The Best Vanities for Small Bathrooms

In the UK, space is a luxury, so selecting the right vanities for small bathrooms is essential for creating a functional and stylish home. To help simplify your decision, we’ve compiled a list of small sinks and vanities for small bathrooms, along with clever storage solutions to make the most of your bathroom’s potential.

When choosing between different types of vanities for small bathrooms, you should first consider the layout of your space. If you’re renovating, you may be limited to the choices of bathroom vanity; however, if you’re building a new bathroom, you can prioritise the placement of your vanity to make the most of your space.

A wall hung vanity, often referred to as a ‘floating’ vanity, is one of the most practical vanity designs for small bathrooms. By keeping the floor open and uncluttered, it creates the illusion of a larger space. Wall-hung vanities can easily fit into unconventional spots like between baths and toilets, offering a sleek, minimalist look while maintaining a sense of openness.

A freestanding vanity is a stand-alone piece of furniture that can be easily adapted into a vanity for small bathrooms.

You can create one from almost anything, making it a budget-friendly choice that doesn't require professional installation like a floating vanity, other than for plumbing requirements. It's also a great way to infuse character into your space, as you can repurpose old furniture from vintage stores. You can also customise a freestanding vanity to fit into awkward spaces, making it an ideal solution for bathrooms with unusual layouts.

An L-shaped vanity for small bathrooms are a great option if you’re looking for space-saving bathroom vanities. By tucking it between two walls, L-shaped vanities provide ample storage and countertop surface without encroaching on the room's limited floor space. This design also helps create a more open feel, enhancing flow while maintaining functionality and accessibility.

A single vanity is a unit designed for one basin, making it the best type of vanity designs for small bathrooms or powder rooms. In contrast, a double vanity accommodates two basins and offers ample countertop space, making it perfect for simultaneous use by multiple individuals, especially in larger families— however, these are recommended for larger bathrooms.

When it comes to choosing a vanity for a small bathroom, size is key to ensuring both functionality and style. Generally, a vanity width of 60cm to 90cm is ideal for compact spaces. This size allows for sufficient storage while still leaving enough room to navigate around the bathroom comfortably.

A vanity between 45cm and 50cm in depth is suitable, as it provides ample surface area without overwhelming the space. Standard vanities are typically around 80cm in height, but opting for a slightly lower or higher option can help tailor the vanity to your specific needs.

Ultimately, the best size will depend on your bathroom’s layout and your personal preferences, so it’s important to measure your space carefully before making a decision.

The cost of a small vanity varies based on the brand, materials, and quality. Generally speaking, the average price for a vanity can range from £100–£600, with designer vanities reaching upwards of £1,000.

If you’re working with a strict budget, there are more affordable options on the market, such as repurposing a second-hand vanity or turning vintage furniture into a vanity — both of which are also environmentally conscious.

A top mount sink, often referred to as a drop-in sink in the UK, is a basin that remains visibly above the countertop. This includes sinks that sit completely on the surface or are installed in a pre-cut opening, with the rim resting on and supported by the countertop. Overmount sinks are perfect for compact spaces, like recycled freestanding vanities, as they don’t require heavy-duty materials for support. They simply sit on top, making installation straightforward by removing the need for cutouts or complicated fittings.

Undermount sinks are installed beneath the countertop with no exposed rim, creating a seamless, uniform look. Secured with brackets or adhesive, they are ideal for maximising countertop space; however, they do require ample cabinet space for plumbing and housing the sink, making them less ideal if storage is a priority over countertop space.

If you’re really short on space and storage isn’t a priority, such as in a powder room, opt for smaller wall hung or pedestal sinks. With so many variations in style available, wall-hung and pedestal basins allow you to express your creativity without taking up valuable floor space.

Small vanities often lack bench and cabinet space, so maximising storage elsewhere in the room is key. Consider adding floating or built-in shelves or a vertical narrow vanity unit to take advantage of wall space. If your vanity doesn't have drawers, use baskets underneath to keep items organised while adding texture to the room, preventing a stark, closed-off look. 

If you want more hidden storage, consider a mirrored medicine cabinet for smaller essentials, and install hand towel rails on the side of your vanity to reduce wall clutter.

Carefully choosing vanities for small bathrooms can greatly enhance both functionality and style. With plenty of bathroom vanity ideas for small bathrooms on the market— choosing the right one for your space is all about starting with a thoughtful plan! With our curated list of considerations, even the tiniest bathroom can feel open, organised, and welcoming.

Need further inspiration for your small bathroom? Check out these blogs:
 

Small Bathroom Ideas On a Budget

7 Design Hacks to Make a Small Bathroom Feel Bigger

6 Bathroom Organisation Ideas to Smarten Your Space