Even though a vanity isn’t a must-have element for the bathroom, choosing to include one in your setup can improve the functionality and looks of the room. A vanity provides you with some much-needed storage shower-organizer and practical counter space and can be a unique opportunity to show some personality in a room that’s primarily utilitarian. From classic basin-and-cupboard combos we all know and love to sleek modern designs that steal the show – there are vanity designs for every bathroom style and every taste.
However, while most homeowners have no problem finding a vanity design that they love, settling for a mounting style isn’t always easy. In the bathroom, vanities are usually installed in one of two ways – wall hung or floor mounted. Here are some of the main characteristics of both types to help you decide which one is better suited for your space and preferences.
What Is a Wall Hung Vanity?
Wall-hung vanities are directly mounted to the wall instead of standing on the floor. Because of this, they are also called floating vanities. The space underneath a wall hung vanity is left free and can be utilized for other purposes. Wall hung vanities are available in different sizes and you can choose between units with one or two basins. This type of vanity can be mounted at different heights on the wall allowing you to precisely adjust the height of the basin so that it suits you best.
Appearance
Even though they are available in a variety of designs, floating vanities tend to be more popular in contemporary bathrooms and minimalist or Scandi-style spaces. As it lacks legs, a wall hung vanity has a streamlined and slightly more minimalist look than the freestanding type. In addition, this also makes it a great option for tiny bathrooms as it gives the illusion of more space. Because space can be left free beneath the vanity, there are no obstructions on the floor and the whole area appears larger. So, even though a wall-mounted vanity can take up the same amount of space as a freestanding model, it’s a much better option for small bathrooms from a visual standpoint.
Functionality
But because wall-mounted vanities do not extend to the floor, they tend to be narrower than a floor mounted vanity. As a result, they feature less drawers and shelves which may cause problems when storage and organisation is concerned. However, what they lack in storage, they usually make up for with counter space. Although they are often narrower, wall-mounted vanities are usually longer. This makes them a good option if you want to include two sinks into your designs or simply need more counter space for your grooming needs.
Ease of Use
A great advantage wall mounted vanities have is that they can be attached at different heights, allowing you to precisely adjust them to suit users best. In fact, installing a wall hung vanity is one way you can make the bathroom more accessible for a person who uses a mobility aid, like a wheelchair. A wall-mounted vanity can allow wheelchair users to get closer to the sink by allowing their legs to fit under the vanity.
Installation Requirements
When installing a wall mounted vanity, you need to make sure that the wall is reinforced and properly framed to be able to support the weight of the vanity. In some cases, a steel carrier may need to be fitted inside the wall. As a result, sometimes installing a wall-mounted vanity can involve additional expenses regarding wall remodeling.
What Is a Floor Mounted Vanity?
A floor mounted vanity, also called freestanding, is placed directly on the floor or occasionally screwed to the wall behind. But in any case, installing a floor mounted vanity is much easier and faster than installing a wall-mounted one.
Appearance
Floor mounted vanities are available in a variety of designs from elaborate to sleek. But since they are wider, many floor mounted vanities feature intricate details for adding some drama to the bathroom. They often have bump outs, curves and engravings that are more difficult to create in a wall mounted unit. Because of this, ornate floor mounted vanities are the best choice for rustic, vintage or Victorian-style bathrooms.
Functionality
Floor mounted vanities usually provide more storage than wall-hung varieties as they can feature more drawers or shelves. And since a freestanding vanity is placed directly on the floor, you don’t have to bother cleaning underneath it. This helps reduce the time you spent cleaning your bathroom. Plus, unlike wall-hung vanities, a floor mounted unit can cover up any exposed sink plumbing.
Ease of Use
Since floor mounted vanities can’t be installed at different levels, you also need to factor in the height and size of your sink so that you can choose a model that will suit users. But with some measuring and taking your time to find a model with the right dimensions, a floor mounted vanity can be comfortable to use. However, a floor-mounted vanity isn’t considered an accessible design option for wheelchair users.