In This Guide
Your bathroom vanity is the centerpiece of the entire room. It sets the style, determines how much storage you have, and affects how the whole space functions day to day. Whether you're remodeling a small powder room or building out a spacious master bathroom, choosing the right vanity style, type, and layout makes all the difference.
After completing over 500 bathroom remodels across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, we've seen what works, what doesn't, and what homeowners wish they had known before starting their project. This guide covers everything you need to make a confident decision.
Bathroom Vanity Styles Explained
Vanity style refers to the overall design aesthetic -- the door profiles, hardware, finish, and visual character. The style you choose should complement the rest of your bathroom and your home's architecture. Here are the most popular bathroom vanity styles we install:
Shaker Style
The most requested vanity style in our showroom. Shaker vanities feature a recessed center panel with clean, simple lines. They work in traditional, transitional, and even modern bathrooms. Available in every color from classic white to rich navy and matte black.
Best for: Any bathroom style. Price range: $$ - $$$. Durability: Excellent.
Flat-Panel (Slab) Modern
Flat-panel vanities have smooth, unadorned door fronts for a sleek, contemporary look. The minimalist design pairs well with vessel sinks, waterfall countertops, and frameless mirrors. Popular in high-gloss white, wood grain, and matte finishes.
Best for: Modern and contemporary bathrooms. Price range: $$ - $$$$. Durability: Good (fingerprints show more on glossy finishes).
Raised-Panel Traditional
Raised-panel vanities feature a center panel that sits higher than the surrounding frame, creating depth and visual interest. Often paired with decorative hardware, crown molding, and furniture feet. This is the classic choice for colonial, Victorian, and formal bathroom designs.
Best for: Traditional and formal bathrooms. Price range: $$$ - $$$$. Durability: Excellent.
Furniture-Style
Furniture-style vanities look like standalone pieces of furniture rather than built-in cabinetry. They typically have exposed legs, decorative details, and unique shapes. Some homeowners repurpose actual antique dressers or tables as vanity bases for a one-of-a-kind look.
Best for: Powder rooms and guest bathrooms. Price range: $$ - $$$$$. Durability: Varies by construction.
Rustic & Farmhouse
Rustic vanities feature natural wood grains, distressed finishes, and warm tones. Reclaimed wood, barn door details, and open shelving are common. Pair with a vessel sink and wrought iron hardware for the full farmhouse look.
Types of Bathroom Vanities
While style is about aesthetics, vanity type refers to how the unit is built and mounted. The type you choose affects installation requirements, storage capacity, and how the vanity fits your bathroom's layout.
Freestanding Vanities
The most common type. Freestanding vanities sit on the floor and can be placed against any wall. They come in every size from 18-inch single-sink units to 72-inch double-sink configurations. Easy to install and replace.
Pros:
- Easiest to install
- Maximum storage
- Widest selection available
Cons:
- Takes up floor space
- Harder to clean behind
- Can make small rooms feel cramped
Floating (Wall-Mounted) Vanities
Mounted directly to the wall with no contact with the floor. Floating vanities create a modern, airy look and make small bathrooms feel larger. The open floor space below also makes cleaning easier. Requires solid wall backing for support.
Pros:
- Makes rooms look bigger
- Easy to clean underneath
- Adjustable mounting height
Cons:
- Requires wall reinforcement
- Less storage than freestanding
- Professional installation recommended
Vessel Sink Vanities
Feature a basin that sits on top of the counter rather than being mounted under or inside it. Vessel sinks make a strong design statement and come in glass, stone, ceramic, and metal. The vanity cabinet below can be any style.
Pros:
- Strong visual impact
- Many material options
- More counter space
Cons:
- Splashing can be an issue
- Higher countertop height
- Harder to clean around the base
Corner Vanities
Designed specifically for corner installation, these vanities maximize otherwise unused space. Available in triangular and L-shaped configurations. Ideal for small bathrooms, powder rooms, and half baths.
Pros:
- Uses dead corner space
- Great for tiny bathrooms
- Opens up floor area
Cons:
- Limited counter space
- Fewer style options
- May need custom fabrication
Double-Sink Vanities
Two sinks in one vanity unit, typically 60-72 inches wide. Essential for shared master bathrooms. Available in every style from modern to traditional. Can use undermount, drop- in, or vessel sinks.
Pros:
- Two people can use simultaneously
- Increases home value
- Plenty of storage
Cons:
- Requires larger bathroom
- More plumbing work
- Higher cost
Trough Vanities
Feature one long, narrow sink basin that spans most of the vanity width. Can accommodate two faucets on a single trough for shared use. Popular in modern and industrial bathroom designs. Often paired with wall-mounted faucets.
