The bathroom vanity is a central fixture in most bathrooms, designed to serve multiple purposes. It typically includes a sink, countertop, and storage space. The vanity acts as a hub for your daily hygiene routines, a platform for essential items, and a key element in the bathroom's overall design.
When it comes to designing your dream bathroom, selecting the bathroom vanity height influences functionality, aesthetics and experience.
The correct vanity height ensures a comfortable, pleasing and easy to use space for your daily routine. To help you make the right decision, we will explore vanity height options and the factors to consider when choosing a vanity, along with some valuable insights from experienced designers at Reico Kitchen & Bath.
Bathroom Vanity Heights
The height of a Bathroom Vanity may or may not include the thickness of the vanity top, so it is important to know all measurements. Here are the most common:
- Standard Height (30 to 33 inches overall): This is the most common vanity height, typically based on 31 ½” high vanity cabinets. Depending on your countertop selection, vanity top thickness will vary from ¾” to 1 ½”, bringing the total height to 32 ¼” to 33”, which typically suits the widest range of bathroom users.
- Comfort Height (35 to 36 inches overall): Also known as counter height, this style matches the height of a kitchen countertop. The 36” height comes from the combination of a 34 ½”high vanity cabinet, with up to a 1 ½” thick vanity top. The taller comfort height provides a more ergonomic design, making it easier to use for adults. It is particularly popular for primary bathrooms.
- ADA Height (34 inches maximum): NKBA Guidelines suggest no more than 34” when planning for ADA height. An excellent guideline when planning for aging in place or the possibility of someone being in a wheelchair.
Katherine Dashiell, a Reico Kitchen & Bath designer in Annapolis, MD, emphasizes the importance of tailoring your vanity height to your specific needs: "A well-chosen vanity height enhances the functionality of your bathroom. I always discuss with clients who will use the bathroom the most and consider their needs, both now and in the future."
She further adds, "for some, comfort height is the perfect choice, while others prefer a standard height for a more classic look. It's essential to align the vanity height with your lifestyle and long-term plans."
Considerations When Choosing Vanity Height
Whether you opt for a standard, comfort, or vessel sink height, the choice should reflect your personal style and the needs of your household. Consider all of these factors when making your decision:
- User Height and Needs: The primary factor to consider. A vanity's height should accommodate those who will use it most often. For a family bathroom, a standard height may be practical while a comfort height vanity can offer easier use for taller individuals. If your needs include a seating area for makeup, standard height works well and can easily accommodate a more traditional stool or seat. Regardless of your height, bending over to use a sink is harder on your back as you age so the taller height can even be good for shorter individuals.
- Sink Style: Whether as part of your vanity top or a piece to go on top of it, the type of sink you choose affects your ideal vanity height. Vessel sinks are sinks that sit fully above the countertop. They can add style and contemporary flair to your bathroom while still being very comfortable to use, particularly with standard height vanities. If using a taller vessel sink, take the overall height of the vessel into consideration when choosing vanity height. A tall vessel sink with a comfort height vanity may be uncomfortable to use or create a lot of splashing based on the user’s height.
- Aesthetic Preferences: The visual balance of your bathroom is crucial. Taller vanities can blend right in, or create a more imposing look if your design includes a lot of cabinetry. Standard or lower vanities can make the space feel airier and open, but may be less enjoyable to use if you and others are taller. Another option to consider is wall-hung or "floating" vanities. They not only offer a unique look but also allow you to customize the height at which the vanity is mounted on the wall to suit the user's preferences.
- Aging in Place: If you plan to stay in your home long-term, choosing a comfort height vanity could help to accommodate potential mobility challenges in the future. This is an important conversation with your designer. “Comfort height might be helpful for back issues but it will not accommodate all mobility changes. In some instances, you will need lower than comfort height that can be easily modified in the future for roll under. If seating is important, standard height can be a better option. This is important and something the clients really have to think honestly about,” explained Katherine.
The Perfect Height Awaits
While we focus on features such as storage, countertop space and other functional design aesthetics, selecting the right bathroom vanity height blends functionality and the user experience into the design of your space. Don’t make it a one size fits all decision without carefully considering all the options available and all the users who will be impacted. Let Reico Kitchen & Bath's team of expert designers expertly guide you to finding the perfect vanity height and your dream bathroom.
