When planning a bathroom renovation or selecting new bathroom vanity units, one question frequently arises: “What height should a bathroom vanity be?” This isn’t just a matter of style—vanity height can impact comfort, usability, and accessibility for everyone in your household. Whether you're choosing a freestanding vanity unit, or any bathroom cabinet, understanding the right height is essential.
In this article, Black Swan Furniture explores the difference between standard and comfort heights, how to choose the right height for your needs, and why a bespoke approach may be your best option.
Understanding Vanity Heights: Standard vs. Comfort Height
Traditionally, bathroom vanity units were built to a standard height of 76cm to 81cm (30 to 32 inches). This height was originally designed with children and compact bathrooms in mind. While still common in older homes, this lower height is no longer ideal for many modern households, especially as average human height has increased over the decades.
Today, many homeowners are opting for “comfort height” vanities, which typically measure 85cm to 91cm (33 to 36 inches). At Black Swan Furniture, our stock bathroom vanity units are made to a what we have noticed is the most common and most comfortable height of 85cm, which is ideal for most adults and ensures an ergonomic, user-friendly experience. However we can also make items bespoke to whatever height you require!
Why Comfort Height is Becoming the New Standard
There are several reasons why comfort-height vanities have become the go-to choice for modern bathrooms:
1. Better Ergonomics for Adults
Bending over a low sink every day can strain your back and neck. A taller vanity aligns the basin more naturally with your body, making tasks like brushing teeth and washing hands more comfortable.
2. Ideal for Aging in Place
For older adults or those with mobility issues, comfort height vanities reduce the need to bend down. This makes them an excellent choice for aging-in-place bathroom designs or accessible home remodels.
3. Greater Storage Space
Taller vanities often include deeper drawers or larger cabinets, giving you more space to store essentials—perfect for a bathroom cabinet with sink where you want to maximize functionality.
4. Enhanced Aesthetics
Modern bathrooms tend to favor sleek, elevated designs. Comfort-height vanities, whether freestanding vanity units or wall-mounted styles, help achieve a cleaner, more balanced look—especially when paired with contemporary fixtures and finishes.
Although we do not currently stock Wall-Mounted Vanities, we can still have them made bespoke! Just send us an email or call us to make an enquiry: Blackswanfurnitureuk@aol.com 01279 718 907
When Standard Height Might Still Be a Good Choice
Although comfort height is becoming more popular, standard height vanities can still be the right option in certain situations:
- For family bathrooms or kids’ bathrooms: Younger children find lower vanities easier to use without the need for a stool.
- If you’re trying to match an existing design: In heritage homes or period-style interiors, a traditional lower vanity may feel more in keeping with the architecture.
- In powder rooms: Since powder rooms are used infrequently and typically don’t require extensive storage, a lower-height vanity may be a space-saving solution.
Choosing the Right Vanity Height for Your Home
When deciding on the right vanity height, consider the following:
1. Who Will Be Using the Vanity?
If the bathroom is used primarily by adults, a comfort-height vanity is ideal. If children will use it regularly, a standard height may be more suitable—or consider a step stool as a temporary solution.
2. What Type of Sink Are You Installing?
The type of sink you choose also affects the overall height. Vessel sinks, for instance, sit on top of the vanity and may require a lower cabinet to keep the basin at a comfortable level. On the other hand, undermount sinks or integrated sinks typically sit flush with the counter, making them a good fit for standard or comfort-height vanities.
3. Storage and Layout Needs
Think about the amount of storage you require. Taller single sink vanity units and double sink vanity units allow for larger drawers and additional organizational features, which is a major advantage in busy family bathrooms.
Freestanding vs. Wall-Mounted Vanity Units and Their Heights
Another important factor is the type of vanity you select. Freestanding vanity units rest directly on the floor and are available in various heights. They’re especially good for traditional or transitional-style bathrooms.
In contrast, wall-mounted vanities can be installed at any height, offering the ultimate in customization. They’re ideal if you're designing a space with accessibility in mind or simply want a floating, minimalist look.
At Black Swan Furniture, we offer freestanding units as stock and can manufacture wall-mounted options, giving you full flexibility in terms of height and design.
Bespoke Vanity Units from Black Swan Furniture
While our stock bathroom vanity units are made to 85cm height—perfect for most adults—we understand that one size does not fit all. That’s why Black Swan Furniture offers made-to-measure and bespoke vanity units, tailored precisely to your needs.
Whether you need a specific height to accommodate a unique sink, meet accessibility requirements, or fit an awkward space, our skilled team can craft a solution just for you.
Simply let us know your ideal measurements, and we’ll handle the rest—from design to delivery. Working one on one with you at every stage.
Final Thoughts: Comfort is Key
So, what height should a bathroom vanity be? The answer depends on your needs, but for most modern bathrooms, a comfort height of 85cm hits the sweet spot between usability and style. Whether you're buying a stock unit or going fully bespoke, the key is to choose a height that works for your body, your family, and your lifestyle.
At Black Swan Furniture, we combine handcrafted quality with thoughtful design, helping you create bathrooms that are both functional and beautiful. We’re here to ensure that every detail—from height to handles—is just right.
Ready to Upgrade Your Bathroom Vanity?
Browse our collection of single sink vanity units and double sink vanity units, all available at a comfortable 85cm height or made to measure.
Visit www.blackswanfurniture.co.uk to explore our range or get in touch for a bespoke quote today.
