Floating vs. Freestanding Bathroom Vanities: Pros and Cons

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When designing a bathroom, one of the key decisions revolves around the type of vanity to choose. Two popular options are floating and freestanding vanities. Each has distinct characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks. In this blog, we will explore the key differences between floating and freestanding bathroom vanities, providing a comprehensive bathroom vanity comparison to help you make an informed decision.

What Are Floating Vanities?

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Floating vanities, also known as wall-mounted vanities, are mounted directly to the wall, leaving space underneath. This design gives the appearance of the vanity "floating" above the floor. They are often seen in contemporary and minimalist bathrooms due to their sleek, modern look.

Pros of Floating Vanities:

1. Space Efficiency: One of the main advantages of floating vanities is their ability to create a sense of space. By allowing visibility of the floor beneath, floating vanities make small bathrooms feel larger and less cluttered.
2. Easy Cleaning: The space beneath a floating vanity is accessible, making it easier to clean the floor. This can be especially beneficial in smaller bathrooms where cleaning can be a chore.
3. Modern Aesthetic: Floating vanities offer a clean, modern look that can be very appealing. They come in a variety of styles and finishes, making them versatile for contemporary bathroom designs.

Cons of Floating Vanities:

1. Installation Complexity: Installing a floating vanity can be more complex than installing a freestanding one. It requires careful wall anchoring to ensure stability, which may involve additional labor or professional help.
2. Limited Storage Options: Depending on the design, floating vanities might offer less storage space compared to freestanding models. The space beneath can be aesthetically pleasing but doesn't provide storage.

What Are Freestanding Vanities?

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Freestanding vanities are the traditional type of vanity that sits on the floor. They come in various designs, from classic to contemporary, and often feature a base that sits directly on the ground.

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Pros of Freestanding Vanities:

1. Increased Storage: Freestanding vanities typically offer more storage options, including cabinets, drawers, and shelves. They are a practical choice if you need ample space for toiletries, cleaning supplies, or other bathroom essentials.
2. Ease of Installation: Freestanding vanities are generally easier to install than floating vanities. They don’t require wall mounting, simplifying the process and reducing installation costs.
3. Versatility in Design: Freestanding vanities come in various styles and sizes, making it easier to find one that fits your bathroom’s design and functional needs.

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Cons of Freestanding Vanities:

1. Space Consumption: Freestanding vanities can take up more floor space, which might make smaller bathrooms feel more cramped. They don't provide the same visual openness as floating vanities.
2. Cleaning Difficulties: Cleaning around and behind freestanding vanities can be challenging, especially if there is limited clearance between the vanity and the floor.
3. Traditional Look: While freestanding vanities come in many designs, they often have a more traditional look that might not suit modern or minimalist bathrooms.

Bathroom Vanity Comparison: Floating vs. Freestanding

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When comparing floating and freestanding vanities, several factors come into play, including design preferences, storage needs, installation requirements, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of how they stack up:

• Design: Floating vanities are perfect for modern, minimalist aesthetics and can create an illusion of more space. Freestanding vanities offer a more traditional look but are available in a range of styles to suit various tastes.
• Storage: Freestanding vanities generally provide more storage space, making them ideal for larger families or those with significant storage needs. Floating vanities might have limited storage but can be paired with additional wall-mounted cabinets or shelves.
• Installation: Freestanding vanities are easier to install and usually require less professional assistance. Floating vanities need precise wall mounting and can be more complex to install.
• Space and Cleaning: Floating vanities are better for small spaces and are easier to clean around, while freestanding vanities can make a small bathroom feel more cluttered and are harder to clean underneath.

In Conclusion…

Choosing between floating and freestanding bathroom vanities involves considering various factors such as design preferences, storage requirements, installation complexity, and budget. Floating vanities offer a modern, space-saving solution with ease of cleaning, while freestanding vanities provide ample storage and are generally easier to install. By evaluating these aspects through a bathroom vanity comparison, you can select the vanity that best suits your needs and enhances the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your bathroom.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can floating vanities offer as much storage as freestanding vanities?

In general, floating vanities offer less storage compared to freestanding vanities. However, floating vanities can be complemented with additional storage solutions, such as wall-mounted cabinets or shelving, to increase overall storage space.

2. How does the cost of floating vanities compare to freestanding vanities?

The cost of floating vanities can be higher than freestanding vanities due to the complexity of installation and the need for additional wall reinforcement. Floating vanities often require professional installation to ensure they are securely mounted, which can add to the overall expense. Freestanding vanities, on the other hand, are generally more straightforward to install and might be more budget-friendly. However, prices can vary widely based on materials, design, and brand.

