Bathroom vanities have been getting increasingly higher in recent years, as they are often considered a stylish and modern feature in a bathroom. Popular heights range from 30 to 36 inches, which is much higher than traditional vanities.
This increased height allows the space beneath the vanity to be used for additional storage and also makes it easier to use the bathroom sink when you are standing up. Additionally, having a vanity of this height can open up the room, adding a feeling of spaciousness to the bathroom.
Many people opt for higher vanities because of their practical, contemporary features, making them a great addition to any modern bathroom.
How tall should your bathroom vanity be?
The ideal height for a bathroom vanity can vary depending on the user and their personal preferences. Generally speaking, a bathroom vanity should be between 30 and 36 inches in height. A taller user might prefer a 36-inch vanity while a shorter user might prefer a 30-inch vanity.
The key is to find a vanity that is comfortable for you to use. Keep in mind the vanity’s surface area for the placement of your items and make sure that the height of the vanity does not make it so that those items are too far away for easy reach.
For added comfort, you may want to consider adding a vanity stool or vanity bench that you can use when grooming. Ideally, the seat of your vanity stool should be about 23 to 25 inches from the floor and about 17 inches from the bottom of the vanity.
How tall are new vanities?
The height of a new vanity can vary depending on the size of the vanity and the size of your bathroom. Standard vanity height is usually between 30-34 inches, with cabinets that measure 30-36 inches high and 21-24 inches deep.
Some double-sink vanities may be 36 inches high, 21-24 inches deep, and 60-72 inches wide. If you have a very small space, you may find vanities as short as 18 inches high and 18-21 inches deep. If you have a larger space, you may find vanities up to 42-48 inches high, 24-36 inches deep, and 72-90 inches wide.
Did bathroom vanities used to be shorter?
Yes, bathroom vanities used to be shorter. For example, in traditional homes, bathroom vanities were usually only about 18-30 inches tall. This was due to the shorter height of people in the past, as well as the overall home’s design.
The vanity height was considered a functional aspect and did not have much significance to the aesthetic of the room. However, over time, bathroom vanities have become increasingly taller. This is attributed to people’s average height increasing, and the role of the bathroom vanity serving to create an aesthetic appeal in a room, in addition to its practical function.
In today’s homes, the height of a bathroom vanity usually ranges from 30-36 inches, which is much taller than in the past.
Why is my bathroom vanity so low?
The height of your bathroom vanity is likely determined by the height of your bathroom sink, which it is designed to fit. This likely means that when the sink was installed in the bathroom, the appropriate vanity wasn’t available, so either the sink was fitted to a standard lower-height vanity, or a lower-height vanity was specifically purchased to fit the installation.
Depending on the age of your bathroom, this may have been necessary due to plumbing codes or just due to a lack of availability of appropriate-height vanities on the market when the bathroom was being renovated.
In any case, the vanity is likely low because the sink was fitted to a lower unit.
Can you raise height of bathroom vanity without buying new one?
Yes, you can raise the height of your bathroom vanity without buying a new one. Various methods exist, such as adding an additional platform beneath for added clearance, installing risers beneath your vanity’s legs, or building a custom platform to support the weight of your vanity.
In some cases, you can also use furniture risers to raise the entire vanity up a few inches to give it a more comfortable height. Some vanity tops have adjustable height legs, which can also be used to make a vanity higher than the standard height.
Additionally, if you’re handy with tools, you can also customize a cabinet-style vanity by building a custom frame beneath it. Whichever method you choose, make sure that you provide adequate support and reinforcement, as these modifications can lead to your vanity becoming unstable or tipping over.
When did bathroom vanities become popular?
Bathroom vanities have been around for centuries, however, their popularity as a distinct household piece of furniture is more recent. During the 1800s and early 1900s, the concept of a custom vanity for the bathroom became a more attainable option for homeowners, as more people began to rise in the middle class and had access to purchasing and designing furniture specifically for their homes.
These original bathroom vanities were largely influenced by the ornate designs of the Victorian era and primarily included cabinets or armoires with a single bowl or washbasin. Usual materials included mahogany, oak, and pine and the drawers and trimmings of the cabinets were made of solid brass.
In the 1930s and 1940s, the Dutch influence became prevalent and the ornate designs became replaced by more sleek and minimalistic lines. During this time, the spread of electricity in households allowed vanity cabinets to include an illuminated mirror and extra space with the addition of drawers and doors.
This presented more options for homeowners and thus, helped the bathroom vanity become even more popular.
Today, bathroom vanities are common fixtures that generally come pre-installed in bathrooms and often come in a great variety of shapes, sizes, wood grains and countertop materials. Homeowners now enjoy how bathroom vanities can either serve as a complementary addition to the bathroom’s overall look or as a statement piece that helps define the bathroom space.
This is why after centuries of existance, bathroom vanities remain a popular piece of furniture in homes all over the world.
What era are console sinks from?
