Pros & Cons: Freestanding Bathroom Vanity vs Built-In Vanity

We love the latest "freestanding" bathroom vanity trend for most of our new projects. But on occasion, our clients want more storage or prefer custom built-in vanities. One of our favorite freestanding vanity (aka 'bathroom furniture') manufacturers, is James Martin Furniture with over 275 beautiful cabinet styles and 10 countertop colors to choose from; and our favorite "custom" built-in cabinetry manufacturers are Ultracraft Cabinetry and Envii Cabinetry These manufacturers cabinets are available through your favorite interior designer. If you prefer shopping retail, yet want unique styles and choices, our favorite go-to for beautiful freestanding vanity cabinets is Signature Hardware. Additional sources for beautiful freestanding vanities include World's Away and Kohler.

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Here's our list of the various pros and cons of freestanding and built-in vanities.

FREESTANDING VANITY

Pros:

- Looks like furniture

- Modern appearance

- Great for small bathroom spaces

- Space appears more spacious

- More flexible and personalized

- Offers more dimension and decoration to the bathroom

- Bathroom looks less utilitarian

- Bathroom feels more elegant and tailored

- Usually offers more organized interior storage solutions for everyday essentials

- Usually cost less than a built-in vanity

- Open bottom vanity or "floating" vanity gives an open look in the bathroom

- Many styles, sizes, shapes, and countertops are available to coordinate with your style

- Countertops are usually included in the cost of the vanity

- Sometimes, the sink and faucet is included in the cost of the vanity

- Easier and less cost of installation

Cons:

- Slightly less storage space

- An open bottom vanity = More cleaning

- Possibility of dead or un-utilized space in the bathroom

- Even though these are called "freestanding," they still need to be attached to wall cleats and plumbing

- Sometimes they need assembling and interior modification for plumbing supply

BUILT-IN VANITY

Pros:

- Best for large traditional homes

- More storage space

- Best for major storage

- Customizable to any width and height

If you want to learn more, please visit our website GOLDEN FURNITURES.

- Customizable for various personal or essential item needs

- Makes use of oddly shaped spaces

- Utilizes space from wall-to-wall

- Many door styles to coordinate with your style

Cons:

- Usually cost more

- Usually costs more for installation

- More time is required for installation, preferably by a professional cabinetry installer

- Countertops are sold separately

If you're working on your bathroom, need help deciding what works best for your bathroom, or need help from a professional interior designer, we'd love to work with you. Schedule your free 1-hour online design consultation here.

Envii Cabinetry - Featuring the Salt 3-Piece Door Style in Rustica

Ultracraft Cabinetry - Photographer: Clarence Sormin; Designer: Heather Jasper

Lily Ann Cabinets: York Linen 

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?

Lily Ann Cabinets: Bristol Linen 

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.

Lily Ann Cabinets: Colorado White Shaker 

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.

Lily Ann Cabinets: Shaker Espresso 

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

Lily Ann Cabinets: York Driftwood Grey 

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.

Start your kitchen journey today with Lily Ann Cabinets! Head to our website to order FREE SAMPLES, get a FREE 3D DESIGN, or meet with our professional designers and get real time answers to your questions with LILY ANN LIVE.

Head to our website: Lily Ann Cabinets to get premium custom cabinetry! 

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.

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.

Are you interested in learning more about custom floating vanity? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!