanities
As you’ve probably already figured out, tons of benefits come with installing a bathroom vanity that floats. At the same time, there may be some drawbacks, but they aren’t nearly as apparent as the perks. In addition to creating the look of more space and opening up the bathroom, floating vanities also:
- Make cleaning easier because you won’t have nooks, crannies, and under-cabinet spaces where dust and dirt can hide.
- Create organized spaces with plenty of storage options for makeup, etc.
- Streamlines the sink and cabinet, creating a more minimalist, elegant look than other vanity styles. It can also show off other features in your bathroom, such as that spa-like tub you installed.
- Accommodate every possible height needed within a bathroom space.
- Break up the look of another fixture on the floor, creating a more eye-catching design.
- Offer accessibility for kids, older adults, and those with mobility needs since the space underneath can accommodate stools, wheelchairs, walkers, etc.
When Should You Use a Floating Vanity?
There is no right or wrong time to install a floating vanity – ultimately, if it’s something you like for your bathroom, it’s worth considering. Floating vanities are designed to increase the space in your bathroom when you have limited floor room. The space underneath makes the cabinets feel lighter, making it easy to create a wide-open feeling even in a smaller space.
These vanities can also accommodate any height that you want. Since they’re installed on the wall, you can choose the installation height, which will, in turn, determine the counter height. This gives people a lot more flexibility in sizing than a standard vanity cabinet might offer. You can also use this vanity to finish off your modern bathroom space and make it a conversation piece of sorts.
If you want to modernize and open up your bathroom, a floating vanity could be a perfect choice.
24 Inch Modern Grey Smoke Floating Single Bathroom Vanity
What Are the Different Styles of Floating Vanities?
As with other vanity styles, floating vanities have many options for the type of space you can get. You can stick with a standard single vanity, which is smaller in design and made to fit just one sink. You can also install a double vanity, which offers room for two sink and more storage space. Some vanities include mirrors, light fixtures, and complementary pieces to finish the look.
When it comes to choosing the right vanity style, understanding your options is the first step. Floating vanities are available in as many types and styles as other vanities, and some even include modern features like vessel sinks. For premium warmth and durability, consider bamboo floating vanities for your renovation.
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Installation Considerations
Of course, there are a lot of considerations that you need to keep in mind when installing one of these vanities. As with any vanity project, you need to make sure that you have the sizing and installation process factored into your decision to get the finished look you seek.
When you are looking to install a floating vanity, you’ll typically want to investigate how much space you have and what kind of vanity space you need (or want). Grab your tape measure and ensure there’s space for everything, first and foremost. The last thing you want to do is buy a vanity that doesn’t fit the space.
Floating vanities are a little trickier to install because they must be anchored to the wall. Setting these cabinets off the floor requires durable, sturdy hardware that attaches the vanity to the studs in the wall for maximum security. It’s also important to ensure that the cabinet is level when installing and that the height off the ground doesn’t impact the counter height (making it too high).
Ultimately, it’s best to have a professional install your floating vanity. To help you better understand the process, here are some details on height and securing the vanity cabinet.
Related: The Rise In Popularity Of Black Bathroom Vanities
30 Inch Floating Bathroom Vanity
How Far Off the Floor Should a Floating Vanity Be?
Most bathroom vanity counters measure about 36 inches in height, which is also the standard for kitchen cabinets. Guest baths may have slightly shorter vanities, as will kids’ bathrooms (usually no more than 30 inches for the kiddos). If you want to have a 36 inch height on your floating vanity that measures 30 inches high, you’ll want to install it six inches off the floor to get the right height.
Always measure more than once and make sure that you factor in the vanity height to achieve the right installation for your vanity cabinet overall. Again, a professional installer can help you with this process and make sure that your floating vanity is installed at the right height.
20 Inch Modern Gold Floating Console Bathroom Sink
How Do You Secure a Floating Vanity to the Wall?
Floating vanities have their own installation process. While traditional cabinets typically sit on the floor and may be secured to the wall by a few well-placed screws, a floating vanity needs more than that. The wall is holding the weight of the cabinet, which means it needs to support that weight. Fortunately, it’s fairly simple to install these cabinets for professionals who know what they are doing.
Some floating vanities include braces you install to the wall and then attach the vanity to the brace. While you’re doing all this, you’ll want something on the floor that can support the vanity at the right height for installation so that you can make all the necessary measurements and see what the finished installation will look like.
Once the cabinet has been attached to the wall, it should be tested for sturdiness. Don’t put all your weight on it, by any means, but simply press down on the front of the counter, nudge the corner of the vanity a little, and make sure that everything is secure and doesn’t budge when touched.
Related: Should You Choose A Medicine Cabinet Or A Vanity With Lots Of Storage?
73 Inch Floating Oak Bathroom Vanity
As you can see, there are several things to look forward to with floating bathroom vanities. You will need to ensure that the floor under the cabinet is properly installed, clean, and presentable. This is often when people realize they need flooring in places where it wasn’t before. Floating vanities also cost a bit more than other styles, but they’re well worth it in most cases.
If you address the plumbing and installation concerns and choose a vanity that fits your style, you’ll find that the floating look can create the space you’ve always dreamed of. And when you work with a dedicated installation professional, you’ll know that everything has been addressed, and you won’t have to worry about anything.
Related: Decluttering Your Bathroom Is The Key To Redecorating
72 Inch Double Sink Floating Vanity
Conclusion
Whether you’re just looking for a more modern space or trying to find a unique way to open up your bathroom, a floating vanity unit could be the ideal choice. They come in so many styles and designs that there is something for every space. You can find single sinks, double sinks, and all kinds of variations in between. And now that you know more about them and their installation, you’ll be prepared for your bathroom upgrade.
Remember to talk to your installation professional about the process; they will help guide you every step. Floating vanities are making a statement that can be the perfect statement for your bathroom.
Resources
https://www.hunker.com/13725685/floating-bathroom-vanity-what-you-should-know
https://www.reico.com/about-us/blog/2020/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-floating-vanity-cabinets/