Since our bathrooms do double duty, giving them the joy of the most amazing bathroom vanity you can find makes perfect sense. However, if your space is insufficient in square feet, you may wonder whether you can fit a double vanity in a small bathroom at all. Or will it make your space look too cramped and uninviting, leaving little room for functionality?
Despite what your design intuition may tell you, there’s no denying that bathroom ideas, big and small, leave endless room to dream.
However, some may argue whether it’s worth it, or if we should give up on the single vanity unit, just to make the most of the bathroom instead.
Can you put a double vanity in a small bathroom?
Some design rules must be respected. Others are more open to modification. No matter how organized your bathroom vanity is, if it’s too big, it can slow you down in the morning or hinder your joy of relaxing at night.
A double vanity can be placed in a small bathroom, within reason, so it’s not an unfathomable design question. This is what experts highlight as key considerations when making this decision:
1. Can you comfortably choose a smaller design?
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Designing a bathroom sink that’s right for you means making sure it meets all the needs of your space and the needs of the people using it. Considering how it will interact with the rest of your bathroom and fit into the existing layout is key.
“You can use a double vanity in a small bathroom if you have enough space,” professional designer Soledad Alzaga tells H&G.
First, you need to understand why you want a double bathroom vanity in the first place. Two sinks make your morning routine simpler and, in theory, provide more countertop space for toiletry movement when getting ready.
“You can definitely do a double vanity in a small bathroom depending on the design and size,” says Elizabeth Vergara, founder, principal contractor and designer of Vergara Homes. “The first step is to measure the space, and make sure it is accurate. Every little centimeter counts in a small room. Measure the width, depth and height.
‘When looking for a vanity table, try to find a stylish and compact option. There are plenty of budget-friendly options online at stores like Amazon and Home Depot.’
“Vanities come in different depths and sizes and you can always get a custom piece made,” Alzaga continues. “The smallest I’ve seen is 40 inches wide.” This is about 1016 mm. We’ve found smaller bathroom vanities on Wayfair, some as large as 700mm, but it depends on whether that’s comfortable for the space. Standard double vanity units are usually much larger, ranging from 1200mm to 2200mm wide.
“Bathroom counter heights range from 30 to 36 inches, with 34 inches being the universal average and most commonly used.” A custom-made vanity will allow for a more flexible design in terms of depth and size as well, leaving you less dependent on what’s available. “If you’re customizing a small bathroom, choose smaller sinks and wall-mounted faucets. This gives you the option of designing a narrower space and freeing up counter space,” Alzaja points out.
Soledad Alzaga is the founder of her eponymous firm, a boutique residential and commercial interior design firm based in San Francisco, which was named one of the city’s top 15 interior design firms. Assists with all aspects of the residential and commercial property design and construction process from start to finish including consulting and working with architects, builders and engineers.
Elizabeth Vergara is the founder and principal contractor/designer of Vergara Homes, a design service dedicated to seamless home renovation projects that prioritize style and quality.
2. Will there be enough clearance from other objects?
(Image credit: Unique Kitchens/Stacey Goldberg)
Even if a double vanity is adequate and will give you enough countertop space that you personally need, without the correct clearance from other fixtures, it may not be the wisest addition to a small bathroom or powder room design.
Al-Zaji points out that “ideal clearance is determined by building standard laws.” ‘You need at least 15 inches of space between the center of the toilet and the wall, the vanity, and the tub/shower on the sides, and you need 21 inches of space in the front. You can use a vanity next to the shower with a glass partition if space is tight.’
Owner and interior designer at VERDE Interior Design, Luis Carmona, recommends a little less: “Leaving at least 12 inches between the vanity and the toilet, bathtub or shower is ideal. This will ensure there is ample space on either side of the vanity to leave room for a small trash can,” And your toilet paper holder which is often attached to the side of your vanity, and enough space to take full advantage of your shower or bathtub.If space is limited, try justifying a vanity to the left or right of the bathroom, assuming this type of layout fits the space. ‘
Raising the vanity off the floor can also be a clever trick in a small space: “Putting the vanity against the wall can often provide some breathing room on the other side of the vanity, allowing for additional space.”
Luis Carmona is the owner and principal designer at VERDE Interior Design. With nearly two decades of experience in the creative field (interior design, advertising, marketing), Carmona is able to blend his many passions into one design studio. VERDE provides interior design and branding services to commercial clients and has worked on boba tea shops, Mexican taco restaurants, sushi restaurants, and financial planning offices. Among commercial and residential clients, in both Houston and Dallas, the VERDE team continues to push the boundaries of design with its signature clean design aesthetic.
