Designing a bathroom vanity often starts with the fun decisions: cabinet colour, countertop, faucet finish and mirror.

In our experience helping customers compare bathroom vanities, we recommend doing almost the opposite.

Start with space and function. Leave colour and finishes until later.

Why?

Because you can change a handle or faucet finish relatively easily. Fixing a vanity that blocks a door, doesn't work with the plumbing or leaves you without enough storage is considerably more difficult.

Whether you're choosing a ready-made vanity or planning a custom one, here's the step-by-step process we recommend.

Step 1: Measure the Entire Vanity Zone

Don't measure only the empty wall.

Measure the entire area in which the vanity needs to function.

Record:

• Available wall width
• Available depth
• Floor-to-counter height
• Distance to the toilet
• Distance to the shower or bathtub
• Bathroom door swing
• Shower door swing
• Plumbing locations
• Electrical outlets
• Light switches
• Mirror area
• Baseboards and trim

This distinction matters.

You might have 50 inches of available wall and assume a 48-inch vanity will work perfectly.

But what happens when you open the bathroom door?

Can the vanity drawers fully extend?

Is there enough room between the vanity and toilet?

Does the countertop project beyond the cabinet?

Those details determine whether the vanity works, not simply whether it fits.

Our Painter's Tape Test

Before ordering, we recommend marking the proposed vanity footprint on the floor with painter's tape.

If you're considering a 48-inch vanity, mark its actual width and depth.

Then use the bathroom normally.

Walk through the space.

Open the door.

Stand at the toilet.

Open the shower.

It's a surprisingly effective way to discover that a vanity feels larger—or smaller—than expected.

Step 2: Choose the Vanity Width

Once you know your maximum dimensions, choose an appropriate vanity size.

Common widths include:

Vanity Width	Often Suitable For
24"	Powder rooms and compact bathrooms
30"	Small bathrooms
36"	Small-to-medium bathrooms
48"	Medium bathrooms
60"	Larger and shared bathrooms
72"+	Spacious primary bathrooms

These aren't strict rules.

We've seen situations where a smaller vanity makes a bathroom substantially more comfortable even though a larger cabinet technically fits.

Don't Automatically Buy the Largest Size

It's tempting.

If you have 49 inches available, why not install a 48-inch vanity?

Sometimes that's exactly the right choice.

Other times, leaving additional breathing room makes the bathroom more comfortable and visually balanced.

Ask:

Do I need those additional inches for storage, or am I simply trying to fill the wall?

That's a better way to choose.

Step 3: Check the Depth

This deserves its own step.

Width receives most of the attention when people shop for bathroom vanities.

Depth is often what creates problems.

This is particularly important in:

• Condos
• Narrow bathrooms
• Powder rooms
• Bathrooms with toilets opposite the vanity
• Bathrooms with inward-opening doors

A vanity can fit perfectly along a wall and still project too far into the room.

Compare the exact product depth rather than assuming all vanities of the same width are similar.

For tighter spaces, a shallower or wall-mounted bathroom vanity may be worth considering.

Step 4: Map the Plumbing Before Choosing the Cabinet

This is where vanity planning becomes practical.

Find the location of your:

• Drain
• P-trap
• Hot-water supply
• Cold-water supply
• Shut-off valves

Now compare those locations with the vanity's internal structure.

This step can eliminate certain vanity designs immediately.

For example, imagine choosing a vanity because you love its large centre drawers.

Then your installer discovers that the drain needs to pass directly through them.

You may have to modify the vanity or relocate the plumbing.

Both create unnecessary complications.

If you're replacing an existing vanity and don't intend to move the plumbing, prioritize cabinets that work with your current configuration.

Step 5: Decide Between One Sink and Two

This decision should happen relatively early because it affects almost everything else.

It changes:

• Plumbing
• Countertop space
• Cabinet storage
• Drawer layout
• Mirror design
• Lighting
• Faucet requirements

A common assumption is:

Large bathroom = double sink.

We don't think it should be automatic.

When Two Sinks Make Sense

Consider two sinks when:

• Two people frequently get ready simultaneously
• You have sufficient vanity width
• Separate grooming areas would improve your routine
• Losing some counter/storage space isn't a concern

When One Sink May Be Better

One sink can give you:

• More uninterrupted countertop
• More drawer space
• More cabinet storage
• Simpler plumbing

For some couples, one sink with generous counter space is actually more useful than two smaller sink areas.

If you're considering a shared vanity, 60 inch bathroom vanities are a useful size to explore when comparing possible configurations.

Step 6: Design the Storage Around What You Own

Now comes one of the most overlooked parts of vanity design.

Don't ask:

“How many drawers do I want?”

Ask:

“What needs to go inside them?”

Take inventory.

Do you store:

• Hair dryer?
• Curling iron?
• Makeup?
• Skincare?
• Shaving equipment?
• Towels?
• Toilet paper?
• Cleaning supplies?
• Extra toiletries?
• Medication?

This tells you what type of storage you actually need.

Drawers

We generally prefer drawers for frequently used smaller items.

You can see what's inside without digging through the back of a deep cabinet.

