When planning a bathroom renovation, choosing the right vanity is one of the most important design decisions you will make. The vanity unit is a vital element in any bathroom renovation, as it unifies storage, functionality, and style in one feature. It sets the tone for the overall look of the bathroom, provides useful storage, and plays a big role in how your bathroom looks and feels. One of the first choices many homeowners face is whether to go with a wall-mounted (also known as a floating vanity) or a freestanding (floor-mounted) unit.
What Is A Wall-Mounted Vanity?
A wall-mounted vanity, also known as a floating vanity, is a bathroom cabinet and basin unit that is securely fixed to the wall, without any contact with the floor. A wall-mounted vanity is securely fixed to the wall using heavy-duty brackets or mounting frames designed to support the unit’s weight, the basin, and any items stored inside. The mounting brackets remain firm and sturdy by being securely affixed to solid wall structures or reinforced studwork, ensuring they can safely support the full weight of the vanity and basin over time.
Wall-mounted vanities come in a wide range of sizes, materials, and finishes, from compact units for tight spaces to double-basin options for family bathrooms or master suites. Most models include integrated storage in the form of soft-close drawers or doors, helping to keep toiletries and everyday items organised and out of sight. Despite their minimalist look, many floating vanities provide ample storage space, all while keeping a sleek and modern design.
What Is A Floor-Standing Vanity?
A floor-standing vanity is a bathroom unit that sits directly on the floor and supports its own weight without needing to be fixed to the wall for structural support. These vanities typically come with legs or a solid base and are among the most common choices in modern and traditional bathroom designs. They are designed to support the basin and offer built-in storage underneath, without needing to be fixed to the wall for support. A floor-standing vanity is simple to fit, as it requires minimal wall support and can often be installed directly over existing plumbing.
Most floor-standing vanities include built-in storage such as drawers, shelves, or cupboard sections. Depending on the style and level of access needed, they come in both open-leg designs and fully enclosed bases. Floor-standing vanities are available in various materials and styles, from traditional wood finishes to more modern gloss or matte units, offering options for most bathroom design preferences.
Floor-Standing vs. Wall-Mounted Vanity
Installation Time And Complexity
Installing a floor-mounted vanity is generally straightforward and doesn’t usually require major structural changes, making it a convenient option for many bathroom renovations. Since the unit is designed to sit directly on the floor, it supports its own weight and doesn’t rely on wall strength for stability. Installation typically involves positioning the unit against the wall, connecting the plumbing through the rear or base of the vanity, and securing it with basic fixings to prevent movement. The simplicity of the process often leads to shorter fitting times and can reduce overall labour costs
Installing a wall-mounted vanity is more complex than fitting a floor-standing unit, as it must be securely fixed to the wall to support the full weight of the vanity, basin, fittings, and stored items. For proper support, the wall needs to be solid brick or block, or reinforced with timber studwork or noggins if it’s a plasterboard wall. Heavy-duty brackets or a metal frame are used to anchor the unit directly into the wall structure, not just the surface. This type of installation requires more time, precision, and potentially higher costs due to the need for wall preparation and plumbing adjustments.
Storage Consideration
Floor-standing vanities often offer more storage space than wall-mounted units, making them a practical choice for busy households or family bathrooms. They typically come with deeper drawers, larger cupboards, or a combination of both, giving you plenty of room to store toiletries, cleaning products, towels, and other bathroom essentials. Because they sit directly on the floor, they can fully use the available height and depth, allowing for more generous internal space. This can help keep your bathroom tidy and reduce the need for extra shelving or storage units elsewhere in the room.
Wall-mounted vanities usually offer less storage than floor-standing units, but they are still designed to be practical and efficient. Most models include drawers or cupboards that provide enough space for everyday items like toiletries, towels, and cleaning supplies. While they don’t sit on the floor, many are cleverly designed with internal organisers or soft-close drawers to make the most of their compact size. They’re ideal for smaller bathrooms where saving space is important, and they help keep the floor area clear, making the room feel bigger and less cluttered.
Cleaning Access
Floor-standing vanities can be slightly harder to clean, especially at the base and behind the unit. Depending on the design, dust, hair, and moisture can collect in the gaps around the legs or under the cabinet, which may be tricky to reach without moving the unit. Some models come with a solid plinth or full base that sits flush with the floor, which helps block dirt from gathering underneath but can still make cleaning tight corners more difficult. Regular cleaning around the edges is needed to keep the area hygienic and tidy.
Wall-mounted vanities are generally easier to clean because they leave open space underneath the unit. This simplifies sweeping or mopping the floor, helping you keep the bathroom tidy and free from dust or moisture build-up. With no legs or base touching the floor, there are fewer corners or gaps where dirt can collect, making them a good choice for low-maintenance bathrooms. The clear floor area also helps the room feel more open and spacious.
Design Style And Visual Appeal
Freestanding vanities are often chosen for their traditional look, especially in classic, Victorian, or country-style bathrooms, where their solid design works well with other period features. Since they sit directly on the floor, they have a strong visual presence and can give the bathroom a built-in feel. Many include details like decorative legs, shaker-style doors, or plinths that add to their style. Modern versions are also available in finishes like high-gloss white, matte black, or wood-effect laminates, making them a great fit for contemporary or minimalist spaces.
Wall-mounted vanities have a modern, minimalist look that works well in contemporary and small bathrooms. Their floating design leaves the floor visible, which helps the room feel more open and less crowded. These units often come in sleek finishes like gloss white, matte black, or wood effect, and can be fitted with LED lighting underneath for a soft, calming glow. They’re available in various sizes and colours, making matching them with your tiles, taps, and overall bathroom design easy. A wall-mounted vanity unit gives the space a modern, luxury bathroom style.
Design Flexibility
Freestanding vanity units come in a wide range of styles, sizes, and finishes, giving you flexibility when choosing a design that suits your bathroom. However, while there’s plenty of choice during the selection stage, the height of a freestanding unit is fixed, based on the manufacturer’s design. This means it can’t be adjusted during installation and must be placed directly on the floor as designed. While there is flexibility in choosing the unit itself, its final positioning is limited by its fixed height and floor-standing design.
Wall-mounted vanity units are flexible in design, especially when it comes to positioning during installation. Since they’re fixed to the wall, the height can be adjusted to suit different needs, whether for family use or improved accessibility. They come in a range of sizes, from compact single units to wider double-basin options, and are available in various finishes and styles. Many designs include soft-close drawers or handleless fronts, offering a modern look with practical storage.
Conclusion
Choosing between a wall-mounted or freestanding vanity depends on your bathroom layout, style, and everyday needs. Wall-mounted units offer a modern look, adjustable height, and easier cleaning, while freestanding vanities give you more storage, a traditional style, and are easier to install. Both come in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit different spaces. Think about how you use your bathroom day to day, and pick the option that works best for your home. Our experienced design team is ready to help you select the ideal vanity solution for your bathroom and lifestyle.