The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Vanity Unit for Your Bathroom

Whether you're remodelling your bathroom, adding storage to a compact cloakroom, or designing a luxury ensuite, a well-chosen vanity unit can transform both the look and functionality of your space. From sleek wall-mounted styles to traditional floor standing pieces, vanity units now offer more choice than ever.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the perfect one for your needs.

What Is a Vanity Unit?

A vanity unit is a piece of bathroom furniture that combines a basin with built-in storage. It’s a practical and stylish solution that keeps essential items neatly tucked away while giving your bathroom a more polished and cohesive look.

Available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and finishes, vanity units suit everything from compact cloakrooms to spacious family bathrooms.

Key Considerations Before Buying

1. Bathroom Size & Layout

Start by measuring your space. Consider the unit’s height, width, and depth, and make sure there's enough room to comfortably stand in front of it and open the doors or drawers.

For smaller bathrooms, look at compact or slimline units. Wall-mounted options are great for creating the illusion of more space, while floor standing models can help maximise awkward gaps like those under windows.

If you have a larger bathroom, consider wider double basin units or stylish countertop basins that add visual impact without sacrificing practicality.

2. Type of Vanity Unit

There’s a vanity unit for every space:

• Floor standing: Easy to install, ideal if you don’t want to drill into walls. They offer generous storage and suit traditional interiors.

• Wall-mounted: Sleek, space-saving, and easier to clean underneath. Great for modern bathrooms or where floor space is limited.

• Corner units: Make use of often wasted corners — perfect for cloakrooms.

• Combination units: Incorporate a basin, toilet, and storage into one streamlined design — ideal for ensuites or compact bathrooms.

• Double vanity units: Perfect for couples or family bathrooms where extra space is a must.

3. Material & Durability

Vanity units need to withstand moisture and daily use. Engineered wood is a popular choice for its durability and smooth finish, often coated with a water-resistant veneer that makes cleaning easy.

Other commonly used materials include:

• MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard): Lightweight and easy to shape, ideal for painted finishes.

• Melamine Faced Chipboard (MFC): A budget-friendly option that’s scratch-resistant and available in a wide range of finishes.

Worktops and basins are typically made from ceramic, which is easy to maintain and long-lasting.

Style, Colour & Finish

Vanity units are available in a huge variety of styles to suit all tastes:

• Modern & Minimalist: Think clean lines, floating units, and matt finishes.

• Traditional: Expect shaker-style doors, heritage colours, and freestanding forms.

• Bold or Bespoke: Units in black, navy, green, or textured wood tones are increasingly popular for those looking to make a statement.

You can also choose your basin type — from integrated inset basins to vessel-style countertop bowls for a contemporary edge.

Height & Comfort

Most vanity units are between 500mm and 900mm high. Choose a height that suits everyone in your household — especially if children will be using the space. Too low and adults may need to stoop; too high and it becomes awkward for shorter users.

Storage & Organisation

One of the biggest benefits of a vanity unit is the hidden storage it provides. Use it to store cleaning products, toiletries, spare toilet rolls, and more — helping keep your surfaces clutter-free.

Consider drawers for easy access or shelves for bulkier items. Some units offer clever internal organisers for an extra layer of order.

Plumbing & Installation Tips

Installing a vanity unit can be a DIY job for confident homeowners, especially if it's a direct swap. Wall-hung units require secure fixings and may involve more technical work. Always check wall strength before attempting to mount a unit.

For more complex installs — like switching from pedestal to vanity, or installing a combination unit — it’s best to hire a plumber. Labour costs in Ireland typically range from €100 to €130 for a straightforward install.

How Much Does a Vanity Unit Cost?

Vanity unit prices vary based on size, style, and materials. As a guide:

• Compact cloakroom units: From around €140

• Standard single units: €280 – €450

• Double or luxury designer units: €550 – €950+

Installation tools and materials (sealant, fittings, pipework) may add €50–€100 to the overall cost if you’re doing it yourself.

Final Tips for Choosing the Right Vanity

• Think practically about usage — is it just for hand washing or daily grooming?

• Match the colour and style to your tiles, wall paint, and fixtures.

• Don’t forget the small details like soft-close hinges, integrated lighting, or brass hardware.

• Conceal unsightly pipework for a polished finish — many units are designed with this in mind.

Ready to Upgrade?

Choosing the right vanity unit doesn’t just make your bathroom look better — it makes it work better too. With options to suit every space, budget, and taste, there’s no reason not to invest in a piece that blends function and flair.

Need help with measurements or basin pairings? Let me know and I can help you build a custom shortlist or create a comparison guide for installation-ready units.

We have a wide range of vanity units for you to choose from shop today by clicking here