Renovating your bathroom is more than a cosmetic upgrade—it’s about creating a space that balances beauty and practicality. At the heart of every bathroom lies the vanity unit, acting as both a visual centrepiece and a storage hub. Choosing the right one involves more than picking a finish or shape—it requires careful consideration of space, storage, materials, and compliance with the expectations of modern Australian bathrooms.
Before anything else, measure your bathroom accurately. Make note of door openings, wall projections, plumbing locations and how much clearance you’ll need in front of the vanity. In small powder rooms, a 600mm unit might be all you can fit, while larger bathrooms often accommodate vanities that span 1,200mm or even 1,800mm. When deciding on the best layout, it helps to understand your overall bathroom design and how the vanity integrates with plumbing and access points. If you’re renovating an older bathroom, you’ll also need to factor in potential plumbing upgrades to accommodate your new setup.
Next, think about how the style of your vanity contributes to the overall aesthetic. Freestanding units with cabinetry bring a classic, grounded feel and often offer more internal storage. Floating or wall-hung vanities provide a modern, streamlined look and visually expand small spaces by exposing more floor area. You’ll find these particularly effective in bathrooms where maximising light and openness is a priority. If you’re exploring new ways to enhance the look and feel of your bathroom, you might also consider cheap upgrades that deliver big impact, including new mirrors or feature lighting above the vanity.
Storage is often what separates a good vanity from a frustrating one. Drawers offer better organisation for everyday items like makeup, hairbrushes and razors, while cupboards allow for larger items like spare toilet rolls or towels. Think about what you actually store in the bathroom—and whether those items would benefit from internal compartments, pull-out trays or soft-close mechanisms. If you’re redesigning the space entirely, it can also help to consider how your vanity fits within the broader bathroom storage strategy.
Durability is another major factor. In a wet and steamy environment like the bathroom, not all materials perform equally. Solid timber vanities offer rich warmth and visual depth, but they must be well sealed to resist moisture. Laminate and MDF are common budget-friendly options, but quality and moisture resistance vary. Vanity tops come in many materials—stone, porcelain, ceramic, engineered quartz—each with its own trade-offs between cost, resilience and maintenance. As with all finishes in the bathroom, be sure the materials are rated for wet-area use and suited to Australian conditions.
In 2025, trends in Australian bathrooms are leaning heavily into natural textures, warm tones like walnut and oak, and minimalist design. Floating vanities in particular are surging in popularity, both for their modern aesthetic and their ability to make a room feel more spacious. Homeowners are increasingly choosing products with sustainability credentials—FSC-certified timbers, low-VOC finishes, and durable materials that reduce the need for replacement. These decisions are not just about design—they’re also part of a broader move toward energy and water efficiency in Australian homes.
There are some common pitfalls to avoid. First, don’t crowd your layout. It’s easy to fall in love with a large vanity online only to realise it dominates your bathroom and leaves no room for movement. Second, always check how your vanity will align with existing plumbing. Significant rerouting can blow out your renovation budget quickly. Finally, ventilation matters—especially with timber finishes and enclosed cabinetry. Make sure the space is well-ventilated or has an effective exhaust fan in place to prevent moisture damage.
As you plan your bathroom upgrade, take the time to consider how your vanity supports the way you live. Do you need dual basins to reduce morning congestion? Do you prefer deep drawers over open shelving? Will your mirror include integrated lighting? Will your vanity unit complement your chosen bathroom tapware and basin? These elements don’t exist in isolation—they should work together as a cohesive system.
Choosing the right vanity is about balancing style with practical needs. Whether you’re working with a compact ensuite or a full family bathroom, the right choice will offer lasting value, better storage and a design that elevates the entire space.
