Double Vanity vs. Single Vanity: Which Is Best for Your Space?

Bathroom sinks can be valuable real estate for toothbrushes and hair supplies, especially if you share a bathroom. Perhaps you need more storage space for a large household, or perhaps you prefer to keep things simple. Here’s when to choose a double vanity versus a single vanity, their pros and cons, and how they stack up in a head-to-head sink-off.

Double Vanity vs. Single Vanity: Key Differences

One sink or two? More counter space or less? Double the drawers and cabinets or a smaller footprint? These are just a few questions you’ll have to ask yourself and your vanity installer when choosing between single and double bathroom vanities.

What Is a Double Vanity?

Double bathroom vanities have two sinks installed in or on a longer countertop. Double vanities may start as small as 48 inches long, but the most common vanity sizes for double vanities are between 60 and 72 inches, depending on how much room is on either side of and between the sinks. If you’re unsure of which size you’ll need, a vanity installer can help you make the right choice. 

Best for: 

• Larger bathrooms

• Shared bathrooms with two or more users

• Homeowners who need or want a lot of storage space

• Those who want extra counter space for displaying items 

• Bathrooms that benefit from the balanced look of double vanities

Pros of Double Vanities

If you like having more elbow room and storage space or covet your own sink, a double vanity gives you room to spread out. The bigger size gives you double the counter space for display and storage, and two people can brush their teeth at the same time. You’ll also benefit from the extra drawers and cabinet space for hidden storage and the balanced look the symmetrical layout gives bathrooms.

Cons of Double Vanities

However, double sinks and extra storage take up more room, so double vanities aren’t the best idea for small bathrooms, where they can overwhelm the tight space. Having two sinks can cut into the available counter space, especially when compared to a single vanity with an oversized countertop. More space above and below the countertop also means more cleaning and maintenance. 

The cost rises with double vanities, too, as they’re more expensive to purchase and install.  Bathroom vanity installation costs will increase if you need plumbing work to hook up the double sinks. Their bulky size can make them harder to install, so you’ll need to rely on the help of a pro who installs bathroom vanities.

What Is a Single Vanity?

Single bathroom vanities feature just one sink and range between 16 and 72 inches in length. The most popular widths are 24, 30, 36, and 48 inches long. They’re among the most popular types of bathroom vanities for small bathrooms, guest rooms, and powder rooms.

Best for: 

• Smaller bathrooms, powder rooms, and guest bathrooms

• Bathrooms used by one person

• Homeowners who don’t need a lot of storage space

• Those who prefer more counter space to two sinks

• DIY installers

Pros of Single Vanities

If you have a smaller, tighter bathroom space, a single vanity can look more appropriate than a bigger double vanity. While they only have a single sink, you can buy single vanities with longer, larger countertops that provide even more counter space than double vanities. Unlike pedestal sinks, all single vanities offer some countertop space and hidden storage in drawers and cabinets below the sink. 

The smaller size makes them less expensive and easier to install than double vanities. You may be able to do the work yourself if you’re replacing an existing single vanity and don’t need to update or change the plumbing and if you already know how to install a bathroom vanity.

Cons of Single Vanities

While saving space with a single vanity is a definite pro, size is at the heart of all cons. Their smaller footprint means single vanities look too small in bigger bathrooms. The single sink makes it hard for more than one person to use it simultaneously, so they’re not a good idea for shared bathrooms or couples. Most single vanities have less counter space than double vanities, and they almost always have less storage space unless you buy a longer vanity with a single sink.

Double Vanities vs. Single Vanities: Choosing the Best Option

Whether you go with a double vanity or single vanity depends on your needs, the space you have, and the storage and counter space you want. Here are a few categories to think about before you shop.

Counter Space: Double Vanities

Double vanities have double the counter space of single vanities, but you’ll pay for that by giving up floor space. If you have a big bathroom or need two sinks, the convenience of a double vanity makes up for the room it takes. However, if you only need one sink and want a lot of counter space, you can buy longer single vanities with only one sink and extra countertop for storage and display.

Storage Space: Double Vanities

On top and underneath, double vanities offer much more storage space than single vanities, unless you splurge on a single vanity with extra length, including extra storage space. That’s good news for people who like to have their bathroom products on display, at their fingertips, and hidden in drawers and cupboards.

Installation: Single Vanities

Their smaller size means single vanities are much easier to install. Most can slip right into place and are good candidates for DIY installation as long as the plumbing is already there. Double vanities are much larger, heavier, and more unwieldy to move and install. You may need to hire a local bathroom vanity installer who can do the job safely.

Maintenance: Single Vanities

Single vanities need less cleaning and maintenance than double vanities. They’re smaller, have less counter space and storage, and have fewer moving parts like drawers and cabinet doors. This means you’ll likely be able to keep them cleaner and in better shape with less maintenance than larger bathroom vanities.

Cost: Single Vanities

Half the size means a lower cost, so single vanities are more affordable than double vanities. That said, you’ll pay for quality as much as quantity, so be sure to choose a quality, durable vanity regardless of which size you choose. Better quality adds up to better value, and you’ll likely get a better product and save money in the long run by choosing a long-lasting vanity that fits your space and needs. It can also lower the cost of your investment over time, as you’ll need to replace quality vanities less often than lower-quality ones.

How to Choose the Right Vanity for Your Bathroom 

Deciding on a bathroom vanity comes down to balancing your space constraints, daily routines, storage requirements, and budget to create a bathroom that works for you. 

Consider these important factors:

• Bathroom size and layout: Measure your space carefully, including width, depth, and obstacles like doors, windows, or fixtures. 

• Number of users: Consider how many people will regularly use the bathroom and whether they need to use it at the same time during morning or evening routines. 

• Storage needs: Account for all the items you need to store, such as daily toiletries, towels, and cleaning supplies.

• Plumbing requirements: Evaluate whether your current plumbing can accommodate your ideal choice or if you’ll need costly updates for a double vanity. 

• Budget considerations: In addition to the vanity's cost, be sure to factor in the installation, plumbing work, and additional fixtures you may need. 

If you and others in your household are constantly bumping elbows or waiting for sink time, a double vanity could create a positive change in your routine. However, if you have a smaller bathroom or live alone, a single vanity with a generous countertop could give you more usable space and a better value.