Cabinets

Cabinets are useful for:

• Tall bottles
• Towels
• Cleaning supplies
• Larger products

The Combination We Often Prefer

For everyday bathrooms:

Drawers + cabinet storage

usually provides more flexibility than relying entirely on either one.

But remember: the sink and plumbing consume internal cabinet space too.

A vanity that looks enormous from the outside doesn't necessarily have enormous usable storage.

Step 7: Choose Floating or Freestanding

Now that function is established, start thinking about construction and appearance.

Floating Vanity

A floating vanity is mounted to the wall with visible floor underneath.

One reason we like floating designs in smaller bathrooms is visual rather than physical.

They don't necessarily make the room larger—but exposing more flooring can make the bathroom feel more open.

They're especially attractive for:

• Modern bathrooms
• Condos
• Minimalist interiors
• Smaller spaces

They also make the floor underneath accessible for cleaning.

Browse floating bathroom vanities to see how different cabinet widths and configurations affect the overall look.

The important consideration is installation: the wall must provide appropriate structural support.

Freestanding Vanity

Freestanding vanities sit on the floor and can have a stronger furniture-like presence.

They work well across many styles:

• Contemporary
• Transitional
• Traditional
• Modern

If maximum storage is important, compare the actual internal capacity rather than assuming one installation style automatically provides more storage.

Step 8: Set the Finished Vanity Height

Height is partly about appearance, but mostly about comfort.

Think about the people who will use the bathroom.

A vanity primarily used by adults may have different requirements from one designed for children.

Sink style also matters.

Especially Important With Vessel Sinks

A vessel basin sits above the countertop.

If you put a tall vessel sink on top of an already tall vanity, the finished sink height can become uncomfortable.

That's why we recommend thinking in terms of:

Floor → Cabinet → Countertop → Sink rim

rather than looking at cabinet height alone.

Step 9: Choose Your Countertop

Only now would we start seriously comparing countertop materials.

Why this late?

Because by now you know:

• Vanity dimensions
• Number of sinks
• Sink positions
• Storage layout
• Finished height

That makes countertop selection much easier.

Common bathroom countertop options include:

Quartz

Popular for its consistent appearance, broad range of designs and relatively straightforward maintenance.

Granite

Natural stone with unique variation from piece to piece. Depending on the stone and finish, sealing and ongoing care may be required.

Marble

Beautiful and distinctive, but natural marble generally requires more attention to staining, etching and maintenance than many engineered alternatives.

Solid-Surface / Integrated Materials

These can create a very clean appearance and may allow the countertop and basin to flow together visually.

When choosing a countertop, think beyond colour.

Consider:

• Water exposure
• Stain resistance
• Cleaning
• Maintenance
• Edge profile
• Sink compatibility
• Long-term appearance

Step 10: Select the Sink Type

The sink changes both the appearance and functionality of the vanity.

Common options include:

Undermount Sink

Installed beneath the countertop.

We like this configuration for its clean appearance and because wiping the countertop into the basin is straightforward.

Vessel Sink

Sits above the countertop and becomes a stronger design feature.

Pay particular attention to finished height and faucet selection.

Drop-In Sink

Installed through the countertop with a visible rim resting on the surface.

Integrated Sink

The sink and countertop form a coordinated or continuous surface.

This can create a very clean, minimalist appearance.

The best sink isn't simply the one you like visually.

Consider:

Cleaning + counter space + storage + faucet + height.

Step 11: Choose the Faucet After the Sink

This ordering matters.

We recommend:

Vanity → Countertop → Sink → Faucet

not the other way around.

First determine the faucet-hole configuration:

• Single-hole
• Centerset
• Widespread
• Wall-mounted

Then look at two measurements that people sometimes overlook:

Faucet Height

Will the faucet work comfortably with the basin?

Spout Reach

Where will the water actually land?

A beautiful faucet with poor reach can make everyday handwashing surprisingly frustrating.

With vessel sinks, these dimensions become even more important.

Step 12: Plan the Mirror and Lighting Together

Don't leave the mirror until installation day.

Treat everything above the vanity as one composition:

Vanity + Faucet + Backsplash + Mirror + Lighting

Ask:

• How wide should the mirror be?
• How high can it go?
• Will the faucet interfere?
• Where are the outlets?
• Are there wall sconces?
• Is there overhead lighting?
• Are two mirrors better for a double vanity?
• Would one large mirror work better?

One mistake we see in bathroom planning is selecting each product individually.

A great vanity, beautiful mirror and attractive sconces don't necessarily create a great vanity wall if their proportions don't work together.

Step 13: Coordinate the Hardware

Now we get to the details.

Cabinet hardware can dramatically change the personality of a vanity.

Popular finishes include:

• Chrome
• Brushed nickel
• Matte black
• Brushed gold
• Brass

You don't necessarily need every metal finish in the bathroom to match perfectly.

But they should feel intentional together.

Consider the relationship between:

• Faucet
• Cabinet pulls
• Shower fixtures
• Towel bars
• Mirror
• Lighting

The goal is coordination rather than simply buying everything in exactly the same finish.