Benchwright double vanity
3. Are you willing (and able) to be a storage innovator?
(Image credit: Little Green)
Utilizing wall space is a great way to free up the bathroom floor and create the illusion of height, while adding clever storage space to the bathroom. If you are giving up a significant amount of countertop or under countertop space, you should look at other small bathroom storage options available.
“You won’t have a lot of counter space or storage, but that can be remedied by adding an open shelf or medicine cabinet above,” says Alzaga.
There are many beautiful medicine cabinets nowadays that may add design interest. Choose a wall-mounted option to encourage a more elevated, modern bathroom look, all while concealing toiletries and household supplies.
common questions
What are the benefits of double bathroom vanity?
More vanity space leaves ample room for convenient preparation. Not to mention, vanity organizers should fit snugly underneath, leaving less room for bathroom storage mistakes:
“A double vanity in a small space can be a smart move, especially when the space is shared. If you use the bathroom at the same time, you have a definite advantage in terms of functionality,” says Leah Tatelman, owner and principal designer of IDC Interiors, LLC and bathroom. “You’re maximizing space and not compromising on style.
“Double sinks provide more elbow room and additional surface area to display accessories.” Tuttleman recommends creating more wiggle room throughout for a better-flowing space: A standard vanity is 36 inches high including the top. Aim for a 30-inch distance between fixed items. You want to try to avoid that feeling of crowding.
Leah Tuttleman is an ISA Certified Professional for Re-Bath, the exclusive brand for full-service bathroom remodeling. Leah has over 25 years of experience in all areas of interior design.
What is the minimum bathroom countertop space you can have?
Not only does this depend on what you feel comfortable with, plumbing and storage will play a role.
“We’ve seen clients insist on double vanities that are only 48 inches wide from edge to edge. Builders and plumbers will tell you it can be done,” says Laurel Vernazza, home design expert at The Plan Collection.
But the question we always ask is: why? A double vanity in such a tight space leaves no room for washing or getting ready for the day. When two people use sinks at the same time, it is quite uncomfortable. Furthermore, homeowners lose almost all of the cabinet space and drawer options under the countertop, as the plumbing for both sinks takes up more space. We like to have storage space to hide clutter and extra space to prepare for the day.’
It depends on the aesthetic you want to create. Vernazza recommends 60 inches of countertop space as a minimum for a more comfortable home space: “It provides somewhat more space between each side and on either side of each sink, more if still limited space for storage below, and less pressure between spouses or siblings in the house.” . bathroom.’
Laurel Vernazza has extensive experience in real estate as well as working with design clients, giving her a keen eye for home design trends.
When should you choose a single vanity unit instead?
Although you may feel compelled to scale back your decorative design, Gaza encourages us to find solutions in this area. Whether it’s rethinking the type of door installed, or modifying the design of your bathroom.
“Bathrooms with a lot of doors can be a challenge when designing a small bathroom. The solution is to add pocket doors, or folding doors to make the most of the available space.
“I don’t think there’s a particular bathroom shape that you should avoid. It’s all about being creative with the space you have,” says Algaza.
‘It’s always a good idea to have a double-basin vanity in any size bathroom. “Apart from comfort, they also make the bathroom look more luxurious,” says Carmona.
“However, not all bathrooms can accommodate a double vanity. When working with a small bathroom, I like to stick to a single vanity to allow enough space between all the other bathroom items, especially the toilet and shower or bathtub. You want to have a working space around each object “It allows it to remain fully functional. If you can make it work, do it! Otherwise, I’d stick to one sink to avoid the bathroom looking smaller and cramped.”
How can you create the illusion of more space in a small bathroom?
Light colors and smart placement can help your small space appear larger, even with a double vanity in place: “There are so many great options for wall-mounted floating vanities with or without storage. Floating vanities create a sense of openness by exposing more Floor: “Use a thick, thick surface and leave it open underneath to create the look of a spacious bathroom,” Tatleman says.
Once you’ve stored essential items properly, and eliminated non-essential clutter, you can take advantage of bathroom mirror placement and color schemes to open up the space.
Light colors are ideal because light colors create the illusion of more space, and some light services reflect more light making the bathroom appear brighter and more spacious. “If you don’t like light colors, choose a large mirror because it can open up the room and make the space feel larger,” says Vergara.
‘Finally, try to find one with storage space. This will help you keep the bathroom organized and clutter-free.’
Where there is a will there is a way. Although a double vanity unit may seem like an extravagant design choice in a small bathroom space, it is not necessary to push it aside as there are many creative solutions, if you really want to make it work.
