Bathroom Vanity Height and Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Dimensions

Standard Bathroom Vanity Dimensions in Australia

The Australian market is relatively consistent, and so you will find most wall hung vanities come in widths of 600mm, 750mm, 900mm, 1200mm, and 1500mm. The 900mm size is by far the most popular for a single basin.
In general, bathrooms in Australia vary in size and so the majority of vanities measure between 850mm to 900mm high from the floor to the benchtop. The 850mm height is what you would traditionally call standard size, but the 900mm height, often termed the comfort height size, is gaining in popularity as it's more akin to the height of a kitchen bench.
Generally speaking, for a standard bathroom vanity depth you can expect sizes to vary between 450mm and 550mm. However, for small powder rooms or compact ensuites there are slim vanity sizes available that measure as little as 350mm. Keep in mind that this measurement refers to the depth of the cabinet only, and that if you place a vessel basin on top the height will be increased by a further 100–150mm.

Vanity Height: Finding the Right Fit for Your Household

This is where bathroom vanity height starts to get a bit more personal with each individual family and household. The 850mm–900mm height works just fine for the vast majority of families and adults, but if you have young children in the home, or perhaps someone in the household who needs the use of a wheelchair, you may want to consider alternative options.
Wall hung vanities are often your best bet if you have any restrictions on height as they can be easily secured to the wall studs anywhere you need them to be. This gives you so much flexibility. So, if you've got kids in primary school and you place your vanity at 800mm, the great thing about a wall hung vanity is that you can easily shift the height at a later stage if need be. You'll find plenty of wall hung options available from a range of brands, and some companies like Lukka and CETO have a large range of wall hung options in a variety of widths.
For households with particularly tall people, or if you find yourself stooping over the vanity too much to comfortably wash your hands or your face, then the comfort height size of 900mm can definitely be worth the extra investment. You would be surprised how much it improves your morning bathroom routine. One important note: a licensed plumber must hook up the plumbing to the wall whenever installing wall hung vanities (even if you install the studs).

Width and Depth Options: From 600mm to 1800mm and Beyond

Width is probably the most visible of all bathroom vanity sizes. The smallest are 400–500mm (good for powder rooms with very limited space). The 600mm and 750mm is the standard vanity size (for single basins and usually small-medium sized bathrooms) and the 900mm size is a good option because the benchtop has some space to it, and the basin isn't too tiny (a plus if you like to wash your hands and face in it). At 1200mm, you can opt for bigger drawers (good for storing large bathroom items) or even tiny double basins (suitable for small ensuites). 1500mm is typically the double vanity size while 1800mm is a genuine his-and-hers double vanity.
For those who don't have the luxury of lots of depth, there are slim size vanities ranging from 350–400mm in size (great for ensuites) but unfortunately lack some cupboard storage. PVC (waterproof) vanities usually come in all sizes and depths while plywood vanities (often considered more of a luxury) are mostly just available in standard vanity depth.

Corner and Compact Vanity Solutions for Small Bathrooms

In a tight bathroom, you'll need to get a bit creative and one of the best options is to put a bathroom vanity in corner position where the two walls join at 90-degrees to use up the dead space that is usually wasted.
Generally the 900mm vanity is the best for ensuites in a small bathroom, allowing for a full sized basin and storage but not so large it makes the shower space feel cramped. A wall hung vanity at this size with soft close drawers and ceramic benchtop will usually go up to $1,200 and can even cost as little as $300 upwards depending on materials.

If the 900mm is still too deep, a semi-recessed vanity may be the best choice. This is basically where the basin part sticks out of a smaller vanity cabinet, allowing for greater width and benchtop space without having a full depth vanity cabinet.

How to Measure Your Space and Choose the Perfect Size

You'll need to take some measurements before heading to the bathroom. First determine the available wall width in the bathroom. You should measure the wall at the height the benchtop will sit, not on the floor. Walls are not always straight. Make note of where your plumbing is and how far it is from the corner.
Next consider the door clearance. Make sure a door will open fully with a deep vanity and ensure the door swing arc won't interfere. Leave a gap of at least 50mm between the vanity edge and the door arc, and make sure you can still open your shower screen if there is one.
For 900mm vanities, you will need a minimum wall width of approximately 950mm, so there is some space to sit on either side of the vanity. Be sure to check the plumbing; it could add hundreds of dollars to your cost if you have to shift the waste pipes or supply points. For best results, opt for a vanity that fits in your current plumbing configuration; it will save on cost.
It is worth noting too that most vanities will come with just the cabinet; a basin mixer and waste are not always included, so you will want to keep this in mind with your budget before purchasing.