Console sinks are primarily associated with the Victorian era, which was the period of Queen Victoria’s reign of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (1837–1901). During this era, the modernism of the Industrial Revolution collided with the traditionalism of an agrarian lifestyle, resulting in an ornate, decorative style of design referred to as “Victorian style”.
The same sensibilities of form and function allow for the aesthetic appeal of console sinks in modern bathroom designs as well. Console sinks are often characterized by legs that are connected to a heavy shelf/countertop basin that is connected to the wall and support the structure.
This style can often be complemented by towel bars and other additional features, contributing to the unique, vintage appeal.
What are old fashioned sinks called?
Old-fashioned sinks are typically referred to as apron-front sinks or farmhouse sinks. They are typically made of cast-iron or fireclay and feature a large front panel with an exposed interior basin.
Apron-front sinks were most common in the first half of the twentieth century, and the style was particularly associated with American architecture from the 1930s up until the 1950s. They were often used in rustic or country-style kitchens, but are now enjoying a resurgence in more contemporary designs as a way to add a unique and nostalgic touch to a home.
What did people use before sinks?
People used a range of different methods for washing hands, dishes and clothes before sinks were invented. In rural and agricultural societies, buckets or barrels of water would be filled from a common pond, stream or well and then used for bathing and washing.
In some cases a cistern-type device would be used, with a hole in the top to catch the rainwater and a tap at the bottom for convenient access. This could be a stone, wood or earthenware vessel, often lined with lead.
In more urban environments, privies were usually located in a small room near the kitchen and jugs of water would be used to wash hands in these. Chamber pots, a large bowl with a handle, were also commonly used, especially before the introduction of indoor plumbing.
These were kept in bedrooms and the contents would be emptied outside each morning. In some areas, public troughs or washbasins may have been available, supported by a fountain or pump mechanism, which people used to clean their hands and faces.
At a time before the invention of soap, various materials were used to clean surfaces, such as sand and ash. During the Victorian era, fireplaces were commonly used to heat water for baths, as well as for heating kettles for tea and coffee.
Do vanities come in different heights?
Yes, vanities come in different heights to suit multiple needs. The overall height of the vanity will depend on the height of the user and the surrounding bathroom features, such as the size of the sink and whether or not there is an existing countertop.
Standard vanity height for most kitchen countertops is about 36 inches, but for bathrooms with taller users or existing countertops, a taller vanity may be more appropriate. Smaller vanities can range anywhere from 24 to 28 inches, while larger vanities may be closer to 48 inches.
Additionally, there are adjustable vanities available, which allow you to change the height of the vanity according to your needs.
How high should a vanity be above the sink?
The ideal vanity height above the sink varies based on a few different factors, such as the user’s personal preference and the type of vanity being used. Generally, a vanity should be placed at a height that is comfortable for the user, typically 34 to 48 inches above the floor.
The vanity top should also be an appropriate distance away from the sink, usually between 14 and 24 inches. If the vanity is particularly large or if it has a vessel sink, you may need to lower the vanity height slightly to make it easier to use.
Ultimately, the vanity placement should be determined based on the user’s needs and preferences to ensure the most comfortable and convenient use in the bathroom.
What is taller bathroom vanity height?
Typically, standard bathroom vanity height is between 30 and 34 inches from the floor to the top of the counter surface. However, taller bathroom vanity heights of up to 36 or 38 inches are becoming increasingly popular due to their greater ease of use and better ergonomics when using the sink and countertop.
Installing higher vanities also works well in bathrooms with high ceilings, especially when paired with an extra-wide vessel sink. In some cases, a higher bathroom vanity can also look more modern and aesthetically pleasing, creating a sleeker aesthetic.
Ultimately, the ideal vanity height will depend on the height of the person who uses the sink and the size and shape of the bathroom space.
Are bathroom vanities the same height as kitchen cabinets?
No, bathroom vanities are generally shorter than kitchen cabinets. Kitchen cabinets typically range from 30” to 48” in height, while standard bathroom vanities range from 30” to 36” in height. Bathroom vanities are typically shorter to accommodate the bathroom sink and faucet, which generally require adequate countertop space for comfortable use.
The depth and width of the vanity may also vary, with standard depths ranging from 17” to 23” and widths ranging from 24” to 60”. Finishes and styles may also vary depending on the desired design aesthetic.
Can I use a kitchen base cabinet for a bathroom vanity?
Yes, you can use a kitchen base cabinet for a bathroom vanity, but it’s important to consider a few aspects before doing so. You’ll need to be sure that the cabinet is strong enough to support the weight of the sink, that the cabinet will fit properly in the bathroom, and that it’s made from materials that are designed to last in exposed wet environments (like bathrooms).
Furthermore, you may need to make some modifications to seal up the space beneath the sink to prevent water and moisture from getting into the cabinet. Additionally, you’ll want to take steps to protect the cabinet from excessive water and humidity by applying sealants or waterproof paints.
It’s also important to ensure that your plumbing will work well with the new vanity and that the drain and sink lines are the correct size for your new unit. Finally, pay special attention to the style and finish of your cabinet to make sure that it complements your bathroom.