If you’re lacking space, float it—If you need more storage, let it stand
A floating vanity mounts directly to your wall and appears to float, while a freestanding vanity has legs or a base resting on your floor.
Floating vanities offer less storage space than freestanding models because their cabinets don't extend to the floor, limiting your bathroom organization options.
Your choice between floating and freestanding vanities depends on bathroom size, storage needs, design preferences, budget, and whether you plan to DIY or hire help.
Hiring a local bathroom vanity installation professional takes the stress out of mounting floating vanities securely and adjusting plumbing connections for a perfect fit.
A bathroom vanity anchors the interior design and solidifies the look and feel of a high-traffic room. Floating and freestanding are two of the broadest types of bathroom vanities. Each offers different pros and cons that can make one a better fit for your bathroom than the other. Keep reading to get the lowdown on the floating vanity versus freestanding debate.
The most apparent difference between these two types of bathroom vanities is how they’re positioned and stabilized. A floating vanity does not have legs and is secured and attached directly to the wall, creating the appearance of floating above the floor. A freestanding bathroom vanity’s base or legs reach the floor.
While it’s a good idea to anchor a freestanding vanity to the wall, they don’t require the wall for added support. These vanities are also larger and have more storage. Floating vanities, on the other hand, take up less space and create a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Floating vanities are installed directly to the wall with no legs for support, giving them the appearance of floating. While their installation can be complicated, their minimalist style complements a modern design.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Makes a bathroom feel larger | Less storage space |
| Customizable countertop height | Difficult installation |
| Modern aesthetic | Changes to plumbing can increase costs |
| Easy to clean underneath |
Best for:
Small bathrooms
Modern designs
Those who need custom countertop heights
Floating vanities allow light to reflect underneath the vanity, making the bathroom feel lighter and bigger. That extra space underneath the vanity also makes it easier to clean the bathroom floor.
Additionally, a floating vanity can be installed at any height, allowing you to customize the height for the users in your home. The ability to adjust the counter height and open space under the vanity makes floating vanities an excellent option for homes with wheelchair users.
The last floating vanity pro is that these units instantly give off a sleek, modern vibe. They can quickly (and easily) become a statement piece for the bathroom.
These legless vanities have a few downsides, starting with installation. Without DIY experience, you’ll likely need to hire a local bathroom vanity installer. A bathroom floating vanity may also require adjustments to the plumbing and sink, which can increase bathroom vanity installation costs. Additionally, they must be installed in the correct place in the wall to support the vanity’s weight.
Floating vanities don’t offer as much storage as freestanding vanities. You can always opt for floating bath cabinets or shelves and other complementary bathroom storage options. However, if the vanity is the only storage in the bathroom, a floating model might leave you wanting.
A freestanding bathroom vanity has a base or legs reaching to the floor to support and stabilize the unit. These models sit flush against the wall and come in many sizes and styles, from small single vanity designs to large double vanity designs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers a lot of storage space | Lack of counter height adjustability |
| Simple installation | Can make small bathrooms feel smaller |
| Less expensive | More difficult to clean underneath |
| More design choices |
Best for:
Those who need a lot of bathroom storage
Those considering DIY installation
Larger bathrooms
Freestanding vanities offer a simpler installation process and hide plumbing that floating vanities may not. Cabinets in these vanities extend to the floor, offering ample storage space. Freestanding vanities come in common vanity sizes, though you can find them in larger or smaller sizes to fit different bathroom configurations.
Freestanding vanities are available in various styles, including traditional, industrial, cottage, and all the styles in between. Additionally, you can choose a model with legs that allow light under the vanity to create a sense of space without losing too much storage.
Freestanding vanities come in standard cabinet heights, ranging from 32 to 36 inches. However, you cannot customize the countertop height like you can with a floating vanity. You can get a custom-made model, but the cost will increase substantially. This type of vanity can also eat up space in a small bathroom, making it feel even smaller.
We put these two vanity types head-to-head in key categories so you can decide which fits your needs.
You can DIY a freestanding vanity installation if you have some DIY experience. In comparison, bathroom floating vanities are a much more complicated matter. It may require making plumbing adjustments and positioning the vanity appropriately so the wall can support its weight. Overall, many more factors contribute to the safety of floating vanities, making them difficult to DIY.
A floating vanity will have less bathroom storage space than a freestanding model with equal countertop space. Freestanding vanities have larger cabinets and more drawers simply because they extend to the floor. A freestanding model is the way to go if you’re looking to maximize storage space.
Floating vanities let you customize the countertop height in ways a freestanding model cannot. If the plumbing configuration still works with the vanity, you can install a floating vanity at almost any height. They’re an excellent option for families with wheelchair users or those taller or shorter than average height. Unless custom-made, freestanding vanities stand at a standard 32 to 36 inches high.
When comparing base units, floating vanities cost less than a similarly sized freestanding model. However, once you factor in the installation cost, the more complex installation needed for floating vanities boosts their price beyond that of a freestanding model, even if you hire a pro to install it. If you want a custom height for a freestanding vanity, that can also drive up the cost.
However, the style, size, and materials will all factor into the final price, and you can often end up with a close price (for floating or freestanding) based on what you choose and whether you hire a pro or DIY.
A few factors can help you determine which type of vanity is right for you, including:
Room size
Storage needs
Design aesthetic
Budget
DIY skills
If you’re working with a pint-sized bathroom, a floating vanity can provide storage without taking up valuable floor space and give you options to customize the counter height. If you’re looking for a modern or minimal design scheme and are okay with budgeting for professional installation, a floating vanity could be a good fit for your project.
Freestanding models are ideal for larger bathrooms and those who require additional storage space. They’re also made in a wide range of styles, so you can shop around for a model that fits your bathroom design. If you’re working with a smaller budget and don’t mind DIYing, a freestanding vanity can save money, too. You may also want to consider mounting a new vanity top on an existing freestanding model to save even more money.
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