Pros:
- Unique, modern look
- Two faucets, one drain
- Space-efficient sharing
Cons:
- Limited availability
- Can be expensive
- Less counter space
Bathroom Vanity Layout Options
Your vanity layout depends on bathroom size, door swing, toilet placement, and whether you have a shower, tub, or both. Here are the most common bathroom vanity configurations we design for homeowners in the Mercer County area:
Single-Wall Layout
The vanity sits on one wall, typically opposite the door. This is the most common layout in standard bathrooms and works with any vanity size from 24 to 60 inches. Leave at least 15 inches of clearance on each side of the sink for comfortable use.
L-Shaped Layout
The vanity wraps around a corner, providing maximum counter space and storage. Common in master bathrooms with more square footage. The corner section can house a seated makeup area or additional storage.
His-and-Hers (Split) Layout
Two separate vanity units on the same wall or opposite walls, each with their own sink and storage. This layout gives each person their own space and avoids the morning rush. The gap between vanities can include a window, mirror, or storage tower.
Floating with Open Shelving
A wall-mounted vanity paired with open shelves above or beside it. This layout maximizes vertical space and works well in bathrooms where a full-width vanity isn't possible. The open shelving adds both storage and visual interest.
How to Choose the Right Vanity for Your Bathroom
1. Measure Your Space First
Measure the width, depth, and height available. Account for door swings, toilet clearance (at least 15 inches from vanity edge to toilet center), and shower door openings. Standard vanity depths are 18-22 inches. A too-deep vanity in a narrow bathroom will make the space feel cramped.
2. Decide on Single vs. Double Sink
If two people use the bathroom daily, a double-sink vanity (minimum 60 inches wide) saves time and prevents arguments. If space is limited or it's a guest bathroom, a single sink gives you more counter space per person.
3. Match Storage to Your Needs
Think about what you store in the bathroom: towels, toiletries, cleaning supplies, hair tools. Drawers are better than doors for organizing small items. A combination of drawers and cabinet space covers most needs. Floating vanities sacrifice some storage for aesthetics.
4. Pick the Right Countertop Material
Quartz is the most popular choice for bathroom vanity tops -- it's non-porous, stain-resistant, and low maintenance. Granite offers unique natural patterns but requires periodic sealing. Marble is stunning but needs more care. Solid surface and laminate options work well for tighter budgets.
5. Consider Resale Value
A well-chosen vanity increases your home's value. In the New Jersey market, buyers expect double-sink vanities in master bathrooms and quality fixtures throughout. Neutral colors (white, gray, navy) have the broadest appeal. Avoid overly trendy choices that may feel dated in five years.
Bathroom Vanity Costs in New Jersey
Here's what homeowners in the Princeton, Hamilton, Ewing, and Trenton areas can expect to pay for bathroom vanities and installation:
| Vanity Type | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Stock / Ready-Made | $500 - $1,500 | Budget-friendly remodels, rentals |
| Semi-Custom | $1,500 - $4,000 | Most homeowners, best value |
| Fully Custom | $4,000 - $10,000+ | Luxury remodels, unusual dimensions |
| Installation (typical) | $300 - $800 | Includes plumbing hookup & leveling |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular bathroom vanity styles?
The most popular bathroom vanity styles include freestanding vanities, floating (wall-mounted) vanities, vessel sink vanities, and furniture-style vanities. Shaker- style cabinet doors remain the most requested design, followed by flat-panel modern styles.
What is the best bathroom vanity layout for a small bathroom?
For small bathrooms (under 50 sq ft), a floating vanity is the best layout option. Wall-mounted vanities create the illusion of more floor space and make the room feel larger. A single-sink vanity between 24-36 inches wide works best for compact spaces.
How much does a bathroom vanity cost in NJ?
Bathroom vanity costs in New Jersey range from $500-$1,500 for stock vanities, $1,500-$4,000 for semi-custom, and $4,000-$10,000+ for fully custom vanities. Installation typically adds $300-$800. The total cost depends on size, materials, countertop selection, and plumbing modifications needed.
What types of bathroom vanities are there?
The main types of bathroom vanities are: freestanding (traditional floor-standing), floating (wall-mounted), corner vanities, pedestal vanities, vessel sink vanities, trough vanities, double-sink vanities, and furniture-style vanities. Each type suits different bathroom sizes, styles, and functional needs.
See These Vanity Styles in Person
Visit our showroom at 618 Bear Tavern Rd in Ewing Township, NJ to see bathroom vanity styles, materials, and finishes up close. Our design team can help you choose the right vanity for your space and budget. We serve homeowners throughout Mercer County including Princeton, Hamilton, Trenton, Lawrenceville, and Pennington, as well as Bucks County PA including Newtown and Yardley.
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