How to Choose the Perfect Height for Your Bathroom Vanity Unit

Finding the right height for your bathroom vanity unit might not seem like a thrilling home improvement decision. It’s not exactly a “wow” moment like choosing a freestanding tub or picking out patterned tiles. But - and it’s a big but - it’s one of those practical choices that can make or break how comfortable and functional your bathroom feels every single day.

Let’s face it: no one wants to hunch over the sink like Gollum every morning. And if your vanity’s too tall? You’ll be on tiptoe trying to spit out toothpaste. So let’s talk about what actually matters when picking the perfect height for your bathroom vanity.

What Is the Standard Height for a Bathroom Vanity?

The classic rule of thumb? Around 850mm to 900mm from the floor to the top of the counter. That’s roughly the same height as a kitchen worktop - because, well, we humans tend to like consistency.

But here’s the catch: what’s “standard” doesn’t mean it’s right for you.

Are you tall? Maybe aim a bit higher. Shorter or have kids using the bathroom regularly? A lower vanity might be better suited. In reality, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” - it’s all about tailoring it to the needs of your household. Kind of like buying jeans. You wouldn't settle for the standard size if the fit wasn’t quite right, would you?

Consider Who’s Using the Bathroom

Sounds obvious, but we’ll say it anyway: the people using the bathroom should heavily influence the vanity’s height.

Adults Only

If it’s an ensuite or master bathroom that’s solely used by adults, you’ve got freedom to choose a height that suits your stature. Taller individuals might prefer something closer to 950mm. No more awkward bending.

Kids or a Family Space

For family bathrooms, especially those with younger children, a lower unit - somewhere around 750mm to 800mm - can be far more accessible. No need for those rickety little stools crowding the floor.

That said, kids do grow up (eventually), so you might want to plan for the long haul and balance accessibility with longevity. It’s a tricky dance, but worth thinking about.

Think About the Basin Style

Right - so here’s where it gets interesting. The height of your vanity unit isn’t just about the unit itself. It also depends on the type of basin you’ve chosen.

Inset Basins

These sit flush or slightly recessed into the counter. In this case, you’ll want the counter height (including the basin) to land around the standard 850–900mm mark.

Countertop Basins

Very on-trend, very chic… and they sit on top of the counter, adding a good 100–200mm in height. That means the actual vanity unit needs to be lower - sometimes as low as 700mm - to make the final setup comfortable to use.

Honestly, it’s easy to get this part wrong. We've seen setups where the basin rim ends up at chest height - fabulous for back posture, less so for washing your face.

Ergonomics Matter (More Than You Think)

You don’t really notice when something works ergonomically, because everything just flows. But you’ll absolutely notice if it doesn’t. An incorrectly sized vanity can strain your back, your wrists, even your shoulders if you're constantly having to reach or bend in an unnatural way.

A good rule of thumb: when standing upright, the basin should land just below your waist. Test it out with a tape measure or mark the wall with painter’s tape to visualise it. It’s a surprisingly useful trick.

Wall-Mounted vs Floor-Standing Vanities

Are wall mounted vanities better than floor standing vanity structures? It depends.

Wall-mounted vanities can be installed at practically any height you want. That’s great for customisation - and especially helpful in homes where users have very different heights or accessibility needs.

Floor-standing vanities, on the other hand, tend to stick to standard measurements. There’s usually less wiggle room. But don’t count them out - they often offer more storage and are a bit more traditional in design.

Don’t Forget Your Taps!

A small detail - but trust us, it matters.

The height and reach of your taps can affect how usable the basin is at a given height. For example, a tall mixer tap paired with a countertop basin might add even more vertical space to the whole setup. It’s not a bad thing, but it’s definitely something to plan for.

Think of it like a cake. The vanity is the base, the basin is the filling, and the taps are the cherry on top. Too many layers? You’ve got a tower that’s hard to manage.

Style Considerations

Beyond practicality, the right vanity height also impacts how your bathroom feels visually.

A unit that’s too short can look a bit stunted - like it belongs in a primary school. Too tall, and it might feel awkwardly top-heavy, especially in smaller bathrooms.

When in doubt, keep the overall scale of the space in mind. And if you're going for something contemporary, check out our range of sink and cabinet combos for modern homes. They’re designed with both form and function in mind, with options that cater to different heights, aesthetics, and storage needs.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the perfect height for your bathroom vanity unit isn’t just about measurements. It’s about comfort, style, and how the space works for you. Sure, you can follow the guidelines - but don’t be afraid to break the rules if it makes your daily routine smoother.

So grab a tape measure, think about your household’s needs, and don’t rush the decision. Because let’s be honest: no one wants to live with an awkward sink setup for the next ten years.