Step 14: Think About Cleaning

This is the step we wish more people considered during the design stage.

Imagine cleaning the finished vanity.

Can you easily reach:

• Behind the faucet?
• Around the sink?
• Under the cabinet?
• Around the legs?
• Between the vanity and wall?

Look for areas where:

• Water can collect
• Dust can accumulate
• Narrow gaps become difficult to access

A design you clean every week should be evaluated differently from one you see for five minutes in a showroom.

Step 15: Check Everything Before Ordering

Before clicking Buy, stop and run through the entire system one more time.

Our Final Vanity Design Checklist

✓ Cabinet width
✓ Countertop width
✓ Depth
✓ Finished height
✓ Door clearance
✓ Shower clearance
✓ Toilet clearance
✓ Drawer clearance
✓ Plumbing position
✓ Number of sinks
✓ Sink dimensions
✓ Countertop material
✓ Faucet-hole configuration
✓ Faucet height
✓ Faucet reach
✓ Storage layout
✓ Mirror dimensions
✓ Lighting position
✓ Electrical outlets
✓ Wall support for floating vanities
✓ Delivery access
✓ Installation requirements
✓ Exactly what's included

This final check can prevent many of the problems that otherwise appear only after delivery.

A Realistic Example: Planning a 36-Inch Vanity

Let's say we're helping a customer replace a small bathroom vanity.

They have approximately 40 inches of usable wall space.

The first instinct might be:

Install the largest vanity possible.

Instead, we'd look at the complete room.

If a 36 inch bathroom vanity provides comfortable clearance, we would then check its depth.

Next:

Where is the drain?

Then:

How much storage does the customer need?

Because it's a 36-inch vanity, we'd generally prioritize a practical single-sink layout rather than trying to force two sinks into the space.

If the bathroom is visually small, we'd also compare floating and freestanding versions.

Then we'd select:

Vanity → Countertop → Sink → Faucet → Mirror

That's a much safer process than choosing five attractive products independently and hoping they work together.

Common Bathroom Vanity Design Mistakes

After helping customers compare different vanity configurations, these are the mistakes we'd try hardest to avoid:

Choosing Style Before Size

Measure first. Design second.

Measuring Width but Ignoring Depth

Especially dangerous in narrow bathrooms.

Forgetting Drawer Clearance

A drawer needs space to open—not simply space to exist.

Ignoring Plumbing

Know where your drain and water lines are before choosing the cabinet configuration.

Automatically Choosing Two Sinks

Evaluate what you're giving up in counter and storage space.

Choosing a Vessel Sink Without Calculating Finished Height

Cabinet height alone doesn't tell you how high the sink will be.

Buying the Faucet Before the Sink

Faucet dimensions and configuration need to work with the basin.

Designing Storage Without Inventorying Your Products

Design around what you actually use.

Leaving the Mirror and Lighting Until Last

They are part of the vanity design, not accessories added afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you choose first when designing a bathroom vanity?

Start with the available space and bathroom layout. Determine your maximum width and depth, clearances and plumbing locations before selecting cabinet style or colour.

What is a good bathroom vanity size?

It depends on the room. Compact bathrooms may use 24- or 30-inch vanities, while 36- and 48-inch models work well in many medium bathrooms. Larger bathrooms may accommodate 60- or 72-inch vanities.

How many sinks should a bathroom vanity have?

Choose based on how the bathroom is actually used. Two sinks can be convenient for simultaneous users, while one sink generally preserves more countertop and storage space.

Should I choose the sink or vanity first?

We recommend establishing the vanity dimensions and configuration first, then choosing the countertop and compatible sink.

Should the faucet be chosen before or after the sink?

Usually after. Sink position, basin height and faucet-hole configuration affect the faucet dimensions and type you need.

What is the best storage layout for a bathroom vanity?

For many households, a combination of drawers and cabinet storage works well. Drawers organize smaller daily-use products while cabinets accommodate larger items.

Are floating vanities good for small bathrooms?

They can be. Exposing more floor can make a compact bathroom feel visually lighter, but installation requires suitable wall support.

How do you make a bathroom vanity look high-end?

Good proportions usually matter more than simply choosing expensive materials. Coordinate the vanity, countertop, sink, faucet, mirror, lighting and hardware so they look intentionally designed as one composition.

Final Thoughts: Design in the Right Order

The biggest lesson we've learned from helping customers select bathroom vanities is that the order of your decisions matters.

Don't start with the faucet finish.

Don't start with the mirror.

And don't start with the vanity you happened to like in a photo.

Start here:

1. Space → 2. Vanity Size → 3. Plumbing → 4. Sink Count → 5. Storage → 6. Vanity Style → 7. Countertop → 8. Sink → 9. Faucet → 10. Mirror & Lighting → 11. Hardware

Following that sequence makes each decision easier because every choice builds on the one before it.

The result isn't simply a bathroom vanity that looks good.

It's a vanity designed around the room, the plumbing and the way you'll actually use your bathroom every day.

Explore CC Supply's bathroom vanity collection to compare different sizes, floating and freestanding configurations, finishes and storage layouts for your bathroom project.