If you’re in the process of remodeling a master or guest bathroom, you’ve probably considered switching out the vanity. A new vanity can completely change the look and feel of a bathroom by introducing new design features and opening up or closing off some of the space. Yet, no matter how big or small your bathroom, vanities typically come in standard sizes.
Traditionally, the standard height of a bathroom vanity is between 30-32 inches (76-81 cm) tall. As new designs and styles take over, though, that range has widened and you can now get vanities built to whatever height you need. Before you order a custom vanity, though, take time to consider how high it should really be.
In this guide, we’ll help explain everything you need to know about vanities, how tall they are, and what you should consider before installing a vanity that breaks with the traditional standards.
Standard Bathroom Vanity Sizes
Before you purchase and install a new vanity, consider how much room you have to work with and how big the vanity is. The only way to make sure that it will fit your bathroom is to get measurements for the height, width, and depth of the vanity prior to installation.
Bathroom Vanity HEIGHT
Traditionally, there hasn’t been much variation in the height of bathroom vanities. For the majority of the 20th century, vanities all measured between 30 and 32 inches (76 and 81 cm) tall.
This height is ideal for anyone of average height or families with children. You’ll be able to reach the counter without having to bend over or stand on tiptoes.
Bathroom Vanity WIDTH
There are no standard widths for bathroom vanities. The width depends on how much room you have available in the bathroom and whether you want a single sink or double sink.
Most vanities measure between 24-72 inches (61-83 cm) wide, so you’ll have plenty of variety to choose from. If you want a vanity that’s narrower or wider than those dimensions, you may have to custom order what you want:
- Single-Sink Vanities – On average, bathroom vanities with a single sink measure between 30-48 inches (76-122 cm) wide. While they don’t take up as much room as a double vanity, this can be a hassle if you need more storage space. For this reason, single-sink vanities are usually reserved for smaller bathrooms, such as a guest bathroom or a children’s bathroom. For more details, read What’s the Perfect Size Bathroom Sink for My Vanity?
- Double-Sink Vanities – On average, vanities with a double sink measure between 60-72 inches (152.5-183 cm) wide. Double sink vanities have much more cabinet space, making them the ideal addition to a primary bathroom in a home owned by a couple. Two people can share the vanity at the same time without getting in each other’s way. However, you need more bathroom space if you want a double sink.
Bathroom Vanity DEPTH
The last thing you need to measure is the depth of a potential new bathroom vanity. Nearly all bathroom vanities come with cabinet space for storing toiletries, cleaning products, and extra towels. While this added cabinet space is a guaranteed benefit, if you don’t have much room, you’ll have to find a shallower vanity that fits your space.
Most modern vanities with attached cabinets are around 17 to 24 (43 to 61 cm) inches deep.
If you want extra counter space or more storage, you can custom order a deeper vanity.
Why are Bathroom Vanities Traditionally So Low?
If you are taller than average, you’ve likely wondered why bathroom vanities are so low.
While it’s certainly frustrating to bend over just to wash your hands, keep in mind that not everyone might find vanities as low as you do. It all comes down to how your height compares to the average height of Americans 100 years ago.
In the last century, Americans have gained access to better nutrition and healthcare, allowing our bodies to grow faster and taller than before.
On average, American men are now 3 inches (7.5 cm) taller than they were 100 years ago, while women have grown an extra 3.5 inches (9 cm) in the same amount of time.
As Americans have grown taller, interior design hasn’t kept up at the same rate. Today, many bathroom vanities may seem too low simply because they were designed for our grandparents’ and great-grandparents’ heights. Children and the elderly would likely argue that vanities are the perfect height.
However, if you want a taller bathroom vanity, we recommend investing in a comfort vanity.
Comfort vanities are slightly taller, averaging around 36 inches (91.5 cm) tall, compared to the shorter 30-inch (76 cm) standard bathroom vanity height.
Bathroom Vanities for Tall Folks
If you’re taller than average, a standard bathroom vanity height might be a bit too short for your comfort.