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Lily Decker is a former sales representative and marketing manager for Lily Ann Cabinets. As the company was founded when she was born, she has years of knowledge and experience from working alongside the owner, her father. Her passion has always been Lily Ann Cabinets as she started posting YouTube videos at the age of 8 assembling our cabinets to show how easy our assembly process is.

As the Manager, she oversees all aspects of the business, including sales, marketing, product development, and customer service. Lily works closely with our team of designers and craftsmen to ensure that our customers receive the highest quality cabinets and exceptional service.

At Lily Ann Cabinets, we believe that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and Lily is committed to helping our customers create beautiful, functional, and welcoming spaces that they will love for years to come. Whether you are remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, mudroom, laundry room, entertainment center or building a new home, she is here to help you every step of the way.

Chances are, you spend more time using your bathroom vanity than you realize. There are many uses for your vanity, from freshening up in the morning to removing your makeup at night. But how often do you think about its function and how to make better use of it? 

Most likely, you’ve just accepted the vanity you already have without much thought. But what if the vanity you have isn’t the best option for you? There are many vanity styles out there, and they can be designed to have different functions. The possibilities are endless, from a floating vanity to a freestanding vanity or corner vanity. You could also have one custom-made for your bathroom and desired features. But how do you know which one is right for you?

Floating Vanities

Floating vanities aren’t common, as most people don’t realize it’s an option. It also takes professional help to install, which some people may be unwilling to seek. There are also many benefits to having a floating vanity. The main appeal of having a floating vanity is that it takes up less space. This aspect can be especially appealing to people with small bathrooms because it gives the illusion of a bigger space. Unfortunately, it does also mean less cabinet space. 

Floating vanities also appeal to those who like to keep their bathroom looking in top shape. It involves fewer corners, small spaces, or awkward angles to clean. That means fewer places for dust and stains to hide. You can also install little bits of shelving under it, meaning you can put neatly organized items on display. For more bathroom design ideas using floating vanities, view our project gallery. 

Freestanding Bathroom Vanity

Freestanding vanities are probably the most common in bathrooms. As with the floating vanities, freestanding bathroom vanities offer an increased sense of space (though not as much). For bathrooms with little storage space, you can install a freestanding vanity with cabinets or drawers under it, which isn’t possible with floating vanities. 

Freestanding vanities can better represent your style and personality since they’re easier to customize than floating vanities. They also tend to cost less to install and could even be built DIY-style for those with the proper skills. 

Corner Bathroom Vanities

As you plan your bathroom remodel, consider adding a corner vanity. Corner vanities offer many of the same benefits of a freestanding vanity, but from the corner of the bathroom. Having your vanity in the corner of your bathroom may seem like no big deal or even a bit strange at first. However, it makes more of a difference than you’d think. While freestanding vanities do a decent job of saving space while offering room for storage, corner vanities can do so without being in the way or taking up space for other bathroom items. 

They can have a big, grandiose design for large, luxury bathrooms. They could also be small and minimalistic, letting people with limited space tuck one away in a corner somewhere. Corner vanities can also be used as a statement piece for your interior bathroom design. They can break up boring walls without being the center of attention or taking away from the limited space you have to work with. 

Custom Vanities

Custom vanities are the most versatile option. They allow you to pick and choose which aspects you like from different pre-existing vanities, take them to a designer, and have them build exactly what you want. You can custom-size them to fit your spacing needs while accommodating any storage space necessities. They can be made to a unique shape and fit in an area of your bathroom that a pre-built one just couldn’t. They could even have your own unique design style. The possibilities are endless. For more ideas about bathroom vanities, contact your bathroom design consultant to schedule a consultation. 

Fun Facts about Bathroom Vanities

The term vanity is commonly used to refer to the sink/countertop/mirror combo found in many bathrooms worldwide. Some have additional aspects, like built-in lights, drawers, or cabinets, but they all serve the same basic functions. One could even argue that vanities are the most essential part of any bathroom… aside from the other obvious focal points such as bathtubs and showers. 

Did you know vanities weren’t always designed with the same concept they have today? In fact, “vanity” isn’t their original name. They used to go by the flattering moniker “toilet tables.” The design began to evolve somewhere between their invention and the popularization of the modern plumbing system. People started adding things like faucets, electric lighting, and more. 

Because of the addition of things like drawers and cabinets, people began to call them “dressing tables.” Somewhere near the time mirrors became cheap enough to be a common addition, they became “vanity tables.” From there, they became vanities as we know them today.

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