If you’re above 6 feet tall (183 cm), a 30-inch (76 cm) bathroom vanity will likely sit below your waistline, forcing you to lean over to use the sink. Instead, you may want to find a taller bathroom vanity.
Although the average bathroom vanity height is 32 inches (81 cm), you’ll want to search for taller “comfort height vanities” that measure around 36 inches (91.5 cm) tall. This extra bit of height puts the countertop right above your waistline so you don’t have to bend over to wash your hands or use the sink. If you’re not sure what height is best for you, grab a tape measure and head to your kitchen.
Use the Kitchen Counter as a Benchmark
Why the kitchen?
Well, if you have no problem chopping vegetables on your kitchen counter, then your bathroom vanity height should be the same as the kitchen counter height.
If the kitchen counter is a bit short for you, measure the height of your kitchen counter. Next, measure the height from the countertop to the top of your hip bones. Add the two numbers and that will tell you how tall of a vanity you need.
Are There Codes for Bathroom Vanity Height?
There are currently no legal regulations for how tall a bathroom vanity should be, but the National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends a wide range of heights from 32 inches (81 cm) to 43 inches (109 cm) to accommodate a variety of people.
If you’re concerned about state building codes, you can find more information about each US state’s requirements here. You’ll find a state-by-state guide for every local building code.
Types of Vanities and How They Measure Up
Bathroom vanities should perfectly blend storage, utility, and style. Finding the right vanity for your bathroom may take time but you’ll appreciate the end result if you can achieve the right balance.
Before you settle on something subpar, consider these popular trends that are both stylish yet functional:
Floating Vanities
Floating vanities are typically installed around 32 inches (81 cm) above the ground. They are a modern trend known for their flexible yet chic aesthetic. As their name suggests, floating vanities are mounted to the wall, creating the appearance that they’re floating in mid-air.
You can find varieties with or without cabinets, depending on your spatial needs, as well as stone, porcelain, wooden, and composite styles.
Vessel Vanities
Vessel vanities resemble traditional vanities in every way except for the sink. Rather than being embedded into the countertop, vessel vanities have a bowl-shaped sink that sits on top of the counter.
When measuring a vessel vanity, the main countertop will typically sit around 32 inches (81 cm) from the floor. The vessel sink, though, will add another 5 inches (12.7 cm) of height.
Discover some absolutely gorgeous vessel sinks in this post.
Open Shelving
If you prefer the rustic look of a farmhouse bathroom, we recommend installing a vanity with open shelving.
Rather than closing off the space with cabinet drawers, you can create the illusion that your bathroom has more space by adding open shelves for towels, toiletries, and other bathroom essentials. (But if you do have vanity drawers, be sure to read our sure-fire strategy for how to keep bathroom drawers organized.)
Open shelving is especially useful in smaller full bathrooms where space is limited.
How to Add Height to an Existing Bathroom Vanity
If you’re not yet ready to invest in an entirely new vanity but are tired of leaning over to wash your hands, you would probably benefit from lifting your existing vanity a few inches.
What Size Bathroom Vanity Will You Get?
A new vanity can liven up your bathroom and create an entirely new aesthetic. Before buying a new vanity, consider how large the piece of furniture should be and whether you want a taller-than-standard countertop.
Standard vanities are around 30-32 inches (76-81 cm) tall but you can find taller comfort models or custom order a vanity to your specifications.
If you want more information about how to land the right size bathroom vanity for your space, as well as how to align a vanity mirror and lights, read The Complete Bathroom Vanity Size Guide.
Read 8 Tips to Pick the Perfect Bathroom Vanity to get all of our most helpful resources on the topic.
Note: If you’re about to embark on a bathroom remodel, be sure to get my free Save Big $$$ Cheat Sheet. It has designer hacks that can literally save you thousands of dollars on your project.
Tags: bathroom vanities for tall people, bathroom vanity height, bathroom vanity sizes
